It’s a normal day, like any other. I’m on my way to the psychology lab, eager to end another in-person day of university life. As a BHSc Hon. professor, of course I get a little excited when it comes to teaching and being academically rigorous, like my peers. But I admit, there’s one more reason I’m in such an uppity mood.
“Oh, there you are!” That familiar voice calls out to me.
Dr. Bike Wang, what a brilliant man. A brief tingling sensation runs down my back as if a spinal reflex beckons me to rush to his side at the sound of his seductive voice.
“You should get inside. It’s still winter, after all. Aren’t you cold?”
Bike and I lock gazes. His eyes peer deep into my heart, and unbeknownst to him, warms me right up. I chuckle. What a caring gentleman.
As we enter the psychology building, I can’t help but ask about it. He smiles patiently as I stumble over the words. I can feel my ears redden with embarrassment, but his reassuring gaze puts me at ease. Every so often, Bike interjects with a forgotten word or clarifying question that ground me to my statements effortlessly. Does this power come from being a psychology department member? Or is it just Bike? Bike confidently guides me around the facility, just like he confidently guides his team of students into creating the most amazing research articles I’ve read to date.
“Actually, I know I’m not supposed to show anyone this, but…” Bike grabs my hand, and I immediately am swept away by his strength. “C’mon, let’s go.”
With a sweep, Bike and I rush through the hallways to a small room on the upper floor of the building. It isn’t like the other labs. There aren’t any windows, and its door is a different design than the rest of the building. When he notices my confusion, he slowly places his hand on the doorknob to reveal the interior.
I gasp. It’s beautiful.
“That’s right,” Bike says. “This is my secret hideout for when my lab assistants have everything covered. No one else knew about it… Until now.”
Gaming PCs lean up against the wall, RGB lights included. The room pulsates with a vivid display of color. A soft whir of fans fills the otherwise noise-canceling room. But I frown. Why are there two PCs if he never invites anyone else?
Bike seems to read my mind with his psychological deduction skills. “That’s right. I’ve been looking to play with someone else here. It gets a little too lonely by myself. And based on what you’ve told me over email, you seem like an excellent fit.”
Words don’t even escape my mouth. Instead, I’m only able to let out a silent nod, and he laughs. It’s a hearty laugh that fills the hallways, so much so that I grow concerned that someone else might learn of the room. I half expect another professor to jump around the corner and catch us in the act, but it never happens. Perhaps luck is really on my side, today.
The buzzing of my phone shakes me out of my stupor. Oh, no! The tour is over! But still, I learned much more about Bike than I ever could have (had I not emailed him about his lab work). As he brings me back to the main entrance, I can’t help but truly appreciate Bike’s figure. With that blue dress shirt wrapped perfectly around his hulking frame, and those formal dress pants, he exudes a professionalism I could never have imagined from my early McMaster days.
I thank him for the kindness he’s shown me this past hour. He smiles, telling me not to worry about it. If generosity and looks weren’t enough, he was also humble. I wonder if he was just saying that, or if he was making sure I knew.
Suddenly, a gust of wind catches me off guard, and I misstep. With my frail health sci demeanor, I stand no match to the forces of nature. I’m about to fall when, in a brilliant display, Bike wraps his arms around me. I stifle a gasp as I feel his heavy neuroscience-fueled biceps protect me from the harshness of reality.
Bike says, “Hey. You should pay attention to where you’re going. I know with your frail health sci demeanor, you stand no match against the forces of nature.”
I’m speechless. I initially thought we were on the same wavelength, but with everything that’s happened today, I can’t help but freeze up. It’s at this moment I notice the warmth emanating from his body.
Reflexively, I push Bike away, only to notice a concerned expression on his beautiful, rugged face. Without saying a word, he turns around. He takes another glance my way, as if to ascertain my safety, before making his way into the psychology building. I feel my initial expectations waste away. Was he hurt by my sudden reaction? I didn’t mean for this to happen, and at such horrible timing, too.
My hand slips into the pocket of my jacket, wrapping around the love letter. But I know from today that I am not ready. No, far from it. Perhaps another day, when I can truly show that I am worthy of his affection.
To be continued…
The Procrastinator 