Ana and Jennifer stepped inside Roby's apartment, greeting him politely. He gestured them in with a straight, composed expression, and they complied, their footsteps soft against the polished floor. Jennifer carried her laptop bag, brimming with notes and books, while Ana cradled a neatly wrapped pack of brownies she had picked up on the way.
Roby emerged from the kitchen at the sound of their steps. His eyes softened when he saw Ana handing over the brownies. "You didn't have to do this," he said, his faint smile sending a flutter through Ana's chest.
Jennifer, noticing Ana's reaction, smoothly interjected. "It's only proper etiquette. First-time visits, manners demand it. So really, it's fine."
Roby nodded, motioning them toward the dining table. Zen followed him silently, his tall frame a stark contrast to the delicate elegance of the girls. Ana and Jennifer settled in, Jennifer immediately opening her laptop to review her work from the night before.
Moments later, Roby returned with a tray of juice, while Zen carried a small plate of snacks. Roby slid the drinks across the table toward Ana, his voice casual but warm. "I made some fresh juice. Not sure what you like, so I picked my favorites. Have it with the cookies."
Ana felt as though she had walked into paradise, her attempts at composure failing miserably. Jennifer, ever the professional, stayed focused on the project, ignoring the subtle electricity buzzing in the room.
"So, you've finished your part?" Jennifer asked finally, her voice steady.
Roby's confident grin returned. "Yeah, take a look." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned with his laptop. As he presented the slides he had prepared, Jennifer nodded, unsurprised but impressed. His work was meticulous, intelligent, and creative a testament to the perfection she had always suspected.
Zen followed, opening his laptop with quiet authority. The ideas he presented were fresh, bold, and captivating so innovative that even Jennifer's own carefully researched concepts seemed ordinary in comparison. Both Jennifer and Roby exchanged astonished glances, silently acknowledging his brilliance.
"Impressive," Jennifer whispered to herself, her mind racing with admiration. Zen's expression remained unreadable, as always, though a faint pride glimmered in his eyes when he met Roby's approving gaze.
They spent hours dissecting ideas, debating, and finally narrowing down their focus. Jennifer's suggestion, "GDR: Growth, Development, and Reproduction," was selected. Roby's, "Environmental Causes and Effects of Abnormalities," made the cut. Zen's concept, "Human Psychology and Its Changes," emerged as their centerpiece.
Applause filled the room as the final decision was made. Jennifer leaned back, satisfied. "It's settled then. We'll divide the research and begin immediately." She paused, locking eyes with Zen. "Your ideas… they're incredible."
Zen met her gaze evenly. "Thank you," he replied, his tone flat but somehow intimate, his straight-faced acknowledgment carrying weight.
"Why can't he ever smile?" Ana whispered under her breath.
Jennifer caught the quiet comment and smirked slightly. Zen, meanwhile, internally admitted, She seems so composed… yet there's something fiercely alive beneath that calm exterior.
Time slipped away unnoticed. Hours passed, and by two o'clock, exhaustion settled over them like a warm blanket. Jennifer rose, ready to leave, but Ana's death glare silently protested, wishing to linger a little longer.
Before she could speak, Roby interjected. "Why don't we have lunch together? It's late anyway. Afterward, we can finalize the research topics."
Jennifer hesitated, glancing at Ana. The younger girl squeezed her hand, eyes wide and imploring. Jennifer relented with a quiet sigh, nodding in agreement. Zen, standing nearby, gave a subtle nudge, and Jennifer felt herself surrendering entirely.
Roby disappeared into the kitchen to begin lunch preparations. Ana, restless, followed him, offering help, which he politely declined. Jennifer remained seated, immersed in discussion with Zen, who detailed the finer points of the project.
In the kitchen, Ana leaned lightly over the counter as Roby chopped vegetables. A sudden cough caught his attention, and he looked up.
"Do you need anything?" he asked, his voice casual, yet tinged with curiosity.
Ana's pulse quickened, but she tried to maintain composure. "N-no, I'm just… here if you need help," she stammered, tucking a curl behind her ear.
Roby's gaze met hers, steady and unwavering. Ana felt the familiar flutter of butterflies, the heat pooling in her chest. A cold breeze suddenly swept through the kitchen, rattling the window with a sharp clang.
They both turned instinctively, startled. Ana moved to secure the window, but her reach fell short. Roby, moving with effortless precision, closed the distance. His hands brushed against hers as he guided them to lock the window, his body pressing lightly against hers in the process.
Ana's heart skipped violently. She turned to step back, colliding gently into his chest. Roby chuckled softly, the sound warm and magnetic. She staggered a few steps, cheeks aflame, while Roby's eyes lingered on her, amusement and something deeper flickering in their depths.
Flustered, Ana retreated from the kitchen, settling quietly on the couch to regain her composure.
Meanwhile, Jennifer, still seated, flinched at the distant rumble of thunder. Her chest tightened, and sweat formed on her forehead as the storm intensified. Zen, noticing her discomfort, asked softly, "Are you alright?"
Without a word, Jennifer stood and requested directions to the bathroom. Zen gestured and, as he turned to fetch water, a sudden gust blew open the window, catching Jennifer's attention. Panic flared in her chest, and instinctively, she clung to him from behind.
Zen froze, surprised, until he felt the tremor of her hands against his back. Without hesitation, he wrapped his arms around her, a protective, gentle embrace that radiated calm and security.
For the first time, Jennifer felt a strange comfort in someone else's arms.
Minutes passed in silence, the storm outside raging, while inside, a fragile connection formed. Jennifer finally eased her grip. "I… I'm okay now," she murmured, stepping back.
Zen gave a small nod, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his lips. "Good," he said quietly. Turning, he remembered his original task, fetching water for lunch, but a lingering warmth remained in the air, unspoken and undeniable.