Lesson in Desire

chapter 3

Three weeks had passed since that fateful day, yet the impact of Professor Kim's presence still lingered. Every time he stepped into the classroom, the air seemed to shift, drawing every eye to him. It was as if he commanded attention without even trying.

I tried to brush off the flutter in my chest, telling myself I was being ridiculous. He's my professor, my soon arranged fiancé – not some celebrity to fawn over. But my heart refused to listen.

Taehyung's poised demeanor was unnerving. He moved with confidence, his tall frame gliding across the room with ease. His sharp jawline and piercing gaze made him look like a sculpted god, not a math professor.

Every girl in the room seemed mesmerized by him. They hung onto his every word, their eyes wide with adoration. I wasn't immune, either. Whenever our gazes met, a spark ignited within me. I'd quickly look away, pretending it was nothing.

But it was something.

"Stop it, Y/N," I mentally scolded myself. "You can't fall for him. It's an arrangement, not love."

Yet, every time Taehyung's eyes locked onto mine, I felt that same jolt. It was infuriating.

In class, I found myself stealing glances at him, studying the way his hair curled slightly at the nape of his neck, the way his lips curved when he explained complex equations.

No, no, no. I couldn't let myself fall for him.

But my heart seemed to have other plans.

I sat alone in the classroom, Sharon out sick and Jimin nursing a knee injury from the football championship. The silence was oppressive until the door swung open, and Professor Kim strode in.

His strong expression and cold demeanor commanded attention. Standing at the podium, he surveyed the room.

"I didn't expect to see you alone today, Ms. Lee," he said, his voice echoing off the walls. Others turned their head towards me giving me a look.

I kept my head lowered, scribbling the date in my notebook, until his next words made me gasp.

"Take out a white sheet of paper. I'm conducting a test!"

Our eyes met for a fleeting second as I scrambled to comply.

The questions on the board seemed impossible. My mind went blank.

Good Lord, what was I supposed to do?! I gazed out the window, desperate to recall the formulas, but my brain was a fog.

Professor Kim began his rounds, examining students' work. As he approached my row, tension gripped me.

He stopped beside my seat, casting a shadow over my paper. I sat straight, my heart racing.

He leaned down, his palm resting on my paper, sending a jolt through me. His cologne wafted up, intoxicating.

"I expect good results from you, Ms. Lee," he whispered, his husky voice sending shivers down my spine. With that, he straightened and moved on, leaving me breathless.

Afterwards when I class was over, I started to pack my bag with my stuff.
"Ms. Lee come to my office." Professor Kim informed me as he prepared to leave the class.

I walked downstairs, determined to catch up with Professor Kim, but fate had other plans. My ankle twisted, sending me stumbling. I grasped for the nearby table, but my hand slipped, and I barely avoided falling.

"Seriously, today?" I muttered, frustration etched on my face.

Gingerly, I limped towards Professor Kim's office, my sprained ankle throbbing with each step.