Chapter 231
Sophia nodded. "Of course."
"Thank you."
The door opened, releasing a wave of cool air.
Alexander changed into slippers.
Sophia went to the kitchen to get water.
It was four in the afternoon. She assumed he had already eaten lunch.
But she asked anyway. "Have you eaten, Professor?"
"Yes."
"Would you like some fruit? It's freshly cut."
She returned to the kitchen and brought out a fruit platter.
"Thank you," Alexander said.
Sophia sat down and speared a piece of cantaloupe. "When did the repairman say the AC would be fixed?"
"They need to replace a part. It's being delivered from the shop. It'll take another two or three hours."
"That's soon. You can stay here until it's fixed. This weather is unbearable without AC."
"Thank you. Please, don't let me disturb you. Go about your day."
"Alright." Sophia nodded.
She paused before entering her bedroom.
She turned to look at Alexander.
"Professor, the restroom is over there if you'd like to shower."
She pointed.
Alexander's shirt was soaked through, clinging to his skin.
The cool air made the fabric feel icy.
The contrast between hot and cold was a recipe for illness.
"Ahem—"
Alexander choked, the piece of cantaloupe catching in his throat.
He recovered, waving his hand quickly. "No, that's alright. I'll shower at home."
"Okay. Let me know if you catch a cold. I have some medicine."
"Alright."
Alexander went home.
Sophia went into her bedroom to review her thesis.
Half an hour later, she closed her laptop.
She stretched.
With a guest over the weekend, her fridge was stocked with fresh ingredients.
She should invite him to stay for dinner.
She opened the fridge to check, mentally planning the menu.
The living room was empty. Alexander hadn't returned yet.
Sophia took off her jacket and hung it on the coat rack.
Her bedroom AC was too cold, so she had put on a cardigan.
Now she felt hot again.
She took off her T-shirt, leaving only her camisole.
Putting the jacket back on would be just the right temperature.
But the kitchen was stuffy. Long sleeves were out of the question.
She decided to change back into a T-shirt.
There was a loose T-shirt on the coat rack.
She could hang her jacket up at the same time.
She didn't go back to the bedroom, opting to change right in the living room.
Alexander wasn't back yet…
She was down to her camisole, just picking up the T-shirt.
The restroom door suddenly swung open.
Alexander stepped out.
The door faced the coat rack directly.
They came face to face.
The man held a change of clothes, his hair dripping wet.
It soaked through the T-shirt he was wearing.
His neck and cheeks were damp, indistinguishable between water and sweat.
Seeing Sophia, his mind went blank—
Completely short-circuited.
The girl wore a black camisole. The tight fabric accentuated her full curves.
The camisole was a bit short, revealing a sliver of her waist.
Her small navel was clearly visible.
Slender arms, distinct collarbones.
Her skin, contrasted against the black, was dazzlingly pale.
Exactly like the her from his dreams…
Sophia froze in place.
The T-shirt in her hand forgotten.
"P-Professor…"
Alexander spun around abruptly.
He took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice steady.
"I'm sorry for using your restroom."
Only he knew how strained his voice sounded.
His throat was dry, his breath hitched.
Thump—thump—
His heart hammered wildly, threatening to burst from his chest.
Alexander had originally intended to shower at home.
He fetched his clean clothes and headed for the restroom.
A group of repairmen crowded inside.
The old building lacked fixed AC unit placements.
The external unit was mounted on the outer wall.
A repairman, secured with a safety harness, was lowered from the window to work on the exterior wall.
Showering was impossible. Even normal use was difficult.
Alexander had no choice but to go to Sophia's place.
He meant to tell her.
He stopped at her bedroom door.
He was afraid of disturbing her.
Maybe she was sleeping?
He would be quick. Just a few minutes.
He probably wouldn't run into her.
But of all the luck!
Sophia hurriedly pulled on the T-shirt.
She stammered an explanation. "I—I thought you weren't here…"
This was so awkward!
Looking at the man's back, her cheeks burned.
"Professor, I'm decent. You can turn around now."
Alexander turned around.
Their eyes met.
The air was thick with awkwardness and tension.
And a faint, almost imperceptible hint of something else.
Sophia averted her gaze and turned to go into her bedroom.
She leaned against the wardrobe, taking deep breaths.
The flush on her cheeks refused to fade.
The reflection in the mirror showed eyes bright like water, breath slightly ragged…
When she came out again, she held a dry towel.
She handed it to Alexander casually. "Professor, it's clean. For your hair."
"...Oh, okay!" The man reacted a beat slowly, taking the towel.
Sophia pointed to where the hair dryer was. "...It's over there. You can use it."
"...Okay."
With that, she went into the kitchen.
Soon, Alexander followed her in.
His hair was dry, strands falling over his forehead.
It softened his demeanor, making him seem less severe.
"I'll help," he said.