Professor F novel Chapter 52

Flynn grabbed August’s hand and she was forced to walk with them while students are looking at them arriving. She blushed as the crowd went to a buzz watching them. She saw some of her classmates whispering to each other.

She was about to let go of Flynn's hand when he tightened his grip. "I'm not your professor anymore, August."

"B—But—"

"Trust me. Please."

She nodded and squeezed his hand on hers and when she looked around, she saw Liam in the crowd with a camera in his hand, with a poker face.

The crowd settled down and the host acknowledged the arrival of the royal couple with their son Flynn Ferguson. The crowd again made a buzz.

And then Flynn was called on stage to make his speech as an honorary guest, sponsor... and a previous teaching staff of Pearsons. She watched him with her mouth half opened, surprised that he's actually giving a speech for this event.

He first greeted the audience and flashed his admirable smile. She could tell the ladies are drooling over him like she is right now but she's one lucky girl amongst them.

Flynn basically welcomed everyone to the annual festival and encouraged young aspiring engineers to be curious and passionate of their work. Asking everyone in the hall to take this opportunity to network and learning first hand the things about their profession.

He stepped down the stage after his speech and sits beside her. The festival started with students visiting each stall and watching engineering plans come to life.

Flynn was beside her all the time and was mostly asked to post for a photo and he'd always pull her next to him.

"I'm starting to feel like everyone's talking about us here."

"Great minds talk about ideas. Average minds talk about events. Small minds talk about people. Eleanor Roosevelt." He smiled at her. "Let them talk about us. We can't stop them even if we worry ten times over."

He's right. He must be used to being talk of town that's why he prefer staying in the United States. And why isn't she used to it already? How many times did she hear people telling her that they've heard so much about her already?!

She nodded but deep inside, she knew it'll take time to get use to it. Flynn excused himself when a man approached them. The royal couple was escorted by Morgan and Stella who were already at the event before they arrived.

She stayed in a corner next to the small museum of projects accomplished around the world especially by Pearsons alumni.

She was busy looking at flyers when she heard that familiar voice. "August..." She looked up and saw Liam holding his camera. She stepped back in surprise but he kept his distance from her. "I just wanted to say s—sorry."

She looked away but kept quiet. "I wanted us to stay friends but I think your boyfriend wouldn't want that. He finally went public with you. I guess that's like telling you're off limits."

"We can't stay friends, Liam. I'm sorry. You've crossed the line. You know what that means, right?"

He looked shocked but immediately recovered from it and forced a smile. "Of course. I just—I like you, August. I should have—" He scoffed. "But I know I can't compete with someone like Flynn. Again, I'm sorry for last night. But it's nice to talk to you—for the last time." He forced a smile before he excused himself.

Flynn approached her with a questioning and worried look. "Are you alright?"

She nodded. "Liam said sorry for last night."

Stella and Morgan approached them and they went to check on the other stalls and events for the festival. Flynn's parents left after the morning program.

It's lunch when the people started getting their meals from the buffet served. Flynn had a plan in mind though and asked her to come with him. He led her in the engineering building's rooftop with a bag of food in his hand.

He sits on the floor under the shade and invited her to sit beside him. "I like the peace and quiet. I used to spend time here back in college." He started.

She listened to him while takes a bite from the food he brought with them. She thought that Flynn must have craved for privacy since he became part of the royal family.

He then went quiet. "Liam also talked to me."

She looked at him in shock. "W—When? Why?"

"Before he went to you. He approached me to ask for permission to talk to you. He was sorry and realized his actions were uncalled for." He took her hand in his. "The guy obviously admires you. You're easy to like, August. You're smart. You're hardworking and you get along people so well. Qualities any guy would fall for." He kissed her fingers lightly. "And I won't let any guy take you away from me. You're my princess. Now and forever."

She blushed. And like a real princess, her world started to move so slow with sparkly things around them as he looked at her eyes smiling.

"H—He said you went public with me and your family."

He nodded. "That's the only way to put a stop on those rumors. I know you've been bothered by it since that day I kissed you in campus. I had to do something. And I think this is the only way to somehow make you feel better. I'm sorry for dragging you into this complicated world."

She smiled. "Don't be sorry. It's not complicated. You're still the same guy who lives next door and my professor when I entered college. You just happen to be a prince, too. To me, you can be anything you want. A royalty or a professor or an engineer or just that regular nerdy guy playing video games and I'd love you the same."

"Thank you, August." He leans forward and kissed her lips.