I trudged into the house, my stomach groaning under the weight of the lavish lunch I'd devoured at the meeting. The spare key clinked onto the wooden table, a familiar sound that signaled my return to reality. As I climbed the stairs, my mind still buzzed with excitement from the encounter with Stacy Lin.
Her trust in me was a mystery, but I was determined to prove worthy. Why had she chosen me for this project? Did she see something in me that I didn't? I'd always known I was intelligent, one of the best in my class. My college nickname, "Angel," echoed in my mind, a reminder of my reputation as the class go-to guy.
Memories flooded back, transporting me to a bygone era – writing assignments for the girls, shouldering the burden of group projects. Their smiles, their laughter, and their effortless charm had captivated me. I'd willingly taken on the role of dependable Nate, the go-to guy for academic rescue. They'd taken advantage of my eagerness, but I hadn't minded. In fact, I'd revealed in the opportunity to spend time with them, to bask in the warmth of their conversation, and to indulge in the melodic sound of their laughter.
Perhaps, deep down, I'd hoped for something more, a connection, a spark, or a chance to break free from the friend zone. But those aspirations had remained dormant, hidden beneath the surface of our casual camaraderie.
I settled into my reading table, surrounded by the familiar chaos of books, materials, and last night's remnants, empty coffee cups, discarded pizza boxes, and my laptop's glowing screen, a beacon of productivity amidst the disarray. Rubbing my tired eyes, I tried to shake off the fatigue, the weight of exhaustion threatening to dull my focus.
The dim glow of the table lamp cast a warm, golden light on my notes. The air was thick with the scent of stale coffee and worn paper. Outside, the night sky was a deep shade of indigo, with stars twinkling like diamonds scattered across the fabric of the universe.
The clock on the wall ticked away, its rhythmic mocking a reminder that time waited for no one. I had to conjure something brilliant, yet simple enough to impress Stacy Lin.
As I scanned my cluttered workspace, my gaze landed on a dog-eared notebook, filled with scribbled notes and half-baked ideas. A crumpled paper caught my eye, bearing two simple words: "L Hotels."
With renewed determination, I began to brainstorm, scribbling down keywords and concepts. The room grew quiet, except for the clock's steady beat and the occasional creak of the old house.
I took a deep breath, feeling the air fill my lungs, and tried clearing my mind. "Nate, think," I urged myself, my eyes scanning the cluttered room. How could I make L Hotels stand out? What unique twist could I bring to the table?
The folder on my desk seemed to stare at me, its contents begging to be devoured. I had a lot of studying and research ahead, but I was no stranger to hotel projects. Memories of past school assignments flooded back, a bathhouse and a beef restaurant, not exactly similar, but still relevant.
I settled in, immersing myself in the materials. Hours flew by like leaves on an autumn breeze. 7:20 pm became 3 am, the silence of the night punctuated only by the soft hum of my laptop.
Excitement coursed through my veins, a familiar rush I hadn't felt in ages. But alongside the thrill, anxiety crept in. Despite my research, the blank paper sheet in front of me seemed to mock me, a constant reminder of my creative block.
A notification on my laptop interrupted my thoughts, my favorite show was on. "Just one episode," I promised myself, succumbing to the temptation. Netflix beckoned, but my gaze kept drifting back to the empty sheet of paper.
Focus, Nate! I chastised myself, shutting the laptop lid. A change of scenery might help. I made my way downstairs, surrounded by the quiet of the night.
As I entered the kitchen, a faint light caught my attention. Who could be up at this hour? My heart skipped a beat. A burglar? My mind racing, I grabbed a frying pan, its metal weight reassuring in my hand.
With cautious steps, I approached the source of the light, ready to defend myself. The kitchen's silence seemed to amplify my heartbeat.
As I approached the door, a gentle hand glided from my back to my shoulder, down to my arm. My heart skipped a beat. I felt my spirit hovering, ready to abandon ship. Frozen in terror, I thought, "This is it. My life is flashing before my eyes."
A soft voice whispered, "Nate... Nate... wake up." Confusion clouded my mind. Was I in heaven? Was God summoning me? "Not yet, please," I silently pleaded. "I need to find a girlfriend first."
A stinging slap on my cheek shattered my reverie. I opened my eyes to find my mischievous little sister, Rachel, grinning from ear to ear. Relief washed over me, replaced by playfulness.
I swiftly scooped her up, spinning us both until dizziness took over. We collapsed to the floor, laughter echoing through the room. Rachel's bright eyes sparkled with concern. "What's troubling you, Nate? You've been locked away for hours. You skipped dinner" Her voice was laced with empathy.
Whatever it is, I know you can do it, you're the smartest person I know, and I do know a lot of smart people.
"I smiled, feeling a surge of affection. "You're my biggest supporter, even if you're only ten." Her unwavering faith in me was a constant source of strength.
In that moment, inspiration struck. I jumped up, planting a kiss on Rachel's forehead. "Thanks, sis!" I sprinted to my room, eager to capture the idea before it vanished.
Five hours later, the morning sun streamed through my window, illuminating my completed project. A weird, triumphant smile spread across my face.
With renewed confidence, I booked an afternoon appointment with Mrs. Lin. Seated in her elegant office, I watched as she scrutinized my files. Her expression remained inscrutable, but her poise was captivating.
Finally, she finished reviewing the documents. A sharp snap of her fingers summoned an assistant. Her gaze locked onto mine, her voice d
ripping with anticipation. "Nate... Nate... Nate..."