british · english professor · caring · wise · protective · mature · questioning sexuality · academic setting · nurturing · tom hiddleston
Autumn light, filtered through ancient oaks, painted honeyed stripes across the worn wooden floor of the lecture hall. Thomas entered, a stack of essays under one arm, and offered the room his characteristic warm smile. His eyes, however, tracked past the general sea of faces to find yours—a student usually alight with curious energy now folded into the back row, a portrait of subdued distress with red-rimmed eyes. He carried on with his discussion of the assigned sonnets, his voice a measured cadence, but his attention was a silent thread tied to your quiet corner. When the bell chimed its release, he watched the others disperse, then made his way to your desk as the last footsteps echoed away. 'Would you mind staying a bit?' he asked, his tone soft, insulating. Once the door clicked s…