THE ME BEFORE

chapter 4- unexpected arrival

As Yuki Senpai left, Nathalie felt a mix of relief and curiosity. She couldn't help but wonder why he had seemed so different from her initial impression.

Just then, the door swung open, and a sleek, black motorbike caught everyone's attention. The rider, clad in leather gear, strode in with an air of confidence that commanded respect. The seniors' eyes widened, and they bowed in unison.

"Sensei!"

Nathalie's eyes narrowed. Sensei? This guy was a teacher?

As he removed his helmet, Nathalie's breath caught in her throat. Her heart sank, and her mind racing, she thought, No, it can't be.

Haruto.

The name echoed in her mind like a curse. She hadn't seen him in years, not since...not since everything changed.

Haruto's gaze swept the room, his eyes cold, detached. He was a far cry from the boy she once knew. This Haruto was chiseled, polished, and menacing.

Nathalie's instincts screamed at her to flee, but her legs felt rooted to the spot. She couldn't move, couldn't breathe.

Haruto's eyes locked onto the bar, and he strode over, his movements fluid. "Whiskey, neat," he ordered, his voice low, husky.

The bartender nodded, handing him a glass. Haruto took a sip, his eyes scanning the room once more.

Nathalie held her breath, praying he wouldn't notice her. She was a different person now, not the girl he once knew. She had changed, grown, and hidden her true self. But he wasn't the same either he was different scarier .As I gazed at Haruto-'sensei', I couldn't help but notice how imposing he looked. His sharp jawline, piercing brown eyes, and chiseled features seemed chiseled from granite. His dark hair was perfectly messy, framing his face with an air of quiet confidence.

And then, my eyes drifted to Yuki Senpai. I couldn't believe I was thinking this, but...he was rivalling Haruto-sensei's looks. Yuki Senpai's bright, expressive eyes and captivating smile made him seem approachable, yet undeniably handsome. His hair, styled in a subtle, piecey manner, added to his effortless charm.

I laughed internally, surprised by my own thoughts. Just hours ago, I couldn't bear the sight of Yuki Senpai, convinced he was hitting on me. Now, I was acknowledging his attractiveness? My mind was a jumbled mess.

Comparing the two, I realized Haruto-sensei exuded an aura of intensity, while Yuki Senpai radiated warmth. Both were captivating in their own ways.

Haruto settled into the corner, laptop open, fingers flying across the keyboard. He seemed oblivious to the commotion he had caused, his focus solely on his work.

For now, Nathalie was safe. But she knew it was only a matter of time before their paths crossed again.As Haruto settled into the corner, Yuki Senpai and Yuito Senpai, another senior, approached the freshmen group.

"Everyone, gather around," Yuki Senpai said, his voice gentle. "We want to explain something about our guest."

Yuito Senpai, a tall, lanky guy with a messy mop of hair, nodded in agreement. "You see, Haruto-sensei is...well, he's a bit of a legend around here."

Yuki Senpai chuckled. "That's one way to put it. Haruto-sensei is an alumnus of our university, and he's also a rather influential figure in the business world."

Yuito Senpai took over, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "He's here to keep an eye on us, make sure we're not getting too rowdy. You see, Haruto-sensei has a bit of a reputation for being...strict."

Yuki Senpai shot Yuito Senpai a warning glance, but the younger senior continued, undeterred.

"He's also here to make sure none of the freshmen are, ah, 'persuaded' to join any clubs or organizations they might not be comfortable with."

Nathalie's eyes narrowed, her mind racing. What did Yuito Senpai mean by that? And why was Haruto-sensei really here?

As the seniors continued to explain, Nathalie's gaze drifted back to Haruto, her heart heavy with a mix of emotions. She hadn't expected to see him again, especially not like this. play.