EARLIER YESTERDAY
~NIGHT TIME~ Ethan's POV I spent most nights juggling projects and assignments, but tonight was different. Tonight, I was stalking someone. Professor Kai. Don't get me wrong, I wasn't stalking him specifically, maybe tailing, I was trying to get answers. Answers to so many questions, that has being ringing in my head , many questions I'll like to get answers. The crisp night air clung to my skin, sharp and unyielding, as I pressed myself against the rough brick wall of the teachers’ department building. The wind carried the faint scent of damp earth and something metallic—maybe the nearby construction site, along the Garbage way. Professor Kai moved with an almost surreal grace. The sound of his leather shoes was rhythmic, deliberate, and far too confident for someone who should’ve been in bed hours ago. His tailored coat swayed slightly with his stride, the fabric catching the dim glow of the streetlights. His tall shadows stretched long and distorted across the ground, making him seem larger than life, like some mythic figure stepping out of a dream He was elegance, and innocent, just like everyone thought. But I had doubts! I had doubts about him, he was too good, too handsome to be on earth, he should probably have a an immortal living off as a king. I followed at a careful distance, my breath shallow, my fingers brushing against the cold, uneven surface of the wall for balance. My sneakers scuffed lightly against the floor, but it was drowned out by the occasional rustle of leaves and the distant whir of a car engine. I've seen how his female colleagues and female student glued around him, he was the admire of the school. And I hated it. I don't know why. But I kinda feel intimated, and unsettled about the whole settings, but seeing how he easily smile at them, tells me he enjoys the fame he was getting. Scratch— fuck!, I stepped on a can, and it alerted him. I froze, my pulse quickened as Professor Kai stopped mid-step. The beam of his flashlight cut through the darkness, sharp and searching, sweeping across the empty courtyard. I pressed myself tighter against the wall, my breath catching in my throat. The cold brick bit into my back, rough and unforgiving, as I willed myself to melt into the shadows. The last thing I ever wanted, was for him to know, I followed him down here. For a moment, the only sound was the soft whisper of the wind and the sound of my own heartbeat. Then, mercifully, the light flicked off. I waited. Counting the seconds in my head, until I heard the soft click of his shoes moving again. I exhaled slowly, my breath visible in the cold air. Too close. Pushing off the wall, I crept forward, my eyes locked on his shadows as it disappeared around the corner. The narrow alleyway ahead was darker, with no lights, the air thick with the smell of old rain and something faintly floral. I quickened my steps, bit measured it, go avoid another Misstep. But when I rounded the corner, he was gone. I lost him again! The alley stretched empty before me, nothing but a row of dumpsters and a flickering fluorescent light at the far end. I frowned, scanning the area, my chest tightening with frustration. How? The sound of his footsteps had vanished entirely, leaving only the low hum of the night. I stepped further into the alley, the gravel crunching softly underfoot, and paused by a cluster of trash bags. “Looking for someone?” The voice cut through the silence like a knife, smooth and low, sending a shiver down my spine. I spun around to find Professor Kai leaning casually against the wall just a few feet away, his hands in his coat pockets. His expression was calm, but there was something in his eyes—a glint of amusement or curiosity—that made my stomach twist. I swallowed hard, my throat suddenly dry. “Professor Kai,” I managed, my voice barely above a whisper. “I… didn’t expect to see you here.” His lips curved into a faint smile, one that didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Funny,” he said softly, taking a step closer. “I could say the same about you.” The air between us felt charged, electric, as if the night itself held its breath. His gaze lingered on me, heavy and unreadable, and for a moment, I thought he might call me out—accuse me of following him. But instead, he tilted his head slightly, his voice dropping to a near whisper. “This isn’t exactly a safe place to wander alone at night.” I opened my mouth to respond, but no words came out. He was too close now, close enough that I could smell the faint scent of his cologne, something warm and spicy, like cedarwood and cloves. It was distracting, disarming, and for a brief moment, I forgot why I was even here. Professor Kai’s eyes flicked over my face, studying me with an intensity that made my cheeks burn. “You’re shaking,” he murmured, his tone almost gentle. He reached out, his fingers brushing lightly against my arm. The contact was fleeting but sent a jolt through me, my breath hitching in surprise. “I’m fine,” I stammered, pulling back slightly. My voice sounded strange to my own ears—too high, too uncertain. "Are you a student?, you look like one,"He said his expression unreadable. "Yes I am, E..than,"I muttered, couldn't believe my own voice, u was stuttering. He didn’t press further, but his gaze remained locked on mine, unyielding. “You should head back,” he said finally, his voice low but firm. “It’s late.” I nodded quickly, my mind racing. What am I even doing? I took a step back, then another, my feet moving almost on their own. But as I turned to leave, I felt his eyes on me still, watching me with a quiet intensity that made my skin prickle. “Ethan,” he called softly, just as I reached the end of the alley. I froze, glancing back over my shoulder. Professor Kai stood where I’d left him, his hands still in his pockets, his expression unreadable in the dim light. “Be careful,” he said, his voice carrying an edge of something I couldn’t quite place. “Not everything is as it seems.” His words hung in the air like a challenge, or maybe a warning—as I turned and disappeared into the night.KAI’S POV5 AMThe cold bit at my skin as I rolled out of bed at 5 AM, my body stiff from the chilly night. Pedro’s penthouse sat on the outskirts of town, surrounded by woods—trees and grass stretching into the dark countryside, making the air sharp and unforgiving. I shivered, my feet hitting the icy floor, and forced myself to stand, my breath visible in the dim room. I needed to shake off the cold, shake off the weight of yesterday—Ethan’s tears, Pedro’s games, the camera in my room. My heart thudded, heavy with frustration, as I shuffled to the wardrobe.I yanked it open, the hinges creaking softly, revealing a dusty, barren space. My old bag was there, stuffed with clothes that smelled muddy, untouched for years. I pulled on a sweatshirt and sweatpants, the fabric rough but warm, and stepped out, my boots quiet on the floor. My mind was already racing, itching for something to ground me. I headed down the hallway toward the training ground, craving a solo workout to clear my h
ETHAN’S POV“How about you answer me first?” I said, my voice shaking but pushing through, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. “Do you have someone else?”Professor Kai stared at me, a small smile on his lips that didn’t reach his eyes, and said, “Yes, Ethan. I have someone else.” The words hit me like a slap, cold and final, shattering something inside me. Tears fell from my eyes, hot and fast, even dripping from my nose, my body trembling as sobs built up in my chest. I felt broken, small, like everything I’d hoped for was a lie.He stepped forward, his hand reaching for my face, and rage exploded in me—I didn’t think, I just swung my arm, hitting his hand away with all the force I had. His phone flew out, crashing to the ground with a loud crack, the screen breaking into pieces. My breath caught, shock freezing me as I stared at it, my hands shaking at my sides.Kai bent down slowly, picking up the phone, dusting it off, and gave me one last look—cold, distant—before walking awa
ETHAN’S POV“How about you answer me first?” I said, my voice shaking but pushing through, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. “Do you have someone else?”Professor Kai stared at me, a small smile on his lips that didn’t reach his eyes, and said, “Yes, Ethan. I have someone else.” The words hit me like a slap, cold and final, shattering something inside me. Tears fell from my eyes, hot and fast, even dripping from my nose, my body trembling as sobs built up in my chest. I felt broken, small, like everything I’d hoped for was a lie.He stepped forward, his hand reaching for my face, and rage exploded in me—I didn’t think, I just swung my arm, hitting his hand away with all the force I had. His phone flew out, crashing to the ground with a loud crack, the screen breaking into pieces. My breath caught, shock freezing me as I stared at it, my hands shaking at my sides.Kai bent down slowly, picking up the phone, dusting it off, and gave me one last look—cold, distant—before walking awa
ETHAN’S POV“How about you answer me first?” I said, my voice shaking but pushing through, my heart pounding so hard it hurt. “Do you have someone else?”Professor Kai stared at me, a small smile on his lips that didn’t reach his eyes, and said, “Yes, Ethan. I have someone else.” The words hit me like a slap, cold and final, shattering something inside me. Tears fell from my eyes, hot and fast, even dripping from my nose, my body trembling as sobs built up in my chest. I felt broken, small, like everything I’d hoped for was a lie.He stepped forward, his hand reaching for my face, and rage exploded in me—I didn’t think, I just swung my arm, hitting his hand away with all the force I had. His phone flew out, crashing to the ground with a loud crack, the screen breaking into pieces. My breath caught, shock freezing me as I stared at it, my hands shaking at my sides.Kai bent down slowly, picking up the phone, dusting it off, and gave me one last look—cold, distant—before walking awa
KAI’S POV“Will you listen to me if I tell you how I feel about you?” Ethan’s words hung in the air, cold and sharp, piercing straight through my skin like a blade. My heart twisted, a mix of annoyance and something softer I didn’t want to name. I took two steps closer, my body moving on its own, and my hand reached out, caressing his soft, plump cheek. His skin was warm under my fingers, clenching slightly as it flushed pink. I felt a jolt, my pulse quickening, but I pulled back, forcing my voice casual. “You care for coffee?” I asked, stepping away, my hand dropping to my side like it burned.“There’s a coffee shop down there,” I added quickly, pointing in a direction, across the streets.He swallowed hard, his breathing shallow and uneven, and I saw his chest rising and falling too fast. “Are you going to take me with you after the coffee?” he dropped like a bombshell, and I halted on the spot, my body freezing, turning back to face him with wide eyes.“You’re gonna act like you d
KAI’S POVThe elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, and we stepped out into the lobby, the air cooler and quieter than upstairs. Rodney, still clingy trailed behind me, his presence like a shadow I couldn’t shake. I hailed a cab outside the estate gate, my hand raised sharp and quick, my mind already racing ahead to Pedro’s penthouse. The cab pulled up fast, its engine humming, and we climbed in, and settled on the seats. Rodney sat close, too close to me, his leg brushing mine, but I stared out the window, ignoring the way it made my skin crawl.The ride was short, the cab dropping us at a street near the bus stop Rodney needed, and wñe got out, the evening air sharp against my face, and started walking side by side on the sidewalk. My steps were brisk, eager to end this, but then Rodney’s hand slipped into mine, his fingers warm and insistent. My body tensed, surprise and irritation flaring hot in my chest, and I wanted to yank away, to snap at him for being so clingy, but