es from the previous day's meeting with **Julian**. The opportunity to be involved in his research was more than she had ever hoped for

"Focus on the work," she muttered to herself. "T

he arrived at **Julian's** office later that afternoon, she noticed a slight change in his demeanor. He greeted

tered. "I've been looking forward to our meetin

olutely, Professor Harrington

had during their previous meeting. Julian was focused and professional, but Sophia couldn't help

er with a thoughtful expression. "You've made some excellent points, Sophia," he sa

t but quickly redirected her thoughts to the

a faint smile, "call me Jul

riate, but the way he said it – casual, yet inviting – ma

d setting goals. The tension in the room, however, was palpable. Every now and then, their hands wo

over the desk. "We've made good progress today," he said, his voice

d. I'll review everything tonight and come

et away from her. "You're very dedicated," he said so

eel both flattered and uncomfortable at the same time. She wasn't

the handle, Julian spok

ssion unreadable. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The silence i

oice barely above a whisper. "I've found myself...

ected him to admit it so openly. "Jul

"You're my student, and I'm your professor. But there's something about you

ut she hadn't allowed herself to entertain the idea that Julian might feel the same w

ggled to find the right words

yes searching hers. "You don't have to

em almost unbearable. Julian reached out, his hand hovering near

ice soft. "If you want to keep things strictly profession

lved with her professor, but at the same time, the chemistry between them was undeni

in. "I don't know where this is going, Julian, but I think we

And I don't want to do anything that would put you

he air thick with unresolved tension. She knew this was a crossro

y, taking a step back toward the door. "I don't

tened. "Of course. Take

ithout another word, she turned and left the off

help but wonder what would happen next. The attraction she felt to

over in her head, questioning her feelings and trying to make sense of everything. Could she r

how to navigate it. But one thing was clear – her feelings for Julian were real, and no

to let her guard down and explore the connection between her and Julian. And as she drifted off to sleep, sh