The campus was quieter now that the afternoon classes were over. Sunlight slanted through the tall trees, casting long shadows along the pathways. Sierra walked with her friends, her bag bouncing against her shoulder as she chattered nonstop. Her mind, however, kept drifting back to Professor Blackwood.
"I still can't believe I answered a question in front of everyone," she said, her voice a mix of excitement and nervousness. "I… I hope I didn't sound completely silly."
"You sounded great!" Tanya reassured her. "You're naturally curious, and you think fast. That's impressive, Sierra. Really."
Chloe nodded. "Yeah, you stood out—in a good way. Trust me."
Sierra smiled, feeling a small rush of pride, though her cheeks still held a faint warmth. She glanced around at the familiar buildings, the fountains, the students passing by, but her gaze always seemed to drift toward the lecture hall where Professor Blackwood had taught. The memory of his calm, steady voice lingered like a shadow she couldn't shake.
Later that evening, back in her dorm room, Sierra sat cross-legged on her bed, her notebook open. She reviewed her notes from the day, jotting down thoughts, questions, and ideas. Her pen danced across the pages, but every few lines, her mind wandered back to him—his posture, the way he walked, the subtle intensity in his eyes. She shook her head, trying to focus. Focus on your studies, Sierra. He's just a professor.
The next morning, the campus buzzed with energy as students hurried to their classes. Sierra met Tanya, Mia, and Chloe outside the dorms, excitement bubbling in her chest. Today felt like it could be even more interesting than yesterday.
As they approached the lecture hall, Sierra spotted Professor Blackwood already waiting at the door, clipboard in hand, checking papers. Their eyes met for a brief instant, and Sierra felt that familiar flutter in her chest. She quickly looked away, cheeks warm, heart racing.
Inside the hall, she settled into her usual spot, notebook ready. Professor Blackwood began the lecture promptly, speaking with the same calm authority. "Today, we'll discuss case studies on media responsibility," he announced. "I want you to think critically and ask questions whenever something isn't clear. No question is too small."
Sierra's pen moved almost automatically across the pages, her mind alert, her curiosity fully engaged. Halfway through, she hesitated, biting her lip. A question had popped into her mind during his explanation, one that she was too nervous to ask aloud in front of the class.
After class ended, she lingered near the desk, heart thumping. The room was mostly empty, the hum of fluorescent lights above mixing with the faint scratching of pens and shuffling of papers. She took a deep breath, summoning courage she didn't know she had.
"Professor Blackwood?" she began, voice tentative.
He looked up from his notes, his sharp eyes meeting hers. "Yes, Sierra?" His tone was calm, but there was a hint of curiosity in his expression.
"I… I had a question about the case study you mentioned—the one about the campaign that misled people," she said, clutching her notebook. "I was wondering… um… how would you handle it if you were in charge of that campaign? What steps would you take to make it ethical from the start?"
Professor Blackwood paused for a moment, studying her with that same quiet intensity that had made her heart flutter before. "A good question," he said slowly, leaning slightly on the desk. "I would first ensure thorough research. Every claim must be backed by evidence. Transparency with the audience is key, and potential risks must be clearly communicated. Ethical campaigns aren't just about avoiding mistakes—they're about respecting people's trust."
Sierra nodded, scribbling down notes, her hand slightly shaking. "So… honesty and preparation. That makes sense." She paused, then added quickly, "I… I really like thinking about these things. I like… noticing details. And I want to do it right."
Professor Blackwood regarded her for a moment longer than usual. There was a subtle warmth in his gaze that she hadn't seen before—a flicker of approval, of genuine interest. "I can tell you're attentive. That's a good quality in this field. Keep asking questions, Sierra. That curiosity… it will take you far."
Her cheeks warmed, and she tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear nervously. "Th-thank you, Professor. I… I will."
She turned to leave, but Professor Blackwood's voice stopped her. "Sierra… don't hesitate to come by if you need clarification on any topic. It's better to ask than to wonder quietly."
Her heart skipped a beat. "I… I'll remember. Thank you," she murmured, walking out with a mix of exhilaration and nerves.
Outside, the sunlight felt warmer than usual. Sierra's friends were waiting nearby, teasing her about lingering after class. "What took you so long?" Tanya asked.
"I… um… just had a question," Sierra said, voice slightly breathless. She couldn't hide the spark of excitement she felt. "Nothing major!"
Chloe smirked. "Sure. Just a question."
Sierra blushed but couldn't stop the smile from spreading across her face. Something had shifted today—her curiosity, her eagerness to learn, and the unexpected connection with Professor Blackwood had stirred a new, thrilling feeling inside her.
Across campus, Professor Blackwood returned to his office, leaning back in his chair for a moment. He thought about the student who had lingered after class, asking questions not out of obligation, but out of genuine interest. There was something refreshing, almost magnetic, about her energy, her innocence, her unguarded curiosity.
He frowned slightly, knowing he shouldn't dwell on it. She was a student. It was inappropriate to think too much about her. And yet… he couldn't ignore the pull. That spark of fascination he felt whenever he watched her—saw her notice the little details, felt her excitement, heard her laughter—it was subtle, distracting, and entirely new.
Sierra didn't know it yet, but today had changed something—between her and the professor, and within herself. A small curiosity had turned into an undeniable interest. And the semester had only just begun.