A. A. Sterling

Saturday. It's the part of the week which is quite lax but still has a few hours are dedicated to some subjects. So even though it was a weekend, the campus grounds are still buzzling.

Luckily for Zaf, she didn't wake up with such terrible hangover and the fact that she is living with someone meant that the house chores doesn't fall entirely on her.

The waft of deliciousness, mesmerized her dazed thoughts, as she half consciously walk to the source of the tempting scent.

"Perfect timing. Breakfast is almost ready, Sis." Ethan chimed. Although young, it was evident since way back that this younger brother of hers has talent in the kitchen. Two portions of perfectly prepared avocado toast with poached eggs as well as glasses of orange juice.

"Smells divine," the older of the two smiled at the feast before them. Zaf's class was a little later that afternoon but being an associate lecturer, she has a ton of things to do. Part of being an associate, the Professor of Cognitive Psychology had requested her to help one of his students on his thesis on effects of Criptomnesia on the growing IP industry. So  after devouring the feast, she had helped her brother wash the dishes then prepped herself to go to the university library.

Her outfit for today was somewhat minimalist, a cotton sweater dress in fatigue and black combat shoes, the messy bun completed her lazy weekend getup.

Saying Raizen's library is big is a huge understatement. It is not only massive but the library itself uses the latest technology to push their system into new heights not to mention the interior was designed to be lax and lively. Towering in just 5 floors, the 1000sq m, building is one of the largest and albeit best libraries in the country. It was organized in such a way that each major area of study is grouped into 5 then subdivided into smaller categories so on and so forth. The Psychology Area was located in the Second floor alongside other Behavioral and Social Science subjects.

Arriving fairly early, Zaf chose the table by the balcony garden. With the books she deemed helpful in tow, she read through the Thesis Proposal. Plagiarism in this day and age has been quite an issue but is it really something that is deliberate or coincidental or perhaps even empirical to say the least.

"A.A. Sterling…" he seems ok, she thought. As she read through her phone vibrated indicating a message. It was from the proponent asking where she's situated. A court reply to answer his query, her azure eyes scan the surroundings to see the person she has yet to meet and help.

Minutes pass by, and her gaze landed on a familiar face. "What is Mr. "Her loss" doing here unless…" she thought and her guess seems to be right. His expression was a bit taken aback when he realized who the supposed person before him is. With a coy smile, Zaf greeted the young man, "So you're the infamous Mr.Sterling."

"We keep meeting in random places. So you're the Associate, Professor Augustus told me about… I thought you were young…" he chuckled.

His comment earned him a glare, "I am. I'm about two years younger than you," she hissed, "capability is not proportionate with age."

"Wait a minute you told me last night your name is Ruth. Definitely not Zafkiel..." he said in a tone if accusing her of catfishing.

"I am Zafkiel Ruth Argyros Silverborne. Happy now Mr.Sterling?"

"Adriel's fine. So Zafruit huh?"

After their small banter, the two immediately get through with the small introduction. "I'm Adriel Sterling taking up International Relations and a minor in Political Economics I heard from the professor that you could help me with my thesis." His tone was brash but not rude.

"I hope he hasn't overestimated my capabilities, but I do think I could pitch in a few a ideas for your paper," she nonchalantly said as he gave him a copy of his draft filled with notes written in red ink.

"A say, you're quite a nerd. A double major and on the prized programs of Raizen no less, Management Analytics and Psychology," he mused as he read through the notes.

"Enough with the flattery. The proposal you have has potential no doubt but the supporting facts you've gathered weren't enough…"

The two discussed about dissertations and others studies that could help support Adriel's thesis. Since drinks were allowed by the garden balcony, Adriel offered to get some coffee first before they went to their respective classes.

"By the way, can we meet after class, I still need to consult you about some of these," Adriel gestured to the pile of books he is carrying. However, Zaf reluctantly shook her head. "I'm sorry I can't. I have to attend the seminar later this afternoon."

A flash of confusion was all there is on Adriel's face. "If I'm not mistaken, it's the one that the Chemistry department is hosting."

"Yeah. It's about the effects of 0 Kelvin on atom bonding. You know Bose-Einstein condensates…" she nodded.

"I'm pretty sure Management Analytics don't cover the 5 states of matter breakthroughs," he chuckled.

"Well, at some point you'll get tired of Sigmund Freud," she retorted, "Besides, I am paying my tuition fee might as well collect my money's worth with the free seminars."

Few more banters and a coffee later, the two made their way to class.

Unlike other universities, classes in Raizen heavily focuses on practical application rather than theory memorization.