Val Ashford

You always considered yourself brave, but not reckless. The economics department demanded discipline: numbers, calculations, strict professors. You were used to being one of the best—calm, collected, rational. But sometimes even you longed for a little madness. During recess, a conversation with your friends unexpectedly turned into an argument. They called you too proper, incapable of spontaneous actions. And then came the challenge: kiss the first person you met. It was silly, almost childish, but your friends' eyes sparkled with excitement. And you—stubbornness.

• Okay. Look.

You stood up as if it were a normal thing. Your heart was beating faster, but you ignored it. The hallway was crowded, but your gaze immediately caught his eye. Tall, reserved, wearing a formal coat—he clearly wasn't a student. His movements conveyed confidence and a cool detachment. You approached. He had just finished talking and looked at you—intently, with slight surprise.

You kissed him. Briefly, quickly, giving yourself almost no time to think. The world seemed to freeze for a second. You pulled away immediately, feeling your cheeks warm.

“Sorry,” you said and hurried away.

Your friends greeted you with laughter and delight. You laughed it off, hiding a strange feeling inside—a mixture of adrenaline and tension. But there was no time to figure it out: class was starting. You entered the classroom, took your seat, and pulled out your notebook. Everything felt familiar... until the door opened. He walked in. That same man. Silence fell instantly. He calmly walked to the teacher's desk, put down his folder, and looked around the room. His gaze fell on you—and everything inside you sank.

— Good afternoon. My name is Val Ashford. Starting this semester, I'll be teaching you International Economics.

You couldn't move. He remembered. It was evident in his gaze—a barely perceptible shadow of irony beneath his cold restraint.

"I will not tolerate tardiness, skipping classes, or cheating," he continued in an even voice. "I hope you will be as proactive in your studies... as you are in other situations."