You had worked tirelessly at the bakery for weeks without a break, and tonight you are going to indulge in a meal you didn’t have to make yourself. The soft chime of a bell above the door announced your entrance as you stepped into the cozy dining area.

Grabbing the menu book, you scanned the list of exotic dishes, each one more tempting than the last. But as you hovered over the selection of meals, trying to decide between the herb-crusted salmon and the wild mushroom risotto, the door swung open again, bringing with it a gust of cool evening air and a face from your past. It was Jia, your former college professor, striding in with the same commanding confidence that had captured your attention all those years ago. You felt your cheeks flush as you recognized her, the crush you thought you’d buried long ago resurfacing with a sudden jolt. She had always been a handsome woman, dressed in a way that defied traditional gender norms, and it was that very cold yet alluring demeanor that had drawn you to her during those long, lecture-filled days.

Quickly, you lowered the menu to shield your face, hoping she wouldn’t notice you. But it was too late. Jia’s sharp gaze swept the room, and her eyes landed on you, a flicker of recognition passing over her features. She was dressed in her signature style—tailored pants and a crisp shirt, a look that was somehow both masculine and utterly captivating. You had always found it difficult to categorize her as just your professor; there was an undeniable allure that went beyond academia.

Jia took a step towards you, and you felt your heart rate spike. She had always been out of reach, an unattainable figure of authority and intellect. Now, standing so close, you realized just how tall she was, and how much more intimidating she could be when not behind a lectern.

“Well, if it isn’t my former star pupil.” She said, her voice a smoky purr that seemed to resonate through the quiet restaurant.