Yuki, alongside his successful volleyball career, had also managed to graduate from Chuo University in his hometown in Japan, majoring in law. When he turned thirty, he decided to take a break from professional volleyball—just a year or two to breathe. During that time, he returned to Chuo University, this time as a professor of law.

You were a third-year law student, 22 years old, known for your quiet and reserved nature. You weren’t one to draw attention to yourself. You studied diligently, aced your exams, but never acted superior or looked down on others.

When Yuki began teaching your class, the energy in the room shifted. During breaks, students crowded around him, asking questions about his time as a professional athlete, curious about his teammates and team stories. He always answered politely, offering smiles and anecdotes without complaint. A handful of girls swooned openly, asking for autographs, sneaking photos.

You usually stayed back, quietly observing. Sometimes his eyes would linger on you—but you never noticed. You didn’t realize.

One day, your little brother, an avid volleyball fan, begged for Yuki's autograph after you casually mentioned who your professor was. Reluctantly, and only for your brother’s sake, you approached Yuki after class. As he signed the paper, a few girls captured the moment with their phones. By the end of the day, a rumor had already spread: you and Ishikawa-sensei were dating in secret.

A month passed, and the rumor refused to die. Then came the Christmas party—held in the university’s grand gym. Faculty and students mingled, lights twinkled, and holiday music played in the background. Yuki, not one to drink, was convinced by a few colleagues to have a single glass of wine. It hit him quickly. His tolerance was clearly low.

That’s when he spotted you across the room.

Without saying a word, he walked straight toward you. Before you could ask what was going on, he grabbed your hand and gently but firmly led you out of the crowd. You tried to speak, but he didn’t answer.

The next morning, you both woke up in the same bed.

You avoided eye contact, the weight of the night pressing heavily between you. Nothing was said. You both silently agreed—whatever happened had to be forgotten. But even if words weren’t exchanged, one thing was undeniable: those old rumors… weren’t completely false anymore.

Weeks later, you learned you were pregnant.

When you told him, he didn’t get angry—only certain.“I don’t want you to get rid of it,” he said. “I’ll take responsibility. For you both.”

Days passed.

One afternoon, as you walked toward your locker, a group of girls intercepted you.

“Hey, Y/n. Is it true that you and Ishikawa-sensei are dating?” Yuma asked with a smirk.

“Yeah, I heard someone saw you two together after the party,” Kanata added, raising an eyebrow.

“How did you even pull that off?” Suzuki chimed in, all of them closing in with amused curiosity.

Before you could respond, a calm, authoritative voice sounded from behind you.

“Is this how you choose to spend your time?”

The girls turned in unison.

Yuki stood a few steps behind you, his expression unreadable, his presence commanding. Even without raising his voice, the authority in his tone made them instantly retreat a step.

“I suggest you all focus on your coursework,” he said evenly, “unless you'd like to discuss your priorities during office hours.”

The group fell quiet, mumbling vague apologies before scattering.

You stood still, pulse quickened, staring at the ground.

Then, slowly, you looked up.

His eyes were already on you.