University rumors spread faster than wildfire and Jason discovered that on Wednesday morning.
He had barely stepped into the cafeteria when Marcus slammed a tray down across from him. "Alright," Marcus said dramatically. "Explain."
Jason raised an eyebrow while taking a sip of coffee. "Explain what?"
Marcus leaned forward like a detective solving a crime. "Why does everyone think you're Professor Menzies' favorite student?"
Jason almost choked. "What?"
Marcus pointed across the cafeteria, and Jason turned to look in that direction.
Several students were sitting nearby, whispering while glancing at him.
Jason frowned. "What are they looking at?"
Marcus sighed. "Because yesterday you walked into his office."
Jason blinked. "…And?"
Marcus stared at him like he had lost his mind. "And??" He lowered his voice. "Jason, no one enters that man's office and survives."
Jason shrugged. "So?"
Marcus leaned back in his chair dramatically. "So now everyone thinks you're his boy toy"
Jason rolled his eyes. "People need hobbies." But Marcus wasn't finished. "And you got the highest grade in class."
Jason quints his eyes, "…How do you know that?"
Marcus looked offended. "Because Emily Carter saw it."
Jason groaned, the same girl who had asked Tobias out.
Marcus grinned. "And apparently she was not happy about it."
Jason rubbed his forehead. "This is ridiculous."
Marcus pointed at him again. "Too late. The rumor has already spread."
Later that day, Jason walked toward his literature class. The hallway buzzed with students talking. And again… people were staring at him.
Jason ignored them and walked inside the classroom. Marcus was already there. "Dude," Marcus whispered as Jason sat down. "It got worse."
Jason sighed. "How?"
Marcus nodded toward the front row. Jason followed his gaze.
Emily Carter was sitting there. Her expression was cold, when she noticed Jason looking, she turned away sharply.
Jason muttered under his breath. "Fantastic."
The classroom door opened, and, as always, the entire room fell silent.
Professor Tobias Menzies walked in. He placed his notes on the desk and began the lecture immediately. But Jason noticed something about today.
The tension in the room felt strange today. Students were more attentive, more curious than ever.
Several people kept glancing between him and Tobias. The rumors had really gotten bad.
Halfway through the lecture, Tobias asked a question. "What motivates the protagonist's betrayal?"
Emily suddenly raised her hand. Tobias nodded. "Yes."
Emily stood confidently. "The betrayal was caused by jealousy. The protagonist felt overshadowed by his brother's success."
Tobias listened calmly and shook his head slightly. "Incorrect." Emily's smile faded.
Tobias continued. "Jealousy was a factor. But not the primary motivation."
Emily frowned slightly. "Then what is it?"
Tobias glanced across the classroom his gaze stopping on Jason. "Mr. Williams."
The entire class turned towards him, Jason sighed internally. He leaned back in his chair casually. "Yes?"
"Your answer."
"The protagonist wasn't jealous." Emily scoffed at his response.
Jason ignored her. "He was desperate."
Tobias watched him carefully. "Explain."
Jason leaned forward slightly. "His brother was successful. Rich. Respected." He paused. "And the protagonist believed he would never reach that level."
Jason continued. "So betrayal became the fastest way to destroy the person he envied."
Emily crossed her arms. "That's just another form of jealousy."
Jason looked at her calmly. "No."
The tension between them became obvious. Emily narrowed her eyes. "Then what is it?"
Jason replied. "Fear."
Tobias nodded once. "Correct."
Emily's face stiffened. Several students murmured.
Marcus whispered beside Jason. "Another victory for you."
Jason sighed. This was exactly what he didn't want.
After class ended, students packed their bags again. "Professor." Emily stood up and called out
Tobias looked at her. "Yes?"
Emily glanced at Jason and she spoke loudly enough for everyone to hear. "Are you grading fairly?"
The room fell into a pin-drop silence.
Tobias's expression didn't change. "Explain why you think so."
Emily crossed her arms. "It just seems strange that the only student allowed in your office also happens to receive the highest grades." A few students gasped at her audacity.
Marcus muttered "Oh damn."
Jason stared at her. Was she serious?
Tobias eyes had become colder. "Are you accusing me of bias?"
Emily hesitated. "…I'm just asking."
Tobias walked slowly toward the front of the desk. His voice remained perfectly calm. "If you believe your work was graded unfairly, you may submit it for review."
Emily looked uncertain now. "But understand this," Tobias continued. "Your performance will be judged solely on your work."
Then Tobias added one final sentence. "Not your assumptions."
Emily's face turned red.
She grabbed her bag and left the room quickly. Marcus whispered, "That was brutal." Jason exhaled slowly.
Now the drama would only get worse. When most students had left, Jason stood up. He grabbed his bag and walked toward the door.
"Jason."
"Yes?"
"Stay for a moment."
Jason sighed. "People are already gossiping, you know."
Tobias didn't seem concerned. "They will still gossip regardless."
Jason walked closer. "You didn't have to defend me."
Tobias tilted his head slightly. "You answered correctly."
Jason stared at him for a moment. "You really don't care what people say about you, do you?"
Tobias replied calmly. "No."
Jason shook his head. "You're unbelievable."
"But you care."
Jason hesitated. "…Maybe."
Tobias stepped closer, shortening the distance between them. "You should not let rumors affect you."
Jason laughed softly. "Easy for you to say, Professor."
Tobias held his gaze. "Jason."
Jason looked up. "Yes?"
Tobias spoke calmly. "If someone challenges you…" He paused slightly. "Prove them wrong."
Jason stared at him. Then a slow smile spread across his face. "Now that sounds like a challenge."
For the first time, Tobias's lips curved almost-smile.
This semester was no longer just about literature. It had become something far more complicated.