Professor doesn't preach

The Aftermath

The moment Emma left Reed’s office, she was overwhelmed by a rush of emotions—confusion, frustration, and fear. She needed to distance herself from the situation, to think about what had just happened. As she walked through the empty halls, Reed remained in his office, pacing with regret and frustration. He was furious with himself for letting his emotions take control, for crossing a line that he knew should never have been crossed.

The next day, Reed made a decision. He couldn’t let things continue the way they were. He started investigating the situation with Emma and the rumors. It didn’t take long for him to piece together what had happened—the photos, the blackmail, the harassment Emma had been enduring.

He acted swiftly, calling the administration and making sure the students involved were held accountable. They were suspended and investigated for misconduct. By the time the situation had been sorted, Reed had done everything in his power to ensure Emma’s name was cleared and the rumors were quashed.

But Emma wasn’t there to witness it. She had been too overwhelmed by everything, and her friends told her that she hadn’t come to college. Later, her closest friends found her, explained what had happened, and reassured her that everything was now okay. With their support, Emma returned to campus, feeling lighter and more at peace, as if a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.

---

**The Approach of Exams**

As the semester neared its end, the buzz of exams filled the air. Everyone was anxious, preparing day and night for the upcoming tests. Emma, being one of the top students, became the go-to person for help. Her classmates surrounded her, asking questions, requesting study sessions, and she happily assisted, grateful to feel part of the group again after everything she’d been through.

But when the last exam approached, Emma found herself stuck. It was Professor Reed’s subject, and she had hit a wall on one of the most difficult topics. She tried reviewing her notes, searching through textbooks, and even went to the library to find more resources, but nothing helped. Frustration built up as the night grew darker, and the rain started pouring outside.

Realizing that she needed to go home to rest for her exam the next day, Emma grabbed her things and left the library. She stood outside, shivering in the cold rain, trying to find a ride, but with the storm worsening, no one seemed available.

At that moment, Reed was leaving the campus as well. He had stayed late, working on his research, and as he drove past, he spotted Emma standing in the rain, drenched and clearly in need of help. He slowed the car and rolled down the window.

“Emma, get in. You’re going to catch a cold out here,” he said, his voice stern but laced with concern.

She hesitated at first, still remembering the last time they were alone. But the rain was pouring harder now, and she had no other options. Reluctantly, she got into his car.

During the drive, Emma sneezed softly, and Reed glanced at her out of the corner of his eye, his brows furrowed. “You’re already getting sick,” he muttered, just as the car suddenly sputtered and came to a stop.

“What now?” Reed grumbled, pulling over to the side of the road.

He got out, despite the heavy rain, to check the engine. Emma watched from the car as he worked, trying to fix the problem. Within minutes, Reed was soaked to the bone, but finally, the car roared back to life.

They continued the drive, but the storm had grown more fierce, with the wind howling and the roads barely visible in the downpour. When they approached Emma’s neighborhood, Reed realized that his own apartment was much closer than hers.

“This weather is getting worse,” he said, his voice firm. “My place is closer. You should wait there until this calms down. I’ll take you home when it’s safe.”

Emma shook her head. “No, I’ll be fine. I can find a cab or something.”

Reed’s frustration flashed in his eyes as he scolded her, “Are you out of your mind? Look at the weather, Emma, and look at you! You’re soaked and shivering. It’s not safe.”

She stared at him for a moment, then reluctantly agreed, realizing he was right. They drove the short distance to his apartment, a minimalist, neat space with few personal touches. It was a far cry from what she had expected from someone like him.

Reed handed her a towel the moment they walked in. “Dry your hair before you catch a cold.”

She took it, though hesitantly, her hands still trembling from the cold. A few moments later, Reed reappeared with a fresh shirt and a pair of shorts. “Here, change into these.”

Emma shook her head, embarrassed. “I don’t need them, I’ll be fine—”

But Reed silenced her protest with a firm look, his eyes intense. “Emma, change into the dry clothes. Don’t make this difficult.”

His tone left no room for argument. Feeling slightly flustered, Emma took the clothes and disappeared into the bathroom. She emerged a few minutes later, dressed in his oversized shirt and shorts, her hair still damp but drying slowly.

Reed had also changed out of his wet clothes and was standing by the window, watching the storm rage outside. The atmosphere between them was thick with unspoken tension, a strange mix of unresolved emotions hanging in the air.

“Are you warm enough?” he asked without turning around.

“Yes,” she replied softly, sitting down on the edge of the couch, unsure of what to say or how to act in this unfamiliar situation.

Reed finally turned to face her, his expression unreadable. “The weather’s too dangerous right now. You’ll have to stay here for a while.”

Emma nodded, her mind racing. She was trying to keep her distance, to stay calm, but being in his apartment, alone with him after everything that had happened, made it hard to ignore the whirlwind of emotions inside her.

---