Chapter 69

It grew dark early, as it often does in winter. Before 7:00 p.m., the streetlights lining the road illuminated the street. The lights offered a sense of warmth on the cold night.

Walking from the subway station to Bedford College, one passed shops and vendors selling a variety of goods. As Miranda and Paul walked past, Miranda heard someone shouting about baked potatoes.

She blinked, her eyes stinging from the chilly wind. Glancing at Paul, she said, "Wait here a minute."

Paul waited. Two minutes later, she returned with two hot baked potatoes.

"Here," she said. Hot steam rose as Miranda broke hers in half. The potato was soft, but a little too hot. She blew on it to cool it, then took another bite. It was so soft, a smile spread across her face.

"Is yours soft?" she asked Paul.

He nodded. It was the most delicious and soft baked potato he'd ever eaten.

Miranda felt a surge of pride. "Right? I always find the softest ones."

Her smile was infectious, causing Paul's lips to curl into a slight smile. Even his eyes seemed to smile.

By 7:00 p.m., they reached their apartment building. Upon entering, the warmth of the underfloor heating instantly warmed Miranda. She carried her books and stationery to the study.

Several open books lay messily on the desk. She began to arrange them on the shelf, eventually finding a reference book Paul had lent her the previous week. She took it and knocked on Paul's door.

Paul habitually showered after returning home. His hair was still wet from his shower when he heard a knock.

"You lent me the Aurelian edition last week," she said. "I almost forgot to return it."

For some reason, Miranda felt nervous as she caught a whiff of his fresh, minty scent.

Paul took the book and noticed a sticky note still attached. He recognized Miranda's handwriting. She'd drawn a tiny, cute person with a determined expression wearing a headband in the bottom left corner.

Miranda saw his smile and the sticky note she'd used as a bookmark. Quickly, she removed it.

"I just doodled that because I was bored," she said, coughing awkwardly.

His smile widened. She quickly changed the subject. "By the way, will you be free soon? After the exam, I'd like to treat you to dinner to thank you for your help."

Paul had helped her study and had also rescued her during the incident at the mansion. She hadn't had a chance to properly thank him.

Paul saw the sincerity in her eyes and accepted her offer, suggesting, "Why don't we just eat at home? I prefer your cooking anyway."

Miranda beamed. "How about I cook for you tomorrow? I'll get the ingredients after the exam, and dinner will be ready when you get back from the lab."

"Okay."

The next day was sunny. After finishing her exam, Miranda saw sunlight breaking through the gray clouds. She went to the supermarket for ingredients and took a cab home.

At 6:00 p.m., someone knocked on her door. After letting Paul in, he changed into the slippers she'd provided and joined her in the kitchen.

Miranda handed him the vegetables needing washing. "Here. You know what to do."

She turned to cut other ingredients. As he looked at her back, Paul smiled faintly. "Sure."

A realization dawned on him. This was his first experience of this kind of life, and he found it enjoyable and interesting.