Theorius

Chapter 1

"Theo!"

I heard someone shout my name as I hurried across the upstairs hallway, trying to make it to class. I was already late, and I hadn't shown up in three weeks—not that I was sick as I told that to everyone as an excuse; I was just avoiding everyone, missing every single class. When I glanced back, I saw Jenny catching up, her face lighting up as soon as I looked her way.

"How are you?" she asked, she knew I wasn't sick, not that I told her, it's just she always knew everything about me, without me saying it out loud.

I never know what to say to that question—there's no good answer. So, I went with the simplest: "Fine." We started walking toward class together.

Jenny's been my friend since the first semester. She's the one person I can count on, always there to study or hang out, but sometimes I just... can't. I pull back, finding every excuse to keep her at arm's length. She's sweet, good-looking, and genuinely happy all the time. I envy her for it—how can anyone be that content?

"So, why were you absent all this time? And you didn't pick up my calls!"

"Yeah, sorry. I... lost my phone," I said, barely managing to hold her gaze. The truth? I didn't lose it. It's still at the bottom of the river after another failed attempt to end it all on that bridge. I just haven't bought a new one yet. Not because I can't afford it—I could buy anything I want, except peace and happiness. I just wanted a reason not to be reachable, an excuse to avoid Dad's endless calls and everyone else who wants a piece of me.

I sat next to Jenny by the large window, my usual spot where I could gaze outside and tune out the endless, boring lectures. I'm not the type who studies much; I never write assignments and never prepare for presentations. The only reason I haven't been kicked out yet is because of my dad—he's a major benefactor of the university, donating millions. Without him, Westwood wouldn't be the top elite university in England. So I show up just enough to pass, while my dad's influence takes care of the rest. I'm a law student, though don't ask why I chose law. I never wanted to be a lawyer. I just needed to pick something, and law seemed as good as anything, though eventually, I'll be roped into managing my dad's soul-crushing business.

I was still gazing outside when Jenny spoke. "Did you hear about our new philosophy professor?"

I shook my head. She looked at me like I was supposed to keep track of every new teacher. Or maybe this guy's just getting a lot of attention, and that's why Jenny brought him up.

"Basically, he's young, handsome, and apparently a genius," she said, her eyes lighting up. "He's got this energy... brings life to the lectures that are usually dead. And," she lowered her voice, leaning closer, "everyone's obsessed. Girls and guys alike, no one stops talking about him."

This surprised me—Jenny's not one to gush about professors, even ones like Professor Eli, one of the most respected and talented lecturers here. "Even Jack, of all people, who never pays attention to anything, listens to him like his life depends on it," she chuckled. I had a feeling she wanted to add me to that list but bit her tongue. I didn't react, though; the idea of a new professor didn't exactly excite me. Jenny sighed and returned to her laptop, working on her assignments.

After two back-to-back boring lectures, I got up from my seat. I hadn't brought anything with me—no phone, just my wallet and car keys in my pocket. I was ready to leave when someone walked into the room so abruptly that it stopped me in my tracks. When I looked up, I froze.

I knew exactly who he was... our new professor.