New interns had joined Alex’s research team—two women and three men, fresh-faced and eager. This term, Sally had also taken on the responsibility of supervising the newcomers without complaint, a change that pleased everyone. Alex decided to delegate their training to Miguel, Jill, and Sally so he could focus fully on his own research projects. Still, he made sure to greet the interns warmly each morning, join their break-room conversations, and learn all their names—addressing each one with respect.
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One afternoon, during a coffee break, the female interns were whispering in conspiratorial tones.
“Zoe and Owen warned us that Dr. O’Neill was terrifying,” one said nervously. “They said he was always grumpy, barely spoke to anyone, and that his office looked like a disaster zone. I was honestly scared to meet him.”
“I know exactly what you mean!” the other replied. “But he’s actually so kind. He smiles and greets us every morning. He’s exactly how I hoped he’d be.”
A few days later, however, the terrifying Dr. O’Neill made an unexpected appearance.
Alex had been in an unusually foul mood since morning, his usual good humor nowhere to be found. During a rare moment of quiet in the lab, a cheerful ringtone suddenly cut through the silence. One intern scrambled to answer, whispered something quickly, hung up, and offered a hasty apology.
Alex looked up from his work, one brow raised. She froze under his gaze.
“Your boyfriend?” he asked dryly.
“Yes, sir,” she murmured, barely audible. “I’m really, truly sorry.”
Alex sighed, his expression softening.
“He’s lucky,” he said lightly. “You seem like a wonderful girlfriend. I’m honestly jealous.”
Miguel shot him a warning look. Sally frowned and snapped, “Stop saying weird, inappropriate things like that!”
Alex leaned back with mock exasperation.
“My girlfriend never answers her phone. She doesn’t even own one. When I call the house, she hangs up—claims she’s too busy. If I try Kazu, he says he’s doing homework. Don’t you think she’d want to hear my voice once in a while?”
Jill and Miguel exchanged knowing glances—and promptly burst out laughing.
Sally just sighed and went back to her desk.
“Focus on your actual job,” Miguel managed between chuckles.
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The next morning, Alex arrived late—and visibly grumpy again.
The break room buzzed with laughter and chatter when he trudged in for coffee, looking utterly defeated.
“What’s all this?” he asked, pausing mid-step at the cheerful scene.
Jill held up an empty plate, clearly pleased with herself.
“Nao stopped by early this morning and brought us the most amazing apple pie. She said she baked it fresh before dawn.”
Alex froze. “She was actually here?”
“Absolutely,” Jill said. “We’d just finished the last slice when you walked in.”
He turned to Sally, wounded. “What about my portion?”
Sally grinned. “Consider that payback.”
Deflated, Alex slumped back to his desk like a man defeated. But when he sat down, he noticed a small note carefully stuck to his laptop screen:
I missed you terribly, but I had to leave early! I’ll be here bright and early tomorrow morning too! I baked some fresh scones and extra apple pie just for you—check the bottom drawer. XOXO, Nao
Heart lifting, he opened the drawer. Inside sat a beautifully wrapped scone and a generous slice of apple pie, packaged with obvious care. With a deep sigh of relief, Alex poured himself coffee and devoured both with blissful satisfaction.
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The following morning, he left home unusually early, eager to see her.
As he rounded the familiar corner in the hallway, Naosa came running toward him and threw her arms around him.
“Good morning, Alex! I missed you so much!” she said, her face radiant.
He held her close, breathing in her familiar scent.
“I missed you too,” he murmured, lost in her warmth.
They enjoyed a quiet moment alone in the office before the others arrived.
“Dr. Mason confirmed I can keep volunteering in the pediatric ward indefinitely,” she said, smiling. “Isn’t that wonderful?”
Alex looked at her tenderly.
“I miss you all day,” he admitted. “I want to hear your voice in the evenings. Could we talk on the phone sometimes?”
Naosa answered without hesitation.
“I hate phone calls. They feel like such a waste of precious time. Just hearing your voice doesn’t make me happy—I’d rather see you, like this, in person. I want to be able to touch you.”
Alex blinked, startled by her candor.
“So… I’ll see you every morning, then. But I still miss you at night.”
Her smile brightened.
“Then come stay at my place anytime you want.”
Alex laughed, surprised by her simplicity.
“That’s… actually a perfect idea.”
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From Friday through the start of the following week, Alex took her up on the offer.
He was practically giddy all morning, unable to contain his excitement. On the way to her home, he followed behind her bicycle, savoring every moment. Once there, Naosa went straight to the kitchen, moving with practiced grace as she began preparing dinner. Alex took a seat at the counter, watching her with fascination while their conversation flowed easily.
“You really love cooking,” he observed.
“I absolutely adore it,” she said brightly. “Especially baking. Though I made so many disasters at first—Kazu and I actually cried trying to eat them!” She laughed at the memory. “But I’ve improved dramatically since then, I promise.”
Every story she shared revealed something new about her—so sincere, so unguarded, so genuinely herself.
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Soon after, the rest of the household arrived home.
“Something smells incredible,” Kacy said as she stepped into the dining room. Lu and Kazu followed, chatting animatedly.
When Kazu spotted Alex, his face lit up.
“Dr. O’Neill! It’s been too long. I’m so glad you’re here!”
Lu and Kacy exchanged polite greetings, then pulled Alex aside in the hallway.
“We have a teenager living here,” Lu said gently but firmly. “Please behave appropriately at all times.”
Alex nodded solemnly.
Kacy leaned in with mock seriousness.
“Are you really serious about dating our princess? She’s the sweetest thing alive—but hopeless with practical matters and a magnet for trouble. Are you truly ready for that?”
Alex answered without hesitation.
“I’m ready for anything.”
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That night, after everyone had gone to bed, Naosa showed Alex to a beautifully furnished guest room upstairs.
“Please use this room until Monday morning,” she said. “The bathroom and closet are all yours. If you need anything, just come find me. Good night, Alex.”
With a small, sweet smile, she disappeared into her room down the hall.
Alex stood in the middle of the guest room—it felt more like a five-star hotel suite than a home. Sitting carefully on the edge of the pristine bed, he stared at the closed door in growing confusion.
Something feels distinctly off about this situation, he thought with dawning realization.
Maybe I wasn’t nearly as prepared as I claimed to be.
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