Chapter 80 Too Nice
The afternoon light slanted across the courtyard as students hurried between classes, but nothing about the day felt normal. Tension hung over the campus like a thick mist, every whisper carrying the same fear, the same suspicion. And amid all of it, Lila’s red hair was still vivid, still bright, it seemed to glow like a beacon drawing every eye, every murmur.
She walked beside Asher silently. His books were tucked under one arm, his other hand hovering close enough to her elbow that she felt it like he was ready to catch her if she stumbled. He glanced at her every few seconds, reading her quiet, trying to decipher what she wasn’t saying.
Then Mercer stepped into their path.
“Lila. Asher.” His voice was warm, smooth, carrying the same practiced gentleness it always did.
Both of them stopped.
Mercer smiled. It was a kind smile, the type that made first-year students adore him, the type that made others forget how mysterious he actually was beneath that polished exterior.
“You two look like you haven’t taken a proper breath since morning,” he said lightly. His gaze flickered toward Lila,soft, concerned, and observing. “That’s understandable, of course. It’s been a difficult day for everyone.”
Lila swallowed. “We’re managing.”
Mercer nodded as if he understood more than her words offered. “Good. Good. But you shouldn’t have to manage alone.”
He clasped his hands together, leaning forward ever so slightly. “I was wondering,” he continued, “if you both would join me for dinner tonight. Just a simple meal. Somewhere relaxing, away from campus. I think you could use a moment to breathe.”
Asher’s brows lifted. “Both of us?”
“Of course.” Mercer smiled again, warm and unpressured. “The invitation is for the two of you. A small gesture. Let's call it a break from stress.”
Lila felt her heart thud once, slow and heavy. “Professor, that’s kind of you.”
“No pressure at all,” Mercer added quickly. “I know things are tense. If the idea makes you uncomfortable, you can say no.”
“Asher and I can come,” Lila said softly before she could overthink it.
Mercer’s smile widened, pleased but still controlled. “Excellent. I’ll text you the address. Seven o’clock?”
“That works,” Asher replied, though his tone held a hint of reluctance Lila didn’t miss.
Mercer stepped away, lifting a hand in a small wave. “I’ll see you both tonight. Take care of yourselves.”
As he disappeared into the faculty building,
Asher exhaled sharply. “That was unexpected,” he muttered.
Lila hugged her books tighter. “He’s just trying to be nice.”
Asher’s jaw tensed. “Maybe. Or maybe he’s trying too hard.”
“Asher.”
“No, I’m not saying he’s dangerous,” he cut in quickly. “I’m saying he’s off. Especially today.”
Lila looked down, unwilling to respond. He was worried. He always was. And despite the unease curling in her stomach, she pushed forward. “Let’s just go to the dinner and get through it.”
Asher studied her expression, softened slightly, and nodded. “Okay. But I’m not letting him corner you into anything weird.”
She almost smiled.
The restaurant Mercer chose was dimly lit with warm amber lights, elegant without being extravagant. Definitely not a student hangout.
The staff greeted Mercer by name, which told Lila everything she needed to know about how often he came here.
“Lila, Asher,” Mercer said warmly as he stood from his seat. “Thank you for coming.”
“Thanks for inviting us,” Asher replied politely, though his tone was tighter than before.
They sat down. Lila fiddled with her napkin, smoothing it over and over until the fabric felt warm under her fingertips.
Mercer noticed instantly. “Long day?” he asked gently.
Lila nodded. “Just a lot to think about.”
“Of course. Anyone would be shaken after what happened this morning.”
She flinched subtly. Mercer’s gaze softened further.
“You’re allowed to be overwhelmed,” he continued. “Students aren’t machines. You’re human. You feel things.”
Asher shot a quick glance at him, something between guarded and skeptical.
Mercer shifted the conversation smoothly.
“So, how are your classes going? Aside from the chaos of the campus.”
Asher shrugged lightly. “Normal, I guess. Mostly.”
“Beckett’s class?” Mercer asked, eyes flicking to Lila.
She tensed again. “It’s challenging.”
Mercer chuckled softly. “Challenging is an understatement when it comes to Beckett. His standards are intense.”
“He’s brilliant, though,” Asher said, surprising even himself with the defense.
Mercer lifted his brows slightly. “I never said he wasn’t.” Then, tilting his head, “How are you handling the workload, Lila? Especially with the environment being so charged?”
Lila stiffened again. “It’s fine.”
But Mercer’s eyes said he didn’t believe her.
Throughout the appetizers, he kept the conversation light, campus renovations, upcoming events, and student concerns. His laughter was quiet and easy. He seemed comfortable, relaxed. But he watched Lila closely, his gaze brushing her expression every time she fell silent.
And she fell silent a lot.
Asher noticed immediately.
“You okay?” he murmured, leaning closer.
“Yeah,” she whispered. “Just tired.”
Mercer paused mid-sentence, attention shifting to her. “Lila,” he said with gentle seriousness, “if something’s troubling you, this is a safe space. You can talk about it.”
She shook her head. “It’s nothing like that.”
“Then what is it?” Asher pressed softly. “You’ve barely touched your appetizer since it was served.”
Mercer’s eyes moved between them, calm and interested.
Lila finally breathed out, sagging slightly in her seat. “It’s the assignment.”
“Beckett’s?” Mercer asked.
She nodded. “It’s just hard. And with everything happening, I feel like I can’t think clearly. It’s due soon, and I’m behind on the research.”
Asher touched her hand, grounding her. “Then I’ll help you. We’ll work on it tomorrow and tonight if you want.”
Mercer watched that touch. For a heartbeat too long.
“That’s what friends are for,” Mercer said with a smile that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “But don’t be too hard on yourself, Lila. High expectations should never cost you your peace.”
She nodded faintly.
Dinner continued quietly after that, and while Mercer remained friendly and polite, there was a subtle shift in the air. Asher felt it. Lila felt it.
Even Mercer seemed aware of the tension, though he played through it with steady grace.
When dessert plates were cleared, Mercer folded his hands and smiled warmly.
“I really enjoyed this evening. Thank you both for joining me. If you ever need help, academically or otherwise, my door is always open.”
“Thank you, Professor,” Lila replied.
Asher nodded. “Yes. Thank you.”
Outside, the night was cool and quiet. Their breath fogged in the air as they began the walk back to campus.
Asher waited until they were a block away from the restaurant before speaking.
“You were really out of it tonight.”
“I know,” she murmured. “I’m sorry.”
“You don’t have to be sorry,” he said quickly. “But something about that dinner felt off. Didn’t it?”
Lila didn’t answer. But her silence was enough.
And Asher made a decision he never thought he would need to make.
That night, long after she had gone to her dorm and long after Mercer’s warm smile had faded from memory, Asher installed a tracker on Lila’s phone.
Just in case.Just until the danger passed.Just until he knew she was safe.