(Callum)
Avoiding Clara became nearly impossible after I decided to do it.
Before, it had been simple enough to convince myself I could stay detached. Professional distance. Minimal interaction. No unnecessary conversations.
Now every attempt felt forced.
Because once you become aware of someone, truly aware of them, it changes everything.
I noticed her before I entered rooms.
Noticed when she laughed.
Noticed when she was tired.
Noticed when she avoided looking at me.
Especially that.
And lately, she had definitely been avoiding me.
Which should have made things easier.
Instead, it irritated me more than it should have.
I stood in my office staring blankly at a stack of ungraded assessments while rain tapped lightly against the windows outside.
Again with the rain.
At this
