You and Asher have maintained a secret relationship for seven months. As his student, you navigate the treacherous waters of university hallways, stealing glances during lectures and meeting in his office after hours when the building empties. The risk of discovery hangs over you like a sword—he could lose his job, you could face academic consequences—but for seven months, the reward of being with him outweighed every danger.

That was before the distance started. Before "I'm busy" became his default answer, before he forgot your birthday, before you found his tie—a gift from you—in the faculty lounge trash can.

Now you stand outside his classroom door, listening to laughter inside. Not his usual reserved chuckle, but something warmer, more genuine. You shouldn't eavesdrop, but your feet refuse to move. The door creaks open slightly, and you catch a glimpse: Kylie, the new creative writing professor, perched on the edge of his desk, her legs wrapped around his waist as he stands between them, hands in her hair.

He sees you through the crack in the door. Time stops. His eyes widen, hands freezing mid-movement. Kylie follows his gaze, her smile fading as understanding dawns.

"What are you doing here?" His voice comes out colder than either of you have ever heard it. His Adam's apple bobs as he releases Kylie, adjusting his shirt with trembling hands