[Next morning at the University]
Lunette: (Leaning against a locker with a distant, glazed look; she twirls a lock of hair and speaks in a breathless, airy whisper) Yesterday I had so much fun with Professor Leo. Something felt different. Maybe.... I am starting to like him.
Irida: (Sprinting into the hallway, sliding to a halt and Playfully nudging Lunette's shoulder) Lunette! So, how was your tutoring? Did Professor Leo annoy you with a mountain of boring work?
Lunette: (Snapping out of her dazed, her face flushing crimson, and her voice rising defensive) Irida! How can you say that? He is our Professor; not only he is well educated, but is also a really good person. You should respect him. (Crossing her arms and speaking with cold finality) Next time, I don't want to hear anything bad about him. Let's go- we are getting late for the class.
Irida: (Left standing alone, blinking rapidly in confusion as she watches Lunette storm off) What on earth happened to her? Did she hit her head or something?
[The Lecture starts.]
Leo: (Striding into the room, setting his briefcase onto the desk with a heavy thud, his voice booming with authority) Today I'm going to take a surprise test. Are you all ready?
Irida: (Her eyes bulge and her jaw drops in sheer terror) What? Ohh No! I'm going to fail. (Leaning over to Lunette, whispering frantically with a shaky, desperate voice) Lunette, what should I do? If he had told us earlier I would have prepared.
Alex: (Leaning forward, his voice trembling with desperation, his knuckles white as he grips the edge of the desk) Lunette, we are all doomed except for you. Please help us.
Lunette: (Sighing heavily, she glances toward the Professor with a darting, anxious look before turning back, her lips pressed into thin, stern line) Ok, Ok! I will write my answers without hiding them and will intentionally move my sheet toward both of you so you can cheat. (She leans in, her eyes narrowing in a sharp, hushed warning) But next time, I won't help you. You both have to score well on your own.
Alex and Irida: (In a frantic, synchronised whisper) Promise!
[The test starts, Lunette is helping Irida and Alex. Leo is constantly staring at Lunette, his jaw set firmly]
Leo: (Whispering to himself, his eyes darkened into a stormy, unreadable abyss, his jaw tightening until a small muscle jumped in his check) You really are a bold one, aren't you? My naughty girl! Helping Alex right under my nose.....(A dark, mirthless smirk tugs at the corners of his mouth) Are you truly that oblivious, or are you just testing the limits of my patience? You should be terrified of what my jealousy can do.
(Lunette catches Leo's gaze and freezes. It isn't just a look; it's an intense, heavy, possessive weight that makes the air feel thin. Her heart hammers against her ribs, a visible pulse thrumming at the base of her throat, but she misreads the fire in his eyes for academic disapproval.)
Lunette: (Whispering a sharp, nervous breath to the others, her hands shaking slightly as she pulls her paper back) Guys, stop! I can't help you anymore. Professor Leo is watching me like a predator stalking its prey. I feel like he's going to devour me if I breathe the wrong way!
Irida: (Pleading, her voice trembling slightly) Ohhh, Lunette.....Please don't leave us hanging now. You're our only hope.... You're the only chance we've got.
Alex: (Firmly, sensing Lunette's genuine distress) Drop it, Irida. Lunette, It's fine. Just focus on your own paper. We've done enough to scrape by.
Lunette: (Biting her lip, she offers a hesitant, stiff and forced nod) Humph!
[The timer rings, signaling the end of the test. A heavy silence falls over the room as Leo begins collecting the papers. When he reaches Lunette's desk, the atmosphere shifts. As she extends the paper, his fingers don't just take the sheet- they slide firmly against her skin, a slow, deliberate graze that sends a jolt through her. He pulls the paper back, dragging his touch along her hand until the very last second. His face is a mask of cold indifference, but his eyes burn with a silent, possessive and jealous claim.]
Lunette: (Watching him walk away, her hand still tingling as she presses it against her chest) What was that....? No, it had to be an accident. It must have been. (She shakes her head quickly, trying to dispel the blush creeping up her neck.)
Leo: (Ice-cold and dismissive, eyes fixed on the door) You all can leave.
Irida and Alex: (In high spirits, bowing playfully with exaggerated sweeps of their arms) Thank you so much, Lunette! You are our absolute savior.
Lunette: (With a playful eye-roll, trying to hide a smile) Stop that flattery. Next time, I won't help either of you. (She giggles softly, her guard dropping for a moment.)
(While Irida and Lunette are talking, Alex reaches out casually to pat Lunette's head. Suddenly, Leo's posture stiffens; his jaw locks as he clenches his fist until his knuckles turn a ghostly white and lets out a sharp, guttural shout rips from his throat.)
Leo: (Bellowing with a raw, jagged edge to his voice, his veins bulging like cords against his neck and his face turning a deep, suffocating crimson) This is not a cafe for your idle gossip. Aren't you all leaving?
The Three: (In a stifled, rhythmic tremor, their voices barely rising above a terrified, shaky whisper) Yes... Professor!
[Everyone scurries out of the classroom, their footsteps echoing frantically as they head toward the field for sports training.]
Leo: (To himself through gritted teeth, his voice descending into a lethal, venomous hiss, a dark predatory intensity eclipsing the light in his eyes) This dumb boy, Alex! How dare he get close to her? I have not even patted her once, and he thought he could do it right in front of my eyes....(He punches the palm of his hand with a sickening heavy thud) I think I need to teach him a permanent lesson.
[At the Field]
Irida: (Bouncing on her heels with infections agility, her voice radiating a sharp,bright and electric competitive energy) It's time for sprinting. Feel that adrenaline? Are you ready to leave some dust behind?
Lunette: (Her voice wavering like a flickering candle as she fixates her gaze on the ground, desperately avoiding eye contact) Yes..... I suppose so....somewhat!
Alex: (Grinning confidently, full of energy) That's the spirit. Let's go guys, no holding back!
Lunette: (To herself; her hand trembling as she clutches her chest; her breath comes in shallow, ragged hitches. Her voice is a strained, barely audible whisper, thick with a growing sense of dread) I can't run fast or for a long period of time due to... my heart just won't keep up.
[The whistle blows with a sharp, piercing blast that echoes through the air. Lunette's eyes widen in momentary panic, but she grits her teeth and tries to run fast. After 20 minutes, her face pales to a ghostly white; she begins to feel dizzy, her head spinning as she gasps for air. Her vision blurs into a smear of colors, and her knees suddenly buckle, hitting the ground with a heavy thud. Everyone else leaves because they- are finished with their run, except for Lunette. Irida and Alex rushes toward Lunette.]
Irida: (Rushing over, her brow furrowed and her voice laced with genuine, sharp concern; she drops to her knees beside her) Lunette! Wait, stop! Are you ok? You look like you're about to collapse.
Lunette: (Panting heavily, her chest heaving as she tries to force a reassuring smile despite her visible exhaustion. Her eyes flutter for a moment before she focuses on Irida) I'm... I'm fine, Irida! Just caught a bit of a dizzy spell, that's all. You and Alex go and wait for me in the canteen- I'll be there in a few minutes. I promise. (Her voice trails off, breathless but determined.)
Irida and Alex: (In unison, firm and loyal, their brows furrowed with shared concern) No, We aren't just going to leave you out here, Lunette. We will wait.
Lunette: (Insistent, pushing them away gently with trembling hands) Just go! And one more thing- (She swallows hard, looking back toward the hallway) can you please take notes from Professor Leo? I would be really thankful.
Irida and Alex: (Reluctantly agreeing with a skeptical exchange of glances) Ok!
Irida: (Brows knit in concern, her voice softening) But are you really fine? You don't have to continue the training if you feel unwell?
Lunette: (A shadow crosses her face as she thinks in her mind) I can't let them know about my weakness, my past, my... If anyone finds out they will treat me the same way they treated me then.No, I have to endure this.
Alex: (Exchanging a worried glance with Irida) Lunette..... Lunette, are you listening to us?
Lunette: (Comes to her senses) Ohh.... Yes, I'm absolutely fine. (Snapping her head up as she comes to her senses) Ohh..... Yes, I'm absolutely fine. (She stands up quickly, forcing a bright, brittle smile as she begins to stretch) See? I am like a professional runner.
Irida: (Reluctantly nodding) Ok then, Alex and I are waiting for you in the canteen. Take care.
Alex: (Placing a steadying hand briefly on her shoulder) Take care, Lunette. And don't push yourself this hard just for a mere training.
Lunette: (Waving them off with a dismissive, airy laugh) You both, thanks for your concern! But I'm genuinely fine. Now, both go and wait for me.
(Irida and Alex approach Leo's desk, their footsteps echoing sharply in the quiet office. The air feels heavy with unspoken tension.)
Irida: (Politely, though her eyes still slightly distracted by worry for Lunette, her eyes darting briefly toward the door and her voice tinged with lingering worry) Professor, we are here to pick up the notes on behalf of Lunette.
Leo: (Looking up from his work, his brow furrowed with curiosity, his voice dropping to a low, inquisitive hum that makes the air feel heavy) Why? Is she not available? (He sets his pen down slowly, leaning back in his chair with a keen, unnerving focus.)
Irida: (Matter-of-factly, though perhaps with a hint of pride in her friend's persistent nature, straightening her posture to meet his gaze) Actually, Professor, she is still running and completing her grueling sports training task.
Alex: (Interjecting abruptly, his voice tight with an underlying urgency. He shifts his weight, his eyes wide and pleading) Irida, I'm going to see Lunette if she is okay or not.
Leo: (Suddenly, slamming his hand onto the desk with a sharp thwack, his eyes flashing with cold fire of jealousy. His jaw is clenched so tight a vein pulses in his temple.) Wait, Alex! Today you cheated in the test, and I have already told everyone point-blank how deeply I hate deceitfulness. (He stands, towering over the desk as Alex flinches) So, your punishment is to write the poetry I taught today for about 100 times. Show it to me by this evening; until then, you are strictly not allowed to move your useless legs to wander. Do not test me, Understand?
Alex: (His voice trailing off into a frustrated whisper, his jaw tightening in silent protest. He looks looks down at his hands, which are now ballad into tight, shaking fists.) I..... I understand Professor, but how can you....
Leo: (Shouts, his eyes thundering with rage, his face reddening as he leans forward intimidatingly) Don't you dare to argue with me! (A vein pulses in his temple) Otherwise, the consequences for you will be dire. Understand? (His gaze bores into Alex) You'd better Understand!
Irida: (With a weary sigh, her shoulders slouching) Alex, just do whatever the Professor says. (She bites her lips, avoiding eye contact.)
Alex:(Voice trailing off, disappointed. His shoulders slumps as he turns away) Ok... As you say Professor.
Leo: Good! Next time remember to know who am I and if messing with me is a right choice or not. (Calmly adjusting his glasses, a mask of indifference returning) Irida, the notes are in my cabin. You can collect them after the break.
Irida:(Straightening her posture, nervously fiddling with her collar) Ok, Professor!
Leo: (His eyes narrowing with a flash of genuine concern) Is Lunette still out there on the field? Alone?
Irida: (Nodding quickly) Yes, Professor! She's determined to finish her running drills. She.....she insisted she didn't need help, so she couldn't come with us.
Leo: (His voice dropping to a dangerous, low edge) And you just....left her? I thought you were supposed to be her friend.
Irida: (Taken aback, her expression clouding with confusion) Professor, Alex and I practically begged her to let us stay. She looked pale, like she wasn't feeling well at all, but she snapped at us to go wait in the canteen.
Leo: (His heart skipping a beat as his composure slips) She... she's unwell? And you left her in that state? On the field? In this heat?
Irida: (Stammering, her eyes wide) Yes, Professor. She is still out there, and I..... I didn't mean to-.....
Leo: (Cutting her off with a sharp, sarcastic laugh that doesn't reach his eyes) Never mind. Just go. Just go and have your lunch. (He takes a step closer, his gaze turning icy) And let's get one thing straight: Never leave Lunette alone with that idiot guy Alex. When I say never, Irida, I mean never. As for the notes, I will give them to her myself. You're dismissed. (Leo turns on his heel and storms toward the field, he stride purposeful and tense.)
Irida: (Watching him go, a slow realisation dawning on her face) Is it just me..... or is he acting more like a jealous boyfriend than a teacher? No, I must be overthinking it. Lunette is his top student; she's is the star of the competition. That's the only reason he is this worked up. (She bites her lips) Yes... that has to be the only reason.
[At the field. Lunette is dizzy, her vision blurring as she continues to run. A group of girls begins to surround and bully her after finding out that Professor Leo tutors her. Every girl has a secret crush on Leo, and they view Lunette with burning jealousy.]
1st Bully: (With a mean-spirited smirk, sneering and blocking her path) Ohhhh, Look! How hardworking our Lunette is? (She reaches out, mockingly tucking a stray hair behind Lunette's ear with a flick of her wrist) She must be thinking she can seduce Professor Leo, right?
Lunette: (Defiantly, eyes flashing with anger) How dare you? I'm not like you all. (Her posture stiffens, her chin lifting as if bracing for a physical blow.)
2nd Bully: (Throwing her head back, with a mocking, high-pitched laugh that grates like sandpaper) Ohh, really! Then why do you always go to a cafe with Professor Leo?
Lunette: (Coldly, through gritted teeth and clenching her fists until her knuckles turn white) I'm not obliged to tell you.
3rd Bully: (Crossing her arms dismissively, pointing an accusatory finger) You want to seduce Professor Leo and score good marks, right? (Spitefully narrowing her eyes) Lunette, I haven't seen such a poor, weak, burdensome, useless and seductive girl like you.
Lunette: (Taking a sharp breath, her voice dropping to a dangerous, steady low) I'm not a bonehead like you all. (Stepping forward into the 3rd Bully's personal space) I don't need any external help to be successful, but you all suck. You girls are not only empty in the brain but also in the heart.
All Bullies in unison: (Snarling, their faces twisting into ugly masks of jagged, pure rage) You! (One steps forward, eyes narrowing into cruel, icy slits) Let's teach her a lesson she'll feel in her bones. So next time, the mere thought of offending us makes her soul wither and tremble.
(The bullies surge forward like a dark tide, surrounding Lunette. The world tilts violently as she hits the pavement with a sickening, wet thud. A sharp, searing heat-white-hot and blinding explodes in her knee. The impact is so jarring she can feel the grit of the asphalt grinding into her skin as her knee starts to bleed.)
Lunette: (A shaky, broken breath escapes her as she remains on the ground, trembling) Please.....judt leave me alone. (Her eyes dart around in fear, her voice barely a whisper as she looks at the surrounding shadows) Why are you doing this? (She pulls her knees toward her chest, trying to make herself as small as possible while her heart hammers against her ribs like a trapped bird) Ahhh! It hurts! Ohh god... the red.... it's everywhere. (Her eyes widen in terror at the sight of the blood, her breath hitching in shallow, frantic gasps) I hate blood..... please, make it stop! (She squeezes her eyes shut, her breathing coming in shallow, ragged gasps.)
Bullies: (Leaning down until their breath cold against her ear) Consider this a warning, Lunette. Professor Leo is strictly off-limits. His attention is not for people like you. If you dare to be close to Professor Leo again, we will make your life worse than hell. You hate blood, right? Maybe next time, I will make you drink it, so step back from Professor Leo. Now, crawl away before we change our minds.
(The Bullies disappear into shifting shadows, leaving Lunette reeling in white-hot agony. She panics, her cries echoing through the empty grounds as she struggles against her hematophobia. Aross the courtyard, Leo catches sight of her slumped, trembling form; his heart sinks into his stomach as he rushes to her side.)
Leo: (His voice cracks with raw emotions, his breath hitching in his chest. His hands hover over her, shaking violently, paralyzed by the terrifying thought that even a light touch might worsen her pain.) Lunette! Your leg- god, what happened to you? Are you ok? Please, talk to me. (He searches her eyes with a frantic, wide-eyed gaze, his own eyes welling with a desperate, suffocating fear.)
Lunette: (Choking back a sob, her breath coming in shallow, jagged gasps that rattle in her throat) I'm...I'm fine! just go! I don't want to see you face. Stay away from me, Leo. Forever. Please....(Her voice breaks into a fragile whisper) Just go.
Leo: (His jaw tightens until it aches, a flicker of profound hurt crossing his face before it's replaced by a cold, fierce determination) Are you finished? Listen- you don't want to see me? Fine. But until I help you with this, I'm not going anywhere, I refuse to leave you like this.
Lunette: (Crying, her voice rising to a frantic desperate pitch that vibrates with hysteria) Stop the blood, Leo.... Please.. I... I... I hate blood. (She shields her eyes with a trembling hand, her entire frame shivering violently as she tries to block out the sight.)
[Leo sweeps her into his arms and stride powerful and rhythmic as he surges toward the medical room. Lunette lashes out, her fingers hooking desperately around his neck; she pinches him in a blind, white-hot haze of panic and pain. Leo's neck flushes red as her nails dig in, but his eyes remain fixed on the path ahead with a grim determination. Lunette eventually goes limp, dazed, glancing up at Leo's hardened face with wide, concern eyes.)
Lunette: (Dizzily, her voice a fragile, broken whisper thick with dizziness) Leo....Am I a....burden? Am I.... truly that useless? Do you also think that I don't deserve..... a better life?
Leo: (He stops abruptly, his shadow looming over her. He stares down with a searing, desperate intensity that burns) Lunette! If you don't stop breathing that nonsense right now, I swear.....(His voice drops into a dangerous, velvet growl as he leans closer, his breath hot against her lips.) I am going to kiss you so hard that your knee pain is going to fade away in front of it.
[Leo bursts into the medical room, his movements a feverish blur of hurried precision. He quickly splashes cool water on Lunette's face, his expression a mask of focused concern. He guides a glass to her lips, helping her take a few sips of water to steady her breathing. He watches her intently, counting every shallow breath until they finally begin to steady. As her dizziness begins to subside; she remains deadweight against the chair, her face pale as porcelain, but eyes sharp and fully conscious- tracking his every move. Leo pulls out a first-aid kit, his hands remarkably steady despite the tension in his jaw as he prepares to tend to her injury.]
Leo: (His fingers press against her wrist to check her pulse, his voice softened) Can you hear me now? Lunette, look at me.
Lunette: (A soft, muffled murmur, her head lolling back slightly) Mumm-hmmm!
Leo: (A deep crease carves into his brows as he begins to cut away the blood-soaked fabric near the wound) Tell me the truth. How did this happen?
Lunette: (Her gaze darts to the corner of the room, her voice nothing more than a fragile, ghostly thread) I....I just fell.
Leo: (He snaps his head up, his gaze pinning hers with a piercing, raw look of disbelief. His voice a low, jagged rasp.) Why were you so hard on yourself? Looking at you now, it's clear you can barely run, and yet you keep pushing. (A flicker of something dark and protective crossed his face) Do you hate the sight of blood that much?
Lunette: (A sharp, jagged intake of breath hitched in her throat as the antiseptic touches the skin) Ahhh! Professor, it hurts.....
Leo: (His expression softens instantly, the herd edge in his eyes melting into a look of pure guilt. He exhaled a shaky breath) Forgive me. My mistake. I will go more slowly.
[Leo begins to clean Lunette's injured knee, his hands moving in slow, deliberate strokes. As he works, he gently caresses the back of her calf with his free hand to steady her- a touch intended to be clinical yet it felt searingly poignant, lingering, and heavy with unspoken meaning. He leans down, blowing softly on the sting of the wound, his breath warm and intimate against her skin. Lunette gets goosebumps, her breath hitching as the air around them thickens. Her hands grip the edges of the chair with a shiver that she can't quite suppress, her knuckles turning white as she shifts her leg nervously in an instinctive attempt to pull away.]
Leo: (Pressing a damp cloth firmly against her wound, his eyes never leaving the injury.) Stay still. If you don't want it to hurt, you need to stop moving.
Lunette: (Wincing, her breath hitches sharply, a soft, involuntary whimper escaping her lips as she winces against the sharp sting.) Mumm-hmmm!
Leo: (The frost in his eyes thaws for a fleeting heartbeat as he look at her. His voice drops to a low, gentle, melodic rumble.) Good Girl.
Lunette: (Thinking to herself, she bites her lower lip hard, trying to anchor herself. Her heart hammering against her ribs like a trapped bird.) The way he's tending to me.... every brush of his cool fingers feels like a brand. The treatment of my injury feels less like a medicine and more like a slow-burn seduction. I'm getting so warm and flushed; I can't hide it. (She steals a frantic glance at his sharp, marble-like profile) How can someone with such a cold face be so gentle? Instead of the pain I expected, my whole body is getting stimulated by his touch.
Leo: (He pauses mid-motion, his fingers still lingering on her skin) I want to ask you something?
Lunette: (She gives a small, startled jolt, her voice thin and wavering) Y-yes, Professor!
Leo: (His eyes narrow into dark slits, searching her face for a truth she hasn't spoken. His voice carries a dangerous, quiet edge.) Why did you say you didn't want to see me when I came to help you? Was there someone else....(He pulls back slightly, a flicker of raw, unmasked hurt crossing his features) ..... someone else you were hoping for instead?
Lunette: (She quickly averts her gaze, twisting her fingers in her lap as her face flushes a deep crimson) Ahh! I.... it's not that. I just don't like someone being around me when I'm crying. But..... I'm sorry for saying that to you.
Leo: (He exhales a sharp, jagged breath, his chest heaving. He leans in until his shadow swallows her, his voice dropping to a low, dangerous vibration) Ohhhh! Fine. No problem. One more thing; why were you talking about yourself that way?
Lunette: (She tilts her head, looking genuinely confused) Like what?
Leo:(his knuckles whiten as he grips the medical supplies, a flash of pure heat in his eyes) Useless! Burden! and claiming that you don't deserve a better life. Where did that come from? (He looks at her with a mix of fury and deep concern.)
Lunette: (She lets out a nervous, airy laugh, waving a hand dismissively) Ohh! I....must have been dreaming. Or maybe that dizziness made me talk nonsense. (She looks away, unable to hold his gaze.)
Leo: (He stares at her, his expression flat and unimpressed, cutting through her deflection) Do you think I'm stupid, or do I just look like I am?
Lunette:(A nervous giggles bubbles up, and she quickly clamps her hand over her mouth to stifle it) Hehehehehehe!
Leo: (He remains stony, refusing to crack, but the hardness in his eyes melts into something softer, almost weary) Stop giggling. By the way.....do you remember what I said to you after you said that nonsense?
Lunette: (She hums thoughtfully, tapping a finger against her chin) Humm... No! What did you say?
Leo:(A small, knowing smirk tugs at the corner of his mouth as his eyes lock onto hers, darkening with a predatory sort of amusement.) I don't remember..... maybe I was dizzy, too.
Lunette:(Her heart hammers a frantic rhythm against her ribs as she thinks) Is he... teasing me?
(Leo finishes bandaging Lunette's knee with lingering, delicate care and stands before her. He leans in slightly, crowding her space until the scent of his cologne-cold and sharp- is all she can breathe. He places both his hands on the armrests of her chair, trapping her in the cage of his silhouette, and speaks with an intense, unblinking gaze.)
Leo: You have become quite bold. You've learned to lie to me, you avoid seeing me, and you speak poorly of yourself. You even help others cheat on tests. (His voice drops to a low, dangerous velvet) Am I just a 'whatever' to you? You're tutoring someone, talking behind my back and then you fall into my arms. What do you have to say for yourself?
Lunette: Professor! I'm sorry, but I-I don't understand what you mean. (Her voice trembles, thin, and fragile.)
Leo: Ohh, so now you're acting like you have amnesia.
(Lunette gulps, staring at Leo unyielding expression before her eyes dart away, unable to withstand the persistent and magnetic weight of his stare.)
Leo: One last question, and I need an answer. When you were in pain due to injury, You called me just "Leo"- twice. You didn't address me as "Professor". (He tilts his head, a sliver of ice entering his tone) Why?
Lunette: Professor, I'm sorry. Perhaps it was just a slip of the tongue because of the pain.
Leo: But you seemed so fluent and comfortable saying my name like that. It felt as if you have called me like that before.
Lunette: Professor! you misunderstood. I didn't mean it like that.
Leo: Humm! Ok! let's go; I will drop you home.
Lunette: No, Professor! I will go with Irida and Alex.
Leo: Ohh? It looks like you are really close with Alex.
Lunette: No, Professor, he is just my friend. Actually I'm more close to Irida.
Leo: It doesn't seem that way. Regardless, if you want to go with Irida, I will send her over, but Alex is busy with some work I have assigned him that may take time. So, you should go with Irida.
Lunette: Ok, Professor!
Leo: Take Care! Don't come to the University for a few days until you recover.
Lunette: But what about my competition.
Leo: I will come to tutor you at your home. Add my number and send me your address.
Lunette: Ohhh....?
Leo: Why? Do you have a problem with that?
Lunette: Professor, can we have tutoring after I recover? Until then, please send me the notes via Irida.
Leo: Lunette! I don't like interacting with strangers. This competition is very important for you; if you have an objection, I will stop tutoring by now, will that be fine with you?
Lunette: No, Professor! I'm fine with whatever you say.
Leo: Humph! Take Care.
Lunette: (To herself) Am I not a stranger to him? I don't understand this man at all.
[Leo leaves the medical room and sends Irida to help Lunette. Both go home together, and Irida tells Lunette about the incident with Alex.]
Lunette: But why was only Alex punished? You were also cheating in the exam, weren't you?
Irida: (Shyly) Maybe I'm Professor Leo's favourite student.
Lunette: (Giggles) Indeed you are! Let's go Home!
[At Leo's Home]
Leo: (Staring at Lunette's photo) Lunette, why didn't you want to see me today? Is it because of that fool, Alex? It seems like you and Alex are getting close, but don't worry, I will not let that happen. You are mine- only mine. I need to make you feel what I feel for you. I need to get close to you and make you hear my heartbeats, which are beating only because of you. But the more important question is: why is Lunette so afraid of blood? She can't even run properly. Does she have any past trauma? I need to find out and get to know you more deeply, Lunette, to protect and cherish you. Until then, Good Night, baby!
(Leo kisses the photo of Lunette, and places it beside him, and sleeps.)
[Next morning at the university gate. Leo was heading inside when suddenly Professor Luna approached him and started talking. Irida and Lunette were walking towards the university.]
Luna: Leo! How are you? Let's ok inside together.
Leo: No! I don't want to get with you, Professor Luna, because I don't like to talk to or walk with strangers. Secondly, never call me by my name, Leo, again; add "Professor" to my name. I'm not close to you, nor do I want to be. Do you Understand?
Luna: (Humbled) Ok, Professor Leo!
(Irida and Lunette are almost at the university gate.)
Irida: By the way, Lunette, do you know if Professor Leo has a girlfriend?
Lunette: (Jealous and upset) How would I know? I'm just a student of Professor Leo's.
Irida: I heard some rumours saying that Professor Leo and Professor Luna (the math Professor )are dating, as they have spotted together multiple times.They actually look good together. What do you think?
Lunette: (Jealous and upset) I don't know, and I don't want to know. Stop focusing on these rumours and focus on your studies.
Irida: Ohh, look it's Professor Leo and Luna. The look good together. It seems like they are a couple.
Lunette: Hummm!!
(Lunette is upset and jealous. When they cross paths with the professors,Irida stops to greet them, but Lunette neither greets them nor looks at them, heading straight into the university.)
Irida: Good morning, Professors!
Luna: Good Morning!
(Leo was upset and confuse by Lunette's behaviour. He ignores Irida and Luna and goes straight toward Lunette. Leo pulls Lunette by her bag from behind. Lunette is startled and accidentally shouts "Alex" not knowing it's Leo. Hearing this, Leo is filled with jealousy and stares at her coldly and piercingly. He grabs her hand tightly.)
Leo: Do you think I'm Alex? Is it so difficult for you to recognise a handsome man? You're always hanging out with fools; that's why you only remember their fool faces.
(Out of jealousy, Leo is unaware that he is hurting Lunette by grabbing her hand very tightly. Lunette is uncomfortable and in pain. Amidst this, she notices Leo's eyes. They show discomfort, jealousy, and anger, as if Lunette has cheated on him in their relationship.)
Lunette: Professor, you're hurting me. I'm in pain,so please let go of my hand.
Leo: (Hearing that Lunette is in pain, he immediately calms down and releases her hand) I'm sorry! Ahhh! Actually.... I'm.... Leave it, I'm going.
(Lunette is clueless and hurt by Leo's behaviour. She thinks he acted this way because she didn't greet professor Luna and she remains in a state of jealousy and pain.)
[In the Class, Leo avoids eye contact with Lunette due to his bad behaviour.]
Leo: Good Morning! Today we will discuss a few well-known poets. So, Do you all know about William Shakespeare?
(SILENCE.....)
Leo: ohh! Now all of your mouths are glued shut. Can none of you focus on your studies? Well? AHHH! Okay, fine! I will choose someone myself. (Leo is confused as to why Lunette is not raising her hand to answer even though she knows the answer. So, he calls her name himself.) Lunette! Answer this question.
(Lunette is absent- minded and lost in thought. She is continuously thinking about today's incident regarding Professor Leo and Luna. She didn't hear Leo calling her.
Leo: Lunette! lunette!
Irida: (Pulls Lunette from behind) Lunette! Professor Leo is calling you. Answer him.
Lunette: (Stands up in a rush) Yes, Professor!
Leo: (Thinking she is ignoring him on purpose)Ohh! I thought today I'd have to bring a microphone today just to let Miss Lunette hear me.
Lunette: Sorry, Professor I didn't hear you; actually, I was....
Leo: Forget it! Just answer the question.
Lunette: (Confused) What was the question, Professor?
Leo: Lunette! Are you kidding me? Are you even in the class? You are so lost in your thoughts that you don't even know the question. Ok, fine! Tell me about William Shakespeare.
(Lunette is upset and jealous of Leo because of how he behaved toward her today. She chose to stay silent just to annoy him, even though she knew the answer.)
Lunette: I'm Sorry, Professor I have no idea.
Leo: (Leo is shocked and truly upset with Lunette. Thinking she was lost in thoughts of Alex, he loses his temper.)
Leo: Is this how you plan to perform in the competition? You don't even know the answer to this question. I didn't expect this from you, Lunette. I'm sorry to myself that for wasting my time on you; and I am deeply disappointed.Just sit down and continue to occupy yourself with such rubbish and foolish thoughts.
(Lunette is deeply hurt by Leo's words. She wants to cry but holds in it. She sits down, showing no emotions, but her hands and legs are shaking. She scratches her hands with her nails until small cuts appear; she is sweating and continuously replaying Leo's words in her mind.)
Lunette: (To herself) So, this is what Professor Leo thinks of me? In his eyes, I'm worthless and a waste of time. I was wrong- he doesn't like me. He prefers someone like Professor Luna. I'm..I'm not gonna fall into this love trap again. From now on, I will focus only on my competition and my own small life. I will distance myself from Professor Leo; avoiding is my only option.
(Leo is deeply upset and glances at Lunette during breaks. Throughout the class, Leo sneakily steals glances at Lunette, while she stays quiet and only stares at her empty notebook. When the class ends. Lunette stands up and immediately leaves. Irida and Alex follow her with concern. Seeing Lunette so sad, and Alex following her, Leo follows them too.)
[At the Canteen]
Irida: ( With concern) Lunette! Are you Ok? If you want to cry, I will hug you.
Alex: Lunette! Are you fine? If you want, I can talk to the Principal and complain about how rude Professor Leo was. You are such a smart girl; you always score high marks and answer in class. Just because you didn't answer once doesn't mean he should shout at you like that.You are human, and it's not possible to know everything. I'm...
Lunette: (smiles) Guys! I'm ok! Actually, I was really hungry, so I came straight to the canteen. And Alex, thank you so much for your concern. I'm really blessed to have friends like you both. Thanks for the encouragement Alex. Today I will surely treat you to lunch. let's go outside to a famous restaurant and have lunch.
Irida and Alex: yeahh! Let's go!
Alex: I'm proud of you, Lunette! (Places his hand on her shoulder and rubs it gently.)
(Leo who was hiding behind them, overheard their conversation and is filled with jealousy. He is fully determined to ruin their plans.)
Leo: (in his mind) How dare you bonehead Alex, touch my baby Lunette? I will tear you apart. (Tighten his lips and grinds his teeth) Alex! I will surely make you taste my jealousy, but for now, let me make my baby Lunette understand it first.
(Leo goes to Lunette.)
Leo: Lunette, Are you not coming for tutoring today?
Lunette: Actually, Professor, I'm thinking of going for self- study rather than tutoring, as it will help me understand things more deeply.
Leo: Ohhh! Self- study? Just like you perform in class today, right? I told you that you would be the first one to back off; not everyone has the discipline it takes.
Lunette: I'm sorry, Professor. I indeed underestimated you, but now I have realised my mistake.
(Leo is really furious with Lunette for her behaviour and can't believe she is backing off. But he refuses to give up on her.)
Leo: Lunette! I'm really serious right now. If you don't come to the 'Sweet Cafe' in 10 minutes, I will not only make you pay the consequences, but also your friends. Understand?
Alex: Mr. Leo! You are clearly blackmailing her. If you continue to disturb her like this, I will.....
Leo: (Shouts.The whole canteen is looking at them) Alex! You are becoming bolder and bolder. I think you need to see my anger to the fear of me. Never in your life again interrupt me when I'm talking, especially with Lunette. Do you Understand? You'd better understand; otherwise, the consequences of your behaviour will lead to a death wish.
Lunette: Professor Leo! You are crossing the line. How can you talk to Alex like that? Talking about death and stuff-do you have any shame?
Leo: Ohhh! You feel bad that I insulted him? If you don't want to feel bad about him becoming a jerk and a terrible student, follow whatever I say. If I take on any missions until they are done, I don't back off. You have to win this competition; it is really important to me. After the competition, I will stop tutoring you.
(Lunette thinks about her friends and acknowledges that Leo is indeed a professional when it comes to poetry. So, she accepts and follows Leo.)
[At the Cafe]
Lunette: This cafe seems to be closed today. Didn't Professor Leo know about this? Ohhh! This man is so hard to understand.
Leo: (Whispering close to her ear) If you are willing to understand me, I'm ready.
Lunette: (Startled and nervous) Pardon? What do you mean by that?
Leo: (Changing the topic) This cafe is o renovation, so today we have to find another place. You have two choices; either come to my place or let me come to yours.
Lunette: (Baffled and nervous) Professor Leo! How about we go to another cafe that will be more appropriate, don't you think so?
Leo: (Smiles) What are you thinking? I'm your Professor and you are my student. I don't find anything wrong with tutoring someone at their or mine. But I think you are thinking of something else what is it?
Lunette: (Panics) Ok, Professor, let's go to my house.
(Leo smirks and both of them are head towards the bus station.)
Leo: I have a car; why don't we go in that?
Lunette: Professor, I think it's better to go by bus as I am more used to it. But it seems like you are more comfortable with your car. if you want, you can come with the car.
(Lunette does this on purpose to avoid getting close to him; she is tries to stay as far from Leo as possible.)
Leo: It's Ok! I'm fine with whatever you're fine with. Honestly, I don't like taking to the bus because it's always crowded and I don't like being around people- but with you, it is different.
Lunette: (Thinking) What did he mean by that? The more I try to pull away, the closer he seems to get. What should I do?
[The bus arrives. Leo and Lunette board, but it is packed; there isn't room to stand, let alone a seat.They move to the back for more space, but it is still difficult to remain upright. The bus picks up speed, then suddenly brakes. Lunette loses her balance, but Leo pull her into his arms. One of his hands grips the hanging straps while his other hand helps her stay upright. Leo looks at her like, he's going to kiss her not caring about the place and the people. He gently squeezes her waist and gradually leans towards Lunette's lips. Lunette is breathing hard, her heartbeats have reached its peak and her hands on Leo's chest are shaking with nervousness. She has become red and warm. The bus gives another brake. Lunette comes in conscious and back off. She is trying to pretend that nothing happened but Leo gives a mischievous grin. Both get off the bus and head towards Lunette's Apartment.)
Lunette: (Thinking to herself) I'm going to lose myself in his arms. Why can't I control myself in front of him? No...! I think this happens every time I get close with someone; I'm just not used to closeness, physical touch, or love.
Lunette: Professor! My Apartment isn't very big or luxurious, so you might feel a bit uncomfortable there.
Leo: I am going to teach you, and not your apartment. No matter the place, I am always more than comfortable when I'm with you.
Lunette: (Confused) I'm Sorry, Professor I don't think I understand what you mean?
Leo: You are my student, and of course, teachers are always comfortable with their students. Don't you think so?
Lunette: Ohh... yes, Professor! You are right, of course.
Leo: (Teasing her) Today, I really enjoyed being on the bus. It was an exciting and lovely journey. I hope we continue to go for bus rides together. (He gives her a flirty smile.)
Lunette: (Puzzled) Is it just me, or are his words and behaviour hard to read? We took a bus, and then that happened...Is he teasing me? No! I'm overthinking it. He likes Professor Luna.
[Lunette and Leo enter the house.]
Leo: Your house is really beautiful and clean.
Lunette: Thanks, Professor! Let's go; and the study room is over there.
(Leo and Lunette studies for 30 minutes straight. Throughout the study session, Leo continuously stares at her intensely as if he hasn't seen her for ages. Lunette is nervous and uneasy. To escape his gaze, she makes an excuse.)
Lunette: Professor, I'm hungry, So I'm going to get some food, do you want something to eat?
Leo: (Smile mischievously) You!
Lunette: Sorry, What?
Leo: I mean, you go and eat; I'm not hungry.
Lunette: Ok, Professor!
Leo: (To himself) Ohh, Wait! This is an amazing opportunity to eat something made by my baby, and to get close to her and know her better. I can't let this chance go.
(Lunette was heading toward the kitchen when Leo called out to her.)
Leo: Lunette! What are you going to eat?
Lunette: Noodles!
Leo: Ohh! Actually, I also really like noodles, if you don't mind, can you make a bowl for me too?
Lunette: Yes, Of course, Professor!
Leo: Let me help you.
Lunette: No! It's fine, Professor.
Leo: Don't worry, I am really good in the kitchen.
Lunette: (Thinking to herself) What is wrong with him? Today, not only did he misbehave with me, but instead of apologizing, he is pretending as if everything is fine between us.
Leo: What are you thinking ?
Lunette: Nothing, Professor! Let's go.
(Both Leo and Lunette move to the kitchen to prepare a meal together. As Lunette begins boiling the noodles, Leo focuses on chopping the vegetables. In a moment of distraction by Lunette's beauty, Leo accidentally cuts his finger with the knife. Lunette, noticing the accident, quickly moves to help him, showing deep concern for him. She grabs his finger and immediately sucks the blood from the cut. Leo is over the moon; seeing this and feeling Lunette's lips on his finger- the gradual sucking of blood and her tongue caressing his skin- is making Leo go insane and wild. He gazes at Lunette with romantic eyes, drowning in love for her, while Lunette's eyes are also filled with care and love. Suddenly, she looks up at Leo, who is already gazing at her with intense love and passion. She pulls back and begins to speak.)
Lunette: Professor, are you blind or something? Didn't you say you were really good in the kitchen? Then what is this? You are so careless and unprofessional. It was my mistake to let you come in here.
Leo: (Smiles) I'm fine! First bandage this. After all, I'm all yours to scold later.
Lunette: (Confused, but reaches for the first aid box) Ohhh! Right, yes!
(Lunette brings the first aid box and starts to bandage Leo's hand. As she gently touches him, Leo feels comforted and desires to be closer to her. His eyes are relaxed, but his heartbeats are so fast that they are visible to the ears. His gaze is fixed on Lunette as she is busily bandages his hand. Unaware of Leo's affection for her, Lunette finishes the bandage and looks up at him. She is frozen by Leo's beauty and his intense gaze. They stare at each other for 30 seconds straight until the boiling water for the noodles spills over, interrupting their romantic moment.)
Lunette: Ohh! The noodles are cooked. Let me go and finish making them.
Leo: (Thinking) Ohhh, these damn noodles. So jealous of me and Lunette. I will make sure you go to the hell of my stomach and suffer.
Lunette: Professor, your noodles are ready. I don't know if they are good or not because I'm not that great at cooking.
Leo: I know they are tasty because they have your touch.
Lunette: (Shyly smiling) Thanks, Professor. Let me bring mine over.
Leo: (Thinking) Lunette! I would even drink poison from your hand. I can tolerate anything given by you, but I can't tolerate your love for someone else. You are mine alone.
(Lunette and Leo eat their noodles. There's a 30 seconds silence between them before Leo suddenly starts the conversation.)
Leo: Lunette! I'm sorry. I shouldn't have talked to you like that in class, and I am also sorry for my bad behaviour this morning. I hope you forgive me. Actually, I was really upset and disappointed, so I reacted impulsively.
Lunette: Ohhh! It's Ok, Professor! Actually, I was also in the wrong. I should have greeted Professor Luna and been more attentive in the class. I'm sorry!
Leo: (In his mind) What does she mean by "greeting Professor Luna"? There's no doubt I acted purely because I was extremely jealous, but Lunette, why did she act like that?
(After eating, Lunette and Leo study for 30 minutes more. It was then time for Leo to leave, but he insisted on doing the dishes. Lunette refused to let him.)
Leo: Lunette! Let me do the dishes; it's an order.
Lunette: Professor! You are not only my Professor but also my guest. I can't let you do the dishes. It's my order.
Leo: Ok, Ma'am! But at least let me stand by you. Is that alright? After this, I will leave.
Lunette: (Gets shy) O-Oh..Ok, Professor!
(Lunette begins washing dishes while Leo stands nearby, watching her.)
Leo: Lunette? Don't you think you should avoid talking to that fool, Alex? He is a total mess and nothing but a distraction and trouble.
Lunette: Professor! I respect you, but that doesn't give you the right to insult my friend.
Leo: Friend? Or Boyfriend?
Lunette: (Upset) That is a personal matter I'd rather not discuss.
Leo: (Annoyed) Personal? Is Alex your 'personal' thing?
(Leo moves towards Lunette, leaning in and placing both hands on the counter, trapping her. He is close enough to feel her breath swirling around his neck. His intense stare, filled with jealousy and possessiveness, was strong enough to make Lunette's pupils dilate. Her heartbeat quickens and her breathing becomes shallow; her hands shake, and her voice falters.)
Lunette: Pro... Professor! What are... What are you doing?
Leo: (Whispers in her ears) Lunette! You are not allowed to get close to that Alex. Just focus on the competition- and me. If I find you with him again, you will experience something that will permanently shift your understanding of me.
(Lunette is shocked and nervous.Suddenly, Professor Leo's phone rings. It's Professor Luna calling. Lunette feels a pang of jealousy and pushes Leo back, returning to wash the dishes. Leo says goodbye to Lunette and leaves the house.)
Lunette: (To herself) He still likes Professor Luna, so why does he act like a lover toward me? Does he want to play with my heart like a playboy? Or is he this flirtatious with everyone?
Leo: Did you get the evidence?
Luna: Yes, Professor Leo!
(Luna talked to Leo at the canteen about a beautiful English Major student who was bullied at the university. He suspects the girl was Lunette, so, he asked Luna for the evidence.)
Luna: (Cunningly) But Professor, I have a condition. I will only give you the evidence if you have dinner with me tomorrow at my favourite restaurant.
Leo: (Angrily) Don't cross the line, Luna! If your students hadn't collected the evidence, I would have been capable enough of doing it myself.
Luna: (Slyly) Professor, it's just a dinner. Come on, do it for your favourite student, Lunette.
Leo: Fine! But remember, if I hear you talk rubbish again, I won't mind sending you to hell.
Luna: Ok, Professor let's meet tomorrow at 8 P.M. at "Delicious Hotpot".
(Leo ends the call and goes straight home. He opens his diary and starts to write.)
Leo: Lunette! If I find out someone did something bad to you, I will not let them escape. Just for you, I am willing to cross any line and commit any sins. If someone dares to hurt you, they will face the worst wrath of their life. I will protect you at any cost. Good Night, Baby! You must dream of me, and I will surely drown in yours. Love you!
(Leo kisses the photo and falls asleep with hugging it.)