Amelia POV
I was quietly watching the sunset. It was almost 7:15 PM now. The vibrant colours of the sky started to fade. I was about to get up when I heard my I phone ring. It displayed an unknown number. I hesitated a bit before picking it up, but picked up anyways.
"Hello, Amelia?", came a voice. I am familiar with this voice but I couldn't recognize who it was.
"Yes, speaking", I replied cautiously but calmly.
"Hi. Justin, this side. I am sorry if I disturbed you. I just wanted to talk about the project. I mean we have to submit the topic within two days. So at least we should start discussing about it."
I was surprised for a second that 'Justin, the introvert', reached out to me for the discussion of project topic. And honestly, its the first time I have heard him talk for so long in front of me.
"Yeah, we should discuss our topic as soon as possible. So, when we shall we meet for that?," I asked him with a calm tone.
He took a short pause and resumed, "Are you free to meet now? There's no urgency but tomorrow we will be having full day classes. So, it would be difficult to discuss about the project..."
I realized Justin was right. We would be totally tired tomorrow after the classes, barely left with any energy or willingness to work for thhe project.
"I'm having no plans today evening. So, I've no issues to meet for the discussion. But where shall we meet?," I asked him.
He asked hesitantly, "Will it be okay for you to come over here? The boys are out so you won't even feel uncomfortable. I can come over there to pick you up, if you want."
I was stunned momentatily at his words. Is he really the same guy who didn't even introduce himself to me, while the others of our group did, on the very first day?
It was really not an issue for me to go to his apartment. So I agreed.
"It's okay. No problem. Let's discuss at your place. And no need to trouble yourself, I'll be there in 10", I replied.
"Are you sure you'll come here by your own? It's almost evening—"
"I'm completely okay with it, Justin. Don't worry", I said, calmly cutting him off in the middle.
"Okay then. I'll get going to prepare the stuffs", he replied hesitantly.
Without wasting any time, I packed my phone, laptop, notebook, pen and stuffed them in my laptop bag. I quickly changed into a chocolate brown tee and cargo pants.
Waving a goodbye to Daisy, I left the dorm. Luckily, she didn't ask me much where I was going. I soon exited the dormitory area and began walking through the streets.
Justin POV
I checked the time again - 7:27 PM. Okay. Still a bit of time. She said ten, right? Yeah. Ten.
I ran a hand through my hair and looked around the apartment. It was clean enough, but now that I was looking at it through her eyes, it felt... off. I straightened the throw pillow on the couch, then immediately regretted that I even had a throw pillow. Too decorative? Whatever. Focus.
The pasta. I hurried back to the kitchen. Still simmering, not overcooked. Good. It wasn't fancy—just garlic, olive oil, a few herbs. Something warm, something decent.
I wasn't trying to impress her. This wasn't a date. It was just a project meeting. A normal, professional discussion. But offering food was the polite thing to do, right?
I wiped my hands on a kitchen towel and looked at the dining table. Nope. Too formal. Coffee table then. More casual. I brought over two plates, set them down, then opened my laptop and set it in between the chairs. Adjusted it. Then adjusted the chairs. They looked too far apart, so I nudged them closer. But not too close. Didn't want it to feel awkward.
I paced back to the bookshelf. Notes, outline, initial research. It was all there. It had to look organized. She was sharp—precise with her words, always on point. I couldn't come off like I hadn't prepared.
I caught a glimpse of myself in the hallway mirror. My shirt was wrinkled. Great. I yanked it down, smoothed it out the best I could, then looked around the room one more time.
Okay. Food's ready. Table's set. Laptop's open. Notes are good. I even lit that stupid vanilla-scented candle... why did I do that? Whatever. Not turning it off now.
I took a deep breath and sat down. Then immediately stood up again. Too early to sit. She's not here yet.
I glanced at the clock - 7:36 PM.
Alright. Calm down. It's just Amelia. Just a project.
I wasn't nervous. Just... prepared. That's all.
Author POV
Just then, a sudden chime at the door interrupted Justin's train of thought. He froze mid-step. He drew on a breath, held it for a moment, then exhaled slowly before walking to the door.
When he opened it, Amelia stood there, her hair slightly wind-tousled, a file tucked under one arm and the faintest smile on her face.
"Hey," she said simply.
"Hey," Justin replied, stepping aside to let her in. "Come on in."
She walked in with that composed air she always carried—focused, unbothered. As she glanced around the room, her eyes briefly swept over the table, the open laptop, and the plates of pasta still steaming gently.
"I hope you don't mind," he said quickly, motioning toward the food. "Figured we'd probably get hungry working, so I made something simple."
She gave a small nod. "Looks good. Thanks."
There was no awkwardness, not really, but a faint air of formality clung to the moment—as if both were carefully navigating the boundaries of professionalism and politeness. Justin motioned to the seat opposite his and waited until she settled in before taking his own.
He opened the laptop, its screen casting a soft glow over the table.
"So," he said, clearing his throat, "Since this is our first time meeting to discuss the project, maybe we can start by brainstorming some ideas together. I haven't really prepared anything yet."
Amelia leaned forward lightly scratching the back of her neck and said, "Same goes with me."
Just like that, the room shifted–from silent nerves to quiet focus.
The project had begun.
It's their project meet finally!!! Can we just admit Justin had put it into so much efforts for this meet!? 😩✨
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