"But Mira, the conference is packed with international big shots. It''d be a real shame if you didn''t go," ke insisted, hoping his persistence would eventually sway her.


    "That''s exactly why I can''t go and embarrass everyone," Mirabe repliedzily, nodding to humor him.


    ke was momentarily left speechless: "!!!"


    Mirabe chuckled, casually grabbing the coffee pot and topping off ke''s cup before smoothly changing the subject.


    Realizing he wasn''t making any headway, ke decided to drop the topic for now.


    After dinner, Mirabe and James headed out together.


    ke sat in his car for a bit, not starting the engine, instead pulling out his phone to fire off a message in their group chat.


    [Mira actually turned down the conference invite!!]


    The group had been set up ages ago by Elliot, and it only included a select few students. Mirabe wasn''t in it yet, mostly to keep the other students'' confidence intact.


    Elliot, seeing ke''s message, wasn''t surprised. He remembered the effort it took to convince her to pick up a second major.


    Patrick chimed in: [Do you think Mira''s just shy about going to such a big international event?]


    Elliot, lurking in the chat, rolled his eyes. Shy? More likezy.


    ke replied: [Nah, she really doesn''t seem interested.]


    Patrick: [There''s still time to sign up. Don''t rush it; just keep trying.]


    ke: [I''ll have to find another way.]


    Patrick: [Don''t forget the promises you made to the professor. Good luck.]


    ke: [......]


    He felt like the camaraderie in their group was already on thin ice.


    Running a hand through his hair, ke typed another message: [By the way, Mira brought a friend today. He seemed familiar, like his name was James. I swear I''ve heard of him somewhere.] ''


    Patrick: [Yeah, sounds vaguely familiar.] Though he couldn''t quite ce it.


    ke: [I suspect this guy might have something in mind for Mira!]


    Elliot, who''d been about to put his phone down, paused when he saw ke mention James. He quickly sent a voice message to the group: [Does he seem distinguished, and is he very good-looking?]


    Both ke and Patrick were startled by their usually silent professor suddenly springing to life.


    ke touched the tip of his nose, hastily replying: [Yeah, he seems pretty aloof. Professor, do you know him?]


    Dr. Elliot: [Nope.]


    The reply came almost instantly.


    ke found it hard to believe his professor''s denial, given his earlier reaction. But when he sent more messages trying to dig deeper, Elliot stayed silent, like he''d never said a word.


    ke: "."


    *


    Meanwhile, in the car, Mirabe got a message from Dr. Elliot.


    [Mirabe, do you know Dane''s student?]


    Mirabe read it, first responding with a question mark, then followed up with: [Who''s Dane?]


    Dr. Elliot: [He''s Dr. Ray from the Tech Center, and his student''sst name is Monroe.]


    Mirabe blinked and nced at the man driving, asking, "Is Dr. Ray from the Tech Center your professor?"


    "Hmm?" James was puzzled by her sudden question but nodded. "Yeah, why?"


    "No reason, just curious," Mirabe said, returning her gaze to her phone and sending Elliot a simple ''yes.''


    Seeing her response, Elliot snorted, then typed: [Mirabe, you''re still young with plenty of choices. Don''t get fooled by appearances.]