Autumn POV:-

“Class dismissed for today. I’ll see you all in the next lecture.”

“Thank you, sir,” the students replied in unison.

I gave a small nod and walked out, heading straight to my cabin.

The moment I stepped inside, I closed the door behind me and let out a quiet sigh.

*Finally… all the classes are over.*

I ran a hand through my hair, feeling the exhaustion settle in.

“Let’s pack up and go home,” I muttered to myself.

Just as I reached for my bag—

*Knock. Knock.*

“Yes?” I called out.

The door opened slightly, and a staff member peeked in.

“The Director has called you to the office.”

I frowned. “The Director…? Are you sure?”

“Yes. He specifically asked for you, Professor.”

“…Alright. I’m coming.”

“Please come quickly.”

Before I could say anything else, he left.

The room fell silent again.

*The Director…?*

I stood there for a moment, confused.

*What would he need from me? I’ve never even seen the owner of this college before…*

I tried to recall if I had made any mistakes.

*I didn’t do anything wrong… right?*

Nothing came to mind.

I picked up my bag, a strange uneasiness creeping into my chest.

*Well… there’s only one way to find out.*

I stepped into the cabin and immediately noticed I wasn’t alone.

The Principal was there… and another man.

My eyes instinctively shifted toward him.

He was sitting calmly, yet his presence filled the entire room. Well-built, sharp features, and an unmistakably cold aura surrounded him. He looked like he was in his fifties… but even at that age, he was undeniably handsome.

*…That’s unexpected.*

**Principal:** “Mr. Autumn you’re here. Come, have a seat.”

“Hello, sir,” I greeted politely, walking closer.

**Principal:** “Meet Mr. Austin…”

I turned toward the man and extended my hand.

“Nice to meet you, Mr. Austin.”

**Director:** “Same here.”

His hand met mine—firm, steady.

*His grip is strong…*

**Principal:** “He is the Director of this college—Mr. Austin Kingstone.”

*So… this is the Director.*

Before I could process further, he spoke again—

**Director:** “Can you give us some privacy? I need to talk to him.”

His voice was calm… but cold enough to send a slight chill down my spine.

*…That voice.*

*Why does it feel like he spends hours in the gym just to sound this intimidating?*

“Of course, sir,” the Principal replied quickly.

He stood up and left the room, closing the door behind him.

Now it was just the two of us.

And suddenly… the room felt much quieter.

The silence didn’t last long.

**Director:** “Hello, Mr. Autumn I’ve heard quite a lot about you.”

His tone had changed.

It was no longer cold… but calm, almost gentle.

That caught me off guard.

“I hope it was nothing too troublesome, sir,” I replied with a small, polite smile. “It’s my first time meeting you as well.”

He gave a faint nod, as if acknowledging that.

Without another word, he reached for a cup and placed it in front of me.

**Director:** “Here.”

I hesitated for a second before taking it. “Thank you, sir.”

A soft fragrance rose with the steam.

**Director:** “Rose tea. My wife likes it a lot.”

*Rose tea…?*

I glanced at the cup briefly before taking a careful sip.

The taste was light… calming, unexpectedly soothing.

“That’s… quite nice,” I said honestly.

For a moment, the atmosphere felt strangely normal.

But then—

**Director:** “Mr. Autumn, I have a favor to ask of you.”

My hand paused slightly around the cup.

*…A favor? From the Director?*

I looked up at him, a bit confused but attentive.

“A favor…?” I repeated softly.

*Why would someone like him need help from me?*

A faint uneasiness settled in again.

Still, I straightened my posture.

“Of course, sir… if it’s something within my ability.”

__________

I didn’t have to wait long.

**Director:** “I have a son… actually, two sons. My younger one needs tuition.”

I blinked, slightly surprised.

“Tuition… from me?”

**Director:** “Yes. He seems to like your teaching. He wants to study under you.”

*…He likes my teaching?*

That was unexpected.

I straightened a little. “May I ask… which year he is in?”

For a brief second, something flickered across his face.

**Director:** “…Which year, huh…”

He paused, as if thinking.

*Isn’t that something a father would know immediately?*

Then he gave a small, almost awkward smile.

**Director:** “Ahem… final year, most likely.”

I couldn’t help but frown slightly.

“…Most likely?”

**Director:** “Yes. He’s in his final year.”

*That hesitation was strange…*

Still, I didn’t question it further.

“I see. Alright, sir.”

He looked at me steadily.

**Director:** “I’m not forcing you into this, am I?”

I shook my head lightly.

“No, sir. Not at all. I’m willing to teach.”

*Though this situation is a bit… unusual.*

A faint nod came from him.

**Director:** “Good. Then it’s settled.”

“…Alright,” I replied softly.

*Teaching the Director’s son…*

*This might not be as simple as it sounds*

*Teaching the Director’s son…*

The thought lingered in my mind.

*I’ve never done this before.*

I hesitated for a moment before speaking again.

“Sir… there’s something I should mention.”

He looked at me, waiting.

“I’ve never taken private tuition before. Nor have I taught any student outside regular classes.”

Saying it out loud made me slightly uneasy.

*Is this really a good idea…?*

“I usually keep my teaching limited to the classroom,” I added calmly.

For a brief second, I wondered if that would change his decision.

But his expression remained the same—calm and unreadable.

**Director:** “That won’t be an issue.”

His response was simple, almost dismissive of my concern.

I paused, then nodded lightly.

“I understand, sir. If it’s about teaching… I’ll do my best.”

*Even if this is new for me… I shouldn’t step back now.*

He gave a slight nod in return.

**Director:** “Good. Then it’s settled.”

“…Alright,” I replied.

*Looks like… there’s no turning back now.*

The conversation didn’t end there.

Director: “Then… when are you available to teach?”

I thought for a moment. “I’m usually free after 6 p.m. Would that be alright, sir?”

Director: “That’s more than alright.”

That was quick…

He leaned back slightly.

Director: “May I have your number?”

“Of course, sir.”

We exchanged numbers without much delay.

This is getting official… faster than I expected.

Director: “Then, Mr. Brown… let’s meet at my home.”

I paused for a second before nodding.

“Sure, sir.”

His home…? So I’ll be teaching him there.

I picked up my bag and turned to leave, but something stopped me.

“…Sir.”

Director: “Yes?”

I glanced back at him.

“When should I start teaching him?”

For a moment, it felt like he was actually considering it.

Director: “You could start today…”

He paused briefly, then shook his head.

Director: “No, leave it. You might already have plans. Let’s begin tomorrow.”

Today? That sudden?

Still, I nodded.

“Alright, sir.”

There wasn’t much else to say.

I stepped out of the cabin, the door closing softly behind me.

And as I walked down the corridor—

Tomorrow…

A new routine… and a new Student

I wonder what he's like .

______

The door closed behind him, and the room fell quiet again.

I leaned back slightly in my chair, thinking.

*So that’s him…*

Calm. Polite. Composed.

A faint nod escaped me.

*Good.*

After a moment, I picked up my phone.

There was something I needed to confirm.

I dialed his number.

It rang once

twice

then--

It didn’t take long before he answered.

**“Hello?”**

I raised a brow slightly.

“At least you answered properly today.”

A soft chuckle came from the other side.

**“I always do. You just call at the wrong time.”**

“Hm.”

I didn’t dwell on it.

“Which year are you in our university?”

A pause.

Then—

**“…You’re asking me this now?”**

“I’m asking because I need to know.”

**“I already told you before.”**

“You did not tell me clearly.”

A small sigh came through the phone.

**“You really don’t remember?”**

“I remember what’s important.”

**“Wow… so I’m not important now?”**

I let out a quiet breath.

“Don’t twist my words.”

**''you are old."**

"...I am not old."

A faint laugh followed.

**“Final year. I’m in my final year.”**

*As expected.*

“Hm. Good.”

There was a brief silence before he spoke again—

**“Why are you asking all of a sudden?”**

“Nothing you need to worry about.”

**“That definitely means it’s something I should worry about.”**

“…You think too much.”

**“I learned from you.”**

I almost smiled at that.

Almost.

“Focus on your studies instead of learning unnecessary things.”

**“Too late for that.”**

Before I could reply—

*Beep.*

The call ended.

I looked at my phone for a second.

“…He hung up again.”

But this time, there was no irritation.

Just a faint, knowing expression.

“This child…”

I placed the phone down, shaking my head slightly.

*Still the same.*

After a pause, my thoughts returned—

*Tomorrow.*

A small, calm certainty settled in.

 ----------

Autumn pov:- 🌃

At night ---

at That night ay on my bed, staring at the ceiling.

River shifted beside me, his soft breathing the only sound in the room.

I reached out absentmindedly, running my fingers through his fur.

“You’re the only one who’s not making things complicated, huh…”

His tail thumped lightly in response.

A faint smile touched my lips.

Then it faded.

Teaching the Director’s son…

My gaze drifted toward the window.

I’ve never done private tuition before.

Not once.

I’ve always kept my life simple—classes, home… and the flower shop downstairs.

That was enough.

More than enough.

I turned to my side, my hair slipping loose slightly before I adjusted the tie around it.

Things were fine the way they were.

Quiet.

Controlled.

Safe.

My fingers instinctively brushed against my neck.

A habit I never really got rid of.

…Even now.

A small pause.

Then I closed my eyes.

And suddenly… everything is changing.

River moved closer, resting his head near my arm.

I let out a soft breath.

“Tomorrow, huh…”

The Director… his son…

I frowned slightly.

What kind of student is he?

Final year, apparently.

He shouldn’t need help… unless—

I stopped myself.

“No point overthinking.”

Still…

A faint uneasiness lingered.

I just hope he’s not troublesome.

Silence settled again.

With River beside me, the emptiness didn’t feel as heavy.

Slowly… my thoughts began to quiet.

And eventually—

Sleep took over.

_______