Thorne
Blackwell's team swarmed the house, combing through every room. Shin had been captured, and I had managed to knock her out when I saw her lunging at Zaira. She’s been secured, but the chaos isn't over yet.
Blackwell had been involved ever since some of my medications started disappearing. We found the thief’s fingerprints. My clinic is locked down tight, with only two keys—one for me and one for Shin. There’s no hidden entry or secret tunnel. The only way in or out is through the damn door, and no paperclip trick would work on that lock.
"Ackerman," Blackwell's voice pulled me from my thoughts.
"Shin's in custody, but the kid’s father skipped town," he said.
I glanced at the little boy, confused and silent, too young to even cry for the mess he was born into.
"Get him somewhere safe," I ordered.
Blackwell sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Don’t you fucking dump that kid on me, Ackerman."
"I’m not. But I want you to ensure he’s safe, and that he’s taken care of," I replied.
"I didn’t sign up to be a goddamn babysitter," his voice was low, edged with frustration.
"You’re good with kids, Blackwell. I don’t care where you send him, as long as he’s safe and grows up okay," I insisted.
He sighed heavily. "You really fucking owe me for this," he muttered before turning away to give orders to his team.
He wasn’t wrong. I owed him big, not for money but for saving my life back then. That’s a debt no amount of cash could ever repay.
I leaned against the carriage, spotting Zaira huddled in a blanket, shock etched across her face. She sat on the back steps, lost in her thoughts.
I called Zaira's friends to come pick her up, but they aren’t here yet. I sighed, walking toward her. With every step, my heart pounded harder in my chest, and I didn’t even know why.
Her sore, reddish, light blue eyes looked at me, and it felt like something broke inside, seeing her like this. Seeing her like this made something inside me twist, like a dam ready to burst. I sighed again, forcing myself to keep it together, and sat down beside her on the edge of the carriage.
I didn’t even know what to say, or how to approach her. It’s new to me—being at a loss for words around a woman.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, my voice quieter than usual.
It took her a few seconds to respond. "T-thank you, for saving my life," she whispered, her voice still shaky.
I could see she was trembling. I hesitated for a moment but then reached out, holding her hand to steady the shake. Her eyes locked onto mine, and something tightened in my chest.
"I'm sorry you were dragged into this," I blurted out, the guilt gnawing at me. "I'm so sorry for coming late," I whispered, gripping her hand tighter.
A tear slipped down her cheek, and in that instant, a fierce anger ignited inside me—a burning need for revenge on anyone who dared to hurt her like this.
"Shhh," I murmured, running my thumb gently across her cheek, wiping away the tears. Her tears felt sacred, and I swore I wouldn't let anyone make her cry again.
"You're safe now... I assure you that," I continued, my voice firm despite the whirlwind of emotions inside me. "You're with me."
She leaned in, burying her face into my chest, and I could feel her tears soaking through my shirt. My arms instinctively wrapped around her, pulling her close. Fuck, nothing else mattered right now.
I ran my hand along her back, feeling her warmth against me, and I knew I was done for. Seeing her cry—I figured that it was my weakness. And if anyone dared to put her through this again, I’d burn the whole fucking world down to keep her safe.
She stayed quiet, using me as her crying shoulder, and I let her. Her sobs had quieted down, which eased some of the tension gnawing at me. We sat in silence, and I allowed it, giving her the space she needed.
"How did you find me?" she eventually asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
I sighed, remembering the sheer panic that had driven me. Trusting my gut, I rushed to my clinic. The signs were all there, clear as day. When I saw Zaira's folder lying on the floor, it hit me like a ton of bricks she'd been fucking taken.
"I saw your folder, lying around," I replied simply, not wanting to delve into the fear that had gripped me in those moments.
"And... Secretary Shin?" she asked hesitantly.
"Blackwell had already figured out who the culprit was after you reported the theft. I just didn’t expect her to strike that day," I admitted, the frustration seeping into my voice.
She went quiet again, still leaning her head on my shoulder. I could feel her breathing steadying, and it gave me some peace to know she was calming down, even if just a little.
"Professor," she called.
I wanted to correct her, but I let it go. It feels nice to be called "Professor" by her. It’s fulfilling.
I looked at her as she sighed. She stood up and bowed. My eyes widened in confusion.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
She held her head high, locking her light blue eyes on me. 
"Thanking you," she said.
I smiled. "I should be the one to apologize, Zaira," I said. "This won’t happen again." I stood up, stepping closer and gently brushing away some of her white curly hair.
"But I promise you this, okay? I assure you, flower, nothing will ever harm you again—not even a single strand of your hair," I said.
"Professor, don’t be like that..." she whispered.
"Like what, flower?" I asked, our faces just inches apart. Her luscious pinkish lips, her light blue eyes still sore from crying, and her fair, white skin stood out even more against her bouncy, curly hair.
Zaira is my student. A beautiful winter in this mid-year.
She swallowed nervously. "I-I could conclude that your actions speak that you like me," she said.
I chuckled softly. "What do you mean?" I asked.
She hesitated, “Like… you like me” 
My brows furrowed, my tongue tied in a knot, unable to form the words I desperately wanted to say
For fuck’s sake, just confess.
My hands clenched into fists, the muscles in my arms tight with frustration. My mind was spiraling, urging me to speak, to admit what was tearing me apart inside. But I couldn’t. Blackwell was right. I couldn’t let myself be distracted by her—her innocent, unique beauty that had haunted my thoughts for too long. That wasn’t supposed to be it.
I had come here with a purpose, a mission. My revenge. My justice. That’s why I was here. And yet...
I couldn’t deny it. There was something about her—something that drew me in, something I couldn’t ignore. Zaira was one of a kind—beautiful, smart, everything I had ever wanted. At this moment, I wanted to be selfish. I wanted her for myself, to leave behind all the responsibilities that brought me here in the first place.
But I couldn’t. My wrath was stronger than my feelings.
Fuck, just say it.
I finally spoke, the words tasting bitter as they left my mouth. "You’re my student, Zaira," I said, forcing myself to sound calm.
"I like you... because you're the best student I’ve ever had."
I reached out, patting her hair—an action that felt almost mechanical as if I were trying to convince myself it wasn’t a lie. But the taste of those words was bitter, as though I had swallowed something poisonous. It wasn’t the truth, and yet I had to make it sound like it was. For both for our sake.
I could see her expression, shock written all over her face, with a hint of disappointment lingering there.
“Oh.”
Damn. I barely held back the words I wanted to say to her, almost giving in to the urge to tell her how it felt. If only Zaira—shit, shit!
“I see.” She smiled weakly at me.
“I... I don’t understand.”
“What part of what I said don’t you get?” I shot back.
I felt my nails digging into my skin. Damn it, Thorne, you son of a—Too harsh. An ache, a bitterness creeping around me.
She opened her mouth, about to speak, but her eyes still held that deep disappointment. She was stunned, and just as she was about to say something, a voice interrupted. I looked over to see her friend running toward her.
“Zaira, thank goodness!” It was Stella Von Stein, the princess who’d surprisingly enrolled here.
“Good evening ladies, I’ll leave you to it. I still have business to attend with the culprit. I'll let you all settle and please stay safe” I said. 
“Thank you, Sir,” Callista said. 
I nodded and glanced back again at Zaira, smiling yet the dead part of her eyes aches me. 
“Goodnight,” I said smiling and turned back. 
Don't you fucking dare turn back! 
"You'll be starting your community work after finishing this semester. Their summer classes will be used for community duty," he said.
“Excellent! This is good news, right?”
“Thorne!”
I snapped back to reality when Astrid patted my thigh. 
“Yes, it is,” I muttered. It had been two days since what happened with Zaira and what I’d said to her. Two fucking days without proper sleep, because my words kept replaying in my head every damn minute.
It's been a week after what had happen to Zaira, she was giving a break by the Principal—Mathilda Sawyer. The school offers help by supporting her a doctor for her mental health. 
I've continued to teach, but I can't deny that I badly want to see her and I am too close taking back what I've said to her. 
“Good! Now, the meeting is adjourned. Thank you, Ackerman, Mrs. Dali,” That's the only thing that I heard from the president, I give him a smile shaking his hand. 
After hours of convincing the president with proper evidence that Glacierbrook was a good location for the students, Astrid stepped in instead of Blackwell, presenting reports on potential criminals, restricted areas, and more.
Unfortunately, the place would be off-limits in certain areas, not just for the students, but also for the professors. But on the other hand, Blackwell could manage that for me. And, it was approved by the president, which was good news.
As we stepped outside, Astrid’s voice broke through the silence. “What’s all that about? You look disturbed,” she said.
“Nothing, just a lot on my mind,” I replied.
“I heard about the incident in your clinic and one of your students, Zaira Coffey,” she said.
“And what about her?” I asked.
“Her surname sounds familiar. I think she’s related to one of the best chirurgeon doctors before she passed away from sickness,” she said.
“Zainab Coffey,” I murmured. That was her name.
“I see. Zaira was traumatized after what happened to her and Shin. But the school offers help, and as far as I know, she’s doing okay,” I said, flatly, as if I had no interest in it.
“That’s good.” That was the only thing I heard from Astrid.
As we parted ways, I wanted to roam around, hoping I might catch a glimpse of her in the distance. But I stopped myself… It’s for the best.