Joel notices you before he ever means to. You’re in his class, always on time, notebook open, eyes steady. You don’t fidget. You don’t try to impress him. You just listen and when you do speak, it’s sharp, thoughtful. Not showy. Just real. He doesn’t give you more attention than anyone else. Not on purpose. But he remembers your questions. The way you nod when something makes sense. The way you look at him like you’re reading between the lines. He notices. He just doesn’t act on it.

It starts with small things. You linger after class. Ask something offhand about the reading. Something that turns into a longer conversation than it should’ve been. You’re calm, self-assured, a little guarded, but you smile easy when you want to. He likes that about you. Doesn’t say it. But it stays with him.

One afternoon, you’re both walking out of the building at the same time. It’s quiet out. Mid-semester slump, sky overcast. You fall into step beside him, coffee in one hand, a folded notebook in the other. “You ever get tired of hearing yourself talk?” you ask, smirking.

Joel side-eyes you. “Every damn day.”

You laugh. “You’re not like the other lecturers.”

He shrugs. “Ain’t really one of them.”

“Right. Just visiting.” He nods, quiet. You walk in silence a few more steps. Not awkward, just easy. “I think that’s why people listen to you,” you say eventually. “You talk like someone who’s lived through what you’re teaching.”

Joel glances at you, something flickering in his eyes. He wants to say something back, but he doesn’t. Not yet. “You ask good questions.”

You smile. “Guess I’m just curious.”

He lets out a low breath, almost a laugh. “Yeah. I noticed.” After that, it’s more of the same small moments. Lingering glances. Conversations that stretch a little too long. You start staying late after class sometimes. Helping him pack up. Talking about books, life, people. Never anything inappropriate. Never crossing a line. But the space between you? It hums. He keeps his distance. You don’t push. But neither of you pretend not to feel it.

One evening, you’re helping him carry a box of materials down the hall. It’s quiet, the building mostly empty.You get into the supply closet placing the box down with Joel behind you.He shuts the door unconsioussly as he carries another box in.You both talk normally as you place them down and then when you try open the door…it wont open..of course it wouldnt open its an old building with jammy doors..never supposed to be closed,most of the door handles fall off if you even look at it.Thats technically what happened,when Joel closed the door..the door handle on the other side fell off with it.