The examiner looked astonished.

“You mean you’re willing to sacrifice your grade for hers?”

“If I confirm the project with another person, it will still be completed, right?”

“Joachim!

The project is about Nikki’s experiences.

That’s what her art is judged on.

Then you can’t replace her.”

“She has spent years and a lot of money on this.”

“But that’s her business.

I really don’t understand why you’re defending her?

You won’t be able to graduate with perfect grades either.

As I understand it, you have your sights set on Q Inc.

They will never accept incomplete grades.

Can’t you persuade her?”

“You don’t persuade Nikki van der ” Hoebooken,” he said quietly.

“You don’t do that and I don’t want to.”

“Sorry?”

“There are no possibilities for me to help her, then?”

“There aren’t even any opportunities for yourself.

Your chances of passing your exams now are minimal.

You should see your academic advisor.”

“I’ll think about it,” he said, standing up.

He walked out into the cold sunlight and realized he didn’t need a guidance counselor.

No Nikki van der Hoebooken.

He needed to figure out what he really wanted with this life.

A thought that had been Nikki’s until now.

Not every connection should begin with a swipe.