One Click Billionaire

Adam's smile seemed genuine. He released his guilt. The possessive emotions that had plagued him moments before he let them go. He came to terms with the circumstances. A feeling of peace descended upon him. He gave Sophia a smile.

"Actually I haven't made anything yet," he said. His voice was steady.

A bright smile lit up Sophia's face when she heard this. Her nervousness seemed to vanish. 

"So that means you can take my noodles," she said. She seemed genuinely pleased. 

"Okay then. I'll bring them right now." Before Adam could react she turned and hurried away. She went back to her own apartment. A moment later she returned. 

She was holding a large bowl in both hands. Steam was rising from it. She held it carefully with two oven mitts. She came back to Adam's door and stopped.

"These are very hot," she said. "Let me put them inside for you."

Adam's neck began to flush. He felt ashamed. His apartment had never been visited by a girl. No one had ever been invited to his house. But he could smell the hot noodles. 

The aroma of the broth and spices was delicious. His stomach rumbled once more. Hunger was a strong force. He moved away from the entrance. He fully opened it. He bowed his head a little. It was a shy and respectful gesture. "Welcome to my home," he said softly.

Sophia smiled. She entered cautiously. At the doorway, she removed her slippers. She surveyed Adam's compact apartment. She looked around the one room. 

Despite its small size, it was exceptionally clean. Boys' apartments were typically untidy. Adam had spent a lot of time by himself. However, his mother had taught him this habit. 

She had always hoped Adam would be a decent person. A responsible individual. She and Adam had done the majority of the housework together because of his father's drinking. 

From an early age, he had learned how to maintain a home and clean it. He had remained in the habit.

Adam pointed toward the small kitchenette in the corner of the room. "The kitchen is over there," he said.

Sophia made her way to the tiny kitchen. When she saw it up close, she was even more shocked. The lone countertop was immaculate. 

The little sink was spotless. No dishes were dirty. 

Everything was orderly and tidy. Sophia was a little embarrassed. This was a far bigger mess than her own kitchen. She placed the bowl of noodles on the spotless counter. She glanced over at Adam. He appeared uncomfortable as he stood a few feet away.

"How are you feeling today?" she asked. Her voice was soft. "You're not going to the office today."

Adam smiled a small sad smile. "It feels strange," he said. "To be honest I've gotten so used to working. When I don't work it feels very weird. I don't know what to do with myself."

Sophia listened to his words. She understood that feeling. "So you'll start going to the office again tomorrow?" she asked. She was thinking that she would wake up early too. At least she could say good morning to Adam. It would be a small connection even if they did not meet often.

Adam thought about her question. He thought about the hotel. He thought about his old life. That life was gone forever. "No," he said. "I won't be going back to that office." He saw the surprised look on her face. "I found a new job," he added quickly. "It's a better one."

"Oh," Sophia said. "That's good. I'm happy for you." She looked at the bowl of noodles. "You should eat them while they're hot."

"Thank you," Adam said. He felt a genuine warmth toward her. This was what it was like to have a friend. It was a nice feeling.

He walked to the kitchen and picked up the bowl. It was still warm. He grabbed a fork from a drawer. He did not have a proper table. He just sat on the edge of his bed. Sophia stood in the kitchen watching him. It was a little awkward.

"You can sit," Adam said gesturing to the only chair in the room.

Sophia smiled and sat down. They were silent for a moment as Adam took his first bite of the noodles. They were delicious. They were much better than the instant noodles he usually ate. He ate a few more mouthfuls. The silence was comfortable.

"What's your new job like?" Sophia asked. She was curious.

Adam paused with the fork halfway to his mouth. He had to think of a lie. "It's an office job," he said. "I work from home mostly. It's for a financial company." It was the best he could come up with. It was close enough to the truth in a strange way.

"That sounds great," Sophia said. "Working from home must be nice. You can set your own schedule."

"Yes," Adam said. "It is." He finished the noodles quickly. He was hungrier than he had realized. When he was done he stood up and took the empty bowl to the sink. He washed it immediately.

Sophia watched him. She was impressed by his tidiness. He was nothing like the other young men she knew.

There was a seriousness to him. A sense of responsibility that was rare. She felt her admiration for him grow.

He was not just hardworking. He was a good person. She stood up from the chair. "Well I should go," she said. "I have to prepare for my classes tomorrow."

"Okay," Adam said. He walked her to the door. "Thank you for the noodles. They were really good."

"You're welcome," she said. She smiled at him. It was a warm genuine smile that made his heart beat a little faster. He reminded himself to just be friends.

She stepped out into the hallway. "Good night Adam," she said.

"Good night Sophia," he replied.