Professor F

Chapter 7: Cleaning Tables

"I—It's okay." She answered, faintly, almost like a squeaky voice with her eyes wide looking at her hot

neighbor’s handsome sweaty face. She cleared her throat when the lift dinged on their floor.

He stepped aside and said, "After you.”

She nodded and stepped outside. She walked towards her apartment like a robot. And she noticed how

her hands were shaking as she tried to find her key in her purse. “Crap!" She mumbled.

"I think you dropped this." That familiar voice said as he approached her, with a door key in his hand.

She didn't realize she dropped her key because she's so nervous and determined to escape his

intimidating presence.

"Are you okay?" He asked casually.

She nodded and took the key from his hand. "T—Thanks."

"Look," He said as she was putting the key to the hole. "If it's because of my hand brushing against

your leg earlier, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to touch you. It wasn't intentional. I wouldn't do it to my student."

He raised both of his hands.

So, he remembers that I go to the same college? College of engineering?

She looked up and met his gaze. For the first time, she was able to see him up close.

Damn! He looks more handsome! And without the glasses!

"It's f—fine.” She assured him and looked away. She doesn’t want to creep him out. Besides, he glares

at her whenever she finds herself staring unintentionally. It’s not her fault if he’s so good to look at! “And

I'm not your student."

"You will be. Augustine Peters, right? I saw you and heard your name on the day of your interview. And

your name is on my class list for the coming school year." He smiled. "I'm sorry. It's the uhm—" He

paused, looking uncomfortable of what he's about to say as he scratched his cheek. "—eidetic

memory."

She just wanted the ground to break and eat her alive! How could this guy give her that cute smile

without warning? I want to punch him right now! He's got eidetic memory?! And he’s my professor?!

She was still quiet so he continued talking, "Hey, it's cool! We're neighbors here. So if you need

anything, I'm just next door." He smiled. "I hope I didn't scare you or something." He looked at her hand

on the door. "Do you need help with that?" He offered, probably trying to make her feel comfortable

after what happened in the lift.

All this time I'm under the impression that he's a snob and a total jerk like what she's heard from those

engineering students! But why was he glaring at me every time?

She looked at her hand but he was quick enough to get the key and puts it in the keyhole for her.

"Thank you... P—Professor." She whispered.

He chuckled on his throat. "You can call me Flynn when we're not in class. Besides, I feel so old when

being called Professor, you know."

She nodded as she unintentionally moistens her lips. He caught him staring at them. Just how young is

he? "I'm sorry. If you don't mind, how old are you?"

He smiled. "I'm only 22."

Holy crap! How old was he when he graduated high school and finished college?

Her jaw dropped. ”Y—You can call me August then."

I swear to God, I would have to drink a liter of water once I get inside my apartment! My hot neighbor-

professor is just so much to handle up close!

"Cool. I'll see you around." He walked backwards to his own apartment.

They both entered their apartments almost the same time. She closed the door behind her and leaned

her back as she looks up the ceiling, as if praying to God.

"I'm so screwed!" She uttered under her breath.

I think I'm attracted to my young, hot, handsome, intelligent Professor!

••••••

It's her first day at University Brew & Coffee.

Henry was with her, telling her the things she'd be doing for the first month. She works only two hours

per day in a work week. She has the option to add more hours if she wants and gets paid with overtime

rate.

She would be cleaning tables and assist manning the counter if necessary. Then, she'll be given a

more flexible schedule once the school starts.

She was cleaning tables when she noticed Flynn making his order on the counter that Monday

morning. Her heart started beating fast. She’s praying she's not going to mess up at cleaning tables

while he’s around, making her nervous like always. She remembered what happened last night in the

elevators.

She anticipated meeting him more often now that she’s starting to work at the coffee shop. One whole Text property © Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org.

week avoiding him just to be ready for this! She should’ve calmed down by now.

But he spoke to me last night!

He probably didn't notice her yet. She just finished cleaning one table when she noticed him sitting

alone while reading a book.

It’s like he intentionally occupied that table for her to clean it up for him when there are other clean,

empty tables. Savage.

She waited for somebody else to clean the table, hoping another colleague would do it but Henry called

her attention. "August, can you take care of cleaning tables for now? We're a little busy unloading the

delivery on the back."

“Yeah, sure.” She nodded and went straight to Flynn's table. She took a deep breath and decided to

just do her task without disturbing him. He’s busy reading a book anyway.

"Good morning, August." Flynn puts the book down and smiled at her.