Chapter 2
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Chapter 2: The Private Session
The corridor felt unusually quiet as Chiamaka approached Professor Eze's office. Every step seemed louder than the last, echoing in the empty hallway. Her palms were slick with sweat, her stomach knotted with a mix of excitement and dread. The message he had sent last night played over and over in her mind:
"Meet me in my office tomorrow after lectures. Don't be late."
Could she really go? Every warning she had ever heard about rules, ethics, and campus gossip screamed at her. Yet, a part of her—a dangerous, curious part—urged her forward.
She reached the office door, hesitating for a fraction of a second before knocking softly. A deep, controlled voice called out:
"Come in."
Chiamaka pushed the door open, stepping inside. The room was immaculate, the air slightly cool, with books neatly stacked on shelves and sunlight filtering through the blinds. Professor Eze sat behind his polished desk, eyes scanning some papers. The moment he looked up, her breath caught.
"Chiamaka," he said, standing as she approached. "Take a seat."
Her heart thudded painfully in her chest as she lowered herself onto the chair opposite him. For a moment, neither of them spoke. The only sounds were the faint scratching of a pen and the distant murmur of students outside.
"I noticed your work in class," he began, voice calm but resonant, "and your improvement. But there are still areas that need… attention." His dark eyes held her gaze, making her pulse quicken. "I thought a private session might help."
Chiamaka swallowed, trying to steady her voice. "I… I appreciate it, sir."
He nodded slowly, leaning forward slightly. "I want you to understand that this isn't just about formulas or assignments. It's about focus, discipline… and understanding the deeper patterns. Are you ready for that?"
Her hands fidgeted on her lap. "I… I think so, sir."
"Good." He motioned toward her notebook. "Let's start with this problem. Walk me through your solution."
Chiamaka opened the notebook, trying to concentrate, but every time she glanced up, she caught him studying her intently. It wasn't just a teacher looking at a student—there was a depth, a weight to his gaze that made her stomach twist.
She began explaining the formula, her voice trembling slightly. "I… I thought if I applied the theorem this way…"
He interrupted gently, placing a finger on the margin of her notes. "Pause. Look here. You see the error?"
Her eyes widened as she realized her mistake. He leaned closer, and for a fleeting moment, their hands nearly touched. Electricity surged through her body. Her voice faltered.
"I… I see it now, sir," she whispered.
"Good," he said softly, withdrawing his hand slowly. "Understanding comes from noticing the subtle details. You must always pay attention to the nuances."
Chiamaka nodded, her cheeks burning. She wanted to focus on the lesson, on the formulas, but her mind betrayed her, drifting to the faint scent of his cologne, the steady rhythm of his voice, the intensity of his gaze. Every part of her screamed that this session was no ordinary tutoring.
He leaned back slightly, folding his hands. "Tell me, Chiamaka… do you find it easy to concentrate when others are around, or do you perform better with complete focus?"
"Complete focus, sir," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
"Then this is exactly why I requested a private session," he said, eyes locking on hers. "Distractions… can be dangerous."
Her heartbeat raced, and she fought the urge to look away. "Yes, sir," she said, trying to sound composed.
He walked slowly around the desk, his presence imposing yet magnetic. "Focus isn't just about formulas. It's about observing, analyzing… and feeling the weight of every decision. Sometimes, the smallest details matter more than the big picture."
Chiamaka swallowed hard. His words seemed to hold a double meaning—both academic and… something else. She couldn't quite name it, but the tension in the room pressed down on her like a physical weight.
"Professor…" she began, her voice hesitant. "I—"
He raised a finger gently. "Shh. Focus."
She obeyed, her pulse thundering in her ears. He handed her a new problem set, but as she scanned the questions, her mind struggled to concentrate. Every glance at him, every movement of his hand, every subtle inflection of his voice drew her in deeper.
Finally, she set the notebook down. "I… I need a moment, sir."
He nodded, studying her face carefully. "Very well. But remember, true understanding requires courage. Not just in math, but in life. You cannot shy away from what challenges you."
Chiamaka's throat tightened. His words felt layered, hinting at unspoken truths, forbidden lessons, and dangerous curiosity.
A sudden knock on the door startled her. "Chia?" It was Nneka, her voice muffled from the corridor.
Chiamaka froze, heart leaping. "I… I'm not supposed to be here," she whispered.
Professor Eze's eyes narrowed slightly—not in anger, but in intensity. "Do not let others distract you. Focus on what matters now."
The knock repeated, louder this time. Chiamaka knew that if anyone saw her, rumors would spread like wildfire. She glanced at him, uncertain.
He leaned slightly forward, voice low but commanding. "Ignore them. This… is your moment. Don't let fear dictate your choices."
Her hands trembled as she picked up the pen again. She wasn't sure if it was for formulas, focus, or something else entirely. The forbidden tension in the room made her pulse accelerate, her thoughts scatter. Yet, beneath the fear, there was a thrill—a dangerous curiosity she couldn't deny.
Hours seemed to pass in minutes. Words, formulas, and glances blurred together until the sun began to dip, casting long shadows across the office floor. Professor Eze finally leaned back, folding his hands.
"Today, you've shown more than just intelligence," he said softly. "You've shown perseverance, attention, and… courage. Remember this feeling, Chiamaka. It will serve you well."
Her heart was pounding, her mind a whirlwind. "Thank you, sir," she whispered, barely able to meet his gaze.
He nodded once, eyes lingering on her just a moment too long. "We'll continue tomorrow. Same time. Be prepared."
Chiamaka left the office with her legs trembling, heart racing. The hallway seemed longer than usual, whispers chasing her like shadows. Every step reminded her of the closeness, the forbidden tension, and the dangerous pull she felt toward him.
As she reached the hostel, her phone buzzed. A new message appeared, simple yet loaded with meaning:
"Remember what we discussed today. Focus, courage… and curiosity. Don't be late tomorrow."
Chiamaka's fingers shook as she read it. She knew the private sessions were no longer just about formulas. Something deeper, more intoxicating, was beginning. And she couldn't wait… and couldn't resist.
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Cliffhanger: The private lessons continue, but the tension between Chiamaka and Professor Eze escalates—blurring the line between academic mentorship and forbidden attraction, leaving readers desperate for the next chapter.
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