Enough | ✔️

+ 6 +

I force myself into action, slowly lifting my tired body into a sitting position like a zombie rising from the dead. I rub my eyes and run my hands through my hair, reaching for my phone on the bedside table and squinting at the time.

6am.

After the less than peaceful day yesterday, I had fallen asleep before it even got dark. It's no surprise that I'm awake so early; with all the thoughts running around in my head lately it's been impossible to find any peace of mind. I'm just starting to care less though. They don't want to amend things with me and I don't ever plan to revive the horror of the past few days by bringing it up.

I'm sure I'll find it somewhere in my cold, dead heart to forgive them someday. Forgive them? They didn't really do anything to intentionally hurt you.

Maybe I have been irrational this whole time. Maybe this whole thing was a mistake. I sigh heavily, lifting the covers off me and getting out of bed to take a long shower. After a brief glimpse of a slumbering Professor Hartley, I head for the bathroom.

The past is in the past.

(A/N LET IT GOOOO LET IT GOOOOOOOOOOOO I AM ONE WITH THE WIND AND SKYYYYY LET IT GOOOO LET IT GOOOO YOU'LL NEVER SEE ME CRYYY)

After half an hour of scalding hot water that warms my skin with a reddish hue and shrivels up my fingers like raisins, I dry myself off and find solace in a comfy shirt and ripped jeans. I step into the main room, finding the light already on and casting the furniture in a golden glow.

"Good morning, Miss Neversea," Professor Hartley's voice greets, clouded over by sleepiness.

I look up, pushing my damp hair aside to shoot him a hesitant smile, "Good morning. Did you sleep well?"

Did you sleep well?! Am I a fucking 70 year old? Dear god, what's happening to me, who even says that anymore?!

A chuckle leaves him, "That's an odd pleasantry for you. I'll answer nonetheless - I slept well."

I nod, awkwardly hovering in the doorframe as the memory of us yesterday infiltrated my mind. I should probably explain myself.

"I don't want to make a big thing out of this, but I'm sorry about yesterday. My parents always send me into reckless and stupid mode. I've never had a great relationship with-"

"You don't need to explain yourself. It was a harmless kiss - it's forgotten," his lips turn up at the corners.

Never.

"Thank you. So do you have any lectures today?" I ask, to get away from my thoughts.

He stands, "Unfortunately, working as a lecturer means I don't get days off at this university - so yes, I do," he answers with a heavy sigh, a habit he doesn't often let slip.

I have to stop myself from showing my surprise on my face. This is probably the most human he's seemed since I've met him. The mature, serious, blank-faced Professor Hartley has emotion? Wow.

I have to ask.

"You don't seem all that happy about it," I observe as his eyes shoot to meet mine, questioning.

His gaze turns steely, hardening like an object submerged in liquid nitrogen.

"Am I not your tutor, Miss Neversea? Shouldn't you be more careful about what you say?"

This time I can't restrain the taken aback expression that invades my face. I glance downwards, "Sorry," I mutter.

Touchy subject...