ERA’S POV
I ate quietly in front of Sir Mikhail, unable to look at him. I chewed carefully; it might be difficult for him to spread the news that he's eating with a goat. It's also embarrassing. This is the first time we had a closed conversation.

"I know you're wondering why I invited you for breakfast."

Can I ask him if he has a motive? That I can't say no to them because they are superior to us? Because they are frightful?

“I suffocate when there are a lot of people. I personally would like to thank the designer of your classrooms because the student's area is a bit far from the instructor's platform.”

Is he going to open up to me?! Come on, why me?! I'm just his student, right? This is something he should say to his colleagues, not to his mere student! Isn't it frustrating?

“How ‘bout you? I notice you don’t belong to your group.”

I stopped eating rice. That's right. Why does he know that? That's a cruel secret. Why does he seem to understand how I feel?

“Sir? Why prompted you to invite me? You can invite your co-faculties—“

“Me as well. I, too, am not a considered as a member of the group.”

His delivery was sluggish. Playing with food. I still want to ask some questions and criticize his situation but I also seem to be the reason why he is like this.

"I'm sorry, I even mentioned that to you," I softly uttered.

“No, it’s fine. Besides we’re on the same ship so we’re calling it quits.”

My eyes squinted at what he said. Oh, wow. What a fucker he is. Am I going to play my cards, too? It's even more difficult to spell somebody when you don't know the person. I'm making a fool of myself here.

"Sir, I apologize, but... why me?" I manage to politely deliver my query.

Ah. I know what he will say: that he doesn't have a choice, that he doesn't have anyone else to talk to, that he isn't close to anyone else. Is this feeling that you are just an option?

Why are you wondering just now, Era, if you’ve been the only option of your friends for too long?

“I've had my license for almost a year yet I still don't have any friends. I chose to teach college students because I know they have a broad understanding of the subject matter and also to help me overcome my personal problem. But no, I still can't.”

"Sir, are you opening up to me?"

Why me?! I mean, he's attractive, plus he is a professor so why would he talk to me?!

He let out a crisp laugh. Huh? What, is it my fault again? Told you, Era. You're simply making a fool of yourself here.

I was taken aback when he suddenly squeezed both of my cheeks while he was still laughing. Shit?! His hands are so warm! I'm frozen for a second.

“You’re so cute when you’re puzzled. You look so innocent. Plus, you’re blushing.”

I just tapped his hand out of awkwardness. Seriously, I'm really embarrassed. The number of people is also increasing, perhaps they saw us!

“You should tell me about your problem. Maybe I can help you.”

"Will you listen to me?"

He smiled at me, “Of course. I’m an open book.”

I told him the situation at home. He doesn't eat, and all he does is stare at me while feeling depressed. I'm worried because there are also students who come in and take tables.

He just turned my face in front of him. Shit, this is so humiliating for me.

"I see. So, your father has severe tuberculosis and you're worried you'd drop out. Who’s the breadwinner, anyway?”

Anxiety covered my face as I heard his question. It looks like it's below the belt.

“I have a proposal for you, Era. Do you mind?”

No. I shook my head. I am not sure if I was excited by what he had to say. I wanted to know what he was going to say, but Crad and the others suddenly appeared out of nowhere, looking for a seat.

I couldn't breathe when he suddenly grabbed my hand and dragged me up to the second floor of the restaurant we're into. The chain was still in place and he leaned me against the stairwell wall.

“S- Sir?”

“You're going to be my maid. I’ll pay for your tuition, as well as your allowance and your income. I will also help your father.”

Wait. Is this a networking situation? Is Sir a member there? Is he inviting me to join? Am I being scouted?!

To sum it up, I'm clinging to the knife. His offer to me was almost too good to be true! Should I bite what he is offering? But what will he get in return?

"Am I really just a m- maid?"

“Of course. A medical allied professional is always busy, so I am always away from home. You have nothing to be concerned about in terms of awkwardness. If we ever meet, we might just do it here at school."

"Stay in?"

“Yeah. You’re my maid, remember?”

Maid?! I haven't even agreed to him, yet he makes a claim right away. It's a load of bullshit.

“Please take me with you later. I will explain the terms.”

“Sir! The second floor is still under construction."

He pushed me to sit on the stairs so that the crew could only see him. He managed to keep a smile on his face. I peeked first, but I saw that he was talking to Fina, I decided to not go down first. Shit! It's a good thing he took my stuff.

‘Wait for me in the school parking lot after your class.’

Wait?! I still don't agree with that?! What will my father say to me?! Fuck, he might make me bald! Aah!! Why is my life like this?!

It's our laboratory time. There was no experiment to perform, but we had to wear a lab gown. There is also no professor attending our class. Ma'am Canellie didn't text me what we were going to do.

"Pres, can't we just go home?"

“It’s been twenty minutes. I bet Ma'am Can's away.”

“All right, fellas. I'll go to the faculty first.”

I didn’t say goodbye to Isa because they were too busy with their tongues gossiping to each other. Ugh, that's hilarious. They don't even include me in their conversation. So even though I was in the same group, I had no idea what was going on.

I knocked on the door first before entering. At first, I only saw a lab coat hanging. But when I walked in, I saw Sir writing. Ugh! Why do I keep running into him today?!