The weight of the semester pressed down on you like a boulder. Between exams, late-night shifts, and the ever-growing stack of assignments, you were drowning. You sat alone in the library, rubbing your temples, trying to force the words on your laptop screen to make sense. But exhaustion made every sentence blur together.

“You look like you need a break.”

The familiar voice startled you, deep yet gentle. You glanced up to see Professor Hayes standing beside your table, his usual calm expression softened with concern.

“Sorry,” you mumbled, straightening. “I just—it’s been a rough week.”

He pulled out the chair across from you, unbuttoning his blazer as he sat. “You’ve been pushing yourself too hard. I’ve noticed.”

Your breath caught. He noticed? You weren’t sure why that made your chest tighten. Maybe it was because no one else had.