I took a few hesitant steps before hearing a familiar voice in the distance. Timidly, I walked toward the sound of the voice, and a laugh made me furrow my brow in confusion. I turned the corner, and a strange sensation hit the pit of my stomach when I saw who it was.

Jenna was engaged in animated conversation with Professor Asher Spenser. The sandy-haired professor was flexing his muscles with the clear intention of impressing the Greek goddess in front of him. In return, Jenna seemed to enjoy his antics but was not primarily interested in the young professor's muscles. Asher invited Jenna to touch his biceps with a look, but the brunette politely declined, laughing in embarrassment.

It seemed like the perfect moment to intervene and make my presence felt.

I cleared my throat, drawing the attention of the two young people, and Asher subtly adjusted his shirt, avoiding my gaze. I observed his behavior and approached the couple. Jenna gave me a charming smile, looking at me almost with relief.

I saved her from Asher.

"T/N! So glad to see you! Do you need something?" Jenna looked at me with a smile, putting her hands in the back pockets of her jeans.

I approached Asher, who watched me with confusion and a hint of anger, as I had interrupted the moment with the new Calculus professor. I averted my gaze from him and focused my eyes on Jenna's figure, her brown eyes curiously fixed on me.

My cheeks turned a dark shade of red, and I opened and closed my lips several times, trying to talk to Jenna without stuttering.

Asher smirked.

"Well, it's been a pleasure. You can go now," the Gym teacher said with a half-laugh. I clenched my jaw and I shot him a glare.

he made a mocking smile, toying with the whistle around his neck. I closed my hand into a fist, trying not to lose my patience.

Jenna looked at Asher disapprovingly, wiping that stupid smile off his face.

"Um... actually, I'd like to talk to the professor Ortega, alone" I emphasized the last part, trying to make Asher understand that he should leave. I knew Jenna told me to call her by her name, but I wasn't sure if it also applied in public.

Jenna raised an eyebrow and looked expectantly at Asher.

The Gym teacher sighed and muttered something to himself, walking away down the hallway, leaving me alone with Jenna.

"Coffee? Cappuccino? My treat" she said, and I smiled, shaking my head.

"A cappuccino, but I'll pay for it myself." She opened her mouth in feigned surprise. Jenna pursed her lips and looked at me with amused eyes.

"I'll pay. How much sugar?" she asked, looking at me seriously. I sighed resignedly at the clear defeat.

"Three," I said, and Jenna inputted the number.

The coffee machine started making its typical grinding noise.

As I shifted my weight from one leg to another, I looked at the coffee machine, aware of Jenna's piercing gaze. A few seconds later, the machine beeped, indicating that the cappuccino was ready. Jenna leaned over and took the cup with the hot liquid, handing it to me. I gave her a grateful smile and timidly sipped the cappuccino, closing my eyes at its warm and comforting taste.

Jenna clicked on the button for a long black coffee.

"I actually wanted to talk to you about two things..." I blew on the cup and finished the cappuccino in one sip. Jenna laughed, and after a few seconds, she took a sip of her desired coffee. With an uncomfortable smile, I threw the cup in the trash.

"I'm totally yours" she joked.

Her statement made me blush and, at the same time, feel a strange sensation in my lower abdomen. The expression on my face made Jenna laugh.

"Sorry about that. Go ahead," she said, taking a sip of her coffee while keeping her eyes fixed on mine.

"The first thing is... could... let's say... I get my ring back?" I smiled nervously, scratching the back of my neck in embarrassment.

Jenna widened her eyes and threw the cup into the receptacle once she finished. The misunderstanding made Professor Ortega blush.

"Shit, I'm sorry." She took the ring off her finger and handed it to me. "It was so comfortable that I didn't realize it wasn't one of mine." Her cheeks turned even redder, and I couldn't help but think how adorable she was.

I put the ring on my ring finger, feeling the cold metal against my skin once again.

"Mind if we talk while we walk? I have to go to the third floor. I have a class in 10 minutes." She looked almost guilty as she made the request, and I nodded in agreement.

We started walking side by side towards the stairs.

"What else did you have to tell me?" Jenna glanced at me from the corner of her eye as she continued to walk.

We climbed several steps.

"I've considered your proposal, Jenna," I said her name, and she smiled, satisfied. I have to admit it felt strange calling a professor by their first name.

I shrugged indifferently and continued speaking.

Meanwhile, Jenna stopped in the middle of the stairs, looking at me expectantly.

"I accept... I don't think it's a bad idea to spend a couple of afternoons together each week," I confessed, and a 32-tooth smile spread across her lips.

Almost instinctively, I grabbed the railing as a body collided with mine, wrapping their hands around my neck.

My eyes widened, and I tensed up at the sudden contact, but I began to relax when I realized it was Jenna. Once again, her perfume filled my nostrils, and I closed my eyes at the pleasant sensation of her body warmth against mine. My hand ran timidly along her back, returning the embrace. Jenna made the hug last for only a few seconds, and I almost complained about the sudden lack.

Professor Ortega had flushed cheeks, and for the first time, I noticed a series of freckles surrounding her nose.

She straightened her clothes, embarrassed and avoiding my gaze.

"Sorry... for the excitement," she justified with a nervous laugh.

"Don't worry," I smiled, and she let out a sigh of relief.

"Well... I should go to class now," she pointed in the direction of the classroom as she took a step back, never taking her eyes off mine.

I started descending the stairs, but someone calling my name made me stop. I looked up and saw Jenna. The professor had her head tilted towards me, her unruly hair partially covering her face.

"See you later? I'll finish the lesson, and then we can discuss the details. Does that sound good?" Her voice sounded an octave higher due to the strange angle of her neck.

"Sure, theoretically I'm done for the day. I'll wait for you in the teachers' lounge," I smiled, and she returned the smile, composed herself, and walked toward her destination.

Once again, the sound of heels faded