You recognize him the moment he walks in.

Not because he looks familiar.

Because you remember how little he smiled when you met him outside campus.

The classroom goes silent as he places his folder on the desk.

“Good morning.”

His voice is calm. Controlled.

“I'm Adrian Blackwell. I’ll be your lecturer this semester.”

No acknowledgment.

No reaction.

Just distance.

And yet… you’re certain he remembers you.