After that conversation with Maya, James felt something he hadn't in a long time—peace. Actual peace. Not the fake, I'm-fine-with-my-life silence he usually wore like a hoodie. Nah, this was real. His chest felt lighter. His head, clearer. His face, for once, didn't look like it belonged on a grayscale poster.
He felt... hopeful.
And just like that, the thought of giving that presentation again didn't feel like a panic attack waiting to happen. For the first time in forever, he believed he might actually pull it off.
Inside Keller's office, James stood with a quiet confidence. No shaking hands. No blank stares. Just him and his work.
"And finally" He wrapped up, his voice steady.
"The system's designed to absorb mechanical energy, like pressure from foot traffic or roadway vibration, and convert it into a stable electric current with over 90% efficiency. It's simple, reliable, and modular. If built right, it could power emergency response units or remote communities without relying on fossil fuels."
Professor Keller leaned back, eyebrows raised. A rare smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. "I gotta say, this is quite an evolution. I suppose I do bring out the best in my students."
James chuckled. "Thanks for the second chance, sir. See you next class"
Keller nodded, packing up his notes. "Take care of yourself, Mr Hale."
James smiled to himself.
As James stepped out of the office, sunlight hit his face, but this time it didn't annoy him. He wasn't fixed. Not yet. But it felt like the fixing had finally started.
He spotted Kade chilling by the railing, earbuds in, typing something fast on his phone. James walked up grinning, way too happy for someone who used to walk around like the embodiment of moody indie songs.
Kade looked up. "Let me guess — Maya?"
James laughed. "Bro. You don't understand. The way she broke down that whole AI ethics thing? Bruhhh. I was just there like, marry me already."
Kade raised a brow. "You've told me this story like… three times now. In 24 hours."
"Nah but I didn't tell you how she laughed when I said I don't trust androids with my snacks."
"You did. Word for word."
James didn't stop. "And she said 'You're not as closed-off as you pretend to be.' Like damn, how she read me like that?"
Kade chuckled, slapping his shoulder. "She's good for you, man. You're glowing. Like actually glowing. I think I see God in your skin."
"Stop" James said, failing to hide a grin. "I'm just sayin', I felt seen, bro."
"Seen and whipped." Kade added.
"Whipped and proud bro. I gotta go check on Barry, catch you later"
"Sure, bye" Kade replied.
***
Later that afternoon, the skies dimmed a little, the sun taking a break behind the clouds. James figured he'd hit the court with Barry and Dre, just to cool his head. Spoiler: his head was anything but cool. It was still spinning with everything Maya said.
He went to the court and saw Barry and the others playing.
"Ayeee, lover boy's here!" Barry shouted.
James just jogged onto the court. "We ballin' or we simpin' on the court now?"
Barry smirked. "Man, you've been simpin' mid-layup. Dre almost broke his ankle watching you drift into space."
Dre laughed, throwing James a pass. "You good, bro?"
"I'm great" James said. "You ever just connect with someone? Like deep down? Like she talks and your brain just shuts up and listens."
"Oh my God— you've had just one conversation with her" Barry groaned.
"Two conversations. And Her name's Maya" James continued anyway. "And she's literally the blueprint. Like we were sitting outside class, and she said something about how people chase purpose 'cause they're scared to be forgotten—"
"Dude. Please," Barry said. "The rim is right there. Just dunk or shut up."
James actually laughed, ran a quick pick-and-roll with Dre, nailed the shot, and pointed at Barry. "That was for disrespecting Queen Maya."
"And you just made it weird" Barry shook his head.
James and Barry came back to the apartment after the game had stopped, James still hadn't stopped. He talked about Maya like she was a Nobel Prize wrapped in sunlight. Barry let it happen, mostly because he knew stopping James mid-simp was like trying to unplug the ocean.
Barry flopped onto the couch, tossing James a drink. James caught it, still talking.
"—and then she smiled and saved her number on my phone as 'Maya' [Skull emoji, basketball emoji]"
Barry stared at him. "You're so down bad it's inspiring."
"I feel like a man reborn."
There was a pause. James popped the can open, leaned back like life was suddenly full of meaning.
Barry stretched. "So… how you guys doing since you texted her?"
Silence.
"You haven't texted her since then, have you?"
"No I haven't"