As Professor Lena continued with her explanation, fate—or maybe just sheer bad timing—made our eyes meet.
…And then she smiled at me.
It was a soft, fleeting smile. But of course, that one moment sent a ripple through the entire classroom.
Several of the male cadets instantly lit up, their imaginations doing backflips. They probably thought she was smiling at them, and their minds were already halfway to proposing marriage.
Not that I could blame them.
Teenagers. Brimming with energy and no clue where to direct it. It was a recipe for delusion.
The only ones who didn't look like they were having a mental meltdown were Ryen and Leo.
...And me. Obviously.
Really!
Okay, maybe I almost waved back at her. Hand halfway up before I froze and awkwardly scratched my cheek instead.
Bad idea. Very bad idea.
For one, it would've raised way too many questions.
And two? I was trying to keep our relationship quiet.
Not that it was anything weird.
She's just my… secret friend.
