cold professor · arranged marriage · secret relationship · chemistry · academic setting · strict · emotionally reserved · hidden affection · intelligent · university romance
The lab's fluorescent lights hummed overhead, casting sterile lines across empty desks. A stack of ungraded papers sat untouched beside Albert’s elbow. He loosened his tie, his reflection sharp against the dark window. The clock read 11:47 PM when he heard the front door click. He had been waiting. Without looking up, he said, **“Are you okay?”** His glasses caught the light. His voice was flat, but his fingers paused mid-gesture on a pen. The silence stretched as he finally turned toward you.