Sebastian was welcoming in the students as they came in, the students picked their seats and talked amongst each other. Sebastian had a normal cold expression on as he welcomes people in, until he sees you walk in, his face melts into an even colder expression. Unlike the others, he didn't not shake your hand and he definitely did not say good morning or hello.

I sit down still stunned yet trying to maintain composure. I nod slightly at Professor acknowledging his presence but also making it clear there is discomfort. Taking a deep breath, I get my notebook out hoping to focus on the class and move forward professionally. Though memories come flooding back, I try to push them aside for now and listen to what the Professor has to say, hoping this class will be about the subject and not our past.

Sebastian begins the class without making eye contact with you. "Good morning everyone. As you can see, I am Professor Sebastian and I will be teaching Math 121 this semester."

He gets straight into the syllabus, clearly wanting to avoid any acknowledgement of the history between you. You try to pay attention to the course details, but your mind keeps wandering back to how unexpected - and awkward - this situation is.

Part of you wants to confront Sebastian after class to clear the air, while another part thinks it's best to keep your distance. You're not sure how you'll be able to learn from him everyday with so many unresolved issues hanging over you both. This is definitely not the reunion you envisioned.

My thoughts are racing as Sebastian drones on about the syllabus. I can't believe after all this time, he's here - as my professor no less. So many mixed feelings are bubbling up. Anger at how things ended between us, hurt over the past, regret for what might have been.

Underneath it all though is disbelief that after carefully avoiding crossing paths again, the universe threw us together in this most awkward of situations. I glance up at Sebastian, his face a mask of professional disinterest. But I know him better than that. Behind that icy facade, emotions must be swirling too.

This is just so weird. I thought I'd never have to see him again after our messy breakup. Now I'm at his mercy for a whole semester, sitting in his class day after day. How will I focus on the lessons and not our history? This is guaranteed to be the most uncomfortable class of my college career.

As Sebastian's droning voice continues lecturing about course expectations, my weary mind starts to drift off. All the turbulent emotions and unanswered questions swirling in my head have exhausted me. My eyelids grow heavy and before I know it, I feel myself nodding off right there at my desk.

Just as I'm sinking into a dream, I'm startled awake by Sebastian's sharp voice. "Miss Aurora, am I boring you already? Please try to stay awake for the rest of the syllabus at least."

My head snaps up to find the whole class staring at me. My cheeks burn with embarrassment. Sebastian meets my gaze coolly, one eyebrow raised in reprimand. "I assume you'll tell me if you need a nap during my lectures going forward?"

His icy sarcasm cuts through me like a knife. This is a nightmare. How am I going to survive an entire semester under his critical gaze day after day?

Mortified, I duck my head down low. "I'm so sorry, Professor Sebastian. You're not boring at all, I'm just exhausted from...everything." My voice trails off weakly.

I risk a glance up at him through my lashes. His expression remains stern but I see a flicker of something else in his eyes - regret, longing, I can't tell. This whole situation is bringing up so much unresolved history between us.

"It won't happen again, I promise." I say earnestly. "Please, keep going with the syllabus. I'll be sure to get a good night's sleep from now on."

As Sebastian continues the lesson, I stare determinedly at my notebook, cheeks still burning. My mind is racing with how I'm going to face him every class after this utterly humiliating wake up call. I just have to find a way to get through this semester without losing my cool or failing the course. Easier said than done with him as my Professor!

I shift uncomfortably in my seat, cheeks still flushed. Under Sebastian's watchful gaze, combined with the way old feelings and memories are stirring, it is rather warm in here.

As he drones on about assignments, I allow my mind to wander back to simpler times between us. Late nights entwined together, exploring each other's bodies until the heat became unbearable. Stolen moments between classes, stealing kisses in shadowed alcoves. The fire that always seemed to burn beneath the surface during our entire relationship.

A small sigh escapes my lips before I can catch it. Sebastian's eyes flick to me, one brow arched in question. I drop my gaze, tugging at the neck of my shirt to allow a little air in. This is torture, having him so close yet being forbidden to act. I just have to make it to the end of class without igniting the sparks that still linger between us. Easier said than done, especially in this stuffy room!

I shift again, letting out an involuntary sigh as my mind continues to wander down dangerous paths. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Sebastian pause mid-sentence, eyes narrowing slightly as he gazes over at me. Our eyes meet for a brief, charged moment before I drop my gaze back to my notebook, heart racing.

I know I should pay attention to the lesson, but it's impossible to focus with these sweltering feelings rising up inside me. Everywhere I look in this classroom seems to hold a memory - the desk we carved our initials into sophomore year, the back row where we'd steal kisses thinking no one could see. Being this close to him after so long is intoxicating.

I take a shaky breath, try to steady myself. Just have to get through this last five minutes, then I can escape this suffocating tension. As Sebastian resumes talking, his voice washes over me in a way that's all too familiar, stirring up longing I'd thought long buried. This is absolute torture.

As the lecture finally concludes and students start packing up, I take my time putting my things away slowly, dreading this moment. I feel Sebastian's eyes on me but don't look up.

Once the room empties, he clears his throat. "Aurora. A word, please."

I steel myself and look up at last. His expression is inscrutable. "Professor," I reply stiffly.

He sighs. "This situation is...difficult for both of us. But I'm still your professor and expect you to conduct yourself accordingly in my classroom."

I nod, cheeks flushing again. "Of course. I apologize for my lack of focus today."

A charged silence falls. So much hangs unsaid between us, old wounds barely healed. Finally Sebastian speaks again. "See that it doesn't happen again. You're dismissed."

With a curt nod, I turn to leave, heart in my throat. This class is going to be the end of me at this rate. But I'll do what I must to survive it with my dignity intact, complicated history or not.

I pause at the door, hesitating for a moment before turning back to look at him. Sebastian is gathering his papers, but I can feel the tension radiating off his rigid form.

"Professor...despite everything, I want you to know I take my studies seriously. I'll work hard and won't let our past disrupt your classroom." I say it firmly, hoping he understands I mean to conduct myself professionally from here on out.

He meets my gaze for a long moment, searching my eyes as if looking for something. His expression remains unreadable. Finally, he gives a curt nod. "See that you do. You're still responsible for learning the material like any other student. I expect no special treatment."

"Of course." I nod back, then steal myself to ask the question burning inside. "Are we...going to be able to move past this?"

Sebastian looks away, jaw tightening. For a moment he doesn't reply, and I worry I've overstepped. But then he murmurs, almost too quiet to hear, "Only time will tell."

With that, I know our conversation is over. I exit quietly, mind spinning with everything left unresolved between us.

I sigh as I walk slowly to my next class, still reeling from the events of the morning. Seeing Sebastian after all this time threw me completely off balance. All the old feelings and memories came flooding back no matter how hard I tried to suppress them.

It doesn't help that he still affects me so deeply, those vivid green eyes that can see right through me. The way his voice alone is enough to stir feelings I've tried to bury for so long. Being near him again has awakened something within me that I thought was long dormant.

I have to find a way to compartmentalize if I'm going to survive this semester without losing my head or my heart all over again. Sebastian made it clear our past cannot interfere with his classroom. But with that kind of magnetic energy still crackling between us, it will be so hard to remain detached.

I sigh again, rubbing my temples, already stressed at the thought of facing him in class tomorrow. This is going to be the hardest class of my academic career by far. I just hope in the end, we can both come through it with our dignity intact.

I'm pulled from my turbulent thoughts by the buzz of my phone in my pocket. Fishing it out, I see it's my friend Belle calling. I breathe a sigh of relief for the distraction and answer with a faint "Hey."

"Aurora! How was your first day of classes? Did anything exciting happen?" Belle chirps brightly.

If only she knew. I ponder how much to share about my morning shock. "Well...you're not going to believe who showed up as my new Math professor."

"No way, don't tell me - it's not Sebastian, is it??"

I let out a groan. "That's exactly who it is. I walk into my class and there he is, standing at the front of the room!"

Belle gasps dramatically. "Shut up! I can't even imagine how awkward that must have been. Are you okay? What did you do??"

I proceed to recount the day's mortifying events - falling asleep, Sebastian reprimanding me, the loaded tension between us. Belle listens intently, making outraged noises in all the right places.

"Ugh I still can't get over it. This semester is going to be pure torture seeing him every day," I lament.

Belle sighs sympathetically. "I'm so sorry honey. But you've got this - just stay focused on your studies and don't let him distract you too much! Let me know if you need any support dealing with Professor Hottie, okay?"

Her words lift my spirits slightly. "Thanks Belle. Hopefully in a few months this will all be behind us." I pray I can make it through in one piece.

Belle and I chat for a little while longer to take my mind off things, then she has to go to her own class. As I pocket my phone and head to my next lecture, I'm feeling slightly better after venting to my friend. She always knows how to cheer me up.

Still, Sebastian is weighing heavily on my mind. Running into him again has stirred up so many memories and emotions I thought were buried deep. I'd done my best to move on after our messy breakup, but seeing him again has reminded me of how deeply he affected me.

I sigh quietly to myself. This semester is sure to be a challenge, navigating not only my classes but also facing my ex every day as my professor. I know I need to compartmentalize and maintain professional boundaries. Easier said than done when there's so much turbulent history between us.

Pushing thoughts of Sebastian from my head, I focus on taking careful notes in my next lecture. One day at a time, I tell myself. As long as I work hard and stay focused on my studies, I'll survive this. I just hope our complicated past doesn't get in the way of my learning.

With my next class wrapping up, I start mentally preparing myself for what's to come. My stomach is in knots thinking about facing Sebastian again so soon. As much as I try to reassure myself that I can be professional about this, seeing him again is sure to stir all kinds of emotions.

Part of me can't help wondering - does he feel as unsettled by this situation as I do? Or has he moved on completely while I'm still left grappling with regrets and unfinished business between us? The not knowing is what's really getting to me.

I sigh as I pack up my bag, reluctant to leave the relative safety of this classroom for what awaits me next. Better to just rip the bandaid off I suppose. With a deep breath to steel my nerves, I start the walk over to the Math building, running potential scenarios through my head.

Whatever happens when I see Sebastian again, I resolve to remain calm and focused, just like our conversation. No wavering, no distractions allowed. We agreed to let the past stay in the past - now it's time to see if we can truly make that work despite the turbulence simmering underneath. I just have to make it through one class at a time.

My heart sinks as I approach the Math building and see a familiar figure leaning against the wall, waiting. Sebastian glances up at the sound of footsteps and our eyes meet.

"Aurora. Can we talk?" he asks, voice low. I swallow hard and glance around at the other students starting to stare.

"Is...now really the time and place, Professor?" I reply carefully.

Sebastian frowns and nods towards a secluded alley between buildings. "Please. It'll only take a moment."

I hesitate, then sigh and follow him into the shadowed pathway. Leaning against the rough brick wall, I fold my arms tightly. "What is it?"

Sebastian scrubs a hand down his face, looking uncharacteristically tired. "This morning is...weighing heavily on me too. I don't want there to be any ambiguity between us."

My brows knit in confusion and apprehension. What more is there to say that he didn't already make clear?

He takes a step closer, penetrating gaze roving my face. "Aurora...despite my intentions, being near you again is stirring things within me I'd thought long buried as well."

My heart leaps into my throat. Oh no...this was the last thing I needed to complicate things further. How are we supposed to survive this semester now?

My mind races as Sebastian lets his admission hang heavy in the air between us. This is the last thing I expected or needed to complicate our already turbulent situation.

I take a steadying breath, meeting his intense gaze. "Professor...I understand this isn't easy for either of us. But we both agreed we need to maintain proper boundaries."

Sebastian nods slowly, guilt and something deeper flickering across his face. "I know. It was wrong of me to pull you aside like this." He runs a hand through his hair in frustration.

"Let's please just focus on getting through the semester, civilly and professionally," I plead, hoping he shares my desire to make this work somehow.

His mouth tightens, but then he nods again. "You're right, of course. I apologize for overstepping." He hesitates, then adds softly, "If you need anything...you know where to find me."

With that, he strides briskly away, leaving me struggling to steady my fraying nerves. I lean back against the wall, heart pounding. Getting through these next few months just became exponentially more complicated. I can only hope we're both strong enough to do what needs to be done.

You're telling me. This whole situation is incredibly strange and confusing. I never thought in a million years I would end up in my ex's class, having to see him practically every day after so long apart. Let alone deal with these complicated feelings stirring within me again.

I sigh and run a hand through my hair, still coming to terms with it all. Sebastian was always so intense and passionate, it's no surprise being near him has reawakened things I thought long dormant. But that makes navigating this whole mess that much more difficult.

As much as I'm unsettled, part of me can't help but be intrigued by his sudden admission as well. There was such raw emotion in his eyes when he spoke to me - it's clear he's finding this just as challenging. But we both agreed we need to conduct ourselves professionally for the sake of my education.

It won't be easy keeping a level head around him, not with our history. But I'm determined to power through this semester without any more disruptions, no matter what turbulent waters lie beneath the surface. One day at a time is all I can do right now.

I sigh heavily as I sink down onto a bench outside the math building, head in my hands. This day has been so emotionally draining I can barely process it all. Running into Sebastian after so long, having to sit in his class, and then his confession in the alleyway...it's a lot to take in.

My feelings are in such turmoil. Seeing him again has awoken longing and regret I thought long buried. But we ended so messily, and now he's my professor - it can only lead to more hurt to rekindle anything. As much as I'm still drawn to him, I know we need to keep our distance.

I glance up at the sound of approaching footsteps and freeze when I see Sebastian walking towards me, expression unreadable. "You forgot this in my classroom," he says softly, holding out my backpack.

I stand slowly, hesitating before reaching to take it. Our fingers brush and I try not to flinch at the spark of electricity. "Thank you," I murmur, dropping my gaze.

Sebastian sighs deeply. "Aurora...I don't want to make this any more difficult for you. Just know my door is always open if you need help with the coursework."

I nod slowly, still avoiding his eyes. We stand in fraught silence for a long moment before I murmur, "I should go. See you in class tomorrow, Professor."

With that, I flee before my resolve can crack, head and heart throbbing in equal measure. This semester is going to be the death of me.

* hello to any one reading this im have sick and have to go to the hospital I might not post for a while I'm deeply sorry (◞ ‸ ◟ㆀ)(╥ω╥`) *