Chapter 4
The night wind cut through me as I walked down the street, stripping away the last bit of warmth.[]
My phone buzzed–a message from my advisor:[]
[Noa, how’d it go talking to your boyfriend about the German exchange program?]]]
[I get it, you young people are close and don’t want to be apart. But I have to say this–you’ve got real talent. Don’t let romance derail your future. Academics first.]]]
I hit send without hesitation:[]
[Professor, you’re absolutely right. I’m taking the opportunity. Thank you.]]
She replied immediately:]]
[Wonderful! Tristan Mercer got the other spot, so you’ll have someone to look out for you.]]
Just as I stepped through the campus gates, my phone buzzed again–Tristan:[]
[Received notification from advisor. Attached are core exchange program forms. Please complete ASAP and send to me for compilation.]
Two perfectly organized PDFs in the attachment. I replied: [Got it, thanks.]]]
Immediately, an Excel file popped up:
[Exchange Student Pre–Departure Reference Checklist V1.2]]]
I opened it and nearly laughed–this thing was insanely thorough. Visa document checklists, recommended housing areas, local phone plan guides, essential medication lists, power adapter specifications, even a breakdown of nearby grocery store prices…]
Every detail covered, meticulously organized.]
[Compiled this from previous exchange students‘ experiences. For reference only.] he added.]
[Thanks.]]]
Instant reply:
[You’re welcome. Though I believe you’ve thanked me quite frequently, Noa.]
I could practically see him saying that with his signature deadpan expression.[]
Tristan Mercer was our department’s notorious academic machine–all research, all the time. But occasionally, when I’d be drowning in coursework, he’d quietly fix some crucial calculation in my lab report. Last group project when I had the flu, he seamlessly covered my entire data section without saying a word.]
Come to think of it, [Thanks] was probably 90% of our text history.[]
[Let me buy you dinner tomorrow then.]]]
2.8%
Genius Ex–Girlfriend Era: I Chose My Academic Glory Over Your Rockstar Fantasy
Chapter 4
A few minutes later:[]
[Sounds good. Good night.]
Clean. Efficient. Conversation over.
I put my phone down and mindlessly opened Instagram. Nina had posted again:[]
[Guys who even understands this shit!! Got attacked by some psycho who tried to make me the other woman! I’m literally DONE! Acting like every woman on earth is after her precious little boyfriend! The delusion is REAL!]]
The comments were a parade of sympathy from the band:]
[Hugs Nina, don’t let it get to you.]]]
[Truth always comes out. Don’t waste energy on crazy people.]]]
[Nina don’t be mad, hug me instead! I’m single, hug away ?]]
[Same! Hug me!]]]
+1]]
I smiled coldly and blocked her.[]
Then I turned off my phone.[]
