Chapter 7: A New Rival
695 Words
The rumors slowly faded over the next few days, replaced by the usual rush of quizzes, assignments, and deadlines.
For Ariana, however, life became even busier.
The Inter-University Research and Innovation Competition was only a month away, and Professor Kael’s expectations only seemed to grow higher.
“Revise your methodology.”
“Strengthen your analysis.”
“Support every claim with evidence.”
Each comment was short and direct.
Each revision made her paper better.
⸻
One afternoon, Ariana sat alone beneath the old acacia tree near the university courtyard, reviewing research articles.
“Mind if I join you?”
She looked up.
Standing before her was Ethan Castillo, the Student Council president.
He smiled warmly.
“I’ve seen you carrying those books around all week.”
Ariana returned a polite smile.
“I’m trying to survive Professor Villanueva’s research project.”
Ethan laughed.
“I’ve heard about him.”
“I think the entire campus has.”
He sat on the empty bench across from her.
“You know, the library has archived journals that aren’t available online. I volunteer there on weekends.”
Ariana’s eyes brightened.
“Really?”
He nodded.
“I could help you find the references you need.”
“That would be a huge help. Thank you.”
“It’ll save you a lot of time.”
For the next hour, they talked about research, classes, and campus life. Ethan was easygoing and encouraging—a complete opposite of Professor Kael’s strict, no-nonsense approach.
For the first time in days, Ariana found herself laughing.
⸻
The following Monday…
Ariana knocked on Professor Kael’s office door.
“Come in.”
She entered carrying the latest draft of her research paper.
“I finished the revisions, Professor.”
Kael accepted the manuscript and skimmed through several pages.
His expression remained unreadable.
Then he stopped.
“This source…”
He tapped one of the citations.
“It’s from the university archives.”
“Yes, Professor.”
“You found it yourself?”
“Actually…”
She hesitated.
“Ethan Castillo helped me locate it.”
A brief silence filled the room.
“I see.”
Kael closed the paper and handed it back.
“The source is reliable.”
Ariana smiled.
“I’m glad it was useful.”
“Useful,” Kael replied calmly, “but remember this.”
She waited.
“Accept assistance with your research.”
His gaze met hers.
“But never allow someone else to carry your work for you.”
“I won’t.”
“I know.”
For a moment, Ariana thought she saw approval in his eyes.
It disappeared as quickly as it came.
“You may continue with your revisions.”
“Thank you, Professor.”
As she left the office, Kael leaned back in his chair.
Ethan Castillo.
He knew the student well.
Intelligent.
Responsible.
Well-respected on campus.
If Ethan wanted to help Ariana academically, there was nothing inappropriate about it.
Still…
Kael couldn’t ignore the subtle change in Ariana. She seemed lighter, more relaxed.
He reminded himself that her personal life was none of his concern.
His responsibility was simple:
Guide her as a student.
Nothing more.
⸻
Outside the faculty building, Ethan waved as Ariana approached.
“Finished with your consultation?”
She nodded.
“Professor Villanueva approved my latest revisions.”
“That’s great.”
He smiled.
“How about celebrating with a cup of coffee? My treat.”
Ariana hesitated for a moment before smiling.
“Sure—but just for a few minutes. I still have reading to do.”
As they walked toward the campus café, neither of them noticed a pair of eyes watching from the second-floor faculty lounge.
Professor Kael stood quietly by the window.
He looked away almost immediately.
Then, without another glance, he returned to the stack of papers waiting on his desk.
⸻
End of Chapter 7
Chapter 8 Teaser:
The university announces a weekend academic retreat for all research finalists. With faculty mentors and students traveling together, Ariana, Ethan, and Professor Kael find themselves spending more time in each other’s company, where unspoken feelings, misunderstandings, and unexpected challenges begin to surface.
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