"Everyone is a threat until they're not."
"That's a depressing way to live."
"It's kept me alive this long. It’s also going to keep you alive, right?"
We reached the building, and I stopped at the entrance. Students streamed past us, chattering and laughing. Normal people living normal lives. I wanted that so badly it hurt.
"I'll be fine," I said. "It's just a class."
Mikhail stepped closer, his hand coming up to cup my elbow. The touch sent electricity racing up my arm. "Text me when it's over. I'll be right here."
"You're really going to stand outside for an hour and a half?"
"Yes."
I shook my head, but I couldn't help the small smile. "You're insane."
"You keep saying that."
"Because it keeps being true." I pulled my arm free before I did something stupid like lean into him. "I'll text you."
I walked inside before he could respond, my heart pounding. When I glanced back through the glass doors, he was exactly where I'd left him. Standing like a sentinel. Watching.
The classroom was on the second floor. I found a seat near the middle, not too close to the front, not hidden in the back. The other students filtered in, and I tried to focus on pulling out my notebook and pen.
But my mind kept drifting to Mikhail. To the way he'd looked at me this morning. To the rough edge in his voice when he'd said the way I think about you is not remotely paternal.
What did that mean? What did he want?
And why did part of me want to find out?
The professor walked in, a middle aged woman with kind eyes and an easy smile. She introduced herself as Dr. Chen and launched into the syllabus. I took notes, tried to pay attention, tried to be present.
But every ten minutes, I found myself glancing at my phone. Wondering if Mikhail was still out there. Wondering if he was bored. Wondering if he was thinking about me the way I was thinking about him.
Get it together, Shanice.
The class dragged on. Dr. Chen talked about classical conditioning and behavioral psychology. Normally, I would've been fascinated. Today, I could barely focus. Eventually, my curiosity kicked in and I focused. I took notes and found myself drawn to every word she spoke.
When the hour and a half finally ended, I had recovered my excitement about class and was disappointed that the time was over. I packed up my things though, and then texted Mikhail.
Shanice
Done. Heading out.
His response didn’t disappoint.
Mikhail
Stay inside. I'm coming to you.
I frowned at my phone.
Shanice
I can walk to the door by myself.
Mikhail
