Chapter 14 A Gaze From Afar
The previous night's rain left dew on the leaves as Aveline arrived at campus, feeling both energized and uneasy. Thoughts of Adrian, the mysterious photo, and Ezra's words the night before made her heart race. The risk of a forbidden encounter filled her with life, overshadowed by a sense of wrongness. Every interaction felt like an act, masking the studio secret she now carried.
As soon as she stepped into the faculty hallway, a warm voice called her.
"Morning, Ave."
Ezra stood there in his black hoodie, hair slightly messy, and smiled in a way that made Aveline breathe deeper, feeling her chest lighten.
Initially, Aveline was stiff. Awkward. Restless. She even looked down while tidying her bag, just to hide the blush on her cheeks.
"Morning..." she answered softly.
But Ezra, as usual, didn't push. He simply walked beside Aveline, his steps relaxed, his distance appropriate. He wasn't too close to cause misunderstanding, but also not too far to feel cold between them.
"I'm glad to see you show up today," he said suddenly.
Aveline turned her head. "Shouldn't I have to come to teach?"
"Not that." Ezra suppressed a smile. "I'm glad... because you're still looking at me like yesterday. Nothing has changed."
Aveline immediately turned her face away. "Ezra... don't talk like that."
"Why?" Ezra chuckled lightly. "You look funny when you're nervous."
For the first time that morning, Aveline smiled. A small smile that she couldn't hold back. Ezra saw it, and his eyes instantly softened.
They walked towards the studio, and Ezra was busy making silly jokes about other lecturers, students who were spaced out from assignments, and the cafeteria coffee that tasted like "sewage water given hope."
Ezra's casual demeanor gradually made Aveline feel comfortable. Aveline almost laughed, hearing his jokes. She tried to cover her mouth, but Ezra had already caught the laugh.
"There! That's what I wanted," he said contentedly. "See? There's nothing you need to worry about today."
They had reached the front of the studio, and Aveline stopped walking. She sighed.
"I don't know, Ezra. I've been trying to convince myself that this is wrong, but still... I can't just forget it," Aveline finally said. For the first time, she was able to express her feelings to Ezra.
"In that case... don't forget it," Ezra whispered. He leaned his body slightly, looking closer at Aveline. His head tilted, searching for Aveline's eyes.
Aveline smiled again. "But can you... Give me some space? I want to let this flow naturally."
Ezra straightened up, then nodded. With a serious tone, he promised, "I will wait until you can truly accept me. I won't force it..."
Aveline looked at Ezra and saw honesty there. His peaceful gaze, more mature than his age, and his calm way of speaking, melted Aveline's resistance. And somehow... Aveline began to believe him.
"Aveline," he said again, leaning slightly. His tone was softer. "Tonight... would you have dinner with me?"
Aveline was stunned. She repeated the word 'dinner' in her head several times.
She remembered Adrian. Remembered the kiss in the studio. Remembered her heart beating crazily while in Ezra's arms. Also, all the uncertainties are stirring up her life.
But when Ezra's eyes looked at her so calmly, certainly, and without demands, something inside her just collapsed.
"...yes," Aveline replied, her voice almost inaudible.
Ezra's face instantly brightened. "Okay. Get dressed up nicely, okay?"
Aveline nodded with an awkward, nervous smile, but... a small happiness surged up. She hadn't expected to say yes. She never thought she would be planning a date with one of her students.
But strangely... She liked it. And she didn't regret it at all.
But unfortunately, that happiness did not stand alone. From a distance, precisely behind the hallway pillar, a pair of eyes watched them unblinkingly. The watcher stayed perfectly still, ensuring they remained unseen by the casual crowd of students. The sudden warmth and intimacy between the lecturer and her student was registered, every gesture cataloged with chilling precision. This surveillance was not accidental; it was deliberate, focused, and utterly devoid of mercy.
That gaze was sharp. Cold. Silently staking them out as if marking something.
Marking Aveline. Marking Ezra. And marking a relationship that perhaps should never have started.
The figure then slowly backed away, hiding back into the dark shadow of the building. Without a sound. Without identity. Just a danger that was slowly creeping, approaching Aveline's life without her ever realizing it.
The afternoon was creeping up when Aveline finished teaching and immediately went home. Full of enthusiasm, she immediately cleaned herself up and chose the right outfit.
As she stood in front of her large closet, Aveline paused. What should she wear? She was 30 years old, while Ezra was 10 years younger than her. What kind of look would suit her so that their difference wouldn't be too obvious?
After a long time of choosing and considering, Aveline sighed and gave up. She realized that no matter how hard she tried, she would still look like a woman in her 30s. Finally, she chose a plain pastel-colored lace slip dress, which she last wore three years ago at a Thanksgiving party. She paired the dress with a contrasting cardigan. Her long hair was worn down, with a part clipped back. At a glance, she looked very sweet, like a university student. But viewed up close, anyone would know her true age from the few fine lines at the corners of her eyes.
"It's okay, Aveline. You are old, just accept it," she muttered, comforting herself.
After ensuring her appearance was beautiful enough, Aveline immediately grabbed her cross-body bag and car keys. Ezra had sent a message, mentioning the name of a modern cafe in the city center.
With a pounding heart, Aveline left for the cafe. Hoping that this step... could finally make her feel genuinely happy.