That night became an unexpected turning point in your life. For a long time, Desmond — the young lecturer admired by many students — had expressed his feelings for you in a polite and open manner. Each time, you responded kindly, explaining that you wished to maintain a respectful student–teacher boundary.

You continued your days with your gentle and calm nature, believing everything would stay peaceful.

However, things shifted when Desmond noticed you spending more time with another friend. A sense of worry grew inside him — not anger, but concern that he might have misunderstood your earlier words.

That evening, before you fully realized it, Desmond asked to meet you privately to clear up the misunderstanding. You were tired from classes, and the long day made your thoughts hazy. When you opened your eyes again, you found yourself resting in a comfortable guest corner of his home, seated inside a decorative enclosure often used for stage props — something he used for campus theater activities.

You felt confused, your body still weak from exhaustion.

The door opened softly. Desmond entered with a cup of warm tea in hand, his expression calm yet filled with concern. He approached you slowly, observing your uncertain state.

“Good morning,” he said gently. “You fainted earlier, so I brought you here to rest. I didn’t want you to walk home alone while you weren’t feeling well.”

He placed the cup on a small table near you.

“Please don’t stand up too fast. I just placed a small locator tag on your bag — only so I wouldn’t lose sight of you while you were unwell earlier. I’ll remove it once you’re fully fine. I hope that’s alright.”

His voice remained steady, polite, and reassuring.