Chapter 4

Avery strolled into Sebastian's room, a wickedly gleeful grin plastered across her face. "Want a refill?" she asked, handing him a steaming cup of coffee. Sebastian raised an eyebrow, grateful for that added dose of caffeine. "Thanks, Ave." Again, Avery perched on the edge of his bed, surveying the chaos of books and papers. "Research trip, huh? Sounds fun." Most definitely, weighed down by the sip to his coffee cup just made,

Sebastian answered. "Dr. Lee's project. We're unearthing some fascinating stuff." Avery's eyes sparkled. "Oh! Can I come too?"

Sebastian's expression turned firm. "Ave, history's not your subject. Focus on your own studies." Avery pouted. "That's unfair. I'm interested."

Sebastian's tone softened. "I get it, but this trip's for research purposes only. Besides, you'd distract me."

Avery's grin returned. "Maybe that's the plan." Sebastian chuckled. "Sorry, Ave. Not this time." Avery sighed and stood up. "Fine. But promise me one thing."

"What's that?" Sebastian asked.

"Bring back juicy stories." Sebastian smiled. "Deal."

As Avery left, Sebastian focused back on the notes, allowing his mind to drift back to Adeline and the thrill of the research trip. Sebastian's fingers flew across the keyboard, his thesis taking shape. But his eyes kept wandering, and his mind was elsewhere—on Adeline.

He glanced over at the scratchy note lying next to him: Adeline's phone number. He couldn't help it; the next thing he knew, Sebastian's hand was reaching for his phone. He dialed the numbers, his heart speeding up a little. The phone rang once, twice, and then.

"Hello?" Adeline's voice is soft and melodious. Sebastian's smile spread wide. "Hey, Adeline. It's Sebastian." There was a pause, and then her warm laughter. "Hi, Sebastian. What's up?" Sebastian leaned back in his chair, feeling a sense of ease. "Just finalizing my thesis before the trip. You?" His voice sparkled in tune with Adeline.

"Packing, attempting to bottle up the thrill."

Sebastian chuckled.

"I know what you mean."

All in all, they had it going. From research to shared interests, it seemed to flow.

Listening to them, though, Sebastian found that he wanted the conversation to go on forever.

"Hey, Adeline?"

"Yes?"

"I can't wait to see you tomorrow."

Adeline's reply was instantaneous.

"Same here, Sebastian."

A silence fell into the line, but Sebastian kept on smiling.

He hung up, feeling refreshed.

The research trip just kicked into a much higher gear of excitement.

The cell phone slid away from her fingers, and then her hand was still held in the position above the screen, almost as if it were clutching a veil over the contact.

Warm flares spread through her chest, for his voice was still echoing in her mind.

The smile would be on individual best efforts to replay what had just happened.

His laughter made heads turn, and his pleasure came when he heard about her interest during the ticking time of journey preparations.

Adeline's heart stopped. She was looking at him, and he got heard.

After a really long time, she did not feel that she was buried under her family's expectations.

The call from Sebastian was another fresh breath of air, telling her that this is not her whole life.

And with this, Adeline's packing took on a whole new meaning as she drifted to her suitcase.

Tomorrow could not get here fast enough.

She imagined a journey full of ancient sites, discussion about history...

And maybe, the little find that none of the texts spoke about.

Adeline's cheeks flushed, wandering into thoughts of maybe more. Was she reading too much into their conversation? Or did Sebastian feel it too? Adeline was snapped out of her musing by a buzz from her phone. A text message from Benjamin: "All set for tomorrow; Dad is still hesitant but still got your back!" The feeling of gratitude overwhelmed Adeline; her brother's assistance was something invaluable. And on that motivated note, Adeline completed her packing, heart racing with excitement. Tomorrow, an adventure would begin—perhaps something more. Sebastian leaned back in his chair, cradling his phone in his hand. Adeline's laughter echoed in his mind in a melodious refrain. He couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted in their conversation. From academic colleagues to... something more. Sebastian's mind wandered to those things in common they shared, to how Adeline's eyes lit up when she spoke of history. He thought of her smile, broad and true. Sebastian's momentarily erased trip, research, and pressure. Only Adeline remained in sight.

Her intelligence, her passion, her kindness...the heart of Sebastian beats faster and imagines possibilities. Will he open himself to let someone inside? There was still the past, scars hidden somewhere beneath. But Adeline's warmth, her gentle probing, made him wonder. Could he trust her?

He stared into the books, yet the thoughts never returned to where it seemed safe. Adeline had resurrected something in him he thought dead. "I stood up, looking forward to some trip that certainly had more to do with life than research," mused Sebastian. "I knew that the journey would take them beyond the pages of old texts, learning about the touch between people, if it was real enough to transcend colleague relationships." The cell phone slipped into the pocket of Sebastian while his hand still felt warm with the connection. Tomorrow couldn't come quickly enough.

With golden early morning sunlight illumining the university courtyard, there stood Sebastian beside Dr. Lee, sipping coffee and rummaging through his backpack. Adeline came in, and her smile brightened the entire scene. "Morning!" she said while dropping her bag next to Sebastian's. "Ready for adventure?" Sebastian's eyes crinkled at the corners as he asked. Adeline nodded, her ponytail swinging. Dr. Lee cleared his throat.

"Alright, team. Let's review the itinerary."

Benjamin, standing nearby, gave Adeline a reassuring nod.

While Dr. Lee was relating their travel schedule, Sebastian's gaze strayed to Adeline.

They connected and exchanged an exciting spark in their eyes.

The trip for research was officially underway.

Packs on backs, buoyant, the team marched off towards the waiting bus.

The destination: the ancient city of Ashwood.

A place where history entwined with mystery.

Leaving, Sebastian felt the thrill of anticipation.

Not for uncovering secrets or for the journey to Ashwood but with her...

The rumble of buses traveled with the research team to Ashwood.

Adeline sat, and beside her settled in Sebastian.

Their shoulders brushed, and it sent a flutter into Adeline's chest.

"Excited?" Sebastian asked, his voice low and smooth.

Adeline nodded, her ponytail bobbing.

"Can't wait to dig into Ashwood's history."

Sebastian smiled, his eyes crinkling.

"Me too. I've heard the ruins hold secrets."

Their conversations rolled on easily: historical theory to favorite books.

Adeline and Sebastian, as the bus drove along narrow winding roads, shared laughter.

Dr. Lee, seated nearby, smiled, satisfied with his team's camaraderie.

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