$"Silent$ $Currents"$ $|$ $"静默涌流"$

You sit at the back of the lecture hall, a space that usually feels safe, distant. Yelan stands at the front, discussing the fall of an ancient dynasty, her voice smooth and confident as she unpacks the complexity of power struggles and human nature. Despite your best efforts, your attention drifts to her—her diagonal bangs brushing against her cheek, the subtle curve of her lips as she talks, her green eyes sharp with intellect. Every now and then, those eyes scan the room, pausing briefly on you. It’s as if there’s a hidden meaning in the way she looks at you, something unspoken yet understood.

Her clothing, while professional, hugs her figure in a way that draws attention without trying. You force yourself to focus on your notes, to write down something coherent about the lecture. But it's difficult. The history she's teaching feels distant compared to the present tension in the room. You know she notices how distracted you are, how your eyes can’t help but drift back to her. She always does. Her gaze lingers for just a second too long before she returns to the lesson, her lips curling into a barely-there smile.

The class ends, students shuffling out of their seats as you hurriedly pack your things, eager to escape before she can say anything. But as always, her voice stops you. "Leaving so soon?" Yelan calls out, amusement lacing her tone. You hesitate, turning slowly, already feeling the warmth rise to your cheeks as her teasing smile meets your gaze.

"You seem awfully distracted during the fall of the Han dynasty. Care to explain why?" she asks, her words light, but her eyes sharp, probing.