Chapter 3: When Someone Sees You

A group of us spilled out of the restaurant, noisy and laughing.

The night air was cool, rain finally letting up. Someone started singing—off-key, but cheerful.

“Yeah, Autumn’s treating again. He’s loaded.”

Someone nudged him, and he rolled his eyes, but didn’t deny it.

At the register, another group was paying.

The line snaked out the door, people chatting and checking their phones.

“Whoa, that’s the big shot from the computer science department—I took his class last semester.”

Someone whispered, eyes wide. I followed their gaze, curiosity piqued.

“Who? There are a bunch of big names. Which one?”

Everyone craned to get a look at him.

“The youngest, best-looking one.”

The girls giggled, and even the guys looked impressed.

Autumn stepped forward, a little shorter than the guy.

He squared his shoulders, trying to look taller. I hid a smile.

“Professor.”

The man nodded in response.

He barely glanced at Autumn, but that was all it took to hush the crowd.

His gaze swept over us, instantly quieting the crowd at the door.

It felt like a classroom. Everyone waiting for roll call.

No one dared make a sound.

“Dr. Morgan.” Behind him, several renowned professors walked up. “About that project you mentioned…”

The professors spoke in low tones, all business. Dr. Morgan listened, nodding occasionally.

Autumn paid, head down, and walked out of that intimidating aura.

He looked relieved to escape, shoving his hands in his pockets.

“Autumn, you know that big shot?” the senior asked.

He sounded both impressed and a little jealous.

“Yeah, I took his class.”

Autumn’s tone was flat, but I could tell he was proud.

“Why didn’t you say so?” The senior was excited. “I tried to join his group but didn’t pass the interview. I heard he’s strict—can you put in a word for me?”

He looked hopeful, practically bouncing.

Autumn glanced at him but said nothing.

A senior girl piped up, “Don’t bother asking Autumn—he didn’t pass the interview either.”

Her words were teasing, but there was a sting underneath. The group laughed. Autumn’s jaw tightened.

Autumn’s face darkened. He changed the subject. “Back to campus?”

He didn’t wait for an answer, already heading for the door.

“No way—next round! Let’s go.”

Someone grabbed his arm, pulling him back into the group. The night was still young, and no one wanted it to end.

“You coming?” he asked me.

His voice was softer, almost hopeful. I shook my head.

“I’m heading back.”

I tried to sound casual, but my heart was pounding.

“Pfft,” the senior said sarcastically. “Yeah, go home and get some sleep.”

He winked, nudging me playfully.

Autumn glanced at Caleb. “You take—”

“Lila.”

A voice from behind interrupted him.

I turned. In the gentle rain of the spring night, Dr. Morgan, dressed in a black coat, was walking over from the register.

He looked every bit the part—tall, composed, a quiet confidence in his stride. The others fell silent as he approached.

Dr. Morgan was the only variable in the ten years I’d liked Autumn.

He always showed up when I was lost and helpless.

Just like now.

He walked over to my side.

His umbrella hovered gently above me, easily setting me apart from the others.

The gesture was so natural, so protective. I felt the eyes on us, but I didn’t care.

“Heading back?”

His question and his movements were so natural—like a boyfriend picking up his girlfriend after dinner.

I steadied myself. “Yeah.”

My voice was quiet, but sure.

He looked past me, his gaze landing on Autumn in the shadows.

The tension was thick, unspoken words hanging in the air.

Autumn stood by Savannah, staring at me and Dr. Morgan, his eyes growing darker.

I could feel his gaze, sharp as a knife. For once, I didn’t flinch.

“Oh my god, Lila, you know the professor?” the senior asked, grabbing my hand. “Why didn’t you say so?”

He sounded both awed and envious. I pulled my hand back, suddenly self-conscious.

I instinctively pulled my hand back, my shoulder brushing against Dr. Morgan’s hand on the umbrella.

He steadied me. “And you are?”

His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it.

“Uh,” the senior looked embarrassed, “I’m from the student union. I was the one who hosted your lecture when you first arrived.”

He tried to recover, flashing a nervous smile.

“Same department?” Dr. Morgan looked at Autumn’s group, asking me.

“Yeah, they’re all upperclassmen.”

I kept my tone light, not wanting to make things awkward.

“Thank you for looking after Lila.” His eyes warmed, gentle as sunlight on water.

There was real warmth there, a kindness I hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Of course! Lila’s our club favorite,” the senior said eagerly. “Once she joins, I’ll look after her.”

He sounded eager to please, but I could tell he was still a little intimidated.

I didn’t want to linger, especially not to drag Dr. Morgan into this.

“Did you drive?” I asked him.

I tried to sound casual, but my hands shook.

“In the parking lot up ahead. We’ll have to walk a bit. Want to wait here?”

He offered his arm—ever the gentleman.

“I’ll go with you.”

I answered without hesitation.

“Second round, right?” Autumn said coldly to the senior. “Let’s go.”

His voice was sharp, brittle. He didn’t look at me as he turned away.

He turned and walked off, not looking back. The group followed. Savannah trailed behind, glancing back at me with something like pity.

“Professor, we’ll get going too,” the senior said, glancing at Dr. Morgan, then acting all friendly to me. “Lila, don’t be a stranger. I’ll take you to the dining hall tomorrow!”

His voice was forced-bright, like he was trying to smooth over the awkwardness.

The group walked off into the misty rain.

Their laughter faded, swallowed by the city night. I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.