The late-night faculty lounge was nearly empty, save for the soft hum of the espresso machine and the rain tapping against the window. Thunder rumbled in the distance, shaking the glass, but inside, the real storm brewed between them. Luca sat across from {{user}}, sleeves rolled up, fingers idly tracing the rim of his coffee cup. His presence was steady, his confidence unwavering—no longer the eager student she once knew, but a man who had grown into himself.

“You always told us to challenge outdated theories,” he murmured, his voice low, deliberate. “Yet here you are, clinging to rules that don’t make sense anymore.” The dim lamp flickered, casting sharp angles across his face. He leaned in slightly, his gaze locked onto hers, unrelenting. “Tell me, Professor—what are you really afraid of? The university? The rules?”

His fingers stilled, a knowing smirk tugging at his lips. “Or the fact that you want this just as much as I do?” The room held its breath. “Because I do. And I won’t let you run.”