"Is it really okay for me to use that?" JP asked, gaping at the brand new laptop that Angela had set up on the small empty space next to the old desktop computer before he aimed his incredulous expression at the woman.

"Sky requested this for all the teaching staff to use, but since most of us bring our personal laptops for our lectures, he decided to leave you in charge with this one," the female professor answered with her usual pretty smile, "I've already asked the IT people to install the necessary office tools, so you can now make your reports here. Much faster than that old desktop. And it would be more convenient for you to bring it around in case you need a powerpoint presentation for your lectures."

Angela winked at JP. She turned the laptop to the young instructor and gestured at it with her hand as if urging him to try it.

Uncertain of how to react, JP didn't move from where he was sitting. He stared blankly at the blue screen of the laptop.

The truth was, he was hesitant to touch it, afraid that Angela would think he was a bit of a computer illiterate if she saw how slow he worked with these technologies. At the age of twenty-three, he had only known the basics that had been taught in a computer subject in college and had yet to familiarize himself with all of its ins and outs.

It was not like he was a natural idiot when it came to modern things and not like he could not learn—he had always been quick on the uptake, after all—but more like there had not been enough chance, not enough resources for him to gain more knowledge in the field. The university he'd attended had never provided enough workstations for the students to utilize. Net cafes were too expensive for him, so most of his reports had been done through his small phone. His family could not afford to get him a personal computer, and even if they had the money to buy one, he doubted his parents would have been willing to spend more on him when they had always been against sending him to college in the first place.

"It would just be a waste," they had said, "A disappointment of a son like him would never have a good future in this lifetime."

"Oh, I get it that you're one of those people who don't feel comfortable being watched when they're working. Then I'll leave you be. I still have to go to my next class."

With the woman's voice bringing him back to reality, JP gave her an awkward smile. "Thank you for this. Really."

"You don't need to thank me. I told you it was Sky who put in the request for it," Angela answered as she gathered her stuff from her table. She waved her hand, mouthing 'see you later' and then stepped out of the faculty room.

The Philosophy instructor waited for a few more minutes after Angela had left to make sure he was truly alone before he ejected his USB flash drive from the old desktop and moved it to the laptop. He placed his forefinger on the touchpad to open the lesson plan that he had been working on and began typing. He did so very cautiously because the keyboards felt so delicate under his hands as if they would come off at the tiniest pressure that he applied to them.

While he was starting to get the hang of using the new computer, the thread around his little finger glowed and tightened, causing his hands to freeze. JP raised his head and turned to the door, just in time for Sky to enter the room. His pulse sped up as he kept his eyes trained on the man walking to his work desk.

It had been weeks, but until now, the young instructor had yet to get accustomed to the red string's way of giving him a heads-up about his approaching soul mate.

'Unwilling soul mate,' his mind corrected.

Up to this time, he was still not used to this scene of Sky emerging and sauntering like royalty on a red carpet. Poised and full of confidence. Heavy presence, in spite of his nearly inaudible footfalls.

JP's stomach fluttered—another thing that he thought would forever feel strange, no matter how many times he had experienced it. It was a feeling that had started to become more intense since the time Sky had shared his umbrella with him.

The assistant professor didn't offer him any acknowledgment, even though JP knew that he was aware of his existence in the room. Trying not to be put out by his colleague's indifference, JP wrapped up his work on the laptop so he could go back to his permanent post next to Sky.

As soon as he sat down, JP swiveled the chair to face the other man. He opened his mouth to say something, only to close it again when nothing came out. He hesitated. Pressed his lips together. He spun his seat around and fiddled with the flash drive in his hands. JP heaved a sigh, unsure how to interact with the assistant professor in this situation.

Sky must have noticed his odd behavior, driving him to ask, "Do you need something?"

Straightening his back, JP returned his eyes to Sky. "I'm—" he attempted. He stopped for a brief second before mustering his courage to finally say, "I'm just wondering if you'd like to grab a drink after work."

The words tumbled out of his mouth so fast that he wouldn't be surprised if the other man had failed to catch them. Yet, the rise of Sky's brow told JP that he had perfectly understood, and now he was being suspicious.

Peeved by the reaction, the Philosophy instructor stated rather gruffly, "Don't get me wrong. I'm not asking you on a date."

For a quick moment, JP thought he saw the corner of Sky's mouth curve up. Except that when he examined his face closer, he could not find anything but disinterest in the assistant professor's eyes.

"I mean, I want to thank you," JP explained, holding Sky's steady stare, "Angela told me that you were the one who requested the laptop from the Supply Department."

"Yes, I requested it for the whole faculty because I thought the old desktop computer was no longer that reliable for work. It's not something that you need to thank me for," Sky answered in a nonchalant tone.

"Then let me thank you for helping me find my fountain pen and driving me home last time."

With a swing of his chair, Sky turned his attention to the papers on his desk. "Forget it, Mr. Nieves. Those were nothing."

JP's face fell at the dismissal, a trace of disappointment wriggling inside him. He faced his own table and took notice of the thread around his little finger. The string always radiated a rosier red every time Sky was near. Time and again, it was as though reinforcing the idea that the person next to him was his fated one.

A wan smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. But what was the point? In the end, it only served as a constant reminder that Sky would never accept him as his soul mate. And just because the assistant professor was being a good senior to him now, it didn't mean anything special. It was all about professional business to him, nothing more.

"Can't even call me JP," he mumbled bitterly.

"You're the one who keeps calling me Mr. De Vera when everyone else in the faculty calls me Sky."

His wide eyes flew back to the speaker. JP's cheeks heated up in embarrassment, as he had not expected the other man to hear his petty complaint.

The assistant professor was still busy with the paperwork, not bothering to pay JP any heed. By his side profile, the younger instructor could make out the scowl on his face.

Before JP could excuse his gripe, Sky cut him off, "I guess a couple of minutes before going home won't hurt. Just a few drinks, right?"

The seed of hope bloomed. JP's heart jumped alive, his own reaction bringing him into confusion. He told himself that it was not a big deal. Sky would act like this toward any of his colleagues, so he should not fall for the illusion.

'Illusion for what?' the little voice in his head asked, 'What exactly are you expecting?'

JP pretended it was not there.

"I can also buy us food," he said, keeping his eagerness in check.

"That could work since I usually do takeout for dinner anyway. In return, will it be alright with you if I choose the place?"

The young instructor paused and gave Sky a skeptical look. He searched the assistant professor's face for any sign that he was up to no good, but his cool expression didn't give anything away. Trusting that the man would not go for some high-class restaurant, JP tentatively answered, "Go ahead."

"There was this all-you-can-eat restaurant near your place that I've been meaning to check."

A sharp noise rang at the back of his head, and JP tried to determine if it was his jaw dropping or his wallet plunging into the trench drain. It wasn't long before he figured out that it was the rainfall thundering against the roof.

JP gaped at Sky, words failing him for a minute. The man might not have opted for an expensive place, but an all-you-can-eat restaurant was not that economical either. Their single fixed price for every person was two or three times higher than a set meal from any other pub. And here he was planning not to order a lot for himself so he could save more money.

A part of JP waited and hoped that the assistant professor would admit that he was just pulling his leg, but another part argued that this was a person incapable of joking around with people, let alone with him.

Just as JP was about to suggest a cheaper place, Sky threw him a sidelong glance and lifted his brow, as if in blatant challenge. His expression came across as mocking. You can't do it after all, it seemed to say.

Indignation nipped at the young instructor, but he was quick to cover it with a sickly sweet smile. So this was how Sky wanted to play the game. Fine, he was not going to back down now.

Through gritted teeth, he said, "Sure. No problem. We can go there."

This time, there was no mistaking the smirk that appeared on Sky's lips. "Since it's just around your apartment building, I'll give you a ride later."

JP scowled at the contradicting behavior. Was it this man's hobby to confuse people? Deciding that the answer would not get him out of his current predicament, he gazed through the windowpane to distract himself.

Everything outside had become ashen. The rain pelted down harder every second. How fitting for the weather to grieve for his soon-to-be-dead bank balance.

JP sighed as he wondered if it was possible for him to consume a great amount of food to the extent that he wouldn't have to eat anything for the next couple of days.