An hour later, Lucas brought Sergio to a small café nearby, carefully choosing a spot that would avoid the prying eyes of students or faculty. The two men sat by a window, and a waitress quickly approached them.

“What would you like to order, gentlemen?” she asked brusquely.

“It’s on me. Order whatever you want,” Lucas expressed. His voice was firm and calm.  

Sergio’s eyes widened at the steep prices listed on the menu, but he masked his unease with a self-deprecating laugh. “Nah, it’s not necessary. I’ll pay for myself... Please, you go ahead, Professor Amery.”  

“You first,” Lucas insisted, this time with a softer tone. He could see through Sergio’s facade, recognizing both his humility and the insecurity he was trying to hide.  

The waitress, growing impatient, chimed in. “May I recommend the daily special?”  

“Sure,” the professor replied absentmindedly.

As the waitress explained, Lucas’s gaze shifted to the freckled man beside him, who was anxiously reading the menu prices, scratching his head while unconsciously counting the coins in his pocket.  

He quickly interrupted. “Excuse us. We’ll look at the menu again and call you back shortly,” he said with a fake smile, prompting the waitress to leave with a huff.  

Turning to Sergio, Lucas spoke gently. “Relax. Like I said, I’m inviting you. You don’t need to feel uncomfortable about this.”  

The freckled man looked down, flustered. He hadn’t realized how nervous he appeared. “Professor Amery, I truly appreciate your offer. I don’t mean to be rude, but… I don’t want you to think I’m taking advantage of… you,” he said, wiping his clammy hands on his pants.  

Lucas leaned back slightly, considering his words before replying. “Don’t overthink it. I simply wanted to spend some time with you —and thank you for being such a… good friend.” He said in a way that even he couldn’t fully believe —he hadn’t meant to call Sergio just a “friend”. The words came out more formal than he intended, leaving an unspoken sentiment hanging in the air. 

The custodian lowered his gaze further. “I should be the one thanking you, professor.”  

The man in front of him hesitated a bit, nodding his head. “Let’s not make this complicated. What would you like to order?”  

Sergio hesitated before finally glancing at a picture on the menu. “Well… the coffee and… this,” he murmured, pointing to a plate of eggs and bacon. He didn’t realize he’d spoken aloud until Lucas nodded.  

“Waitress!” the professor called firmly. “We’ll take two of these.” 

Sergio’s eyes widened, his face flushing crimson. “Professor Amery! I… You didn’t have to…”  

Lucas interrupted, tilting his head curiously. “Did I order something you don’t like?”  

“Oh no! Y-yes. I mean, no, that’s what I’d like. Thank you, professor Amery,” he stammered. “I-I’ll pay you back when…”  

“You’re not paying me back,” Lucas said, cutting him off with a serious tone. Before Sergio could offer more excuses, the professor leaned in slightly, breaking the formalities between them, “Jairo, please accept this without thinking you owe me anything. And… if it’s okay, I’d like you to call me by my name. There’s no need to be formal.”  

Sergio’s breath caught for a moment as he processed the request. Lucas’s confidence was both intimidating and reassuring. 

Finally, he let out a nervous laugh, accepting what he felt in that moment. “HAHAHAHA! You’re as intimidating as you are stubborn, you know that? Alright. Thank you… Lucas.”  

The professor smiled faintly. “I suppose I am, Jairo.”  

As their conversation continued, the air between them shifted. For Lucas, the feelings he had for Sergio started to transcend the boundaries of mere friendship. The custodian, too, felt an undeniable connection forming, one that stirred emotions he hadn’t dared to acknowledge before.  In the quiet moments between their laughter and subtle glances, both men secretly hoped their unspoken desires would one day find the courage to surface.