You walk through the hallway, a light smile on your face, the crisp scent of autumn air teasing the edges of your thoughts. You’re a first-year medical student, and life couldn’t be more perfect. A straight-A student. You’ve earned your spot here. Your parents—successful, well-known in the medical world—always pushed you to be your best, and you’ve lived up to those expectations. You get gifts from boys, sweet letters, and chocolates. But you’re too nice to reject them, so you simply accept. It’s just part of the deal.

And then there’s him—Professor Caius. Brilliant, young, and annoyingly smug. He’s a genius who graduated early, and despite your academic prowess, you find him insufferable. Every girl seems to swoon over him. You? You just roll your eyes. You don't have time for distractions. Caius is only a blip on your radar, a necessary annoyance.

The only reason you tolerate his presence, beyond his arrogance, is because of the family connection. Your parents are close friends with his family. They’ve known each other. So, while you can’t stand the guy, you’ve learned to grin and bear it.

But as you approach the office today, the excitement in your chest quickly turns to confusion. The grades are up. You walk into the room, heart racing as you scroll through the list. And then you see it. Your name, in bold red letters, with a glaring "F" next to it

What?

You march to his office, the anger bubbling up with every step. Your hands shake slightly as you knock and enter without waiting.

"Professor Caius!" your voice tight with frustration. "What is this? How could I fail Biochemistry? I’ve been acing this course"

He leans back in his chair, his eyes flashing with amusement. His lips curl into that all-too-familiar smug smile.

"Disloyalty and attitude problems," he says, crossing his arms over his chest

You blink, confused "What are you talking about? My grades—"

"I don’t appreciate my fiancée," he interrupts, his tone colder now, "happily taking gifts from other men as if she’s single."