meeting. The spare key clinked onto the wooden table, a familiar sound that signaled my return to rea

ct? Did she see something in me that I didn't? I'd always known I was intelligent, one of the best in my

effortless charm had captivated me. I'd willingly taken on the role of dependable Nate, the go-to guy for academic rescue. They'd taken advantage of my eagerness, but I hadn'

or a chance to break free from the friend zone. But those aspirations h

mpty coffee cups, discarded pizza boxes, and my laptop's glowing screen, a beacon of productivity amidst the disarr

with the scent of stale coffee and worn paper. Outside, the night sky was a deep shade o

reminder that time waited for no one. I had to conjure s

d notebook, filled with scribbled notes and half-baked ideas. A c

down keywords and concepts. The room grew quiet, except for th

nd. "Nate, think," I urged myself, my eyes scanning the cluttered room. How c

studying and research ahead, but I was no stranger to hotel projects. Memories of past school ass

like leaves on an autumn breeze. 7:20 pm became 3 am, the sil

alongside the thrill, anxiety crept in. Despite my research, the blank paper s

on. "Just one episode," I promised myself, succumbing to the temptation. N

p lid. A change of scenery might help. I made my wa

ld be up at this hour? My heart skipped a beat. A burglar? My mind r

of the light, ready to defend myself. The kit

to my arm. My heart skipped a beat. I felt my spirit hovering, ready to abandon s

uded my mind. Was I in heaven? Was God summoning me? "Not yet, p

eyes to find my mischievous little sister, Rachel, grinning fr

aughter echoing through the room. Rachel's bright eyes sparkled with concern. "What's troubling yo

, you're the smartest person I know,

biggest supporter, even if you're only ten." Her unw

g a kiss on Rachel's forehead. "Thanks, sis!" I sprinted

gh my window, illuminating my completed project.

in. Seated in her elegant office, I watched as she scrutinized my file

her fingers summoned an assistant. Her gaze locked onto mine,