chapter one..

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!

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