Chapter 8 The Distance Between Us

Kael arrived in the lecture hall earlier than usual. He stood near the podium, his eyes unconsciously scanning the entrance each time the door opened. He told himself he was only being observant, that it meant nothing. Yet a part of him waited, restless and alert, for a familiar presence he could not ignore. He wanted to see her. He wanted to speak to her before the lecture began, if only for a moment. To understand why being near her unsettled him the way it did. To confirm that what he felt was real. Students slowly filed in, filling the seats with casual chatter.

Kael's gaze sharpened when Lili walked in, but the relief he expected never came. Aria was not with her. His jaw tightened slightly as he watched Lili take a seat, laughing with another student. Kael considered calling out to her, asking about Aria's absence, but quickly dismissed the thought. He was standing in front of dozens of students. Any personal question would raise suspicion, and that was the last thing he needed. He straightened and turned to the board. So she was avoiding him. The thought irritated him more than it should have. When it was time, Kael began the lecture, his voice calm and controlled, even as his mind wandered. He delivered the material smoothly, years of discipline keeping his expression unreadable. Still, every now and then, his gaze drifted to the empty seat where Aria usually sat. By the time the lecture came to an end, his patience had worn thin. He closed his book and addressed the class. "I will be giving you an assignment," he said evenly. "It is to be completed individually." Groans rippled through the room, but Kael ignored them. "You are to submit it in person," he continued. "No online submissions. I want to see each of you myself." A few students exchanged curious looks, but no one questioned him. "This assignment is compulsory," Kael added. "Failure to submit it personally will affect your grade." As the class slowly emptied, Kael remained where he was, his expression unreadable but his thoughts sharp. If she wanted to avoid him, fine. He would make sure she came to him instead. Aria's POV "Yeah, that's exactly what he said," Lili laughed. "I can't believe you skipped class just because of him. Has he really gotten to you that bad?" "Stop it, Lili. I'm not in the mood," Aria muttered. "Who in this modern age tells students to submit assignments personally? Except he's some kind of freak." "A handsome freak," Lili added with a grin. Aria shot her a look. "Missing classes will affect your results," Lili continued more seriously. "And that's the last thing you need. We need. Remember we promised to work together at Ravyn Global Enterprises after graduation." Aria paused, staring at her friend. "Lili, let me ask you something," she said slowly. "When you see someone and you instantly feel pulled to him, like it feels too real... and the worst part is that you barely even know the person. What does that mean?" Lili's eyes widened. "Oh. My. God." She gasped dramatically. "You're in love. Wow. So tell me, who's the guy? Wait, wait... Mr. Kael?" Aria groaned. "Ohhh," Lili continued teasingly. "Now I see why you avoided class today." "Lili, be serious," Aria snapped. "He's annoying, and I don't like him. But I feel like I'm drugged or hypnotized or something. I don't even know how to explain it." Lili studied her for a moment, then softened. "Maybe you just need to stop fighting it," she said gently. "Let yourself feel whatever it is. Maybe then you'll find your answer." "I knew better than to ask you for advice," Aria muttered. Lili laughed. "Hey, all I'm saying is he's handsome and cute." Aria rolled her eyes, but her heart betrayed her by racing just a little faster. Next Day At School Aria was standing in front of Mr. Kael with her assignment in her hands. She looked calm and composed, but her feelings betrayed her. Her heart thumped in a way she couldn't explain. Every time she glanced at him, she felt a strange pull in her chest, like something inside her was stirring. She simply wanted to submit the assignment and leave. Kael himself wasn't composed. Each day he saw her, he felt more drawn to her. She was exactly what he needed, though he couldn't fully understand why. The energy between them was undeniable. He asked quietly, almost deliberately, "You didn't come to my class yesterday, Miss Aria." "I wasn't feeling fine, sir," she replied evenly, holding out the assignment. "Here it is." "You didn't come to class. How were you able to write the assignment?" Kael's voice was calm, but his piercing gaze didn't let her look away. What a dumb question, she thought. Anything could be easily searched online, yet she kept her thoughts to herself. "My friend, Lili, helped me with it," she added, trying to sound casual. Kael's expression softened just slightly. "You shouldn't miss class. This is your final year, and your performance matters. I read your fill-in form, and you said you want to work at Aetherion Group. Why would you choose there?" "Is this an interview or something?" Aria asked, blinking in mild annoyance. She took a deep breath and explained herself. "Well... I've always wanted to work in a place that challenges me, where creativity and growth are valued. Aetherion Group is known for being innovative, for pushing people to think differently and take responsibility. I want to learn, contribute, and make a difference, not just go through the motions. It's ambitious, yes, but I like being challenged." Kael smiled to himself. Despite her stubbornness, she was smart, sharp, and intelligent. She had the fire of someone who didn't back down easily, typical of his mate. "Okay, I like the way you put it," he said finally. "Sir, my assignment," she reminded him again. "It's okay. You can submit it here." She handed it over and turned to leave. Then her bag caught on the edge of the desk. She stumbled, and her books spilled across the floor with a loud clatter. Kael immediately stepped forward, bending awkwardly to help her pick up the scattered books. Their hands brushed more than once, sending a jolt through both of them. Halfway through, Kael picked up a small, framed photograph. The man in it was Her father Evan.