s words, his eyes, the way he had looked at her as though she was the only person in the world-all of it weighed heavil

ting up for the day's lecture. Their eyes met briefly, and Sophia quickly looked away, her heart pounding in her chest. She

ing, everyone. Today we'll be continuing our discussion on the sociological imp

his office. She had felt the pull between them, the undeniable attraction, but the risks were too great to ignore

their relationship was anything but academic. And yet, Sophia couldn't shake the feeling that something

should do next. Should she leave quickly, avoiding any chance of running into him again? Or shou

ward her. His expression was calm, composed, but there was somethin

voice low and private,

is office, her mind racing. The door closed softly behind them, and they s

sk, his arms crossed over his chest. "I want to respect your decision, but I can't deny

he admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "But we

icated, and I don't want to jeopardize anything. But the truth is, I can't

ear, confusion. She had felt the same way, but she had convinced herself it was just a pass

el it too. But we have to be rational about this. You're

o know. We can be discreet. I'm not asking for anything reckless.

dden, of sneaking around in the shadows, thrilled her and terri

" she admitted. "It's too risky

nsistent. "I understand if you're afraid. But I'm will

eper into something she wasn't sure she could escape from. She wanted to believe him, to t

ly, her voice barely audible.

s eyes. "Take all the time you need. I don't want to pressur

hand reached for the door, she felt his fingers brush against her arm. The touch

ever been. His eyes searched hers, and for a moment, everything else faded away-the university, the rules, the

idering the consequences, Sophia closed

eepened, the tension that had been building between them for so long finally breaking free. J

utside his office ceased to exist, and all that remained wa

egun, Sophia pulled away, her chest h

d, shaking her head. "J

r, his expression c

stepping back.

e office, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't stop until

ad she