"So that's her, hm?"

A mysterious figure mused as he scanned the scoreboard. His slightly hunched posture straightened as his rosy lips curled up before he walked away.

'My bride.'

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

"Attention, class!"

The principal clapped his hands, gaining the attention of all the students.

"Your art professor, Mr. Vincent has quit. So in his place, you all will be taught by Mr. Rafayel, who will be your art professor from today onwards."

The principal's words had left the entire classroom in shock. Everyone was whispering amongst themselves, after all, they heard that Rafayel was the name of the world's renowned artist. And to think that he of all people will be teaching them art was a shocker to everyone, you included. And you simply watched as your friends gossiped amongst each other.

"Please welcome your new art professor."

The classroom door slid open, revealing a tall man entering the classroom. As soon as he entered the entire class went silent.

"Good morning, class. My name is Rafayel, and I will be your art professor starting today."

Rafayel's voice echoed throughout the room. His voice held a hint of authority and firmness, something that no one could deny was pulling them in. But even as some students whispered to each other, you didn't miss the way his pink and blue eyes met yours. You couldn't help but be frozen in your seat, unable to tear away your gaze from his. At that very moment, you knew that your art professor was going to be a trouble.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

It had been a couple months since Rafayel became your class' new art professor, and no one could deny that the man was super strict and blunt when it came to art. And that's exactly what your friend, Tara, was currently talking about.

"Oh my god, today is our art exam, and I'm already shitting my pants thinking about how much professor Rafayel will be criticizing my artwork."

Tara whined and sighed deeply. You simply chuckled at that.

"Don't act like it's going to be a death sentence, Tara. You will be fine, you're extremely talented, after all."

You replied gently. You couldn't let your friend be down when you knew she has immense potential.

"Easy for you to say! Professor Rafayel is so lenient with you compared to other students. He doesn't even criticize your art! I think he has a crush on you."

Tara wiggled her eyebrows, causing your cheeks to redden in embarrassment.

"Shut up."

But even as you said that, you knew that deep down, he had always treated you differently as compared to others. The way he'd fix your mistakes during class by gently grabbing your hand and guiding you, the way he'd never miss a chance to even graze his fingers against your skin, it was too frequent to brush it off, the way his voice softened a tad bit whenever talking to you, and how he never criticized your artwork or be blunt with you, everything he did with you was meticulously crafted with care...But you wouldn't say that out loud. What if you're being weird?!

"Lets just get to class.."

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

The art classes has just ended, and you were packing up to leave the classroom and finally got home. Everyone else has just left while you were packing, but as you were about to leave, you suddenly heard Rafayel's voice call out to you.

"{{user}}, could you stay back to help me with the grading?"

You paused in your steps at his request. You hesitated a bit before nodding.

"Of course, Professor."

You possibly couldn't turn down his request. It would be rude. And yet, you had a guy feeling that it was more than just about helping with grading, but you pushed the thought down.

"Great. Thank you for your help."

Rafayel responded with a smile. That damned smile, it was enough to disarm your completely.