Page 14 of Johan.

I pause, my coffee halfway to my lips. The mention of Hannah’s name in this context sends a ripple of surprise through me.

“We studied together afterward at the library,” Conrad continues, his tone casual, but I detect a hint of enthusiasm as he talks about her. “I do like her, but she seems uninterested, which honestly makes her even more attractive in a way.”

The coffee in my mouth suddenly tastes bitter, and jealousy tinges on my thoughts. I set the cup down a bit too forcefully. “If she’s not showing interest, maybe you should focus on someone else,” I suggest, trying to keep my voice neutral, but there's an underlying sharpness that I can’t completely hide.

Conrad shrugs, seemingly unfazed by my advice. “Maybe, but there’s something about her, you know? I'm not ready to give up just yet.”

His persistence irks me, though I know it shouldn’t. I nod, forcing a smile. “Just don't let it distract you too much,” I say, trying to sound supportive despite the turmoil brewing inside.“You have a Master’s degree to finish. You promised your parents you’ll finish this year.”

Conrad nods, acknowledging the reminder with a half-hearted smile. “I know, I know,” he says, but then his tone shifts, and he tosses a question back at me. “Are you still going to go through with the engagement party?”

“Yes,” I reply, the word heavier on my tongue than I’d like. “It’s next week, and I need more time to figure out how to break things off properly.” Curious, I narrow my eyes slightly, asking, “Why do you ask?”

Conrad hesitates but then reveals with a tone filled with pride, “I'm going to go with Hannah, and that night might be my best shot.”

The irritation flares up inside me at his persistence, and I feel a tightness in my chest. “If she isn’t interested, you should just stay in the friend zone and accept it. Otherwise, you’re going to lose her once and for all,” I say, more sharply than intended.

Conrad laughs a bit defensively. “Is it because you’re now a teacher that you’re acting so serious?” He shakes his head, then adds, “I’d never do anything against her wishes, but the bubbly and the party might make her more receptive.”

I can’t listen to another word about his plans to woo Hannah, especially not with the complexities of my own feelings and the engagement party looming. Abruptly, I stand up, pulling out my wallet to drop enough money on the table to cover the bill. “I've got things to work on. Thanks for the chat.” My tone’s a little clipped as I gather my things. Conrad gives me a puzzled look, clearly caught off guard by my sudden departure, but he nods and wishes me well.

As I step out of the coffee shop, the cool Cambridge air hits me, a stark contrast to the warmth inside. It’s refreshing but does little to calm the turmoil inside me. The streets are bustling with people, the noise of the city a backdrop to the racingthoughts in my mind. I weave through the crowd, my pace quick, as I head back to my office. Each step feels heavy, burdened by the implications of the upcoming engagement party and Conrad's intentions towards Hannah.

Reaching my office, I unlock the door and step inside, closing it firmly behind me. The familiar surroundings do little to ease the unease that has settled over me. I drop into my chair and let out a long sigh, the privacy of my space allowing me to finally drop the facade of composure I’d held.

With my emotions swirling, I pick up the phone and dial Hannah’s number. Each ring amplifies my anxiety until her voice finally breaks through, calm and soothing. Despite her reassurance, my mind can’t shake off the unsettling feelings stirred up by the conversation with Conrad.

“Why didn’t you tell me you went for dinner with Conrad?” I ask, trying to keep my voice even though I can hear the strain of jealousy and concern seeping through.

Hannah is quick to calm me, her voice steady. “Calm down, Professor. It was just a friendly meeting. Nothing more.”

But my mind races ahead, already dreading the dynamics of the engagement party where everything seems poised to come to a head. “Just be careful with him, especially during the engagement party. He hasn’t given up on you,” I warn, feeling a mix of protectiveness and frustration.

Hannah’s voice, though calm, carries a sharp edge that doesn’t escape my notice. “I appreciate your concern, but I know how to handle him.” Her tone indicates she wants to move past the topic. “Plus, I'm definitely going to need some company to witness you and Astrid play the perfect couple.”

I flinch slightly, sensing the hurt underlying her words. The situation is far from ideal, and her comment is a stark reminder of the uncomfortable façade we both have to endure. “Soon enough, I will break this off,” I promise, my voice low andearnest, “but first, we need to make sure you won’t get expelled, no matter what Astrid or her father try.”

There’s a pause on the line, a moment of silence that feels charged. “And after that? You are still my teacher, and I’m still a fresher. They can still do something against you,” Hannah points out, her concern for the consequences clear and pressing.

The gravity of the situation weighs heavily on me, and for a moment, I consider the potential repercussions. “Even if they fire me, I'll find another job,” I say firmly, my decision made in the heat of the moment but spoken with conviction.

“Where?” Hannah’s voice cracks slightly, the gravity of the situation evident in her tone. Her question isn’t just about logistics—it’s about stability, about the future, about us.

I pause, the reality of the situation settling in. “I don’t know yet,” I admit, “but I’ll figure something out. Maybe somewhere new, where we can start fresh, away from all these complications.”

The idea seems daunting, yet there is a flicker of hope—a possibility of escape from the tangled web we find ourselves in. The thought of a fresh start, though rife with challenges, offers a sliver of solace in the chaos of our current circumstances.

Hannah's response is a soft sigh, a mixture of worry and resolve transmitted over the line. “Let’s just get through the engagement party first,” she finally says, her voice steadier now, grounded in the immediate challenges we face. “Oma arrived in London this morning and is staying at a secluded country property. She’s invited us both for dinner tonight at seven.” There’s an unmistakable warmth in her tone—a welcoming break from the tension we've been navigating.

“That sounds wonderful,” I respond, genuinely pleased by the prospect of an escape into a more comforting environment, even if just for an evening.

Hannah continues, “I suggest we go in separate cars, just to be cautious.” It’s a prudent suggestion, considering the delicacy of our situation. “And,” she adds, a hint of hesitation in her voice, “we are invited to stay for the weekend, in case you can go.”

I pause for a moment, considering the implications. It would be a much-needed respite, a chance to step away from the pressures of Cambridge and the impending engagement party. “I’d love to join you for the weekend,” I say, my decision firm. To Hannah's surprise, I add, “And don’t worry, I’ve already taken care of finding a cover to spend the weekend with you.”

“Really?” There’s relief mixed with delight in her voice. “Johan, that’s great. I wasn’t sure if you’d be able to make it.”

“I spoke to Conrad; he’s got my back,” I explain, feeling a wave of relief myself. The opportunity to be with Hannah and her grandmother, away from the prying eyes and expectations of our usual circles, feels like the breath of fresh air we both need.

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