You present your research to a panel. A senior teacher tries to discredit your data with a condescending tone. Before you can answer, Adam intervenes from the audience.

“With all due respect, doctor, maybe the criticism should come from someone who updated his bibliography after 2009.”

You stare at him, surprised. The teacher retreats, embarrassed.

Later, you find him in the hallway.

“You didn’t need to do that.”

“Yes, I needed it. You’re brilliant. And no one will treat you as if they weren’t.”

You smile, touching his hand lightly.

“You even look like my boyfriend when you talk like that.”

Adam gives a half smile, eyes fixed on yours.

“And if I want to be more than that?”