The Hook Up

•5•

"Alright everyone, admissions to the Calc-A-Thon are coming up." You announced to your class, "there will be a rewards for the team who comes in first place granted by their respective schools, so far we have Tate from my first class, Colby, and Ester. That leaves three more spots open those of you who would like to represent our school in the ultimate show down of calculus be sure to meet with me after class." You say "any questions regarding today's assignments and the homework for tonight?"  All the students let out a unanimous no or shaking their heads. "Alright, then with that being said, class dismissed." You smiled brightly.

You couldn't allow Leighton to affect your work days anymore. Yes you had to see her everyday but you now had to push her to the back of your mind, her and the night the two of you first met has to be the last priority

**Chapter: Calculus and Calculations**

The classroom slowly emptied out, the sound of shuffling feet and soft chatter fading as students filed through the door. You kept your eyes on your desk, scribbling notes, trying to keep your thoughts clear and your expression neutral. But you couldn't ignore the familiar flutter in your chest when you saw Leighton lingering near the back of the classroom, her eyes scanning the board as if she were deep in thought.

You forced yourself to focus on the papers in front of you, knowing you had to keep things strictly professional. You had made a decision—to put distance between yourself and whatever was blossoming between you two. You couldn't afford to let her presence distract you, not with the Calc-A-Thon so close, not with everything at stake.

"Amanda, hi!" you called out to the timid girl who had approached your desk. "Did you want to apply for the Calc-A-Thon?"

Amanda nodded shyly, her voice barely above a whisper. "Yeah."

"Okay, all you've gotta do is answer this worksheet and have it turned in to me by the end of the week, and I'll determine if I'll put you on the team, okay dear?" you explained gently, watching as her face brightened with a small smile.

"Thank you," she murmured before turning away, clutching the paper to her chest like it was a lifeline.

You handed out similar worksheets to a few other students, your demeanor cheerful, encouraging, every word carefully measured. But when Leighton finally stepped up to the desk, your heart gave an involuntary leap. You had seen her interest flash in her eyes when you mentioned the competition, but you hadn't expected her to be so bold as to try out.

"Leighton," you greeted, your tone lighter than you felt. "You're interested in the Calc-A-Thon?"

She smiled, a hint of playfulness in her expression. "Why not? I mean, I might surprise you," she teased, a gleam in her eye that sent a shiver down your spine.

You managed to keep your smile steady. "You just might," you replied, handing her the worksheet. "Same rules as everyone else—complete this by the end of the week, and we'll see if you make the team."

She took the paper from your hand, her fingers brushing yours ever so slightly, a touch so brief it could have been accidental, but it wasn't. You felt the familiar jolt of electricity that always seemed to accompany her touch, but you quickly pushed it down, refusing to let it show on your face.

"I'll give it my best shot," Leighton promised, her smile widening. "After all, you said there might be a reward involved."

You chuckled softly, trying to keep things light. "That depends entirely on your performance, Ms. Murray."

Leighton grinned, her eyes sparkling with a mixture of determination and something deeper, something you couldn't quite read. "Then I guess I'd better make sure I'm at the top of my game."

You nodded, your expression composed, even as your pulse quickened. "I look forward to seeing what you can do."

She gave you a playful salute before turning and heading out of the classroom, leaving you standing there, the worksheet still warm from her touch.

As the door closed behind her, you let out a breath you hadn't realized you were holding. You knew you had to stay focused, to keep your distance, to remember your role and your responsibilities. But every time she smiled at you like that, every time she threw out a teasing remark, it was getting harder to pretend that you didn't feel something—something that was growing with every passing day.

You shook your head, trying to clear your thoughts. This was ridiculous. You were the professor. You had a job to do, a reputation to maintain. You couldn't let yourself get tangled up in something that could cost you everything.

But as you glanced down at the stack of applications and worksheets on your desk, you found yourself lingering on Leighton's name, your fingers tracing over the curve of her handwriting.

"Focus," you muttered to yourself, setting the papers aside and forcing your attention back to the tasks at hand.

---

**Leighton's POV:**

I walked out of the classroom, a satisfied smile on my face, the worksheet tucked under my arm. I could feel Y/N's eyes on me as I left, and the memory of her smile—the way it had softened ever so slightly when she handed me the paper—stayed with me, lingering like a touch I could almost feel.

I knew I was pushing boundaries, toeing the line between what was acceptable and what wasn't. But there was something about her, something about the way she looked at me when she thought no one else was watching, that made it feel worth the risk.

I wanted to prove to her that I was more than just a student, more than just some girl in her class. I wanted to show her that I was serious, that I could be smart, capable, even brilliant. And maybe, just maybe, if I did well enough, if I impressed her enough, she'd start to see me differently.

Back in the dorm, I tossed the worksheet onto my desk and flopped onto my bed, staring up at the ceiling. Kimberly and Bela were out, probably at another one of Bela's "networking" events, which usually meant something involving free drinks and questionable decisions.

I closed my eyes, letting out a sigh. I needed to focus. I needed to do more than just flirt and tease. If I really wanted to get her attention, I had to prove I was worth it.

Picking up the worksheet again, I sat at my desk and got to work, determination settling over me like a blanket. I'd study harder than ever before. I'd make sure I was one of the best. And when I saw Y/N next, I'd be ready—not just to win a spot on that Calc-A-Thon team but maybe, just maybe, to win something more.

---

**Y/N's POV:**

Later that evening, you sat at your desk, going over the roster for the Calc-A-Thon, considering the students who had signed up. Leighton's name jumped out at you, and you couldn't help the small smile that crept onto your face. You were curious to see how she'd perform—whether she'd rise to the challenge or if this was just another one of her games.

Your phone buzzed on the table, and you glanced over at it. A new message from Leighton. Your heart skipped a beat as you opened it, already bracing yourself for whatever she might have to say.

**Leighton:** *I hope you're ready, Professor. I'm coming for that top spot. *

You shook your head, laughing softly, a mix of amusement and something warmer settling in your chest.

**You:** *I'm always ready, Leighton. I hope you are too. *

You set your phone down, feeling a strange combination of anticipation and uncertainty. You knew you were playing a dangerous game, but you couldn't help it. Not when she made you feel this way—alive, challenged, on the edge of something unknown.

And as you sat there, staring at her name on the roster, you couldn't help but wonder just how far you were willing to go, and what you might find on the other side of this line you were so dangerously close to crossing.