Page 37 of Johan.

As the event comes to a close, my phone buzzes with a text from Conrad:Pub tonight? Last day before we all head home.

The idea of unwinding after such a hectic term sounds perfect. I reply with a quick affirmative and make my way to the pub. The cold air nips at my face and the festive decorations along the streets cast a warm, cheerful glow. The pub is already packed when I arrive, the atmosphere buzzing with the energy of students celebrating the end of the semester. Laughter and music fill the air, and I spot Conrad waving from a table near the back.

Navigating through the crowd, I feel the pulse of the music vibrating through the floor. I finally reach the table, and Conrad greets me with a wide grin.

"Johan! You made it! How does it feel to be free for a bit?" he asks, handing me a pint.

I take a sip, savoring the cold, crisp taste. "Honestly, it feels incredible. I didn't realize how much I needed a break until now. How about you? Ready for some downtime?"

Conrad laughs. "Absolutely. I've been drowning in research papers. A few weeks without deadlines sounds like heaven.”

We chat about our holiday plans and the latest departmental gossip and reminisce about the term. It feels good to unwind, to let the stress of the past few months fade away for a while. Just as I’m starting to relax, I feel a hand grab my arm. I turn to see Astrid, her eyes sparkling mischievously.

“Johan, darling,” she coos, leaning in closer than necessary. “There you are! I was wondering when I'd run into you.”

I feel my face flush slightly, a mix of embarrassment and irritation. “Hi, Astrid. I wasn’t expecting to see you here.”

“Why wouldn't I be here? It's the last night before the holidays, after all,” she says, her fingers lingering on my arm. “You've been so busy lately. I miss spending time with you.”

Conrad gives me a knowing look as he sips his drink but stays silent.

“Yeah, it’s been a hectic term,” I say, trying to keep my tone neutral. “How have you been?”

“Oh, you know, the usual,” she replies with a flirtatious smile. “Classes, planning for the holidays. Speaking of which, I was thinking we could spend Christmas together. My family is going to the Maldives, and I’d love for you to join us.”

I take a step back, trying to compose myself. “I can't, Astrid. I've already agreed to spend a week with Conrad and the rest of the time studying the lost civilization of Ubar for the expedition to Oman in January with your dad.”

Astrid’s smile falters for a moment before she sighs and steps closer, her hand trailing down my arm. “Fine. But why don’t we make the most of tonight, then? Come with me to the bathrooms.”

Seeing the intent in her eyes, I feel a knot of tension form in my stomach. Just as I’m about to respond, Conrad appears beside us.

“Johan, we have to go to that dinner party from the social club,” he says, and his voice is my only lifeline.

Astrid glares at him but lets go of my arm. “Fine. But this isn’t over,” she warns, her eyes locking onto mine before we walk away.

As we head outside, the cool air hits my face, a welcome relief from the heat of the pub. Conrad looks worried, his brow furrowed.

“Don't you think you should do something about Astrid? Soon enough, and she’s going to force herself on you,” he says, breaking the silence as we walk.

I place a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “I’ve already spoken to Ludovic about it. We’re heading to Oman in January. Once I gather solid evidence of his scheming, I’ll finally be able to break things off with her.”

Conrad nods, though the worry doesn’t leave his eyes. “I just hope you know what you’re doing. She’s not going to give up easily.”

“I know,” I say, sighing. “But I've got a plan. Just need to play it carefully.”

We walk in silence for a while; the only sounds are the crunch of snow beneath our feet and the distant hum of city life. Eventually, Conrad stops in front of an old, nondescript building.

“By the way, where are we going?” I ask, curiosity piqued.

Conrad grins, his mood lifting. “To one hell of a party where I know for sure Astrid isn’t invited.”

Relief washes over me as we step inside. The room is filled with familiar faces, and the tension from earlier starts to melt away. The warm lighting and festive decorations create a cozy, welcoming atmosphere. I grab a drink and follow Conrad deeper into the party, exchanging greetings and catching up with friends.

The evening unfolds with laughter, music, and a few friendly debates about the latest archaeological discoveries. For a few hours, I can almost forget about the looming challenges and enjoy the moment. Conrad and I eventually find a quieter corner to chat more.

“You know,” Conrad says, leaning against the wall, “it’s good to see you relax a bit. You’ve been pretty wound up lately.”

I nod, taking a sip of my drink. “Yeah, it's been a rough term. But I'm glad to have friends like you to help me unwind.”

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