Chapter 6 Let's Forget The Past

• Sebastian led the way through the lively school courtyard, his steps deliberate as he glanced back to ensure Erica was behind him.
• "What a mistake, but the deed is done. I have to face it," Sebastian thought, his face looking unperturbed.
• Erica, wearing a perplexed expression, fell into step behind him. "Well, I knew this would eventually happen, but am I really prepared for it now? I'm not even sure what he wants to tell me."
• Sebastian continued walking, seeking a quieter spot for their conversation. "It's a bit unexpected, but as you can see, I'm a professor here. We need to talk about what happened to avoid unnecessary complications," he muttered to her as he noticed she was closer.
• Erica, right behind him, couldn't help but think, "Yes, the fact that you're a professor makes it even more complicated. I'm not sure what this will lead to."
• They found a secluded corner around the school building, and Sebastian began to explain, choosing his words carefully, "What happened between us was a mistake. I didn't recognize you at first, and I thought we would never see each other again. We even agreed to that, right?"
• Erica, her curiosity growing, thought, "This is turning out to be way more interesting than a typical school day." She folded her arms, a mix of curiosity and confusion on her face. "So, what's the issue now?"
• Sebastian sighed, "The issue is, we're here, and it's important that we keep things professional. What happened at the bar was a mistake, and I didn't anticipate seeing you again."
• Erica smirked, "Fate has a funny way of messing with expectations, doesn't it? So, what's the plan now, Professor Sebastian?"
• Sebastian nodded, acknowledging the irony. "The plan is to keep things professional. We agreed that what happened was a mistake, and now we need to focus on the present."
• Erica smirked, thinking, "Professional? Let's see how this unfolds. But don't think I'll forget that night anytime soon." Her face expressed her thought. Then, she nodded.
• Sebastian grinned, relieved. "Fair enough. Let's move forward, keep it professional, and leave the past behind us."
• As Sebastian and Erica tried to go in their separate ways, there was a lot of tension in the air. Erica nodded again, showing she kind of accepted it, but her eyes revealed a mix of strong feelings.
• Sebastian, sensing the unspoken expression, said, "Erica, I appreciate your understanding. Keeping things professional is crucial for both of us as things are now."
• Erica managed a small smile, "Yeah, I get it. Professionalism is key. Let's focus on that."
• As they walked in opposite directions, Erica's mind was a tempest of conflicting thoughts. She couldn't shake off the remnants of their shared past, and a quiet desire stayed with her.
• "Why does it have to be just professional?" She pondered, her steps a bit slower than usual.
• Sebastian, glancing back, noticed Erica's hesitancy and called her back. "Erica, if there's anything on your mind, feel free to talk about it. Clear communication is essential."
• She looked up, meeting his gaze, walking back to him, "It's just... isn't there more to it than just being professional? We shared something, even if it was a mistake."
• Sebastian sighed, understanding the complexity of the situation. "I know it might feel that way, but maintaining professionalism is for the best. We both agreed it was a mistake, and dwelling on it won't help."
• Erica nodded, but a hint of disappointment remained on her face. "Yeah, you're right. It's just hard, you know?"
• Sebastian softened, "I get it, Erica. Change is never easy, but with time, things will become more comfortable."
• Erica nodded once more, agreeing with the idea of setting boundaries but her eyes showed a lasting wishfulness. "Sure, you're right. Let's focus on other things that matter."
• They exchanged a final glance, and walked away from each other in opposite directions.
• However, as they went their separate ways, her mind buzzed with conflicting thoughts. While trying to understand the need for boundaries, a part of her wished for something more than just keeping a distant connection.
• "Why does it have to be this way? I can't seem to let go of what happened that night," she thought, feeling a tinge of disappointment. The idea of a simple, professional relationship left a void she wasn't sure how to fill.
• As the distance between them grew, Erica's thoughts intensified. "I know it's the sensible thing to do, but can't there be a middle ground? Something more than just avoiding each other in class and pretending it never happened?"
• She mulled over the complexities of their situation. "Is it wrong to want a connection, even if it's not perfect? We shared a moment, and there's got to be more to us than just lecturer and student in a class."
• Her steps became more thoughtful. "School is important, sure, but why does it feel like we're boxing everything up? Can't there be space for a connection that goes beyond the school environment?" The memory of their shared night stuck with her, making her wish for something more.
• Still on her way, her thoughts continued to echo louder than her footsteps. Torn between doing what's right and the electric connection with Professor Sebastian, confusion wrapped around her like a fog. It was a jumble, and she felt lost about what she really wanted.
• "Why does it have to be so complicated?" she wondered, her mind a battleground of conflicting desires. The right thing, which is to keep it professional and the thrilling connection between them – it was a tug-of-war within her.
• As Erica attended Sebastian's class, battling with inner turmoil, concentrating on her studies became challenging. Despite her efforts to focus, her thoughts consistently returned to their conversation, igniting a yearning for a connection beyond the confines of a typical student-teacher relationship.
• Later, seated in Sebastian's class, Erica attempted to bury herself in her notes. The professor droned on about literature, but her thoughts had a mind of their own. The echoes of their recent conversation played on a loop in her mind, disrupting any attempt at concentration.
• "What are you doing, Erica? Focus on the lesson," she scolded herself, attempting to divert her attention to the lecture. But every word seemed to dissolve into the lingering reminder of their recent discussion.
• Sebastian, noticing her distant gaze, asked, "Erica, care to share your thoughts on Austen's narrative technique?"
• She snapped back to reality, the whole class awaiting her response. "Oh, uh, Austen... she, um, uses irony, I think. It's like, saying one thing but meaning another?"
• The class nodded, seemingly satisfied, but Erica's mind wasn't in the Austenian realm. "Irony, huh? More like the irony of being captivated by my professor," she thought, a wry smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, the irony of wanting something more, something deeper, than the simple student-teacher relationship."
• As the class continued, Erica's internal dialogue battled the external lecture. "I should be focusing on my studies, not daydreaming about him. What's wrong with me?"