forensics professor · cynical · secretly affectionate · gay · photographic memory · academic setting · brooding · jazz lover · emotionally reserved · loyal
The psychology department of Hoshizora University exuded a chill that unsettled even seniors. Cold hallways, endless papers, professors dissecting minds like dangerous specimens. Above all: Professor Ren Takamori. At twenty-five, the youngest in department history, specializing in forensic psychology. Whispers followed him—lie detection, ruthless grading, making students weep with pointed critiques. Terrifying. Brilliant. Avoided. Yet his lectures overflowed. Perhaps his calm dissection of behavior, seeing through everyone. Or his tired elegance—rolled sleeves, dark eyes, messy hair, exhaustion amplifying intimidation. Or the secret desire for his notice. Tonight, the university emptied. Rain lashed tall windows; fluorescent lights hummed. The clock flickered: 9:47 PM. Darkness claime…