Tony Snow had no classes on Wednesday afternoon.
After finishing his morning lectures, grabbing a quick lunch at the student cafeteria, and catching a short nap, he headed to the library.
Even though Tony had acquired a vast amount of biological knowledge during one of his simulated lifetimes—where he lived to eighty-one—the phrase "there is no end to learning" still rang true.
With the progression of science and the continuous specialization of academic disciplines, achieving mastery across multiple fields, as polymaths once did, had become nearly impossible. Despite decades of study in simulated worlds, there were still branches of biology Tony hadn't fully explored.
Graduate school emphasized depth over breadth. And while Tony wanted to eventually master everything, he knew he had to focus his attention where it mattered most right now.
Biology itself had numerous subdivisions—Microbiology, Cell Biology, Genetics, Ecology, Botany, Zoology, Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, Bioinformatics—and each of those could be further split into specialized fields. Even with his experience, Tony couldn't claim expertise across them all.
So despite not currently conducting experiments or writing papers, Tony stayed committed to reading and research.
That afternoon, while studying in the library alongside Clara Quinn, his phone vibrated.
He glanced at the screen.
"Hey, a package has arrived at the East Campus pickup station.
Can you go grab it for me?
Last four digits of the phone number are XXXX."
Tony nudged Clara lightly with his elbow. When she turned, he leaned in and whispered into her ear.
"Hm? What package?" Clara asked, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear and feeling slightly ticklish where Tony's breath touched her skin.
"Go get it first," Tony said with a mysterious grin. "I'll tell you when you bring it back."
Clara looked at him, clearly curious, but didn't press further. She stood up and headed out.
Tony watched her leave, warmth rising in his chest. His heart beat a little faster as he watched her disappear through the library entrance.
The package he had Clara pick up was something he ordered over the weekend: clothing he'd bought for her using the money he earned tutoring. Clara had always worn the same handful of outfits—stylish but obviously worn thin. Tony didn't want to pry, but it was clear her financial situation was modest.
Now, while she was gone, Tony didn't go back to reading. Instead, he slid over to her seat and glanced through her notes.
She'd already finished her daily English exercises and was now reviewing materials from that morning's classes—Molecular Biology Techniques and Pharmacology. Tony had studied both extensively during his simulations. He had even taught Molecular Biology at a graduate level in one of them.
Soon, Clara returned with the package.
Tony moved back to his seat and smiled at her.
"I highlighted a few key points for you in Molecular Biology," he whispered. "They'll probably show up on your final or entrance exam. Even though your two core subjects for grad school are Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Molecular Biology overlaps with both."
Clara raised an eyebrow and passed the package to him. "Did you buy clothes?"
"We can talk later. Let's not disturb the others," Tony replied, unusually quiet. He was normally the one whispering too much—but today, he played coy.
Clara narrowed her eyes and gave him a quick pinch on the arm, pretending to be annoyed. Then she returned to her book.
Tony chuckled, glancing sideways at her with a quiet smile.
They studied in silence until the library's closing announcements echoed through the halls. As they walked toward the cafeteria for dinner, Clara finally asked again.
"Okay, are you going to tell me now? Did you really buy clothes?"
Tony nodded and handed her the package.
Clara instinctively accepted it, then frowned.
"You're not making me open it too, are you? I mean, I picked it up already!"
Tony laughed. "Relax, it's for you. So really, I just asked you to pick up your package."
Clara's expression shifted. "For me?"
"Yeah. I used part of my tutoring money. Thought you might like something new. You're already beautiful—you should wear something that shows it."
He handed her the package again, gently but insistently.
Clara blinked, clearly taken off guard.
Back in high school, boys had occasionally confessed to her or given her little gifts, but she'd always declined. Her home life didn't leave room for distractions—she had focused entirely on getting into a good university and helping her aging grandmother.
Even now, as one of the top students in her department, Clara remained aloof. Her studious personality and calm exterior intimidated most of her classmates. No one had gotten close—until Tony.
If Tony hadn't drastically turned his academics around, even his charming persistence likely wouldn't have been enough to win her trust.
But he had changed—transformed into the kind of person Clara found herself drawn to.
As they reached the cafeteria entrance, Tony added, "Go ahead and try it on when you get back. If it doesn't fit, I'll have it exchanged."
Clara clutched the package tightly and gave him a warm, if slightly flustered, glance. "Thanks," she whispered.
Later that night, after they'd parted ways, Tony received a message from Clara.
"The clothes fit perfectly. I love them. Thank you so much :)"