The Researcher

Chapter 17

— It seems like you're getting to know me well — she chuckled softly.

— I think I like watching you.

— What's so interesting about watching someone who only sees work in front of them?

— Maybe it's your determination to achieve what no one believes is possible. Or your strength to keep going, even when everyone says it's impossible. Or maybe it's your love for your profession? There are so many things that I couldn't name just one.

— You're strange. But I can't say I'm not as well... Do you think we have to be strange to get into this profession?

— Probably. You need to have a desire to understand the world while also being willing to take risks every time you leave a refuge. So, I believe we need a bit of madness; otherwise, we'd never get anywhere.

— I think you're right. If we didn't take risks, if we weren't crazy enough to do so, people wouldn't always know the truth. And besides, what happened in that refuge happened far too often. There's also the fact that research wouldn't be as advanced—we'd never have filters that last as long as they do now, even though they still don't last long enough.

— It's a very important profession.

— More than you can imagine — she murmured softly, as if not wanting him to hear.

But he did hear. After all, he always paid close attention to her—he loved listening to her. Still, that comment left him with a nagging feeling. Something about it seemed odd.

— So, was your day productive?

— Actually, yes — she giggled. — We didn't work on much, but we talked about everything we could and wanted to. It was nice to talk about what we wanted. We even discussed the research, but then we got lost in other topics. Even though they were still scientific, it was fun.

He smiled at the sight of her smiling.

— But you must be exhausted — she said — I can see the dark circles under your eyes. You need to rest. I'll make sure you get the next weekend off so you can sleep in and relax. You'll be forbidden from studying, even on your own. Studying too much isn't good for you.

— If the captain commands, I obey — he said with a mischievous smile. It made her blush slightly. He had such a beautiful smile.

— Don't forget to eat well and sleep properly. A brain only works well if you're properly nourished.

— Understood, Captain. I'll eat well and sleep well.

— That's more like it!

She felt embarrassed being called "Captain"—for some reason, he had taken a liking to calling her that. What she didn't know was that he had noticed her reaction to the title and enjoyed seeing her blush. He liked knowing he had some kind of effect on her because she had no idea the effect she had on him.

— Now, I see you've already eaten — she commented, pointing at his plate. He hadn't even realized he had finished his meal. He was completely surprised—he hadn't noticed himself taking bites, much less actually eating the food. — I think you should go to bed and get some rest. Tomorrow will be another long day.

— Yes, Captain — he saluted playfully and went to the sink to wash his plate, trying to steal a few more minutes in Alia's presence.

He could only be mad at himself for eating without even noticing and wasting a chance to stay by her side a little longer. But his legs felt heavy, dragging him toward his bed. He was completely spent, longing for sleep. And since she had advised him to rest, he had to follow her orders. He wished her good night and went to his room, where he collapsed onto his bed and immediately passed out, not even having time for his usual thoughts before sleeping. Secretly, he was looking forward to the weekend. He couldn't wait to finally rest—and maybe even talk to Alia more.

Alia didn't want to admit it, but as soon as he left—after she had practically sent him away—she touched her cheeks. There was no denying it: they were warm. Melanie had seen everything and smiled to herself. She was happy that Alia's frozen heart was finally starting to thaw. Always so focused on her work, unwilling to let herself believe in anything else... "Maybe Tyler will change her," Melanie thought. "After all, there's always an exception to every rule."

After watching Alia slowly regain her composure, Melanie entered the kitchen.

— How was your day, Alia? — Melanie asked.

— It was good — Alia replied, briefly summarizing her day before asking — And you? How are you feeling?

— Better. The pain doesn't go away, it just fades—or rather, becomes less obvious. I know I should be used to it by now. But I'm fine again. I still miss him, but in the world we live in, we have to accept that these things happen.

— I want you to know that, despite how I am, I cared about him. And I'm sorry for not doing more.

— Alia, this wasn't your fault. And honestly, I don't want to keep reliving this. It's not easy, but we all knew what we were getting into the moment we signed that contract. It just hurts. He was my fiancé—the man I loved, the one I chose to marry and build a future with. But that doesn't change the fact that the place bears a lot of the blame, and he chose to use the other filter. I don't blame you. And trust me, I know everything.

— I'm sorry for bringing up your pain.

— Don't worry about it. You don't have to walk on eggshells around me. And you should know how I'm doing—it's your duty as a leader. Never stop being who you are. But you know... I'm really happy to see that you finally have someone who might change your heart.

— I... don't know what you're talking about — Alia averted her gaze, feeling her face heat up again.

— Uh-huh, sure. I'll pretend I don't notice how you act whenever you see Tyler.

— He's part of the team. It's my responsibility to take care of him, just like I do for all of you.

— Stop forcing that excuse. We all know the truth. You look at him differently.

— I think we can change the subject now.

— Fine, okay. I'll let it slide this time. But sooner or later, you're going to have to talk about it.

Melanie had only brought up the topic to lighten the somber mood in the kitchen. But deep down, she wanted to see this romance unfold—even if it meant spelling it out for Alia. Melanie knew that Alia didn't understand what she was feeling, didn't understand what it meant to like someone in that way. But Melanie felt compelled to help her figure it out. She wouldn't let the girl she had known since childhood miss this chance with someone like Tyler. He seemed like a good guy. Alia just needed to understand her own feelings. After all, the boy in question already seemed to understand—and he clearly wanted to spend more time with her.