It had been a week since Ji Hoo's grandfather's birthday, and Jan Di was still avoiding looking at Ji Hoo or even meeting him in person. Ever since that night, her emotions have been a mess, and she could not bear to face him because every time she looked at herself in a mirror, she recalled every detail of whatever happened that night.

"I love you," he whispered, "I never stopped loving you, Jan Di."

She closed the distance between them then.

His lips were soft, warm, and inviting.

Her lips parted.

His hand stole to her face, his thumb caressing her jaw and tilting her face up to give him better access. Their kiss consumed them both, erasing all doubts and insecurities, and the intensity of their connection was overwhelming as he slipped his tongue into her mouth, intertwining with hers in a passionate dance while leading her to the wall of the rooftop.

Jan Di slid one hand into his hair. The kiss grew needy and urgent, as if they both felt something chasing them and if they pulled apart, it would catch them and tear them apart.

She felt as if she had forgotten to breathe. Ji Hoo's arm was tight around her waist, holding her to him.

Finally, she reluctantly disengaged from the embrace, gasping for air as she took desperate gulps of oxygen. However, her respite was short-lived as she became acutely aware of Ji Hoo's unwavering gaze, his eyes burning with an intense passion that left her both intrigued and apprehensive. With an unyielding determination, he sought more than just a simple kiss – he demanded a deeper connection, a level of intimacy she was not yet prepared to explore. Despite her internal resistance, her body reacted instinctively, yearning for his touch, and succumbing to the undeniable allure he exuded. It was a magnetic force that proved to.

In the realm of complex emotions, the familiar longing she had felt earlier resurfaced with intensity as she sensed his presence intimately close to her. Thoughts raced through her mind, pondering whether she wore his undergarments or if circumstances had taken an unforeseen turn. A fleeting moment transpired, just as she was about to voice her curiosity, as Ji Hoo's lips seamlessly navigated along her jawline, leaving behind an electrifying trail that sent delightful shivers cascading down her spine. This encounter left her yearning for more, igniting.

In the embrace of his touch, she surrendered herself completely, momentarily disregarding the fact that she was in a relationship with Gu Jun Pyo. Their connection ignited a profound ardor, overshadowing any external obligations or concerns. In this transcendent moment, they both gave in to a powerful and undeniable attraction that had been building between them for a long time.

As his gentle nibbling on her earlobe intensified, a realization dawned upon her, leaving no room for hesitation or doubt. With each delicate movement, she could sense his hand sliding up her thigh, gently lifting the fabric of her dress, gradually revealing the untouched expanse of her bare skin, adorned only by the delicate lace of her underwear. In that vulnerable moment, she felt a surge of desire and anticipation coursing through her veins. The electricity between them crackled in the air, creating an intoxicating tension that neither could resist any longer.

As their passionate kiss continued, her undergarments inadvertently shifted, teasingly revealing more of her skin. Sensing a slight hesitation, he skillfully redirected her thoughts, ensuring she remained engrossed in the moment. His hand deftly unbuckled his belt while his fingers effortlessly slid down the zipper of his trousers, creating a tantalizing opening. This calculated move on his part indicated his intention to take their encounter to the next level while still maintaining a respectful atmosphere.

Ji Hoo has always been a reserved man, but after this morning, at just what she could do to him, even by standing close, Ji Hoo was now starting to question just how much control she had over him.

Ji Hoo skillfully entwined her leg around his waist, venturing to please her in manners that were completely foreign to her. With an unwavering dedication to ensuring an unforgettable evening, Ji Hoo focused all his attention on her pleasure. Their passion grew exponentially, as Ji Hoo's hands fearlessly explored every contour of her body, igniting an inferno within her that she had never experienced before. Each touch unleashed a voracious desire that consumed them both, leaving them breathless and yearning for more. As the pinnacle of their encounter approached and he entered her for the first time, Ji Hoo adeptly diverted her attention with a deep, passionate kiss, skillfully preventing any trace of discomfort that might arise from her inexperience.

Jan Di's body quivered as Ji Hoo pressed himself against her sensitive clitoris. Although she attempted to voice her protest, she found herself unable to break free from his overpowering presence. Yielding to the alluring sensations, she surrendered to her deep-seated desire for more. The internal struggle to deny her mounting arousal seemed futile as each touch sent ripples of pleasure coursing through her. At that moment, it became evident to her that she had fallen completely under his enchantment, rendered powerless against the allure of his every demand.

As they intertwined, he entered her with a length and hardness that seemed never-ending, engulfing her in a profound realm of euphoria. Her gaze was averted, her eyes shut, completely consumed by the immense pleasure he bestowed upon her. In this moment, she savored not only the profound kisses but also the delicate whispers grazing her lips, as well as the tender and unyielding thrusts that left her breathless, denying her even a momentary respite. The sensations were overwhelming, flooding every fiber of her being, and transporting her into a realm where time stood still, and only their shared ecstasy existed. In that moment, she was transported to a realm of pure bliss, where all that mattered was their connection. A world devoid of distractions, leaving only the two of them entwined in an ardently affectionate embrace. The sensations coursing through her became increasingly powerful, as each gentle touch and tender caress sent exhilarating waves of delight rippling throughout her entire being. The intensity grew with every passing moment, heightening her pleasure and deepening the intimacy they shared. In this mesmerizing display, their movements were perfectly synchronized, as if their bodies were performing a beautiful dance in unison. There was an exquisite harmony between them, a fusion of energy that ignited a fiery passion within both. It was a transcendent moment, where the boundaries of time seemed to vanish, and the only thing that mattered was the intoxicating bond they shared. It was a connection that went beyond words, a deep understanding that could only be felt in the depths of their souls. As they locked eyes, they knew that this risk had brought them to a place of pure bliss, where their hearts were free to soar, and their love could conquer any obstacle for the fact they were soulmates.

At that moment, he paused all his actions, meeting her gaze with tenderness in his eyes. "Move with me and you will enjoy every minute of it" he whispered softly, his thumb delicately tracing the contours of her slightly swollen lips. The intimacy between them grew as their connection deepened, forming a bond that transcended the physical realm. They could communicate without words, understanding each other's thoughts and desires effortlessly. It was a love that defied logic and reason, a love that could only be described as divine.

…

In the intensity of his gaze, she could discern a potent blend of desire and love, silently beckoning her to embark on a journey of unexplored pleasure. As they continued their passionate dance, their bodies intertwined with an invigorated fervor, reigniting a flame that blazed with an unprecedented brilliance. This renewed connection spoke volumes of their deep emotional bond, nurturing a shared passion that transcended physical boundaries. Together, they delved into uncharted realms of ecstasy, exploring the depths of their desires, and pushing the limits of their own pleasure. Each touch, each whisper, was a testament to their unyielding connection, a symphony of sensations that left them breathless and craving for more. In this sacred union, they discovered a profound intimacy that went beyond the physical realm, a bond that would forever shape their souls and redefine their understanding of love.

Jan Di had no idea how Ji Hoo knew how to stimulate a woman, but then she recalled that he was once in a relationship with Seo Hyun; perhaps she taught him how to do this, but what Jan Di didn't know was that Ji Hoo had done this once, and the fact that he knew her well meant that he knew what made her happy and how to comfort her during difficult times. For the past two years, they had been friends; he had learned every body language, even without going physical with her, and could sense her emotions with a single glance.

The moistness emanating from her intimate area, the intoxicating aroma of their intimate encounter, and the overwhelming urge to vocalize her pleasure as he pressed gently against her pelvic region all combined to generate intensely arousing feelings while he skillfully pleasured her with repeated orgasms. Each delicate stroke of his tongue against hers elicited a desire within her to open up even more as if to entice him to explore deeper levels of intimacy. The blend of physical sensations and heightened sensuality created an experience that was both captivating and stimulating, pushing her to the edge of ecstasy.

Ji Hoo was overwhelmed with joy and ecstasy as he leaned forward to witness his body moving in a fluid motion, pushing, and withdrawing with a blend of tightness and warmth that wrapped around him. The profound connection they shared fueled an insatiable desire within him, causing him to lose himself in the synchronized harmony of their movements. In this intimate moment, Ji Hoo could not help but express gratitude to the universe for orchestrating their encounter. Despite the unusual location of the rooftop, the vibrant celebration happening in the grand hall, and the mesmerizing city lights twinkling below, Ji Hoo felt as if they were secluded in their own enchanting universe. Their passion intensified with every passing second as if time itself had paused exclusively for them, allowing their bond to flourish and transcend ordinary boundaries.

As their bodies merged in an intimate embrace, he caressed her delicate features, cradling her face in his hands, his gaze locked with hers, expressing a depth of emotion that words could not fully convey. Softly, he whispered those three powerful words, "I love you," his voice tinged with a mixture of tenderness and vulnerability. Driven by an increasing desire, their union intensified, their connection growing stronger. With every passing moment, her walls tightened around him, enveloping him in a sensation of thrilling pleasure and undeniable intimacy. Seeking to convey his passion, he pressed his lips against hers, carefully balancing firmness with a genuine concern for her well-being. As their kiss deepened, their mouths opened in a synchronized and passionate dance, their tongues gracefully intertwining,

With his pelvic thrusts pummeling her into the wall, Jan Di whispered, "Don't… stop… I am…Cumming…" and those words were not hers at all.

Her words triggered Ji Hoo, and he felt himself released inside her. He continued to thrust into her hard for several seconds—through both of their orgasms—before he slowed his pace into gentle grinds. Their combined climax—along with their perspiration and heat—soaked their center as he eased his strokes to a stop.

Ji Hoo raised his hand, holding hers against the wall, as they both fought to catch their breaths and were not ready to release her until he grew soft inside her.

They stayed connected, their bodies still intimately intertwined, savoring the lingering sensations of their passionate encounter. Eventually, Ji Hoo's breathing steadied. "I have been dying to do this to you," he said softly, leaning to kiss her softly on the forehead. "You're incredible," he whispered, his voice filled with admiration and desire, before taking her lips once more in a gentle, lingering kiss. As their lips parted, Ji Hoo's eyes met hers, filled with a mix of love and longing. He whispered, "I never want to let you go."

Jan Di's voice was caught in her throat when he said he had been dying to make love to her. She felt a rush of emotions, a mix of excitement and vulnerability, as she realized the depth of his feelings for her. And then he gently pulled out of her, leaving her feeling bittersweet emptiness, his member on her entrance as his warm, sticky substance dripped out of her to him while holding her leg wider and entering her once more while his penis twitched and withdrew once again, holding and stroking himself on her clit in circular motions, teasing it with his tip, reminding her of the intimate connection they had just shared and how extremely sensitive she was—he was so sensitive that he couldn't bear to finish with just one round of her. He wanted to bring her to the edge again and again.

She stood there, breathless and content, cherishing the moment as they both basked in the afterglow of their passionate encounter. She needed to leave and go shower, but her legs were tired and swollen.

"Are you OK? Does it hurt?" He asked gently, holding her cheeks tenderly in his hands and caressing her face with his thumbs.

"I'm fine," she replied but her eyes gave away.

He fastened his belt, zipped his trousers, and prepared to help her to leave the rooftop and make her way back down to reality.

"I'm tired; I want to go home." She replied and walked away to the elevator. As she stepped into the elevator, she hoped the swelling would subside soon.

"I will take you home." Ji Hoo insisted as he pressed the button for the ground floor.

Present…

This was Ji Hoo's every thought every time he looked at her photo. It had been a week since that night, but unfortunately, Jan Di has been avoiding him ever since. He could not shake off the feeling of regret and wished he could turn back time, but even if he did, he would still cross the line and make love to her. The passion he had poured into all those perhaps minutes being inside her felt like a lifetime of emotions. The feeling of being inside her had been incredible, and he could not help but crave it again. He could not resist the temptation to reach out to Jan Di and apologize for his actions. Every day, he found himself wrestling with the internal battle between his desire for her and the guilt he felt for crossing boundaries. Despite the risks, he knew deep down that she enjoyed it as well.

Ji Hoo knew he had to find a way to get into her apartment without knowing and talk to her about what they did, whether she liked it or not.

…

As Ji Hoo sat in his room, his mind raced with thoughts of Jan Di. He was desperate to see her again, to be near her and feel her warmth. The idea of climbing up to her apartment window crossed his mind, but he quickly dismissed it as too risky. Then, he thought of pretending to be a delivery person, hoping to gain access to her apartment. He even considered disguising himself as a repairman, hoping to catch her off guard.

Desperate to hear from her, Ji Hoo sent a text message to Jan Di, pleading with her to talk to him. He hoped that she would be willing to discuss their passionate encounter, but as he anxiously waited for her response, he couldn't help but feel a mix of anticipation and anxiety. He was not sure how she would react or what she truly felt about their shared experiences.

When Jan Di finally responded, Ji Hoo was disappointed with the same excuse 'I am busy maybe later'. Determined to see her, he snuck out of the house while grandfather was in the living room handling a medical report about expanding the clinic and made his way to Jan Di's apartment, disguised as a delivery boy. He nervously knocked on her door, unsure of how she would react to seeing him there.

To his relief, Jan Di was fooled by his disguise and let him in. Ji Hoo presented her with a beautifully decorated box of expensive signature chocolates he had ordered from America and a small, staffed otter with a diamond bracelet featuring the initials 'JJ' on it. As they talked and laughed, Ji Hoo could not help but feel a sense of joy and contentment wash over him. He knew that he had taken a risk by coming to see her, but it was a risk that was well worth it.

Ji Hoo was feeling anxious as he stood outside Jan Di's apartment. He had taken a big risk by disguising himself as a delivery boy, but he was determined to see her. As he rang the doorbell, his heart pounded in his chest, wondering if she would recognize him. To his relief, Jan Di was fooled by his disguise and let him in.

Ji Hoo pulled out a beautifully decorated box of expensive signature chocolates he had ordered from America and a small, staffed otter with a diamond bracelet featuring the initials 'JJ' on it. He had put a lot of thought into the gifts, wanting to make her happy. He knew that he had taken a big risk by coming to see her, but it was a risk that was well worth it. Ji Hoo handed her the box of chocolates and the otter, a shy smile playing on his lips.

Jan Di accepted the present, admiring the beautiful otter curled up inside the box. "Who sent this?" she asked politely, her heart fluttering with anticipation at the romantic gift. A couple of ideas popped into her mind, but she could not pinpoint exactly who it could be.

"Me!" Ji Hoo's voice was softer, but it echoed in her apartment. He took off his cape and revealed himself to her. After that night, a week had passed since they last talked and saw each other. His eyes were filled with longing as he said, "I missed you."

Jan Di took a step back in surprise, her heart racing with a mix of emotions. She had avoided him for a week, and now he was disguised as a delivery boy in front of her. "What…what are you doing here?" she asked nervously.

Ji Hoo reached out and took Jan Di's hand, but she quickly pulled away, her eyes betraying her nervousness. The tension between the two was palpable as they stood before each other, each trying to find the right words to say. The silence hung in the air, suffocating them both.

"You've been avoiding me for so long," Ji Hoo finally said, his voice soft but with a hint of hurt. Jan Di looked away, unsure of how to respond. She knew she had hurt him, and the guilt weighed heavily on her.

"I needed some time to sort things out," she finally admitted, her voice filled with regret. "I didn't mean to hurt you."

Ji Hoo sighed, a mixture of relief and frustration washing over him. He had missed her terribly, and her sudden disappearance had left a hole in his heart. He could not help but feel hurt by her actions, but at the same time, he could not stay mad at her for long.

"Otter…" he gently tugged her arm, trying to get her attention. "Face me when you're talking to me," he said as he drew the bracelet from the stuffed otter and waited for her to turn around.

Jan Di took a deep breath and slowly turned to face him. Her eyes were filled with nervousness but also a hint of longing. She could not deny the fact that she missed him too.

Ji Hoo took her wrist gently and placed the bracelet on it, his touch sending shivers down her spine. "Do you regret what happened between us?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Jan Di's eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and longing as she replied, "Regret? No, I do not regret it. But I do wish things could have been different."

He took her face in his hands, making sure she did not slip away from his grasp again. "Me too," he murmured softly, his voice filled with both love and sorrow. As they gazed into each other's eyes, a bittersweet silence hung in the air, their unspoken feelings echoing between them.

Ji Hoo's thumb gently brushed against Jan Di's cheek, wiping away a stray tear that had escaped her eye. She closed her eyes and leaned into his touch, relishing the warmth of his hand on her skin.

"I'm sorry, Sunbae," Jan Di whispered softly, her voice filled with regret. "I wish what we did could be under different circumstances."

Ji Hoo nodded, his heart heavy with the weight of their forbidden love. "Your presence in my life makes me feel alive and complete," he confessed, his voice barely above a whisper. "But your absence, even for a second when you are not around me, leaves me feeling empty and lost," he added, leaning hesitantly toward her face, his eyes traveling between her eyes and lips as if searching for an answer to his unspoken question as if he couldn't bear the thought of being apart from her any longer.

Jan Di's heart skipped a beat as she felt his warm breath on her face, and for a moment, she forgot about everything else. All she could think about was how much she wanted to be with him, even if it meant going against everything she had ever known.

His voice, like a mellifluous melody, murmured in Jan Di's ear, his warm breath caressing her skin. The tenderness in his voice was deeper than the ocean waves that crashed onto the shore. "Whatever I told you that night, I meant it with all my heart. I love you so much," he whispered, his voice softer than a gentle breeze on a summer's day. For the first time, Ji Hoo opened up to Jan Di, revealing a vulnerability that she had never seen before. Being the one who always bottled up his emotions, Jan Di was surprised and concerned by this sudden change in him. She wanted to comfort him but didn't know where to begin.

Kissing her cheek, he sensed her hesitation, "I know you are not ready, and that's why you've been avoiding me," he said softly, his voice filled with understanding. "But I promise to be patient and wait for you until you are. For now, I will still be your fireman, putting out the fires for you, responding to your alarm whenever it goes off, and you will remain my little otter, always swimming by my side."

"It feels awkward," she said in a small voice, her eyes downcast.

"How?" he asked, turning her to face him while he still held her in his arms. "How does it feel awkward?" He raised her chin slightly, searching for an answer in her eyes. He always had a way to find answers through her eyes, not her mouth, and it was one of the things he loved most about her.

"Gu Jun Pyo…" she trailed off, her voice barely above a whisper.

"He won't find out. But he will when the time is right," he reassured her, his voice filled with conviction. His love for her was his strength, and he would wait for her until she was ready.

"I'm tired of hiding what I feel for you. I don't want you to misunderstand what I feel about our friendship. I want you to know that I love you, Geum Jan Di." he said, leading her to the wall and gently placing his hands on either side of her, trapping her between his body and the wall. His intense gaze locked onto hers, searching for any trace of doubt or hesitation.

The hesitation was there, and he understood it all too well because of Gu Jun Pyo, but Ji Hoo was not ready to give up on what he felt. He was determined to fight for her, and since he had already crossed the boundaries and done what a man does to his woman, he was willing to do whatever it took to win her heart. With a soft yet determined voice, he whispered, "I know I can't undo the past, but I promise to make you feel loved and cherished every single day from now on." Holding her cheek gently, he leaned in for a tender kiss.

As their lips met, Yoon Ji Hoo could feel the intensity of his emotions pouring into the kiss. It was a bittersweet moment, knowing that he had to compete with Gu Jun Pyo for her heart, but he was willing to give it his all. Deep down, he believed that their connection was strong enough to withstand any obstacle that came their way.

And thinking about Gu Jun Pyo made him deepen the kiss with eagerness and urgency.

After a minute or so, the eagerness started to dim, the kiss turned slow but kept on being deep, and when Jan Di felt a moist tongue touching her own, her knees failed her.

Ji Hoo supported her as he properly explored, for the second time, her mouth.

His good judgment evaded him; whatever thoughts or considerations for his best friend he might have had went out the window when he felt Jan Di responding to his advances. Suddenly, it was too much but not enough; he needed more.

The kiss ended in between sweet pecks and nose touches, leaving both Jan Di and Ji Hoo breathless and wanting more. They pulled away reluctantly, their eyes locked in a mix of desire and confusion. The tension between them lingered, silently begging to be explored further.

In a surprising turn of events, Ji Hoo found himself irresistibly drawn to her, taking charge and guiding her towards the bed. With a mixture of desire and tenderness, his hands explored every inch of her body, leaving her with conflicting emotions. Although her mind urged caution, her heart couldn't help but crave the intensity.

The protest became meaningless when Ji Hoo wore a condom and passionately entered her, neither too aggressive nor too gentle, but with a poised intensity that left her without words. Every motion was a delightful melody, their bodies dancing in flawless unity. They let go and immersed themselves in a storm of euphoria. They were lost in a world of pure bliss.

The bodies collided with an incredible force, creating a mesmerizing symphony of rhythmic impact. Each collision intensified their burning desire as if adding fuel to an already blazing fire. With every movement, a surge of pleasurable sensations electrified their veins, awakening a primal hunger that refused to be contained. At this moment, they willingly surrendered to the irresistible pull, completely immersed in the unbridled passion that consumed them, leaving no space for inhibitions or restraints. This enthralling connection between their bodies transcended mere physicality, touching upon the depths of their souls, and evoking a profound sense of intimacy. It was a visceral encounter that left them breathless, as if time stood still amid their fiery embrace. Every touch, every whisper, every shared breath intensified the electric current that coursed through their intertwined beings. In that moment, they knew they had found a love that would forever ignite their spirits and set their souls ablaze.

3Months later…

Jan Di parked her old bicycle and looked up at the grand medical arts building that towered above her. The thump in her chest belied the outer calm she was trying to portray. She was both excited and nervous about starting her first day of school. Her hands were shaking slightly, but she did her best to hide it.

She was afraid of getting lost and missing her classes, and she was worried about being in over her head. She took a deep breath and tried to calm herself down.

Suddenly, she felt a buzz in her pocket. Her trembling fingers pulled out her phone, and she saw that Jun Pyo had sent her a message. "Happy first day of school, commoner," he wrote, along with a heart emoji. She sighed and slipped the phone back into her pocket.

It wasn't exactly the encouraging message she needed at that moment, but she knew he was trying to be supportive. She knew he was teasing her when he called her a commoner, but that's exactly what she was. She was the daughter of a fisherman, and she had worked hard to earn her scholarship. Without it, she wouldn't have been able to afford to attend this prestigious school.

"Are you ready?" A familiar voice interrupted her thoughts.

"Sunbae!" she exclaimed, turning to see Ji Hoo walking towards her with a smile on his face.

It had been weeks since she had seen him. Her parents had asked her to move to the apartment Ji Hoo's grandfather had given her as a gift, but she didn't agree with them and wanted to continue living on her own. The apartment Ji Hoo helped her decorate.

He drew her into his arms and whispered, "I missed you so much." She felt a rush of warmth and comfort as she melted into his embrace. The familiar scent of his cologne brought back memories of their last passionate encounter. Ever since then, their friendship has never been the same; their closeness has deepened into something more.

She was thankful she wasn't in the program alone. As nervous as she was, it would have been so much worse if she had been going in alone. She really had Grandfather to thank for that. If he hadn't reconciled with Ji Hoo and asked him to take over the clinic one day, Ji Hoo wouldn't have changed his major to medicine.

"I thought I might find you out here," he said, smiling down at her. The sun was glistening off his light hair, and his eyes reflected its light.

"I think my first class is on the second floor," Jan Di said, taking out her course list from her backpack. She seemed a little nervous, and her eyes scanned the hallway in search of direction.

Ji Hoo, who had been walking next to her, smiled at her gently. "Don't worry, I got you covered," he said reassuringly, putting his hand on her shoulder. "I'm actually a semester ahead of you, so I'm pretty familiar with the building. I will show you around."

Jan Di responded with a gentle smile and a nod of gratitude, pleasantly taken aback when Ji Hoo kindly offered to carry her bag, saying, "Allow me." It was an unexpected gesture that spoke volumes about Ji Hoo's considerate nature. As they strolled towards the school building, their fingers delicately interlocked, a wave of warmth engulfed Jan Di, instantly putting her at ease in this unfamiliar scholastic environment. The tender touch brought forth a soothing sensation, as if Ji Hoo had known Jan Di's fears and anxieties all along and was determined to make her feel safe and supported.

Her ultimate aspiration revolved around wholeheartedly immersing herself in the field of medicine, an unwavering commitment that aimed to honor the unwavering faith and financial support bestowed upon her by Ji Hoo's revered grandfather. Fully aware of the magnitude of her educational sponsorship and the opportunities it presented, Jan Di felt a deep sense of responsibility to succeed and make a difference in the medical field. She saw it as her duty to not only fulfill her own dreams but also to honor the legacy of Ji Hoo's grandfather by becoming a skilled and compassionate doctor who could positively impact the lives of others.

As they stood outside her lecture room, he looked at her with a determined expression and said, "There are some lectures we will attend separately to focus on our individual studies. And then there are some we shall share together, where we can apply what we've learned and collaborate on projects." With a gentle kiss on her cheek, he handed her a bag and said, "I will see you at lunch." She watched him walk away, feeling grateful and inspired by his support for her academic pursuits.