First days were always weird.
No matter how many times I told myself I've got this, there was always that one moment—just before walking into the classroom—where I had to pause, breathe, and remind myself I belonged here.
I was twenty-four. Young for a faculty hire, even younger for someone teaching science and engineering physics. And on top of that, I looked like I still needed permission to leave campus for lunch.
Which was why I dressed my way—baggy, comfortable, clean. Wide-legged pants. Oversized tucked-in shirt. Messy bun. No makeup. Just skincare, the usual. I didn't care about impressing anyone. Not with clothes. Not with a mask.
Still, I could feel their eyes when I walked through the building. Half of them probably thought I was a student. A few other faculty even waved at me like I was one of theirs. I didn't correct them. It always made the reveal more fun.
I lingered in the hallway a bit too long, catching up with Kalpo and Ayaan. Kalpo was rambling about some department chaos. Ayaan teased me about being late to my own class.
"I'm not late yet," I said, checking my watch. "Okay—now I am. Shut up."
They laughed, and I finally slipped through the classroom door.
Students were already seated. Some chatting, some glued to their phones. Heads turned as I stepped in. I could feel the curious glances, the subtle once-overs. I was used to it. I ignored it.
"Sorry I'm late. First-day chaos," I said casually, walking to the front. "I'm Daphne Mehra, your faculty for this course."
Silence.
Every single pair of eyes blinked like I'd dropped a bomb. Someone near the window straight-up gawked.
I smiled softly. "Yeah, I get that a lot. I don't look the part. I've been mistaken for a student at least twice today already. And yes, I still get carded at the movies."
A student in the front blurted, "Wait—how old are you?"
"Twenty-four," I replied with a chuckle. "Relax. I'm qualified."
Laughter. Tension breaking. That was better.
"I'm not here to bore you on day one," I continued. "This is your warm-up. Ask me anything. I'll tell you weird lab stories, or why I banned energy drinks in my classes last semester. Let's keep it light."
As students warmed up and began chatting, I let myself relax—just a little. I wasn't nervous. But there was something about walking into a room where no one expects you to have authority that always made me stand a little taller.
Then my gaze drifted.
Second row from the back. By the window.
A guy. Headphones in, not playing anything. A notebook open, pen resting on the page like he'd just stopped mid-thought. His black hair was soft and a little messy, like he'd run a hand through it before walking in. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes… they were sharp. Watching.
He didn't look away when I caught him staring.
Most people do.
I didn't let it show, but something flickered in my chest. Interest? Maybe. Curiosity? Definitely. He wasn't trying to impress anyone. He wasn't talking, fidgeting, laughing too loud like some of the others. He was just there—quiet, steady, like a pulse.
Something told me he'd be the one I'd remember after this class.
I looked away before I could wonder why.