The Student Teacher Affair

Chapter 7: Mischief and Invitations

Mercy’s POV

The sun had just begun its descent, casting long shadows across the university grounds as I made my way to Joshua’s office. We had been working on this project for weeks now, and while our progress was commendable, our interactions were anything but smooth. Every meeting was filled with sarcastic remarks and snide comments, but somehow, we managed to get things done.

I knocked on his office door, hearing a muffled "Come in" from the other side. Pushing the door open, I stepped inside to find Joshua sitting behind his desk, papers scattered everywhere. His expression was as stoic as ever, but there was a flicker of something in his eyes when he saw me. Annoyance? Curiosity? It was hard to tell with him.

"You're late," he said, not looking up from his papers.

"Traffic," I replied nonchalantly, settling into the chair opposite him. "Shall we get started?"

He sighed, shuffling the papers into a somewhat organized pile. "Yes, let’s."

We dived into the project, discussing various aspects with our usual blend of sarcasm and professionalism. Our conversations were peppered with jabs and retorts, each of us trying to outdo the other in wit.

"I don’t see how this section adds any value," I said, pointing to a part of the document.

Joshua glanced at it, then at me. "Well, if you’d pay attention for once instead of daydreaming, you might understand."

I rolled my eyes. "Oh, please. Your writing is so dry it could put anyone to sleep."

He smirked, leaning back in his chair. "At least it's coherent, unlike your rambling thoughts."

We continued like this for a while, each pushing the other's buttons, but still managing to make progress. After an hour or so, Joshua suddenly changed the subject, his tone more curious than usual.

"So," he began, trying to sound casual. "What’s going on with you and Michael? Is he your boyfriend?"

I was taken aback by the question. Of all things, I hadn’t expected him to bring up Michael. "No, he’s not," I replied, my tone defensive. "Not that it’s any of your business."

Joshua raised an eyebrow, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You know, sometimes you forget that I’m your lecturer."

I couldn't help but mockingly mimic his formal tone. "Oh, I’m so sorry, sir."

He laughed, shaking his head. "You’re something else, Mercy. You’re all up in my business, asking about the women I hang out with, but you can’t even answer a simple question about your friend."

I crossed my arms, glaring at him playfully. "Fine. What do you want to know about Michael? He’s just an old friend. Happy now?"

"Delighted," he said dryly, though I could see he was satisfied with my answer.

We went back to our work, the tension easing slightly. It was strange how these little confrontations seemed to bring us closer, even if neither of us would admit it. Just as we were getting back into the groove, there was a knock on the door.

"Come in," Joshua called, not looking up from his papers.

The door opened to reveal Professor Adeyemi, Joshua’s uncle. He was a distinguished man with a kind smile, and he always seemed genuinely happy to see me. I stood up to greet him, a smile spreading across my face.

"Professor Adeyemi, it’s nice to see you," I said warmly.

"Mercy, always a pleasure," he replied, returning my smile. "How are you both?"

"Busy," Joshua muttered, but there was a hint of affection in his voice.

"We’re managing," I said more cheerfully.

"Good to hear," Professor Adeyemi said. "I actually came to invite you to my 60th birthday celebration next week, Mercy. It would be wonderful to have you there."

"I’d be honored," I said, genuinely touched by the invitation. "Thank you."

"My sister and her husband are coming in from Europe for the celebration," he continued. "It would be nice for you to meet them. Joshua has told his mother all about you."

I shot a glance at Joshua, who was suddenly very interested in a paper on his desk. "Oh, has he now?"

Professor Adeyemi chuckled. "Yes, he’s mentioned how you’ve been quite the challenge for him."

I couldn’t resist. "So, you report me to your mummy? That’s cute, Joshua."

Joshua rolled his eyes but couldn’t hide a smile. "Yes, Mercy. Since you often behave like a witch, I need my mummy's advice."

I chuckled. "I know."

Professor Adeyemi watched us with amusement, clearly enjoying the banter. "You two," he said, shaking his head. "Try not to kill each other before the party, alright?"

"We’ll try," Joshua said, a smirk on his face.

"Thank you for the invitation, Professor Adeyemi," I said, smiling.

"My pleasure, Mercy. I’ll see you both next week," he said, giving us one last look before leaving the office.

As soon as the door closed behind him, Joshua and I resumed our snarky comments, our earlier tension dissipating into something almost friendly. It was strange how our arguments had a way of breaking the ice, making things less awkward between us.

"You know," Joshua said after a while, "I think my uncle likes you more than he likes me."

"Who wouldn't?" I retorted. "I’m delightful."

He laughed, a genuine laugh that softened his features. "If you say so."

We went back to work, our interactions still filled with sarcasm and jabs, but there was a new understanding between us. Maybe we weren’t friends, but we weren’t just enemies either. We were somewhere in between, and for now, that was enough.