Aera

After a while, the professor enters the classroom.

"Good morning, everyone. Before we begin today's lecture, I have something for you all," he announces.

Curious murmurs fill the room as students begin asking, "What is it?"

He continues, "Since this is the start of your first semester, you'll all need a benchmate."

Some students agree with him, while others clearly don't. I'm one of those who doesn't. I don't want a benchmate-I'm perfectly fine on my own.

"Alright, quiet down," the professor says. "Everyone, stand up, grab your belongings, and pick a chit from the box. Whichever seat or partner you get, accept it-no arguments. Is that clear?"

Reluctantly, we all move to draw our chits. I, being lazy, just lean in a corner, waiting for my turn. While standing there, I see Kaden take the seat I usually sit in.

A small part of me wishes I could sit with him, but who am I kidding? I'm not that lucky.

Eventually, I pick my chit but can't figure out the seat number. I ask the professor, and guess what-he points toward the seat right next to Kaden.

I'm happy-genuinely happy-but I keep it all inside. I walk over to him and say quietly, "My seat."

He looks up at me, and instantly my heart begins racing with nerves. He stands and allows me to slide in beside him.

I keep staring out the window, not sure why I feel this nervous. Maybe it's because it's the first time I'm sitting beside a him.

My thoughts are interrupted by the professor's voice:

"Now that you all have your new benchmates, take a moment to introduce yourselves and get comfortable."

Kaden turns toward me, his deep, dark green eyes locking with mine-eyes I could easily lose myself in.

"Hi. I'm Kaden volkov . Nice to be your benchmate," he says in that soft, deep voice that makes me want to hear more.

He extends his hand. It looks like a sculpted hand from a painting-strong and graceful. I immediately respond, not wanting to embarrass myself.

"I'm Aera . Nice to meet you too," I say with a small smile, shaking his hand. My hand feels so small in his.

We withdraw our hands and turn our attention back to the professor. begins his lecture, chalk brushing against the board, words forming... but none of them land in my head.

Because he's sitting right beside me.

The weight of his presence is impossible to ignore. I can sense him even without looking-his every breath, every slight movement. There's a subtle scent of leather and something sharper, like danger wrapped in allure. It's distracting. Devastatingly so.

I sneak a glance out of the corner of my eye.

He's leaning back slightly in his seat, sleeves rolled just enough to show the veins in his forearms. He's not taking notes-just watching, listening with this effortless confidence. Like he already knows everything the professor has to say.

And then, without warning, he turns his head.

Our eyes meet.

My breath stutters.

He doesn't smile-he just studies me, those eyes dark and unreadable, as though he's already figured out I'm watching him. That I've been watching him since the moment he walked in.

I quickly look away, pretending to scribble something in my notebook.

God. Get a grip, Aera.

But my heart's racing. And I know-deep down-I've just met someone who's going to ruin me

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***