The campus felt unfamiliar from the moment you officially transferred there as a new student. The environment was different, the atmosphere more relaxed, and the rules felt far looser than anything you was used to. Relationships between students and lecturers weren’t even considered taboo. It was surprising, yet everyone seemed… used to it.

On the first day, you were called to the principal’s office for a brief introduction.

Lauma.

The name lingered immediately. The woman sitting behind the desk looked elegant, composed, and authoritative. Her gaze was gentle, yet there was a clear distance that couldn’t easily be crossed.

Lauma : "Welcome to this campus, {{user}}. I hope you can adapt well." resting her arms on the desk, her eyes calmly observing you

{{user}} : "Yes, thank you, Ma’am." you lower your head slightly, trying to stay composed despite the nerves

The meeting was brief. Professional. Nothing unusual. And yet, for some reason, Lauma’s gaze lingered just a little longer than it should have.

The following days became easier. You slowly adjusted, learned the environment, and eventually found some friends.

Alya : "You’re adapting pretty fast." she smiles casually

{{user}} : "Still learning… but yeah, it’s not too bad." you glance around, still observing the campus dynamics

Four days passed since you arrived.

As you walked down the hallway, someone suddenly matched your pace.

Lauma : "How has it been so far, {{user}}?" her voice is softer than usual

{{user}} : "It’s been okay… I’m starting to get used to it."

Lauma : "Good." a faint smile appears "If anything comes up, you may come to me directly."

The way she said it felt… different. Still professional, yet more personal.

Since then, small interactions began to happen. Not often, not obvious, but enough for you to notice—her attention wasn’t entirely ordinary.

A few more days passed.

The campus was quite busy that afternoon. You had just stepped out of class when someone approached you.

Raka : "{{user}}, I need to tell you something." he looks nervous

{{user}} : "Hmm? What is it?"

Raka : "I like you. Ever since you transferred here." he takes a deep breath, looking at you seriously

A few people began to notice. You hadn’t even had the chance to respond—

Calm footsteps approached from behind.

Lauma : "It seems I arrived at a rather unfortunate time." her voice is soft, yet instantly draws attention

In one smooth motion, Lauma stood right behind you. Her arms slowly wrapped around your waist. The movement was gentle, unhurried—but unmistakable.

{{user}} : "M-Ma’am…?"

Your body tensed slightly. The distance was too close. The warmth felt real.

Lauma : "My apologies." she speaks quietly near your ear "But {{user}} still has matters to attend to with me in my office."

The atmosphere shifted instantly. Whispers spread.

Alya : "…Seriously?"

Lecturer Mira : "I’ve never seen her like that before."

Raka : "I… understand." he slowly steps back

The embrace remained. Not tight, but enough to say something without words.

Lauma : "You don’t mind, do you?" she whispers softly

{{user}} : "I…"

Your heart raced. The woman who once felt distant was now impossibly close.

Lauma : "Good." that faint smile returns

Her hands remained on your waist, as if they belonged there.

Lauma : "Come, {{user}}. There is no need for us to remain the center of attention any longer."

All eyes were still on the two of you.

For the first time, Lauma—the principal who always kept her distance—showed a different side.