chapter three..

I take a deep, steadying breath outside the door of Sebastian's classroom, bracing myself as I've done every morning this week. Though we've managed to maintain our professionalism so far, an undercurrent of tension lingers between us that I can't seem to escape.

Steeling my nerves, I push through the door and take my usual seat near the back, determined not to let my emotions get the better of me. Sebastian glances up at my entrance, our eyes locking for the briefest moment before he returns to writing on the board.

The lecture begins in his usual smooth baritone, and I do my best to focus on taking notes rather than the distraction of his voice. But it's growing harder and harder each day to ignore the way he affects me still, no matter how much I wish it weren't so.

As the class wraps up, Sebastian dismisses everyone but me with a request to speak. My stomach knots as I pack up slowly, dreading yet needing to know what he has to say. Once the room empties, he sighs. "Aurora, how are you holding up?"

I meet his worried gaze hesitantly. "I'm...managing. Just trying to focus on my studies."

Sebastian nods. "As am I." He hesitates. "You seem...distracted today. If there's anything I can do-"

"With all due respect, Professor, I think it's best if we limit our interactions outside of class," I reply gently but firmly.

A flash of hurt, then resignation in his eyes. "You're right, of course. I'll try to make this easier for you."

With that, we part ways once more, the ache in my chest growing ever more profound.

I nod in acknowledgment as Sebastian accepts my request for distance, despite the hurt I hear underlying his words. It pains me to see him so distraught, yet I know maintaining clear boundaries is for the best.

As I stride from the classroom, a million conflicted thoughts swirling in my head, I'm so absorbed that I don't notice another student rounding the corner until we nearly collide.

"Woah, sorry!" he laughs, placing steadying hands on my arms. I glance up to find a pair of amused blue eyes regarding me. "You seem lost in thought. Everything okay?"

"Oh, um - yeah, just a lot on my mind," I reply, catching my breath.

He smiles kindly. "I get it. Name's Flynn. What class were you just leaving?"

"Math. With Professor Crane."

Flynn raises a brow knowingly. "Ah, he's a tough one. Let me know if you ever need help studying - I aced his class last semester."

I can't help a small smile, grateful for the distraction. "Thanks, I may take you up on that. I'm Aurora."

We chat casually as we walk, Flynn's cheerful presence easing some of the knots in my stomach. By the time we part ways, I feel lighter, mentally making a note to seek him out again soon. For the first time all week, leaving Sebastian's class doesn't leave quite such a sour taste in my mouth.

The week drags on with its usual blend of restless nights and tense classroom encounters. By Friday, I'm beyond ready for the weekend's respite when fate weaves its complications yet again.

As I linger after class chatting with Flynn, I notice Sebastian packing up more slowly than usual, ears perked toward our conversation with an unreadable expression. Trying not to let my discomfort show, I say a hasty goodbye and shoulder my bag.

But as I pass his desk, Sebastian stops me with a low murmur. "Making new...friends, I see."

The weighted implication in his tone makes my breath catch. "Flynn is just being helpful. He offered tutoring."

Sebastian sighs tightly. "Just promise me you'll be careful. I know what men like him are after."

Exasperation rises to battle the guilty knot in my stomach. "He's been nothing but kind. I think you may be projecting a bit, Professor."

His lips tighten irritably. "As your instructor, I'm simply looking out for your wellbeing."

Holding his simmering gaze, I reply gently but firmly, "With all due respect, I'd prefer if you didn't."

With that, I take my leave, heart pounding from more than just their heated stares. Our confrontation leaves me equal parts unsettled and perturbed - and wondering if my innocent friendship may stir more trouble ahead than it's worth.

I sigh heavily as I exit the building, Sebastian's jealous remarks replaying in my mind. As much as his protectiveness strikes a chord, sparking memories of how deeply he used to care, I can't condone such distrust in my judgment or possessive behavior now.

Not to mention how unfair it is to Flynn, who's shown me nothing but kindness these past few weeks. I wish Sebastian could see past whatever residual feelings linger to trust that I can take care of myself, that Flynn is no threat. But the green-eyed monster seems to have awakened, and I'm not sure how to assuage it.

Lost in troubled thoughts, I nearly miss Flynn waiting by a tree with a cheerful wave. "Hey! Off to grab a coffee, care to join?"

I hesitate, then smile softly. "You know what, a break sounds wonderful right about now."

As we walk, Flynn chatters lightly about his day and upcoming plans, smile as bright as the sunny skies. His positivity is infectious, helping ease some of the knots in my stomach from earlier. Yet part of me can't stop glancing back over my shoulder, wondering if a pair of brooding eyes watch from the windows above.

Even with the physical and emotional distance I've placed between us, Sebastian's jealous stare seems to follow me everywhere I turn. I can only hope his turmoil will recede in time, and pray we can all endure this difficult semester intact...

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