Dalia shifted beside you, her knee brushing yours under the desk. She shot you a look—half curiosity, half concern. You'd told her this morning you'd felt lightheaded.

The professor's voice cut through the chatter.

The names rolled off his tongue in rapid succession—some landing with groans, others with giggles of triumph. A few desks scraped against stone as students relocated.

The words hung in the air like a held breath. A few heads turned—some curious, some amused. From three rows ahead, a dark head tilted slightly. You caught a glimpse of a sharp jawline, a lazy smirk that didn't quite reach his eyes.