You are sweet

I couldn't decide, so I told her, "First, let me drive you to college, then we can talk about that." I laughed like a fool.

Arina didn't move her gaze from me and sweetly said, "You are sweet, Zoe."

Was that a compliment? My ears just turned red. I wanted to normalize the situation, so I asked her about her family, "Where are your parents?"

Arina closed her eyes and leaned back in the seat. "I'm an orphan."

I looked at her, taken aback. So, she was an orphan. I didn't think she had lost her parents at such a young age. I took a deep breath. Yeah, I was too. Last year I lost my mom.

But this time I noticed something. Arina spoke very easily about being an orphan. And then she added, "Don't think I'm heartless. Actually, they died very mysteriously right after I was born. Maybe someone didn't want to see me happy, so He took my parents."

I was silent for a moment, processing her words. "I'm really sorry to hear that, Arina," I said softly.

I just wanted to comfort her, so unknowingly I touched her hand and said, "Don't be sad, Arina. Sometimes God tests us. So, never lose your faith in God."

Arina gave me a smile. She held my hand, the way people hold their lover's hand. It was the first time I felt her softness. I couldn't restrain my gaze from her. I came back to my senses but couldn't pull my hand away because now she was holding it. Arina was literally playing with my fingers.

Do you know how beautiful you are, Arina? I'm an unknown man and you're playing with me like this.

I took a deep breath and looked at the road. Luckily, there were fewer vehicles on the road today; otherwise, I might have had an accident.

After a while, we arrived at the college. All the way, Arina played with my hand. I had never encountered a girl like her before. Even my ex-girlfriend had never observed my hand with such fascination.

I coughed because she was engrossed in my hand. Hearing my cough, she looked at me and gave me a bold look, saying, "Your hand is so beautiful, Zoe."

I wasn't ready for this type of compliment. My only response was to stare at her, mesmerized by her beauty. Suddenly, she leaned in close to my face and said, "Thank you so much, Zoe. I will return your favor soon."

She left after saying this. I sat in the car, thinking about what had just happened.

"She was flirting with me. And favor! I didn't ask for it," I muttered to myself. I closed my eyes and leaned back in my seat. Her aroma still lingered in the car, and I inhaled deeply, savoring it.

"You are so tempting, Arina. I will wait for your favor then," I whispered to myself, a smile tugging at my lips.

The rest of the day felt like a dream. I couldn't stop thinking about Arina. Her touch, her scent, her words—they had all left a lasting impression on me. I wandered through my classes in a daze, my mind replaying our conversation and her playful demeanor over and over again.

It was really boring. I looked outside, unable to concentrate in class. I wished I could see her once. My eyes would be blessed to see her again. After dropping her off in the morning, I hadn't seen her on campus.

I sighed and tried to focus on the boring lecture. Suddenly, I heard the sharp laughter of a girl. It was familiar to me. I started looking around but couldn't find her.

"Is that my illusion?" I murmured to myself.

And then I saw Arina enter the room.

"Is that my illusion too?" I pinched my own hand and groaned in pain. No, it wasn't an illusion. She was here.

Does that mean she is my classmate? My heart started dancing. But I noticed everyone was hypnotized by her beauty. Everyone was drooling, even the professor.

As she moved, a hush fell over the room, and all eyes followed her. She seemed oblivious to the attention, or perhaps she was simply used to it. Her confidence was intoxicating.

Suddenly, Arina looked up towards my row and our eyes met. She gave me a smile. Did she know she could kill anyone with that smile? I smiled back at her, trying to keep my composure.

The professor cleared his throat and said, "Good morning, students. I'm here to introduce your new biochemistry lecturer. She is Arina Mollen. Please cooperate with her."

What? How could it be? She was so young. My fascination was shattered by the noise of the class. They were as heartbroken as I was, and it was ridiculous. Suddenly, Arina spoke up.

"Hello, you guys can call me Arina, and I know I won't disappoint you."

All my dreams were shattered. I sighed sadly. I looked up at her. She was my teacher now, I murmured to myself.

The rest of the class felt like a blur. My mind was racing with a mix of disappointment and confusion. How could someone so young be a lecturer? And how had I not known about this?

As Arina began her lecture, her voice was calm and confident. She had the entire class captivated. I tried to focus on what she was saying, but my mind kept drifting back to our interactions earlier. The way she had flirted with me, the way she had held my hand. Did she know she would be my teacher?

Class ended, and students started to file out. I gathered my things slowly, hoping to get a chance to talk to her. As the room emptied, I approached the desk where she was organizing her notes.

"Arina," I started, unsure of what to say.

She looked up and smiled. "Zoe, I didn't expect to see you here."

"I didn't expect to see you here either," I replied, still processing the situation.

Arina chuckled softly. "Life is full of surprises, isn't it?"

I nodded, still feeling a bit stunned. "So, you're really our biochemistry lecturer?"

She nodded. "Yes, I am. I know it might be a bit... unexpected, but I hope you'll still feel comfortable around me."

I managed a small smile. "Yeah, it's just... a lot to take in."

She smiled at me and then walked away.

 I went home without going anywhere to hang out. I was so exhausted that I lay down for a nap and fell asleep quickly. But at midnight, I woke up, breathing heavily.

"What was that?" I covered my mouth in surprise. "I dreamed of her." The dream had felt so real, almost too real. I went to take a bath immediately, hoping to wash away the vivid images from my mind.