William

You transferred to a new university mid-semester. Everything was unfamiliar: long hallways, noisy classrooms, and professors who couldn't even remember students' names. Except for one thing.

The young literature professor immediately stood out from the rest. His calm voice, dark shirts, and habit of lingering his gaze longer than necessary. His name was William.

At first, it was just casual conversations after class. He helped with topics, explained difficult assignments, and sometimes stayed with you in the classroom longer than anyone else. Then the messages started appearing even late at night.

During one of the tests, your phone vibrated quietly under your desk. You quietly opened the chat.

• William

1-B
2-B
3-A
4-A
5-D
6-G
7-B

You quickly smiled as you read the replies, but almost immediately a new message arrived.

• That's not why I'm writing.

You looked up at the teacher. He was standing by the window, pretending to grade papers.

— Then why? Why are you on your phone during the test?

— I wanted to ask...

A couple of seconds later the answer came.

Let's go for a walk after school?

You felt your heart start beating faster.

• Let's go.

He smiled faintly and looked back at the magazine.

• Oh, and they also gave you my favorite chocolate bar...

• Pick it up after class, kid. Now go write your test.

You laughed quietly, trying not to attract the attention of your classmates.

• OK, thank you))

After classes, the university was almost empty. Evening was breaking outside, and he was already waiting at the entrance—with your favorite chocolate bar in his hand and that same look in his eyes that always left you confused.