The Hard love

Chapter 4: Tensions Rise

As Mitsugi Arkinosh Sungbin's feelings for Professor Isekai Nischovich Suguri continued to grow, a sense of unease began to settle in his heart. He knew that their relationship was unconventional, given their student-teacher dynamic, but he couldn't ignore the undeniable connection they shared.

One evening, as Mitsugi was leaving Suguri's apartment after another enjoyable dinner together, he noticed a familiar figure waiting outside—a fellow student from his class, Yuki.

Yuki's expression darkened as he spotted Mitsugi. "What are you doing here, Sungbin?"

Mitsugi tensed, sensing the tension in Yuki's voice. "I was just having dinner with Professor Suguri. Is there a problem?"

Yuki's eyes narrowed. "You know damn well there's a problem. You've been spending an awful lot of time with him lately. Don't tell me you're falling for that guy."

Mitsugi's heart raced as he realized the implications of Yuki's words. "It's not like that, Yuki. Professor Suguri is just my mentor—"

"Your mentor, huh?" Yuki interrupted, his tone dripping with disdain. "Don't play dumb, Sungbin. I've seen the way you look at him. You're infatuated, aren't you?"

Mitsugi felt a surge of anger and frustration. "That's none of your business, Yuki. My relationship with Professor Suguri is professional—"

"Professional my ass!" Yuki spat. "You're just a naive kid who doesn't know any better. Do you really think a professor like Suguri would be interested in someone like you?"

Before Mitsugi could respond, Yuki stormed off, leaving him standing alone on the sidewalk, his mind reeling with conflicting emotions.

The encounter with Yuki left Mitsugi feeling unsettled. He couldn't shake the nagging doubt that maybe Yuki was right—that his feelings for Suguri were nothing more than foolish infatuation. But deep down, Mitsugi knew that wasn't true. His connection with Suguri was real, and it went beyond mere admiration or respect.

As days turned into weeks, Mitsugi found himself growing more distant from Suguri, the weight of Yuki's words weighing heavily on his mind. He began to avoid their usual study sessions and dinners, choosing instead to throw himself into his academic and extracurricular activities as a means of distraction.

Meanwhile, Suguri noticed Mitsugi's sudden change in behavior and couldn't help but feel a pang of concern. He tried reaching out to Mitsugi, but his messages went unanswered, leaving Suguri feeling bewildered and hurt.

One evening, as Mitsugi sat alone in his dorm room, he received a text from Suguri, asking if they could talk. Reluctantly, Mitsugi agreed, his heart heavy with guilt and apprehension.

They met at a quiet café near the university, the air thick with tension. Suguri looked at Mitsugi with concern, his usual warmth tempered by an undercurrent of sadness.

"Mitsugi, what's been going on?" Suguri asked gently. "You've been avoiding me lately, and I can't help but worry."

Mitsugi hesitated, unsure of how to articulate the turmoil he had been feeling. "It's... it's nothing, Professor. I've just been busy with school and other commitments."

Suguri studied Mitsugi's expression, his gaze penetrating. "I don't believe that's the whole truth, Mitsugi. Please, talk to me. Whatever it is, we can work through it together."

Mitsugi felt a lump form in his throat as he struggled to find the words. "It's just... someone said something to me, and it got me thinking. Maybe... maybe they were right. Maybe I've been... naive."

Suguri reached across the table and gently took Mitsugi's hand in his own. "Mitsugi, listen to me. Whatever anyone else may say, your feelings are valid. They're real, and they're nothing to be ashamed of."

Mitsugi felt a rush of emotion as Suguri's words washed over him. He looked into Suguri's eyes and saw nothing but sincerity and understanding.

"I'm sorry, Professor," Mitsugi whispered, tears welling up in his eyes. "I've been a fool, letting someone else's words come between us."

Suguri squeezed Mitsugi's hand reassuringly. "There's no need to apologize, Mitsugi. We all have moments of doubt. What's important is that we face them together."

As they sat in the quiet café, their hands intertwined, Mitsugi felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He knew that navigating their relationship wouldn't be easy, but with Suguri by his side, he felt hopeful that they could overcome any obstacle that came their way.