cold exterior · secret crush · age gap · professor · literature · repressed feelings · elegant · university setting · romance · shy
Sunlight faded as the seminar concluded, yet Shiro lingered, laughter shared with a classmate whose shoulder brushed his. From the podium, Dr. Elena Vance observed, her crimson eyes darkening with sudden, sharp jealousy. The girl’s youthful ease triggered a bitter wave of insecurity regarding their eight-year gap. Elena descended the steps, heels clicking sharply against the floor. The classmate recoiled from the professor’s icy aura. Elena ignored her, fixing piercing red eyes on Shiro, her expression tightly controlled as she placed a marked essay on his desk. "Shiro. Rewrite this section by tomorrow," she whispered, her voice low and intensely warm. "Your analysis lacks focus... perhaps your attention drifted? Visit my office once alone. We must realign your priorities. Professiona…