Chapter 29

Maybe Kelly’s voice was too soft, or maybe Dron just couldn’t believe what he had heard. Kelly figured she might as well go all in. She stiffened her neck and shot, “It’s because you’re too good-looking, Professor Buller.”

The entire study went silent. Kelly shut her eyes like she was surrendering too late. Her heart pounded. When nothing happened even after a long while, she cracked one eye open. Leon was staring at her with a complicated expression. The look in his eyes said it all. He was working hand-to-teach, and here she was, shamelessly ogling him.

“Professor Butles,” Kelly said weakly, trying to explain herself. But Leon’s expression suddenly turned serious. He placed his pen in front of her. “Repeat what I just taught you. If you get it wrong, you’re not allowed to sleep.” Was this her punishment for being attracted to him?

Kelly whined, “Professor Butler…”

Leon’s tone was stern. “Now.”

She looked at him. Leon—seemed to realize something—“Don’t stare at me.”

Kelly’s eyes twitched. She quickly looked away. She didn’t notice the faint pink rising on Leon’s pale ears. He probably hadn’t expected to be ogled by one of his own students either.

Luckily, Kelly hadn’t been distracted for too long; Leon’s explanations had been detailed, and she was clever. While she couldn’t repeat every word perfectly, it was obvious she had understood the lesson. When she finished, she glanced at Leon nervously, then remembered she wasn’t supposed to look at him and quickly averted her gaze. She mumbled, “Professor Butler, was that right?”

Her eyes lowered, long lashes casting shadows beneath them. Her fair skin was smooth and delicate, her cheeks still a little chubby with baby fat. She looked soft and squishy. Leon suddenly felt the urge to pinch her face. The thought startled him.

Still waiting for a response, Kelly called out again. “Professor Butler.” Her soft, sweet voice brushed through the air like a feather—light, teasing, and impossible to ignore. Leon looked momentarily dazed, but quickly composed himself, his expression calm. “As long as you understand.” Then he stood up to go to bed early.

It wasn’t until she and the door closed that Kelly scratched her head, wondering how Leon could just leave without saying anything; but after a moment, she gave a little shrug and turned her attention back to her book.

In Leon’s room, the lamp on his bedside table cast a warm glow. He sat on the bed, holding the same book he had been reading earlier. He used to read at lightning speed, but tonight, he kept zoning out. He barely made it through a few pages. He glanced at the time. It was almost one in the morning. Only when he heard the soft click of the door in the next room did he close his book and switch off the light. The moon hung high while the sun quietly began to rise.