First Meet
The lecture hall became silent the moment Adrian Vale entered.
Black suit. Calm expression. Sharp gaze.
Every student immediately opened their notebooks.
"Good morning."
His voice was emotionless.
"Today, we will discuss the psychology behind human behavior."
He turned toward the board.
"However, before we begin..."
His eyes scanned the room.
"Anyone who is late will not be allowed to enter."
At that exact moment—
The door opened.
Everyone froze.
A young man stood there, slightly out of breath, holding a stack of papers.
"Sorry, Professor. I—"
Silence.
The entire class looked at him like he had just challenged a king.
Adrian stared at him.
Most students would immediately apologize and leave.
But this student just smiled.
A bright, genuine smile.
"My name is Eli Carter. I promise I have a very good reason for being late."
Adrian looked at him coldly.
"And what reason is that?"
Eli looked at the clock.
"...The reason is that I underestimated how big this campus is."
A few students tried not to laugh.
Adrian remained expressionless.
"You are five minutes late."
"I know."
"And you still decided to enter?"
Eli tilted his head.
"Yes."
"Why?"
Eli smiled.
"Because I didn't want to miss your class."
Adrian watched him.
Most people would already be apologizing nervously.
But this student...
He was not afraid.
That was unusual.
"Why are you really late?"
Eli hesitated for a moment before answering honestly.
"I got lost."
Silence.
Adrian stared at him.
"You got lost?"
"Yes."
"On your first week?"
"...Yes."
For a moment, the professor said nothing.
Then he simply turned back to the board.
"Take your seat."
Eli blinked in surprise.
"Really?"
Adrian picked up his marker again.
"Do not make me repeat myself."
A small smile appeared on Eli's face.
"Thank you, Professor."
He quickly took the empty seat.
Adrian continued the lecture as if nothing had happened.
But for some reason...
His eyes returned to that student more than once.
That bright smile.
That fearless attitude.
It was unfamiliar.
Because for the first time in years...
Someone had stepped close to the walls he built.
