I remained focused on the task, determined not to let the pressure overwhelm me. Although the questions were simpler than I had anticipated, I didn't want to underestimate the subject. As I progressed, I noticed that some of my classmates seemed to be struggling with the equations.

By the time I reached the third equation, I heard the unmistakable sound of heels approaching, sending a shiver down my spine. I tensed and fought to maintain my focus, avoiding the urge to turn my head and get distracted. Just as my pen touched the paper, I felt an imminent presence behind me. It was evident that Professor Ortega had decided to stroll between the desks, curiously inspecting her students' progress. At that moment, she was standing right behind me, silently observing.

A hand rested on the back of my chair while the other extended with open fingers beside my desk. A heady perfume filled my nostrils, and a chill ran down my spine at Jenna's sudden proximity. A cascade of black hair fell to one side of her head, brushing against my shoulder. From the corner of my eye, I saw the professor scrutinizing my sheet intently, analyzing each equation in detail.

She had an almost perfect profile: an upturned nose, full lips that curved when she smiled, and brown eyes that seemed to pierce through anything—or anyone—her gaze landed on. I noticed a dimple on her right cheek when she smiled. My cheeks burned as I realized she had turned slightly in my direction, catching me mid-contemplation. She smirked playfully, and my cheeks reddened even more.

I quickly redirected my gaze to the desk, noticing her hand. It was… small. I almost felt tempted to take it to see if I was right. Her nails were painted a deep black, and her fingers and wrist were adorned with rings and bracelets. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly feeling dry.

Our fingers were so close. If… I moved just a few centimeters, I could find out if her skin was soft.

I chastised myself mentally.

"Here… look closely," her suddenly husky voice brought me back to reality. Jenna was whispering so as not to disturb the other students. Her index finger moved to the result of my second equation. Confused, I reread what I had written and widened my eyes when I spotted the mistake.

With my cheeks burning from embarrassment, I drew a line over the error and wrote the correct result above it. In a swift gesture, her hand rested briefly on mine, transmitting a subtle sense of approval. Jenna stepped away and returned to her seat at the desk.

The sensation of her hand lingered on my skin.

After ten minutes, I stood up, catching the attention of a few curious classmates. I walked over to Jenna with a smile on my lips, feeling a great sense of pride in my exam. Professor Ortega mirrored my expression and extended her hand for my sheet, taking it from me. Once again, our fingers brushed against each other.

"Are you sure? You still have… an hour?" she asked, surprised, glancing at her watch. I nodded, and she smiled softly, her eyes gleaming with pride. I released the paper and returned to my seat.

"Black?" Jenna called out. I looked up at the sound of my name and saw the brunette smiling at me.

"Come here; I wouldn't want the others to get distracted," she instructed, tapping the wooden surface lightly to indicate I should come and sit beside her.

I glanced at Enid apologetically, unable to help her, and with my heart pounding in my chest, I walked straight into the lion's den.