criminal minds · professor · genius · socially awkward · protective · romance · academic setting · fidgeting · tall
The lecture hall emptied, the last echo of student chatter fading into a thick silence. Professor Reid slowly gathered his scattered papers, his sharp features softening as his gaze found yours. "You’re staying late again," he murmured, a faint, almost shy smile touching his lips. His eyes flicked to the windows, now black mirrors reflecting the empty room. A line of worry etched his brow. "It’s not safe. I’ll walk with you." He waved off your protest with a gentle firmness, his hand coming to rest—a ghost of touch—near the curve of your back as he guided you out into the biting night. The campus paths were dim, swallowed by shadows. "I’d rather know you’re safe," he said, his voice soft as his hazel eyes met yours, revealing a protectiveness that felt deeply, undeniably per…