In the quiet hallway outside Dr. Olive Smith’s office, Scarlett reflects on a productive meeting with Dr. Smith, Zach, and Lukas. Zach chats sports with Lukas, then leaves, and Scarlett and Lukas linger in matching team gear, trading looks and tentative humor that underline their charged new dynamic.

Lukas brings up his recent email, offering to withdraw from the project if Scarlett is uncomfortable. Their banter turns teasing when Scarlett insists on calling Olive “Dr. Smith,” and Lukas jokes about her liking authority figures. They decide to own the fact that they know each other’s sexual preferences, flirt openly, and toy with the idea that they might be compatible.

They shift to academics. Lukas shares he’s been doing research with Dr. Smith for years, majoring in human biology and on a premed track. Scarlett admits she’s also premed. Lukas notes they shared large lectures last year and gently observes that Scarlett seemed to be struggling, a comment she resists but recognizes as perceptive.

Scarlett asks whether working together will be awkward, given her friendship with Pen and what she knows about Lukas. Lukas is unconcerned and praises Dr. Smith’s mentorship, mentioning her help with his medical school applications. They briefly compare training demands and results, with Lukas stating medals don’t necessarily reflect effort.

Deciding that collaborating isn’t uncomfortable, Scarlett agrees to continue the project with Lukas. He suggests dinner to catch her up on his progress, lightly guiding her toward the stairs as they leave together to discuss the research.