chapter three..

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╥`) *

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