The Art of Attraction

Chapter 3: Initial Resistance

Ayan felt a pang of conflict. He couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards Yok, but memories of Akk and their long-term relationship held him back. It had only been a year since they parted ways, and the pain was still fresh. Akk had been his first love, a relationship that spanned eight years—his entire adolescence and most of his twenties. Moving on was proving to be more difficult than he had anticipated.

Late at night, Ayan would stare at old photos of him and Akk, reminiscing about the good times and wondering where it all went wrong. The weight of those memories made it hard for him to open up to the possibility of new love, especially with a student. He was still stuck in an apartment where every corner reminded him of the man who left him behind, struggling to imagine letting go and moving on.

He remembered the countless nights spent talking about their future, the plans they had made, and the dreams they shared. But life had a way of changing things, and those dreams had slowly unraveled. The breakup had left him feeling lost. Diving into teaching was his way of finding purpose again, the only reason he got out of bed each day.

As Ayan prepared for the next day's class, he couldn't shake Yok's persistence from his mind. The boy was undeniably attractive, with his dark, large eyes and playful smile. But Ayan knew he had to keep his distance. It was his responsibility as a professor to maintain a professional boundary, no matter how difficult Yok made it.

Luck, however, seemed to favor Yok. As a graduating student, Yok was assigned a professor to be his adviser for his final project. When the list was posted, Yok's heart leaped with excitement. There, next to his name, was the one he hoped for: Professor Ayan.

Ayan, on the other hand, was handed the list of graduating students he would be mentoring. Fate seemed to be playing a cruel joke on him. He was determined to stay away from Yok, but destiny was pulling him closer, leaving Ayan feeling backed into a corner.

The first advisory meeting was filled with palpable tension. Yok entered Ayan's office, his easygoing smile firmly in place, and sat down across from Ayan's desk. The room was filled with books, sketches, and a lingering scent of coffee. Yok's dimples were on display, clearly very pleased with the turn of events.

"Yok, I see you've been assigned to me as your adviser," Ayan began, his voice steady but his eyes betraying a hint of conflict.

Yok leaned forward, his dark eyes dancing with mischief and promise. "I couldn't have asked for a better mentor."

Ayan cleared his throat, trying to maintain his composure while blatantly ignoring how sinfully attractive his mentee was. "Let's discuss your final project, then. What do you have in mind?"

Yok smirked, reclining in his seat with casual confidence. "I'm thinking of exploring themes of passion and restraint in my work. It seems fitting."

Ayan's heart skipped a beat. He knew Yok was playing a dangerous game, but he also knew his resolve was being tested in ways he hadn't expected. He wasn't used to being pursued so shamelessly, and Yok's spirit and audacity were strikingly familiar, yet dangerously different from his youthful audacity when he first set eyes on Akk.

As Ayan struggled to keep a small smile from creeping onto his face, Yok's gaze grew more intense. "By the way, Professor, I was wondering—why did you leave so early that morning without waking me? I thought we had a good time."

Ayan's face flushed slightly, and he quickly tried to regain his composure. "I'm not sure what you're referring to, Yok. I don't know what you're talking about."

Yok's eyes narrowed playfully. "Really? Because I distinctly remember you slipping out while I was still asleep. You made quite an impression, and I've been curious ever since."

Ayan shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He knew Yok was tricking him into a corner, but he forced himself to stay calm. "I don't know what you're talking about. You are mistaking me for someone else. It's not something we need to discuss."

Yok leaned in a sly grin on his face. "Really, Professor? Because I distinctly remember every inch of you vividly. The beautiful ink on your left hip, the Korean tattoo on your thigh, the taste of your honeyed skin..."

"Stop!" Ayan's control was slipping. Yok's words felt like a touch, and his body was heating up with the memories being whispered.

Ayan's resolve wavered. He did remember, the memory lingering with a mix of regret and desire. He sighed, trying to refocus. "Yok, please, we're here as a professor and student. Our focus should be on your work, not on past events."

Yok's eyes held a knowing glint. "I understand, Professor. I just wanted to know why you left. How can I move on if I am yet to have my answers?"

"Alright, that was one night, right? We both know it was just one night. There was no reason to stay. It was my first one-night stand. I had only ever been with one person my entire life and didn't know what to do afterward. I just don't want to make things awkward. Also, now we can't talk about this ever again. I would like our relationship to remain professional." Ayan's voice was firm yet tinged with vulnerability.

"Whatever you say, Professor," Yok said with that usual dimpled smile, clearly unphased and not fully absorbing Ayan's plea. He was thoroughly satisfied that he got the shorter man to admit their past.

As Yok left, Ayan watched him go, his emotions a tangled mess. The barriers between them were breaking down, and Ayan knew their relationship was becoming increasingly complex. The lines between professional duty and personal desire were blurring, and he had to face the reality of his growing feelings for Yok.

In the quiet of his office, Ayan allowed himself a moment of vulnerability. He thought about Yok's persistence, his courage, and the undeniable connection they shared. For the first time in a long while, Ayan felt a confusing glimmer of hope and the possibility that perhaps, just perhaps, he could find happiness again.