JavaScript Basics was an exceedingly dull class.

Amber struggled to stay alert thirty minutes into it. Sitting around, learning about a programming language she had no enthusiasm for, didn’t help either. Amber understood why it was required. Didn’t mean it would be enjoyable.

Luckily, the professor wasn’t as stringent as the others. In fact, this one blatantly stated that it would be in her students’ best interest to pay attention. Especially since they (or their parents) were paying for the skills and knowledge needed in their careers. All in all, an excellent speech, but one Amber received constantly growing up to the point of becoming immune.

The lights dimmed, and Amber stifled another yawn.

How to survive this semester?

She eyed Hunter from the corner of her eyes and discovered even he was ignoring the professor to code on his laptop. At least, it looked like he was coding with the dark screen and overlay of green texts displayed.

Amber breathed, bending forward to rest her chin against her palm, disappointed. Just a tad, though. She hoped for a note or two from her seating neighbor, but even that was out of the question.

And why not? After getting everything Hunter needed from her (friend acceptance and number), it would make sense he no longer plagued her.

However, as she finished the thought, a piece of paper flew over and landed on her notebook. She glanced down, recognizing the masculine handwriting immediately.

Hunter: Bored? Would you like me to do something about it?

Amber lowered her head, concealing a smile. She didn’t want him to see how delighted the note made her. Then, quickly, quietly, she jotted her reply.

Amber: Yes, I am bored. What are you doing to do about it?

Hunter: I’ve already done something about it.

Amber didn’t need to imagine how the words sounded coming from his lips. She heard him then, in that self-confident, smug tone of his.

Amber: Whatever.

Only because she couldn’t think of anything else.

Hunter: I assume I’m wearing you down if that’s the best you’ve got.

Amber pictured that frivolous smile of his even as she hid her own. Maybe he was, and perhaps he wasn’t; however, it was her secret to keep.

Soon, the instructor began history lessons on how JavaScript came to be, drilling on about the first programming language, the early scripts, and the original computer used for coding. The dimmed lights helped display the images on the projector while the professor discussed the initial ‘Hello World’ interface illustrations that bored half the students to sleep. All of which Amber had heard before from her parents growing up. She feigned listening for some minutes before writing to Hunter, who readily accepted the change in topic.

Amber: What’s with Nathan calling me Bosslady, anyway?

Hunter: I don’t know. You’ll have to ask him. He does whatever he wants.

Amber: Aren’t you Bossman?

Hunter: That’s something they came up with.

They, meaning his friends.

Amber hesitated before drafting her next question.

Amber: Are there… any other… Bosslady?

She studied Hunter while he read, wanting to gauge his reaction. As soon as he finished, though, Hunter turned to her with an unreadable expression, and Amber immediately wished she had explained herself. There was an entire page of space where she could have provided explanations but didn’t.

She tore a sheet from her binder, proceeding to do just that, grateful the dimmed lights hid the rosiness of her cheeks.

Amber: I mean, as in, what sort of girls interests you?

As soon as the note touched his fingers, Amber immediately realized he may have misinterpreted it. Hastily, she yanked another page and scribbled the following message before passing it over.

Amber: Ignore that last question. I mean, I was curious about your female friends. The ones I’ve met so far have been guys.

The lights came on, and Amber lowered her head, covering her face with her arms. What was wrong with her? Usually, there would be more thinking before speaking. In this case, before writing. It was like her brain completely… shut down. She wanted to curl up and disappear.

All of those letters were horrible! The last note barely made sense because they’ve only just encountered each other days earlier!

And it was one, not ones, as in singular, after meeting Nathan merely this afternoon! If she was going to mention friends, Amber had yet to introduce Hunter to Brittany!

Time to clear this misunderstanding—now what to say? Perhaps pretend like it never happened? And if Hunter asked, maybe laugh it off as flirting?

Actually, yes! That was it! She was just teasing. Hunter should understand, considering he did it to her all the time?

The shuffling of footsteps intruded, and Amber raised her head to see Hunter zipping his briefcase, his items packed. Their eyes collided as he stood up and gave her a slight nod before easing out of the small space of the aisle and exited.

Wait... he just left?

Just like that?

Without answering none of my questions?

And where was that wink of his she’d grown fond of seeing before he took off?