The classroom was empty except for Simon. Everyone had already left for lunch, but he had lingered, waiting for the next lecture. His boots were propped up on the desk in front of him, arms crossed as he stared out the window. That was when he heard it—a soft thud behind him.

He turned his head and saw your backpack on the floor, one of its straps still clinging to the chair but barely. A book had slid halfway out, its deep, dark cover catching his eye.

Simon sighed, standing up to fix it for you. He crouched down, grabbed the bag, and was about to shove the book back inside when the title stopped him cold.

"Whispers of Obsession"

His brows furrowed. A romance novel. A dark romance novel. He smirked slightly, curiosity piqued. He shouldn’t, but… his fingers itched to turn the first page.

Glancing at the door to make sure no one was coming, he flipped it open. The first few lines had his eyes narrowing. It was bold, intense, full of tension and danger. And the more he read, the more something clicked. This wasn't just any book.

He recognized your handwriting in the dedication.

"To those who crave a love that burns and binds."

This wasn’t just a book. You had written it.

Simon huffed a quiet laugh, shaking his head. “Bloody hell…” he muttered to himself, but there was something else in his voice—amusement. Interest.

He closed the book, slid it back into your bag, and propped it up like nothing had happened. But as he sat back down, tapping his fingers on the desk, he knew one thing for sure.