Late afternoon, after leaving the International Relations Ministry, Harrison and Mira found a small restaurant in the alley. It had a warm, inviting atmosphere—polished wooden tables, soft yellow lighting, and the comforting aroma of fresh bread and simmering broth. They settled into a corner table by the window. Outside, the city moved at its usual pace—cars passing, people walking briskly, a street musician playing a soft tune on the violin.

  Harrison leaned back slightly, studying his daughter with a subtle smile. "It’s good to see you in person again, Mira. Video calls don’t quite capture everything."

  Mira smiled as she reached for the menu. “It’s been a while.” She glanced up. “How are things at home? How’s Mom?”

  “She’s the same—always buried in her research,” Harrison chuckled. “But she made sure I didn’t come empty-handed.” He reached into his bag and placed ten neatly wrapped packages on the table. “For you and your friends. She thought you’d appreciate some good snacks.”

  Mira unwrapped the first one, revealing a small tin of truffle-infused chips. She raised an eyebrow. “Fancy.”

  “The best from home,” Harrison said.

  The second package contained matsutake rice crackers, the aroma subtly rich even through the packaging.

  The third—dried shiitake mushroom chips, light and crispy.

  The fourth—lion’s mane mushroom cookies, slightly sweet and earthy, known for their supposed cognitive benefits.

  The fifth—enoki mushroom snack sticks, crunchy and lightly salted.

  And the last—candied cordyceps, a rare treat with a mild caramelized flavor.

  Mira’s eyes lit up. “These will be gone in a day,” she said with a small laugh. “My friends are going to love them.”

  “They’re from your mother, so make sure to share,” Harrison reminded her with a knowing look.

  She smiled. “I will.”

  After ordering their food, there was a comfortable pause between them. Mira stirred her drink absentmindedly, then looked up at her father. “It was… nice, visiting all those places with you today.”

  Harrison nodded. “I thought it might give you a fresh perspective. There’s only so much you can learn from books and classrooms. Sometimes, seeing things firsthand makes all the difference.”

  Mira sighed, resting her chin on her hand. “It does. But it also makes me realize how complicated everything is.”

  Her father chuckled. “That’s what makes it interesting, doesn’t it?”

  She smirked. “That’s one way to put it.”

  Their food arrived—simple but hearty meals, warm soup, fresh bread, and a main dish of grilled fish with roasted vegetables. They ate unhurriedly, continuing their conversation, shifting between light topics and deeper ones.

  At one point, Mira paused, watching her father. “You always seem so calm about everything,” she said. “Like nothing ever shakes you.”

  Harrison took a sip of his drink, considering his response. “Experience helps. And knowing that no matter what happens, we adapt. That’s what people do.”

  Mira hummed thoughtfully, taking another bite.

  After finishing their meal, they lingered for a little while longer before Harrison finally checked his watch. “You should head to the airport soon.”

  Mira sighed but nodded. “Yeah.”

  As they stepped outside, the air was crisp, the late afternoon sun casting long shadows on the pavement. Harrison walked her to the car waiting to take her to the airport. Before she got in, he rested a hand lightly on her shoulder. “Take care of yourself, Mira.”

  She gave him a small, genuine smile. “You too, Dad.”

  And with that, she got in, carrying with her not just the gifts, but also the conversations and moments shared—a quiet strength that lingered as she headed back to school.

  ?

  Mira moved through the self-check-in process smoothly, the rhythm of travel familiar—until she glanced to her side and nearly choked on air.

  Adrian was there.

  For a split second, she wondered if she was hallucinating, the fatigue of the trip playing tricks on her mind. But no—he was undeniably real. Dressed neatly, suitcase standing sentinel beside him, his expression an unreadable mask. And judging by the microscopic widen of his eyes—a crack in his usual composure—he wasn’t expecting to see her either.

  They stared at each other. A brief, silent standoff amidst the terminal chaos.

  Mira regained her voice first. “What… are you doing here?”

  “I could ask you the same thing.”

  She narrowed her eyes, defensive instinct kicking in. “I’m flying back to school. Obviously.”

  “Then I suppose we have the same destination.” He glanced at the screen above the check-in counter, verifying the data. “Same flight, too.”

  Mira folded her arms. “Still didn’t answer my question.”

  Adrian gave a small, nonchalant shrug. “Neither did you.”

  Mira exhaled, realizing the futility of arguing with a wall. “Fine.” She glanced around at the busy terminal, then back at him. “Shouldn’t you be in one of those VIP lounges? First class, business class, private room, whatever you rich geniuses use?”

  Adrian tilted his head slightly, the ghost of a smile touching his lips as if amused by her stereotype.

  “I could,” he said, his gaze locking onto hers. “But since you’re here, let’s sit.”

  The decision was simple, immediate. Without waiting for her response, he pulled his expensive suitcase toward the common waiting area—the land of hard plastic chairs and crowded spaces—and took a seat.

  Mira hesitated, watching him settle into the mundane setting as if he belonged there. She followed, plopping down into the chair beside him. The space between their shoulders was mere inches, a private pocket of silence in the bustling room.

  She stole a glance at him as he scrolled through something on his phone, completely relaxed in her company.

  The airport buzzed with the usual hum of activity—announcements overhead, the shuffle of travelers, the occasional rolling of suitcases. But in their little radius, the noise seemed to fade. Mira let the silence stretch, comfortable rather than awkward, before finally breaking it.

  “I met my dad,” she said, shifting slightly in her seat, leaning just a fraction closer. “We spent some time together, and he took me to the national library.”

  Adrian glanced at her, looking up from his screen with mild interest. “The underground one?”

  “Yeah. Have you been?”

  He nodded. “A few times.”

  Of course, he had. Mira wasn’t even surprised. It fit him perfectly.

  “What about you?” she asked, “Why are you here?”

  Adrian’s answer was brief, guarding his privacy. “Had a meeting to attend.”

  Mira debated pushing further but decided against it. The equilibrium between them was too nice to disturb. Instead, she reached into her bag, the crinkle of plastic sounding loud in the quiet between them. She hesitated for a second, then pulled out a small bundle of packaged snacks.

  She turned to him, holding them out like a peace offering.

  “Here.”

  Adrian looked at the bag, then at her, eyebrows slightly raised. “What is this?”

  “Mushroom-based snacks,” she said, almost too casually. “My mom sent them.”

  His gaze flicked to the assortment of unfamiliar packaging, analyzing the contents. “Mushroom snacks?”

  “Yes.”

  “You have… an entire bundle.”

  “Yes.”

  Adrian studied them for a moment, as if assessing whether this was a prank or a dietary experiment. Then, with deliberate precision, he reached for one. Lion’s mane cookies.

  He turned the package in his hands, reading the label with the gravity of a scientist examining a rare specimen.

  “Lion’s mane…” he murmured. “It’s known for its neuroprotective properties. Improves cognitive function, supports nerve regeneration—” He stopped, a smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. “Your mother sent you brain-boosting cookies.”

  Mira blinked, then scowled. “It’s just a snack.”

  “A very specific one.”

  She huffed. “She probably just thought they’d taste good.”

  Adrian tapped the package thoughtfully. “Or she’s making sure you have every possible edge in that debate.”

  “She didn’t even know about the debate when she sent them.”

  “Then maybe it’s fate.”

  She gave him a look. “Oh, shut up.”

  Adrian chuckled softly—a rare, genuine sound—then opened the package. He broke off a piece of the cookie and took a bite. His expression remained neutral, but Mira, watching him closely, caught the subtle nod of approval.

  Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.

  “Not bad,” he admitted.

  “Told you.”

  Adrian studied her for a moment, the cookie forgotten in his hand. “So, your mother is a mycologist, huh? That explains why your mom sent you a whole collection of mushroom-based snacks.”

  Mira nodded, pride warming her voice. “She’s been researching fungi for years. Different species, medicinal properties, their role in ecosystems... She’s obsessed.”

  Adrian smirked slightly. “Seems like it runs in the family.”

  Mira scoffed under her breath, but didn’t deny it. The accusation was too accurate.

  “What’s her focus?” he asked, more seriously this time. The teasing was gone, replaced by genuine intellectual curiosity.

  Mira thought for a moment. “Lately, she’s been studying fungal bioengineering—applications in medicine, sustainable materials, things like that. But she also researches rare fungi with unique properties.”

  Adrian tilted his head slightly, fully engaged. “Such as?”

  “Some species with antimicrobial properties, some with potential for neurological treatments... She’s always excited about fungi that interact with other organisms in unusual ways.”

  “I’ve worked with some rare fungal compounds in my own research.”

  Mira blinked, surprised by the overlap. “You have?”

  He nodded. “Certain fungi produce bioactive compounds that influence neurotransmission. Some are being studied for their potential in neurodegenerative diseases, cognitive enhancement, even psychiatric treatments. One strain I worked with had properties that interacted with synaptic plasticity—enhancing memory retention in controlled doses.”

  Mira stared at him. “You’re saying mushrooms can make you smarter?”

  Adrian gave her an amused look. “I wouldn’t put it that simply. But they can influence neurochemistry in ways we’re only beginning to understand.”

  She leaned back in her seat, crossing her arms, looking at him with new eyes. “Huh. I wonder if my mom’s research ever crossed paths with yours.”

  “Maybe,” Adrian said, his tone casual, though his eyes held a glint of recognition. “Is your mother Clara Larkspur?”

  Mira paused for a beat of absolute surprise, then nodded.

  “I think I’ve come across some of her work.” He said.

  Mira straightened in her chair. “Seriously?”

  “Mm. A paper on fungal-derived bioactive compounds in neurological applications. It was a solid study.”

  Mira blinked again, processing the information. The boy sitting next to her, eating her snacks in a generic airport waiting area, was familiar with her mother's obscure scientific papers.

  “…You read my mom’s research.”

  “I read a lot,” Adrian said simply.

  Mira shook her head in disbelief. “This is so weird.”

  "How is your ankle?" Adrian leaned back. His gaze drifted downward, pausing at her feet.

  Mira looked down at her leg. The bandage was already gone; no wonder why he asked.

  "Oh," she said. "It healed, completely. I can walk normally now."

  She could sense the surprise in Adrian's eyes. Even he couldn't hide it.

  She knew it took around two to four weeks for a person to heal a sprained ankle, but for her, it counted in days. A mild sprain was nothing compared with her countless broken bones.

  Adrian studied her face, his shock settling into a clinical curiosity.

  "Your bones heal fast," he said. "Like mycelium."

  Mira asked, "Like how?"

  "Cellular fusion takes thirty to sixty minutes," Adrian explained, his tone shifting into lecture mode. "If you slice a mycelial block, the network stitches itself back into a solid unit within twelve to twenty-four hours." He paused, his voice lowering slightly. "But for a human... that efficiency resembles dark magic."

  Mira shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips.

  "I'm blessed by fungi, you know."

  Mira hesitated, the playful smile vanishing as the reality of her slip-up hit her.

  "You have to keep this a secret," she said, her voice dropping. "No one is supposed to know."

  Adrian looked at her, his expression remaining perfectly flat.

  "Then you’d better fake a limp in front of the class," he said calmly. "Otherwise, everyone will figure it out the second they see you walk."

  Mira stared at him, searching his face for a trace of irony. She couldn't tell if he was serious or just messing with her—he didn't smile at all.

  ?

  Mira settled into her seat, exhaling softly as the plane began taxiing. She glanced out the window, watching the airport shrink as they ascended into the sky.

  As expected, the rich had their own way. Adrian had entered through a separate gate, would enjoy his flight in a more spacious seat, and would likely leave through a different exit altogether. He existed in a different world—one of privilege, exclusivity, and absolute confidence.

  Mira sighed and leaned against the window. Maybe she should have kept a pack of those mushroom cookies for herself. If Lion’s Mane really helped with cognitive function, she could probably use an extra boost.

  She smiled to herself. Her mom would probably approve.

  ?

  As Mira stepped out of the airport doors, the cool breeze of the evening brushed against her face, carrying the scent of the city. She adjusted her bag, ready to navigate the rush alone, when—

  Her steps faltered.

  Standing near the entrance, hands tucked in his pockets, was Adrian.

  She blinked. He should have vanished. With his resources and efficiency, he should be in a private car, halfway across the city by now. Yet here he was, leaning against a pillar with casual patience, watching the crowd as if he had nowhere else to be.

  The thought hung in the air, impossible but undeniable.

  She shook it off, flushing slightly, and walked past him toward the station. Adrian fell into step beside her without a word, a silent shadow. Somehow, by an unspoken agreement, they ended up in the same carriage, sitting side by side as the train rattled into motion.

  The silence between them was filled with a strange, companionable weight. Mira stole a glance at him. He looked composed as ever, his profile reflected in the dark glass as he watched the scenery blur by.

  Then a realization hit her.

  This trip had nothing to do with Adrian. And yet, the universe seemed determined to stitch them together. From the check-in counter to the plastic chairs, and now this swaying train car.

  Mira could already hear the screeching. The interrogation. They wouldn’t let this go until graduation. But at least she had proof—her mother’s mushroom snacks. That bizarre variable might be just enough to distract them. Probably.

  She exhaled, the sound loud in the small space. She glanced at Adrian. The silence was nice, but she needed to check reality.

  “…You really eat those cookies?” she asked, breaking the silence.

  Adrian turned his gaze to her, his expression serious. “Of course. Your mother sent them.”

  She narrowed her eyes, trying to find the joke. “That doesn’t answer my question.”

  “They were surprisingly decent,” Adrian simply answered.

  Mira scoffed, a small smile fighting to break through. Before she could respond, the train announced their next stop. The campus was getting closer.

  Maybe this was fine. No debates, no teasing—just a train ride, the rhythmic clatter of the tracks, and the warmth of his shoulder just inches from hers.

  As they stepped off the train, the campus lights glowed softly in the evening air, casting long shadows on the pavement. Mira clutched her bag a little tighter. The coincidence of the day settled around them like a comfortable blanket.

  As they reached the dorm building, Adrian moved ahead slightly. He pushed the heavy door open and held it, waiting for her to pass.

  Mira hesitated for half a second, feeling the intimacy of the gesture, before stepping through. "Thanks," she murmured.

  He gave a slight nod, following her inside.

  The hallway lay in a deep stillness—a typical state for the Honors Dorm. Here, the residents were ghosts; third and fourth years had long since vanished into twenty-four-hour research labs, corporate internships, or the depths of the library. Since moving in, Mira had barely encountered a single soul.

  It made the building feel deserted, a private world that currently seemed to exist only for the two of them.

  Their rooms were just across from each other, and without needing to say anything more, they naturally walked side by side down the hall, their footsteps falling in sync. It felt dangerously domestic.

  Mira reached her door first and turned slightly. The day’s fatigue washed over her, softening her edges.

  “Good night,” she said.

  Adrian stopped. He looked toward her, then his gaze drifted to the bag still in her arms—the empty vessel of the mushroom snacks. A rare, playful smirk curved the corner of his mouth.

  “Don’t overdose on cognitive enhancement,” he remarked dryly.

  Mira let out a sigh of amused resignation. She couldn't even fight back; he had won this round. She just shook her head, fighting a grin, stepped into her room, and closed the door.

  Finally alone, she leaned back against the door, staring at the ceiling.

  That was… unexpected.

  She let out a long breath. She would deal with the implications later. For now, a short rest. Then, dinner—and the inevitable chaos of her friends, who would undoubtedly demand every single detail.

  ?

  [Group Chat: The Chaos Crew]

  Naomi: Miraaa, you back yet?

  Elara: Dinner at the usual spot, right?

  Luca: I expect a full debrief. How was the trip? Did your dad drop any wisdom bombs on you?

  Elias: More importantly, did you bring souvenirs?

  Valeria: She literally said she’s bringing the mushroom snacks. Focus, Elias.

  Elias: Just making sure. What if she ate them all on the way?

  Camille: Mira wouldn’t betray us like that. Right, Mira?

  Naomi: Also, no running off last minute. We’re eating together. No excuses.

  Elara: Yeah, you’re on time, right?

  Luca: She better be. Otherwise, we start without her and take her share of the snacks.

  Mira: I’m back. Heading to my room first. See you guys at dinner.

  Valeria: Good. Now hurry up, I’m starving.

  The dining hall was already buzzing with life when Mira arrived. The usual corner table was occupied by familiar faces—Naomi waving her over, Elara scooting to make space, and Luca dramatically patting an empty seat beside him.

  "Ah, our world traveler returns," Luca declared. "Tell us, did your father introduce you to any top-secret government projects?"

  "Or better yet," Elias smirked, "did you bring all the snacks, or did you get hungry on the way?"

  Mira set the bag on the table. "I told you, I brought everything. Now be grateful."

  Naomi pulled the bag closer, peering inside. "Ooh, what do we have here?"

  "Six kinds of mushroom-based snacks," Mira said, leaning back as they dove in. "My mom sent them from home."

  Camille picked up a packet of shiitake chips, inspecting it with interest. "These actually look really good."

  Luca grabbed the lion’s mane cookies, reading the label. "Brain-boosting cookies? Is your mom trying to make sure you don’t fail your classes?"

  Mira laughed. "Something like that. She’s a mycologist, so she takes mushrooms very seriously."

  Elara picked up a reishi chocolate bar, breaking off a piece. "Wow, your mom has good taste."

  "You all are missing the real treasure." Valeria held up the cordyceps energy bar. "This is supposed to boost stamina. Maybe I should eat it before my morning runs."

  Elias, already chewing on a matsutake cracker, nodded in approval. "Not bad. Kinda earthy, but good."

  Naomi leaned in, watching Mira closely. "So, what else happened on your trip? You said it was just to meet your dad, right?"

  Mira swallowed, keeping her expression neutral. "Yep. Visited the House of Commons, saw some cool places. Nothing special."

  Camille raised an eyebrow. "Uh-huh. And you came back alone?"

  Mira sipped her drink. "Of course."

  Luca smirked. "That was a very fast answer."

  Mira stayed silent, casually reaching for the shiitake chips as the conversation shifted to classes, assignments, and campus events. She listened, glad they weren’t pressing her for details.

  She had survived. No one needed to know that she somehow ended up on the same flight, the same train, and walking back to the dorms with Adrian.

  And if they did find out?

  Well, she had a bag of snacks to keep them distracted.

  The dining hall buzzed with conversation, but Mira kept her focus on her plate. Across the room, the TV screen flickered with the evening news.

  "Today in Nova Astris, the Ministry of Health and Medicine hosted a high-level meeting on national healthcare advancements. Experts gathered to discuss breakthroughs in regenerative medicine, AI-driven diagnostics, and cutting-edge treatments for neurodegenerative diseases. Among them was Adrian Vale, the youngest attendee at the table, whose research contributions have already drawn international attention."

  The camera cut to the conference room, showing Adrian seated among a group of senior professionals. His usual composed expression remained, but the weight of the discussion was evident in his sharp gaze.

  "Vale’s insights into AI-assisted drug discovery and personalized medicine have been recognized as key to shaping the future of medical innovation."

  The table fell silent.

  Camille let out a low whistle. "Well, damn."

  "He’s really sitting there with the big names," Elias muttered.

  Luca, casually scrolling through his messages, suddenly stopped. His eyebrows furrowed slightly.

  "...Wait a second." He leaned back in his chair, tapping his fingers on the table. "Mira, where exactly did you say you were going today?"

  Mira, mid-bite into her mushroom snack, stiffened. She swallowed slowly. "...Nova Astris."

  Luca exhaled sharply, shaking his head. "That’s what I thought."

  Camille leaned in, smirking. "So, what are the chances that you and Adrian, two students who supposedly have nothing to do with each other, accidentally crossed paths today?"

  Mira nearly choked. She grabbed her drink, gulping it down, and waved a hand dismissively. "Ridiculous. Zero. That didn’t happen."

  Valeria raised an eyebrow. "You denied that way too fast."

  Elias chuckled. "Suspiciously fast, actually."

  Luca grinned. "Mira. Did you or did you not see Adrian Vale today?"

  Mira shoved another snack into her mouth. "Absolutely not."

  Her friends exchanged knowing glances.

  Mira groaned, sinking into her chair. She was doomed.

  ?

  Restorative Medicine Journal, 2021).

  ScienceDirect, 2023). A few years later, erinacines from the mycelium were shown to be even stronger NGF stimulators (MDPI, 2023). ????

  They may be good for your brain. Just… don’t overdose like a certain someone. ????

  Get ready.