Professor F novel Chapter 41

August was a few minutes late on her afternoon class while Flynn despite having a lot of paperworks in his office, managed to finish all of them before the afternoon meeting starts.

Five freshmen were gathered in his office including her discussing the itinerary for the festival. She tried her best not to stare at Flynn like the other two girls with them. After what happened earlier that afternoon with Liam, she just can't keep her focus and thank God Flynn didn't ask her too much during the meeting. She just listened and made notes. They finished the meeting before her evening shift at the coffee shop. He texted her to wait for him after his evening run.

"Have a safe flight and enjoy the London festival, August." Henry smiled at her when she was removing her apron and preparing to leave.

The other guys wished her the same earlier. She was smiling back at Henry when the cafe's door opened and Flynn went inside and approached the counter to order his drink.

"The usual please." He said then gave her that look whenever he drops by to pick her up.

When his name was called for his drink, he waited for her as she grabs her bag and walk towards the entrance. And she can't ignore the obvious intrigued look almost everyone in the coffee shop give them.

This is really getting so much attention. Or she's probably just giving it so much attention because of what's happening recently. She's never seen Liam after what happened.

Flynn walked beside her when she stepped out of the cafe. Just like in the past nights, people are looking at them murmuring. It didn't matter to her in the past but it's making her uneasy now—thinking whether they knew about what Liam found out. She's just too guilty, that is.

"I'm sorry." Flynn whispered while looking straight as they walk.

"W—What?"

"You still look so anxious after what happened this afternoon."

She sighed gently and tightened her grip on her bag. "I—I'm just a little worried."

Flynn just nodded and continued walking with her. It seemed like he's also in deep thought like her. She got worried. She must not show him how it affected her so much so she tried to ask him. "Are you excited for the trip?"

He seemed surprised with her question. He's probably still thinking of what's obviously bothering her. He smiled as he sips on his drink. "Of course. I have plans."

"Plans for?"

"To take you on a tour. With masks on. In London." He winks at her.

She blushed and giggled softly.

"It was supposed to be a surprise but since Liam's already bugging you—I think I would have to let you know about it before you agree on going out with him."

"You know I'd never go out with him." She told him, her voice a little loud.

He gave out a soft chuckle. "I'm just teasing." He sighed as he looks at her while they're in the middle of a busy crowd of students walking out of campus. "I wanted to hug you in this sea of people but I know you wouldn't want that. It makes me sad. And I'm not sure how long I can bear this kind of loneliness in my heart."

She was pinned on her place and he stopped walking when he noticed she wasn't walking beside him anymore. It felt like the world turned slow as he looked at her. Their eyes locked despite people crossing between them.

And it hurts her to see the sadness in his eyes. It's her fault. She was the one who suggested this kind of relationship. Why did it have to be this complicated? Why did we have to meet this way? Why did we have to fall in love?

She wiped the tears on her eyes. Despite trying so hard to ignore what their reality is, it's something they cannot escape. It hurts her that she's causing him this sadness.

Maybe it's time to stop this complicated relationship.

And for some reason, she saw Flynn's expression changed. He looked terrified, so terrified that he dropped his drink on the ground.

And in slow motion, he tried to cross their distance and come near her. His mouth saying the words, "No, August."

She can't stop her tears anymore. It's pouring and the lump on her throat hurts her so much that she had to take a deep breath. She could still see Flynn trying to walk through the crowd.

And in one swift motion, his hand reached out to her arm and she was in his arms. In the sea of people, there they stood with his arms around her.

This feels good.

Maybe. Just maybe I can allow myself to be happy in his arms, in this crowd.

For the last time.

She hugged him back as she cried on his chest. She could hear some students murmuring as they pass by them.

"Is that Professor Ferguson?"

"Oh my God! Who's that girl he's hugging?"

"Is that Professor's girlfriend?”