Academic Seduction [profxstudent][wlw]

Chapter Thirty Four

It's been two weeks. Fourteen full days since Victoria and I actually had a proper conversation or spent time together that didn't involve a rushed smile, a quick text, or me staring at my phone like a love struck teenager. Not even a stolen five minutes. Nothing dramatic happened between us. No fight. No awkwardness. Just life doing what it does best and getting in the way.

Victoria has been buried under lesson plans, nonstop board meetings, and whatever other soul sucking academic nonsense comes with being her. I, on the other hand, have been studying my absolute ass off. I have too many people I want to make proud and even more reasons not to mess this up. Failing is not an option, even though my brain feels like it might actually melt at some point.

Midnight Mocha has become a distant memory. My manager, bless his strange little heart, told me to take time off to focus on studying. That alone should have raised alarms because management never does nice things without a reason. I am ninety percent sure Victoria had something to do with it. I cannot prove it, but I know her. Poor Ethan is probably struggling, emotionally and professionally, without me there to balance his chaos.

Most of my days have been spent in the library with Asha. She asked me to be her study buddy and I didn't have the heart to say no. She's my only friend and pushing her away would make me an awful human. Plus, she brings snacks and reminds me to eat, which is more support than I give myself. We sit there for hours, surrounded by silence, highlighters, and my steadily declining will to live.

I guess this is what happens when two busy people start something that actually matters. It's quiet. It's patient. It's frustrating in a very specific way. We're not officially dating yet, which makes my brain spiral at least once a day. Do I ask her to be my girlfriend or do I wait and let her do it? Is it too soon? Is it too late? Am I overthinking this? Absolutely. But that's kind of my brand at this point.

✿

Tuesday;

My first test is today. Am I stressed? Absolutely. Am I pretending I am calm and collected? Also absolutely. Will I ace it? Probably. At least that is what I keep telling myself while my stomach does little flips every time I think about walking into that exam hall.

I was almost positive Victoria could sense my presence on campus, because the second I stepped through the gates my phone buzzed. A message from her.

'Swing by my office when you arrive.'

I locked my phone and immediately changed direction, abandoning my very logical route to the exam building. I could really use a few quiet minutes with her before writing, even if it was just sitting in her office and breathing the same air. I convinced myself this was a sign. My nerves were about to be soothed. My prayers were being answered.

They were not.

When I stepped into her office, it was empty. No Victoria. No sarcastic comment. No teasing smile. Just silence and a Chai Latte sitting neatly at the edge of her desk. A sticky note rested beside it, clearly placed there on purpose. I walked closer and read it.

'Best of luck with today's exam. I know you'll succeed x.'

I stood there for a second longer than necessary, staring at the note like it might start talking back to me. Fine. I was still disappointed, but this was ridiculously sweet. My chest felt warm and annoying and yes, I definitely blushed. I picked up the cup and the note, smiling to myself like an idiot. She really knows how to get into my head in the best way.

Clutching the latte, I glanced at the time on my phone and immediately thought about sneaking in a cigarette before the exam. I checked again, just to be sure. No chance. I let out a soft sigh and shook my head. No nicotine, no Victoria, just caffeine and blind confidence.