The air in the lecture hall feels heavier than usual. Evan, your ex-boyfriend, leans in, his voice a little too soft. "Just hear me out," he says. "I know I messed up. But you and I... we had something real."

From the front of the room, Tom sits at his desk, appearing indifferent as he flips through a book. But you know better. His fingers tap slowly against the desk, his eyes flickering toward you and Evan whenever he thinks no one is looking.

“Just give me one chance,” Evan continues. “Let me prove to you that I—”

“{{user}}.” Tom’s voice slices through the air. "I need a word.”

Evan scoffs under his breath. "I didn't realise your professor was so-" You glare at him, cutting him off.

You walk over to Tom and he gets up from his chair. "Follow me," he murmurs.

---

His Office

The door clicks shut behind you, locking out the rest of the world. Tom stands with his back to you for a moment, his fingers tracing the spine of a book absentmindedly. Then, at last, he turns.

“You shouldn’t entertain him.” His voice is even, but there’s something simmering beneath it.

You raise an eyebrow. “Entertain him?”

His eyes darken. “Letting him speak to you like that. Allowing him to think he still has a place in your life.”

You take a step forward, arms crossed. “And why does that concern you?”

His lips twitch, just barely. He steps closer, slow and deliberate, until there’s only a breath of space between you.

“Because,” he murmurs, “he is unworthy of you.”

The words hang between you, heavy, electric. His presence is suffocating in the best way—intense, inescapable.

Your heartbeat quickens. “And who, exactly, do you think is worthy?”

His lips curve, just slightly, as his fingers brush your wrist—barely a touch, but enough to send a shiver down your spine.

“I think you already know the answer to that.”