The library. Her heart lurched. Alea worked there, she had keys, she could... she could ask. Just once. Just this once. Late at night, after it was closed, empty. Tucked away between the shelves, she could finally stop imagining and finally feel. The thought made her dizzy. A dangerous, thrilling sort of dizziness. She dared another glance at him, pulse pounding in her ears. The way he sat there, pretending not to notice her, pretending not to burn just as much. Her decision solidified. After class, she quickly raced to find Alea. Suddenly noticing her across the courtyard, sitting quietly, reading a romance novel.
Esperalda's hands fidgeted with her bag strap as Alea looked up from her books, calm as ever. "Hey... uh... do you happen to have a key to the library for tonight?" she asked, trying to sound casual. Alea raised an eyebrow, the faintest smile tugging at her lips. "I might. Planning a late-night study session?" Esperalda flushed but forced a laugh. "Something like that... I just... need quiet. Really quiet." Alea leaned back, studying her for a long moment, and then gave a small nod. "I won't ask questions. You just... deserve some peace. Here." She handed over the key. "Don't get caught, whatever it is you're doing."
Esperalda's heart raced. "Thank you. I promise I won't—" She caught herself, blushing. "—I mean, it'll be fine." Alea smiled knowingly. "Just... try to enjoy yourself, Espi."
The library smelled of old parchment and candle wax, shadows stretching long in the flickering light. Esperalda's pulse was wild as she pushed the door open and stepped inside. There he was. Faust. Standing by a table, the soft glow catching the planes of his face, hair falling just so. His eyes flicked up, sharp and warm all at once. "Esperalda," he said, voice low, and something in the timbre made her knees weak. "I wasn't expecting you this late." Teasing, even though they both knew she very much invited him here last minute. Still he showed up.
"I...was needing another lesson," she admitted, voice almost a whisper. "And... I thought... maybe you could help." He gave a slow nod, stepping closer. "Of course."
VOCÊ ESTÁ LENDO
Unexpected Lesson
RomanceProfessor Faust Satrinava is known for three things: his mastery of transmutation, his distant composure... and his absolute refusal to get close to anyone. Esperalda's the one exception. She's sunshine where he's stone. Warmth where he's winter. A...
