That day, I had just finished a major project in the lab. My advisor insisted I take a few days off, worried that the constant high-intensity work might take a toll on my health.

I had barely made it back to my dorm when Julia showed up at my door, looking unusually troubled.

"Leon, are you on break for the next few days? Can you do me a favor? It's really urgent."

"Our lab needs a specific formula, but no one knows how to solve it. Can you take a look...?"

I'd never seen her so anxious before, and it tugged at something in me. Without a second thought, I agreed.

The calculations for that formula were incredibly complex, involving concepts I hadn't even encountered at my current level. But for her, I powered through, spending three straight days deciphering it.

When I finally handed over the solution, I got lost in the flood of her praise, forgetting to ask what it was for.

Now, looking back, I realize it was for another man.

So what was I to her, really?

Julia was clearly feeling guilty. She couldn't even look at me like she was afraid I might call her out.

I really wanted to, but at the same time, I couldn't bring myself to do it. It felt like two voices were battling it out in my head when suddenly my phone rang, snapping me out of it. Only then did I realize my back was drenched in sweat.

I answered the call, and a familiar voice came through. "Leon, help! My team of idiots made a bet with another group and now they're stuck on this formula. We need your brain!"

Everyone's eyes turned to me. Sean was the first to speak, looking at me like I'd betrayed him. "Seriously, Leon? When did you start hanging out with a girl without telling me?

"Come on, invite her over, invite her over..."

Julia's face darkened, and she snapped at him, "Sean, stop it…"

"Okay."

The moment I agreed, Sean got even more excited. Meanwhile, I brought the phone back to my ear and said softly, "Hey, sis."

Julia froze, disbelief all over her face.

Ignoring her, I gave the caller the address of the restaurant. "I'm just about to finish up here. Come pick me up."

Julia's expression turned even darker.

At the same time, I got a quick reply, "You got it, little bro. Be there soon…"

You're right; that term doesn't fit the context. Let me correct that:

Sean, looking like he was on the edge of his seat, pointed at me with exaggerated enthusiasm. "Wait, you're into older women?"

I smiled and pocketed my phone. "Yeah, I've got a thing for older women."