Chapter 3: Subtle Currents

Ethan spent the next few days consumed by the essay. Aiden’s words echoed in his mind as he worked: Don’t play it safe. It was easier said than done, but Ethan knew he needed to take a risk, not just in his writing but in how he approached everything in life. A small part of him felt like that challenge extended beyond the classroom, beyond literature—maybe even to his strange and growing fascination with Professor Cross.

He had never felt anything like this before. Admiring a professor’s intellect wasn’t unusual, but the way he found himself thinking about Aiden was unsettling. Every glance, every word exchanged between them seemed charged with something Ethan couldn’t quite name. And that brief touch in Aiden’s office? He hadn’t stopped thinking about it.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Ethan forced himself to focus on revising his essay. He tore apart his original draft, diving deeper into the symbolism and layering his analysis with new ideas. He worked late into the night, pouring his thoughts onto the page, risking interpretations that felt bold, even controversial. When he finally finished, he felt a rush of both fear and excitement. Was this enough to meet Aiden’s expectations? Or had he pushed too far?

The next class came quicker than Ethan expected, and his nerves returned in full force as he walked into the lecture hall. Aiden was already at the front of the room, speaking with a few students who had gathered to ask questions before the class began. Ethan took his seat quietly, but he couldn’t shake the sense that today felt different. It wasn’t just about the essay anymore. Something about Aiden had gotten under his skin.

As the lecture progressed, Ethan couldn’t help but steal glances at Aiden. The professor’s commanding presence filled the room as usual, but today Ethan noticed more. The way Aiden’s eyes sparked with passion when discussing literature, the subtle movements of his hands as he gestured, the way he carried himself with quiet confidence—it was all so magnetic. And then, as if sensing Ethan’s gaze, Aiden looked directly at him.

Ethan froze, his heart racing. For a split second, Aiden’s expression softened, a brief flicker of something unspoken passing between them. Then, just as quickly, Aiden continued with the lecture as if nothing had happened. But Ethan knew he hadn’t imagined it.

The rest of the class dragged on in a blur, and by the time Aiden dismissed them, Ethan’s mind was in turmoil. He gathered his things slowly, waiting until most of the students had left the room. He had to talk to Aiden—about the essay, about something. Anything.

As he approached Aiden’s desk, the professor looked up from his notes, raising an eyebrow. “Vale, what can I do for you?”

Ethan swallowed, suddenly feeling foolish for lingering. “I—I revised my essay based on your feedback. I was wondering if you’d take another look at it before I submit.”

Aiden nodded, glancing at the paper Ethan held out. “You’re persistent. I respect that.” He gestured for Ethan to hand it over.

Ethan’s pulse quickened as he watched Aiden skim the pages, his brow furrowing in concentration. The silence stretched on, and Ethan found himself nervously fidgeting, unsure if his risk had paid off. When Aiden finally looked up, there was something in his eyes—approval, maybe even a touch of pride.

“This is much better,” Aiden said, his voice quieter than usual. “You’re starting to find your voice. You’ve taken risks, and they’ve paid off.”

Ethan’s heart swelled at the compliment. “Thank you. Your advice really helped.”

Aiden set the paper down, leaning back slightly in his chair. “You’re a rare student, Vale. Most people don’t push themselves like this. They’re content to follow the rules, stay within the lines.”

Ethan felt a strange pull between them, a tension that hung in the air. “I just... I want to make sure I’m giving my best.”

Aiden’s gaze lingered on him for a moment, and there it was again—that unspoken connection. Ethan could feel it. He wasn’t imagining things. “Just remember,” Aiden said, his voice soft but firm, “sometimes breaking the rules is necessary. But it comes with consequences.”

The words hung between them like a challenge. Ethan wasn’t sure if Aiden was talking about the essay or something else entirely. Before he could respond, Aiden glanced down at his watch, breaking the moment.

“I have another meeting in a few minutes. We’ll discuss this further next time.”

Ethan nodded, taking his paper and turning to leave. As he walked out of the room, he couldn’t help but feel like he had crossed some invisible line. Aiden’s words echoed in his mind—breaking the rules comes with consequences. But what rules were they talking about now? Was it just about the essay? Or was there something else lurking beneath the surface of their interactions?

Ethan’s thoughts raced as he left the building, the cool air doing little to calm his mind. Something had changed between them. He couldn’t deny it anymore. And while he didn’t know where this path would lead, he was certain of one thing: he was already in too deep to turn back now.

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