Noah was washing his hands at the bathroom sink in the campus restroom. He let out a heavy sigh.
Seriously, Noah? Have some self-control, will you?
He stepped out and headed toward the campus library. Honestly, he regretted coming in earlier than his class schedule because that's exactly what made him run into Professor Anne.
The librarian recognized him instantly as he walked in.
"Oh! If you're looking to use a computer, one just opened up—"
"No, it's okay. I brought my laptop," Noah cut in, handing over his student ID.
It felt... slightly off. The laptop wasn't even his. But somehow, he used it like it was no big deal. Once he found his usual seat, Noah went straight into his routine, which is cleaning everything before sitting down and opening the laptop.
I really need money.
He started surfing through job postings, applying to a few of them, but most had skill requirements or job descriptions he wasn't exactly confident about.
Out of nowhere, two girls appeared in front of him and sat down.
"Noah!" Blair waved at him cheerfully.
Caught off guard, Noah responded with a stiff nod.
Blair, being Blair, got up and walked right over to him. "What're you working on?"
Noah leaned slightly away to keep some space between them. Lila, noticing this, stepped in and gently pulled Blair back a little.
"Looking for a job?" Blair asked, peeking at his screen. "It's tough finding one online, you know. Why not try working at a convenience store? I heard the pay's decent. Or a waiter, maybe!"
Noah forced a polite smile. Those were probably the last jobs he'd ever consider, too many strangers, dirty money, dusty shelves, and worst of all… filthy dishes that wasn't even his. Just thinking about it made his skin crawl.
"I heard Professor Elias Hartman's looking for a teaching assistant," Lila chimed in, glancing at Noah.
His attention shifted instantly. That job sounded… perfect.
"You're in his class?" he asked, suddenly interested.
Lila nodded. "Yeah. He's nice, organized, a bit of a clean freak too, I think. And from what I know, TA work's pretty chill."
Blair cleared her throat dramatically, watching the two of them talk like no one else was around.
"Are you guys… close?" she teased.
Lila lightly slapped Blair's arm. "Anyway! You should go to the faculty office and talk to Professor Elias directly. Ask him about it. Alright, we're off, Noah."
She tugged Blair away before Noah could respond.
Noah watched them leave. Then, without wasting a second, he packed up his things and rushed to the faculty office.
The door was shut, double doors with small glass panels. Noah peered in, unsure of what he was even looking for. Truth be told, he didn't even know what Professor Elias looked like.
"Looking for someone?"
The voice came from behind. Noah turned around quickly.
"Oh. I'm looking for Professor Hartman."
"That's me," the man replied, slightly confused. "Can I help you?"
"You're Professor Hartman? I'm Noah Sinclair. I heard you're looking for a teaching assistant. I'd like to apply."
Elias paused for a moment, then nodded. "Alright. Come on in."
The office was quiet, filled only with the soft hum of the Air conditioner and the occasional keyboard clack from across the room. Noah stood by the door, hesitating for a second before pulling a tissue from his pocket to wipe the metal handle. He stepped in and closed the door gently.
"Have a seat," Elias said, voice warm. "You said your name was Noah Sinclair?"
Noah nodded. "Yes. Sorry for dropping by unannounced, Professor, Elias."
Elias sat down, fixing the sleeves of his light blue shirt. He looked relaxed, but still very much like a professional. His smile came a little too easily.
"Just call me Elias. Being called 'Professor' all day feels weird. So, you're interested in being my assistant?"
Noah placed his bag down and sat carefully. "Yeah. I heard you were still looking for one this semester."
Elias nodded as he reached for a pen. "That's right. But mind if I ask why are you applying? I don't think you're in any of my classes."
"My laptop broke," Noah said, sighing quietly. "I need extra money. And this seemed better than some random part-time job outside campus."
It was honest and to the point. But there was a certain hesitance in his voice, like he wasn't totally comfortable admitting it.
Elias studied him for a second, then nodded again. "Fair enough. Too bluntly, but fair." He sighed. "You know being my assistant isn't just about sitting around. You'll help coordinate classes, come to the lab sometimes, and interact with other students. You okay with that?"
"No problem," Noah replied quickly.
Elias raised an eyebrow, observing the way Noah uncomfortably sit on that chair. "The job can get a bit... messy sometimes," Elias said. "But if you're cool with that, I'm good with hiring you."
"I work clean. I'm disciplined," Noah replied.
"Good. I like people who don't need to be spoon-fed."
A small smile tugged at Noah's lips. "I'm not the spoon-fed type."
Elias chuckled. "Alright, Sinclair. You're in. Start tomorrow morning at nine. We'll take it easy at first."
Noah stood up. "Thanks. I'll see you tomorrow, then."
He walked out of the room with a faint smile.
This was going to be his first real job. And oddly enough... he was excited.
~~~~~
"Anne!"
She turned toward the voice. "Hey, what's up, Elias?"
"I just made a big decision," he said with a grin.
Anne narrowed her eyes. "Don't tell me you're retiring early."
"Even bigger," Elias crossed his arms dramatically. "I just got myself a TA."
Anne raised her eyebrows. "Seriously?"
Elias nodded. "Yep. Just walked out of my office."
"Let me guess. That sophomore who brings you coffee every class?"
Elias laughed. "Nope. Not her. It's a secret."
Anne smirked. "Sounds imaginary to me."
"You'll see soon enough," he said casually. "By the way, you should get a TA too."
Anne instantly raised her hands in protest. "No, thanks."
Elias chuckled but didn't push further. He knew Anne wasn't just being difficult. She was smart. Maybe too smart to trust just anyone.
"Well, if you ever find someone who doesn't make you want to redo their work, let me know. I want to meet that miracle."
"If that ever happens, I'll run them through the lab first. Just to make sure they're not an alien."
They both laughed.
Anne checked her watch and straightened up. "Alright, time to teach. Later, Professor Elias."
"Stop calling me Professor!" Elias called after her, but Anne was already walking off, waving without looking back.
~~~~~
Noah typed slowly, thumbs hesitating, then finally hit send.
{Thanks for telling me about the TA job. I got it. I start tomorrow.}
He stared at the screen for a while, then let himself fall back onto the bed.
Normally, he wouldn't even care about this kind of thing. Just let it happen and move on.
But with Lila… something felt different.
Why? Is it because she didn't judge me when she saw my weird habits?
He got up lazily, turned off the lights, and went to bed.
~~~~~
The phone screen lit up in the dark.
{Thanks for telling me about the TA job. I got it. I start tomorrow.}
Lila smile. Then she replied.
{Good luck tomorrow. You can do it!}
Lila smiled faintly. She set the phone down gently on the table, next to a sleek black hotel card with the gold SS logo stamped on it.
The sound of running water could be heard from the bathroom. Someone was still showering inside.
But Lila didn't even glance that way. She took a sip of wine and stared out the window, at the endless city lights stretching into the night.
Her expression stayed calm.
Too calm.
Next Chapter:
"Wait, Noah Sinclair?"
and Noah just stares back at her, unamused.
"You know him?"