I sat at the large conference table in the faculty lounge. Today is my first rehearsal for the literature symposium. My notes spread out in front of me, with Ethan and Professor Davies flanking me on either side. The tension in the room was palpable, though I couldn’t quite put my finger on why. Maybe it was the way Professor Davies kept glancing at Ethan, her smile a little too bright, her laughter a little too loud. Or maybe it was the way Ethan kept leaning closer to me. Either way, something felt off.
“Alright, Aria,” Professor Davies said, her tone crisp and professional. “Let’s run through your presentation one more time. Remember, this is your chance to showcase your work to some of the most respected minds in literature. No pressure.”
I nodded, my stomach doing somersaults. “Right. No pressure. Just... the most important presentation of my life. Cool. Totally cool.”
Ethan chuckled, leaning back in his chair. “You’ve got this, Aria. Just pretend you’re talking to us. Or, you know, to me. I’m a pretty good audience.”
Professor Davies shot him a look, her smile tightening. “Yes, well, let’s keep this professional, shall we? Aria, start from the top.”
I took a deep breath, glancing down at my notes. “Okay, so... the influence of literature on modern storytelling. From ancient myths to contemporary media, the themes and archetypes found in classic literature continue to shape the way we tell stories today. For example, the hero’s journey, as outlined by Joseph Campbell, can be seen in everything from Star Wars to The Hunger Games.”
Professor Davies nodded, her expression stern. “Good start. But remember, Aria, this isn’t just about listing examples. You need to analyze. Why do these themes resonate with modern audiences? What does that say about our culture?”
I blinked, my mind racing. “Uh... because... people like heroes? And... um... they like seeing them overcome challenges?”
Ethan smirked, leaning forward. “Close, but not quite. Think deeper, Aria. Why do we keep retelling the same stories? What’s the universal appeal?”
I groaned, burying my face in my hands. “I don’t know! Why does anyone like anything? Why do people like pineapple on pizza? It’s a mystery!”
Professor Davies sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “Aria, focus. This isn’t about pizza. It’s about the enduring power of storytelling. Now, try again.”
I peeked at Ethan, who gave me an encouraging nod. I took a deep breath, trying to channel his calm confidence. “Okay, so... the hero’s journey resonates with modern audiences because it reflects the human experience. We all face challenges, we all have to grow and change. And seeing that journey in stories... it gives us hope. It reminds us that we can overcome our own struggles.”
Professor Davies’ expression softened slightly, and she nodded. “Better. Much better. Now, let’s move on to your next point.”
As I continued my presentation, I couldn’t help but notice the way Professor Davies kept glancing at Ethan. It was subtle, but it was there—a flicker of her eyes, a tilt of her head, a smile that lingered a little too long. And Ethan? He seemed completely oblivious, his attention focused entirely on me. He leaned in whenever I spoke, his gaze soft and encouraging, his hand reaching mine under the table whenever he thought no one was looking.
But Professor Davies noticed. Oh, she noticed. And the more she noticed, the sterner she became. Her feedback grew sharper, her tone more critical. “Aria, your pacing is off. Slow down. And enunciate. We can’t have you mumbling in front of an audience.”
I blinked, caught off guard. “Uh... okay. I’ll try.”
Ethan frowned, his brow furrowing. “Claire, she’s doing fine. A little constructive criticism is good, but let’s not overwhelm her.”
Professor Davies shot him a look, her smile tight. “I’m just trying to help, Ethan. We want her to succeed, don’t we?”
Ethan nodded, though his expression was wary. “Of course. But there’s a difference between helping and nitpicking.”
I glanced between them, my stomach twisting. Was it just me, or was there some kind of tension between Ethan and Professor Davies? And why did it feel like I was caught in the middle of it?
The rehearsal continued, but the atmosphere in the room grew more and more strained. Professor Davies’ feedback became increasingly critical, while Ethan’s attempts to defend me only seemed to make things worse. By the time we reached the end of the presentation, I felt like I’d been put through the wringer.
“Alright,” Professor Davies said finally, her tone brisk. “That’s enough for today. Aria, you’ve made progress, but there’s still a lot of work to do. I’ll email you some notes, and we’ll meet again tomorrow.”
I nodded, my shoulders slumping. “Okay. Thanks, Professor Davies.”
Professor Davies stood, gathering her things. “Ethan, can I speak with you for a moment? In private?”
Ethan blinked, clearly surprised. “Uh, sure. Aria, I’ll catch up with you later, okay?”
I forced a smile, though my stomach was in knots. “Yeah, no problem. See you later.”
As Professor Davies and Ethan walked away, I couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy. What did Professor Davies want to talk to Ethan about? And why did it feel like she was trying to steal his attention?
I shook my head, trying to push the thought aside. I was being ridiculous. Professor Davies was just trying to help. Right?
But as I gathered my things and headed for the door, I couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. And the way Ethan had looked at me before he left... it was like he was trying to tell me something without saying a word.
One thing was for sure... this symposium was going to be a lot more complicated than I’d anticipated.
———
Ethan's POV
___
The moment Aria left the faculty lounge, the air shifted. It was as if the room itself had taken a breath, holding it in anticipation of what was to come. Claire turned to me, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable, but her eyes—those sharp, calculating eyes—bore into me with an intensity that made my stomach churn. I braced myself, knowing this wasn’t going to be a casual chat about grading papers or the latest faculty meeting. No, this was something far more dangerous.
“Ethan,” she began, her tone light, almost casual, but with an edge that sliced through the air like a blade. “Is there something going on between you and Aria?”
I froze, my mind racing. How much did she know? Had she seen us together? The stolen glances, the lingering touches, the moments when we thought no one was watching? Or was this just a hunch, a fishing expedition to see if I’d slip up? Either way, I wasn’t about to spill the beans. Not to Claire. Not to anyone.
“What? No,” I said, forcing a laugh that sounded more like a strangled cough. “Aria’s my student. And Kai’s little sister. That’s it. Nothing going on. Nope. Not a thing.”
Claire raised an eyebrow, clearly not buying it. “Really? Because the way you look at her... it’s not exactly professional, Ethan.”
I blinked, caught off guard. “I don’t... I mean, I’m just being supportive. She’s a great student, and I want her to succeed. That’s all.”
Claire smirked, leaning against the table, her posture casual but her eyes anything but. “Uh-huh. And the way she looks at you? That’s just admiration for her professor, right?”
I felt my cheeks heat up, and I quickly looked away, my heart pounding in my chest. “Claire, come on. You’re reading too much into this. There’s nothing going on.”
Claire sighed, her expression softening slightly, but there was still a hardness in her gaze that made me uneasy. “Ethan, I’m not blind. I’ve seen the way you two are around each other. The way you lean in when she talks, the way you defend her every chance you get. And don’t even get me started on the way you look at her when you think no one’s watching. It’s... obvious.”
I groaned, running a hand through my hair, the weight of her words pressing down on me like a physical force. “Okay, fine. Maybe I... care about her. But it’s not what you think. We’re just... figuring things out.”
Claire’s eyes narrowed, and she stepped closer, her voice dropping to a whisper, low and dangerous. “Ethan, this is dangerous. You’re a professor. She’s a student. If anyone finds out, you could both be in serious trouble. Aria could get expelled, and you could lose your job. Is that really what you want?”
I felt a pang of guilt, my stomach twisting into knots. “No, of course not. But... I can’t just walk away from her, Claire. She’s... she’s everything.”
Claire’s expression softened, and she reached out, placing a hand on my arm, her touch surprisingly gentle. “I get it, Ethan. I do. But you have to think about the consequences. If you really care about her, you’ll do what’s best for her. And that means ending this before it gets worse.”
I shook my head, my heart pounding so loudly I was sure she could hear it. “I can’t just... break things off with her. Not without a reason. She’ll be devastated.”
Claire sighed, her tone firm, unyielding. “Then give her a reason. Tell her it’s too risky. Tell her you can’t risk her future. But whatever you do, you need to end this. And soon.”
I hesitated, my mind racing, thoughts colliding like waves in a storm. Claire was right. I knew she was right. But the thought of breaking Aria’s heart... it made me feel sick, like I was betraying the one person who had ever truly understood me.
“Claire,” I said finally, my voice barely above a whisper, trembling with the weight of my desperation. “Can you... keep this between us? Please? I just need some time to figure things out.”
Claire studied me for a moment, her expression unreadable, her eyes searching mine for something I couldn’t quite place. Then she nodded, her tone softening, but there was still a sharpness beneath it, a warning. “Alright, Ethan. I’ll keep your secret. But on one condition.”
I blinked, caught off guard, my heart skipping a beat. “What condition?”
Claire’s lips curved into a small smile, though there was something in her eyes that made my stomach twist, something dark and calculating. “You break things off with Aria. And you do it soon. If you don’t... I’ll have no choice but to report this to the school board. And trust me, Ethan, you don’t want that.”
I felt a surge of panic, my heart racing, my chest tightening as if a vice had been clamped around it. “Claire, you can’t—”
“I can,” she interrupted, her tone firm, unyielding, her eyes cold and unfeeling. “And I will. Unless you end this. And if you need a little extra motivation... well, maybe you should consider dating someone else. Someone who won’t put your career at risk. Someone like... me.”
I stared at her, my jaw dropping, my mind reeling. “Wait, what? You? Claire, I don’t... I mean, you’re great, but—”
Claire chuckled, her smile widening, but there was no warmth in it, only a predatory gleam that sent a shiver down my spine. “Oh, come on, Ethan. We’d be perfect together. No complications, no secrets. Just two colleagues, enjoying each other’s company. And who knows? Maybe you’ll learn to love me.”
I groaned, running a hand over my face, the weight of her words pressing down on me like a lead blanket. “Claire, this is... this is insane. I don’t like you that way. And even if I did, I’m not about to jump into a relationship just because you’re blackmailing me.”
Claire shrugged, clearly unfazed, her smile turning smug, her eyes glinting with a dangerous light. “Call it what you want, Ethan. But the fact remains... you need to end things with Aria. And if you don’t, I’ll make sure the school board knows everything. And trust me, they won’t be as understanding as I am.”
I felt a surge of anger, hot and fierce, but I quickly pushed it down, knowing that losing my temper would only make things worse. Claire had me backed into a corner, and there was no way out. Not without risking everything.
“Fine,” I said finally, my voice tight, my hands clenched into fists at my sides. “I’ll... think about it. But I need time. A week. That’s all I’m asking.”
Claire nodded, her smile turning smug, her eyes gleaming with triumph. “One week, Ethan. And if you don’t end things with Aria by then... well, let’s just say you won’t like what happens next.”
As Claire walked out of the lounge, her heels clicking sharply against the floor, I slumped into a chair, my mind racing, my heart pounding in my chest. How had things gotten so complicated? And how was I supposed to break things off with Aria without breaking her heart?
I groaned, burying my face in my hands, the weight of the situation pressing down on me like a crushing weight. This was a disaster. A complete and utter disaster.
But as much as I hated to admit it, Claire was right. If I didn’t end things with Aria, we’d both be in danger. And as much as it killed me, I couldn’t risk her future. Not for anything.
I just hoped I could find a way to do it without destroying us both.