His Favorite Student

Aria woke up late — again. “Why didn’t anyone wake me?!” she yelled, running around her room like a tornado in a pink sweater. She grabbed her sketchbook, backpack, and her half-done design model all at once. From downstairs, her mother called, “Honey, I told you to wake up early, didn’t I?” “I know, Mommy! I forgot I even go to university!” Aria shouted back, racing down the stairs — only to miss the last step and crash right onto the floor. Her father, mid-sip of coffee, burst out laughing and almost choked. “That’s my girl,” he coughed. “Dad, stop laughing!” she groaned, trying to fix her messy bun. “Why? It’s hilarious,” he said between chuckles. “You’re lucky I’m late! See you after class!” she called, rushing out the door with one shoe untied. ☀️ At the University The campus buzzed with the usual Monday chaos — students chatting, music playing from someone’s speaker, coffee spilling, papers flying. Then a sleek black car pulled up near the architecture building. When the door opened, silence rippled through the crowd. A man stepped out — tall, broad shoulders, hair black as midnight, suit hugging every inch of his sculpted frame. His tie loosened just enough to seem effortless. His sharp eyes scanned the area with cool detachment, like he already owned the place. Rylan Crowe. He was new — the freshly appointed architecture professor. Girls whispered as he walked past. “Who is that?” “Please tell me he’s teaching our class.” “God, he looks like he stepped out of a magazine.” Even the principal, waiting at the entrance, froze for a second too long before extending a hand. “Mr. Crowe! Welcome to Riverstone University. We’re honored to have someone of your credentials join us.” Rylan smiled — a polite, unreadable curve of his lips. “Thank you. I’m eager to begin.” As he followed the principal down the hall, his gaze briefly swept the crowd of students outside the window — pausing just a moment longer on a blur of pink rushing across the courtyard, late for class, hair bouncing wildly in the wind. He didn’t know her name yet. But somehow, in that second, he couldn’t look away. “Eli! Maya! Wait up!” Aria shouted, nearly tripping over her own shoelace as she dashed toward them. Eli, holding a burger in one hand and his sketchbook in the other, looked unimpressed. “You’re late.” He held out the burger. “I knew you didn’t eat.” Aria snatched it with a grin. “You know me best.” She took a huge bite. Maya crossed her arms, already ready to scold her. “Explain yourself. Did you forget you go to university again?” “Don’t judge me! I have my moments,” Aria said through a mouthful of food. “And—damn—this burger tastes amazing. Now, let’s get to class before someone catches us.” They all laughed and hurried down the hall. When they entered the studio, Aria waved cheerfully. “Morning, everyone!” Her smile faltered when she spotted her. Aria muttered, “Ugh, the witch is here too.” Maya sighed. “Aria, she’s here every day. We’re in the same class.” “Oh, right,” Aria said with a fake innocent smile. Before she could sit down, Chloe — all perfect hair and fake confidence — walked over with a smirk. “Well, if it isn’t Aria Vale, the useless die-hard of this class.” Aria crossed her arms. “Shut up, Chloe. What do you even know?” Chloe flipped her hair. “I know better, that’s what.” “Better? Like what?” Aria shot back. Chloe opened her mouth — then froze. The class burst into laughter. Before it could go further, the principal’s voice boomed through the room. “Everyone, settle down! I have an announcement.” The chatter died instantly. Aria, still grinning from her small victory, sank into the sixth row. Maya and Eli sat just behind her. “We have a new professor joining us today,” the principal said, glancing toward the door. “Please welcome Mr. Crowe.” Aria perked up, whispering, “Ooh, new teacher. Interesting.” She leaned down to grab her fallen sketchbook from under the table— —and that’s when he walked in. The room went silent. His footsteps were slow, deliberate. His black hair caught the morning light, and his dark suit fit like it was made just for him. Every head turned, every whisper stopped. Rylan Crowe. He scanned the room, his gaze sharp and unreadable—until Aria straightened from under the table, eyes wide, cheeks flushed, hair slightly messy. For a moment, they just stared at each other. Her breath caught. His expression didn’t change—but his eyes softened, just slightly. Something shifted in the air. She blinked, breaking the gaze, completely unaware that from that moment on… he wouldn’t stop watching her. Aria couldn’t stop smiling as she leaned toward Maya. Aria whispered, “The new professor is hot.” Maya gasped, smacking her lightly on the forehead. “Aria, shut up!” “Ow!” Aria giggled softly, rubbing her head — then quickly straightened up when he spoke. “Good morning, everyone.” The voice was deep, smooth, and calm — the kind that could silence a storm. “My name is Rylan Crowe,” he continued, walking across the front of the class, eyes scanning every student one by one. “But you can call me Rylan.” A faint smirk tugged at his lips, revealing a single dimple on the left side. His tone was composed, but his gaze burned with quiet intensity. Chloe nearly melted in her seat, eyes glued to him — but Rylan’s gaze wasn’t on her. It was on Aria. Aria felt it — that sharp, heavy stare that made her heartbeat quicken. She tried to ignore it at first, but it didn’t stop. Finally, she stood up, hands on her desk. “Hey, new teacher — do you like me or something? Why are you staring at me like that?” The room fell silent. Every student turned to look at her in shock. Rylan’s smirk deepened. “Like you? Not at all.” He paused, his voice dropping lower, eyes never leaving hers. “But it could be… more.” Gasps rippled through the room. Aria blinked, caught between embarrassment and irritation. “Stop looking at me then. It’s weird.” Rylan tilted his head slightly, pretending to think. “You’re not that special for me to only look at you,” he said coolly. Then, with that same calm arrogance, he added, “Do you want to make enemies on your first day?” Her jaw dropped. “What—? I wasn’t—” He chuckled quietly, clearly enjoying her flustered expression. Maya whispered from behind, “Aria, sit down before you die.” Aria sighed dramatically and sat, pouting. Rylan turned to the board, completely unbothered. “Let’s begin the lesson, everyone.” His tone was professional, but his mind wasn’t. Every time he spoke, his eyes found her again — and Aria could feel it. That cold, focused gaze. Like she was already something he’d decided to keep. The lesson began, the sound of chalk scratching against the board filling the room. Aria tried to focus, she really did — but Rylan’s voice was too smooth, too deep, and honestly way too distracting. Every time he explained something, she found herself doodling tiny hearts in the corner of her notebook. Eli leaned closer and whispered something in her ear. Whatever it was, it made her giggle softly. Then— thud! A whiteboard marker flew across the room and hit Eli right in the forehead. “Hey—!” he yelped, rubbing his head. Rylan turned slowly, eyes cold. “Talking during my class?” His tone was calm, but sharp enough to slice through the air. “How disrespectful.” Eli froze. “S-sorry, sir.” He quickly looked down, avoiding eye contact. Rylan’s gaze lingered on him for a second too long — not just angry, but… something else. A flicker of jealousy. Then his eyes shifted. “Aria.” She jumped slightly at the sound of her name. “Yes—wait. How do you know my name?” His lips curved into that same faint smirk. “The principal mentioned a few of the troublemakers in this class.” His gaze flicked between her and Eli. “Including you and your little friend here.” Aria raised an eyebrow. “Troublemaker? I’m an angel.” Rylan’s voice dropped lower. “I’ll be the judge of that.” He leaned casually against his desk, eyes locked on hers. “I think I’ll pay… special attention to you both.” Then, after a small pause, his tone softened — almost dangerously so. “Especially you, Aria.” A few students chuckled quietly. Aria just blinked, not sure whether to feel flattered or nervous. Maya whispered behind her, “He’s totally into you.” Aria rolled her eyes, pretending not to care — but her heart beat just a little faster. And from where he stood, Rylan noticed. Every glance, every reaction. He saw everything. And he liked it.