Sorry Professor, You Said You Are WHAT?

Chapter 8.

KATHLEEN'S P.O.V.

In life, we find out that there are layers to people. People show different personalities or behaviors based on how they're treated and how people view them. At first, I thought Professor Dawson was simply attractive, just as the other females had viewed him. And then when he had been so upfront about showing me his drawings of me and how he thought of me as a muse, I didn't know what to think. I felt a rush of emotions at that time: fear, admiration, and my attraction towards him grew. Fear of if someone within the school happened to stumble across the image; that could arouse suspicion of us having a certain kind of relationship, which we most definitely did not have. Fear that Professor Dawson could very well be a psycho stalker who had taken an interest in me. I mean, what was so special about me that would interest him enough to consider me a muse? Admiration of how good he was in his art; the details were accurate, so much so that I found it hard to believe he drew me from his memory. Attraction that he found me special; or at least he thought I was special. And then there was the issue of the outing we had. I didn't know what to think; I couldn't help but think we'd be seen by someone who knew us, looking over my shoulder every now and then, but luckily we weren't.

I never would have imagined that our...date would turn out to be the way it had. I was skeptical about it, conjuring different scenarios of how it'd turn out to be. But Professor Dawson was nothing short of a charmer and a gentleman. He was nothing but sweet and decent, making sure I was comfortable while we engaged in small talk. He wasn't just an enigmatic professor; he's complex and layered but not without vulnerability and kindness.

Even now as he taught, his presence overwhelmed me. Each time we made eye contact, I felt nervous, often looking away in shyness, feeling as if someone knew we had started to form a certain kind of relationship. I was particularly grateful for the fact that he hadn't called on me all through his teaching, fearing I'd say something stupid and make a fool of myself before him. But perhaps I'd spoken too soon.

"Would anyone care to explain the concept of the relationship between mythology and folklore? Of course your claims must be backed up by concrete evidence." I watched as he crossed his arms while leaning against his desk. The action itself made him look smoking hot; the guy wasn't even doing anything. He donned a white shirt with dark blue pants and a suit. His gorgeous sleek black hair was packed in a low bun while his glasses hung low on his nose.

"Anyone? No one?" His eyes flickered across the room before finally landing on me, while I shrunk back into my seat, lowering my head while discreetly trying to hide behind the rather huge dude sitting before me.

"Miss Ramirez," he called out, startling me and causing me to curse out silently, "is there a reason why you're trying so hard to hide behind Mr. Milton?" Damn him, the sly man. I could see the faintest hint of a smirk on his face while I bore the attention of the rest of the class. Clearing my throat, I sat up quickly, scanning the room while playing with my fingers.

"Um—no? I mean, no, I wasn't hiding behind Mr. Milton, sir."

He hummed in disbelief, "Very well, then I suppose you wouldn't mind answering the question then. Would you?"

Giving him a tight-lipped smile, I shook my head. "Of course, if you could be so kind as to please repeat the question." Snickers from the other students reverberated throughout the room while Professor Dawson frowned but did as I requested.

"Mythology is said to be closely tied to a culture's religion and is considered sacred. Folklore, on the other hand, is commonly regarded as fiction but can be based on these cultures' beliefs and myths. According to the British Classicist Geoffrey S. Kirk, he defined myth as a term used to tell stories with an underlying purpose beyond simple story-telling, while folklore was used to tell stories that play on fears, desires, and imaginations. "All the while I had been speaking, I was nervous I would end up making a fool of myself.

The room remained silent for a few seconds, confirming my suspicion, which made me want to disappear that very moment. That was until he broke the silence, wearing an impressed expression.

"Impressive, Miss Ramirez. Now can anyone tell me a common myth, a common folklore?" I let out a silent breath of relief as he carried on with the lecture until the class came to an end.

Unfortunately, Lexi wasn't in school today, making me feel a bit lonely. She had said something about being ill, so I had volunteered to drop by her place later.

after school. Just as I was about to leave the room, I heard someone call out to me, causing me to freeze in my steps.

"Miss Ramirez, would you please stay back? I need to talk to you." Dammit, I thought to myself, briefly shutting my eyes. I was earnestly hoping to avoid any sort of confrontation with him. Having no choice, I nod in response, leaning against a desk while watching the last few students exit, leaving us alone.

The room fell silent, neither of us speaking. Feeling his eyes on me, I shifted uncomfortably on my feet, wanting to be out of here.

"Look at me, Miss Ramirez." He ordered softly. Lifting my face, my eyes met his, but I quickly looked away, my cheeks heating up in shyness. I heard him walk towards me, my breath hitching as I silently panicked. No, no, no, stay away!" I mentally screamed at him.

The tip of his shoes came into vision, his body heat adding to the already tense atmosphere.

"Look at me, Kathleen." Forcing myself to respond to his command, I glanced up at him, swallowing thickly as our eyes met in an intense stare. I felt hot all over, feeling the intense urge to be closer to him. To have him on me. I had no idea where these urges stemmed from, but I knew one thing for sure. I needed to get laid ASAP.

"I loved your response today. Perhaps I could learn a thing or two from you." I blushed at his teasing words.

"Pssh, don't flatter me, please. Hell, I thought I was saying crap." I scoffed, breaking into a chuckle. I froze when I felt his palm caress my cheek before moving towards my hair, twirling a strand in between his fingers.

"Your hair is gorgeous. I could run my fingers through it all day." My jaw dropped at his crude words, finding it hard to believe what I heard.

"I...I...um..." I stuttered, causing him to chuckle.

"Relax, Miss Ramirez, it's just a compliment."

"Right, well, uh, I should get going. I have someone I need to be." I croaked, already making my way towards the door.

"Miss Ramirez…" I drew in a breath, wondering why he wouldn't let me be. I needed to put as much distance between us, for my sanity. Whatever tension I felt right now was driving me mad.

"Yes?"

"It was nice spending time with you. I'd love to do it again." Lord no.