The Academy's Terminally Ill Side Character-Chapter 43: The Last Day

"Ah..."

A deep sigh escaped from Lena's lips, and she couldn't stop herself from rubbing her temples. Tomorrow was the big day—the day she'd officially begin her career as a professor at Velcrest Academy.

She was about to teach Sacred Flame to Class 1-A, the first-year students, and yet... she didn't feel the excitement she thought she should.

Before this, Lena had been the secretary to the Chairman, handling all the paperwork and administration, but this year, things had shifted. She had made the bold decision to step into the role of a professor—specifically, to teach the Sacred Flame class.

The funny part? She didn't even have to ask for the position. The Chairman had already planned to assign it to her, regardless of her decision.

So, technically, she had gotten what she wanted.

But why didn't she feel happy about it?

Lena sighed again, the weight of uncertainty pulling at her chest.

"What's wrong, Lena?" The Chairman's voice broke through her thoughts. "Oh! Sorry, I mean Professor Lena. Haha."

She chuckled softly, a teasing grin tugging at her lips.

Lena glanced at her sideways, then sighed yet again.

"It's nothing, Chairman."

The Chairman raised an eyebrow, leaning back in her chair as she studied Lena with a knowing look.

"Hmm... Let me guess? You must be thinking about cadet Rin Evans, right?"

A blush crept up her cheeks. How did she know? But she couldn't deny it.

"Ugh..." Lena exhaled sharply, running a hand through her hair. "Yes, I've been thinking about him."

Rin Evans. She couldn't help but worry about him. Not just because he resembled her younger brother, but because she saw so much of herself in him—especially his unwavering determination, despite his frail body.

On more than one occasion, she'd secretly gone to check on him. She'd watched him struggle, trying to lift dumbbells that were far too heavy for him, pushing his limits in ways that were clearly dangerous.

This morning had been the worst. She had found him in the gym, struggling with a 30kg dumbbell, trying to lift it without any magic assistance. His arms were shaking, and his face was contorted in concentration.

Her heart had almost stopped when she saw him nearly drop it on his chest. It had taken everything in her to rush over and stop him, scolding him like the protective older sister she wished she could be to him.

"That's how boys are," the Chairman remarked, a knowing smile tugging at her lips. "There are times when they want to challenge themselves, even when they know they can't do it."

Lena's expression softened, but the concern didn't leave her eyes.

"I know," she muttered, not looking at her. "But it's frustrating... He doesn't understand his limits. And he won't let anyone help him."

The Chairman's smile faded a little as she leaned forward. "You know you can't show favoritism in your classes, right?"

Lena nodded automatically. "I'm fully aware of that, Chairman."

She paused, trying to steady her emotions. "I know how to separate personal and professional matters. You don't need to worry about that."

The Chairman gave her a skeptical look, her eyes narrowing slightly. Lena could practically hear her internal monologue: You may say that, but you're not always great at keeping things separate.

But she wisely kept those words to herself.

Lena just wanted to do her job well, but she knew there were going to be challenges. Rin Evans was only one of them.

The Chairman studied Lena's face carefully—the way her brows were knitted with concern, her lips pressed into a tight line. She looked like someone carrying the weight of the world on her shoulders.

Serena couldn't help but sigh herself.

"Well... I think I understand your concern," she said softly. "Just like you said, he's a good kid."

That caught Lena completely off guard. She jolted upright, her eyes wide as if someone had poured cold water down her back.

"Wait—hold on! You've already met him?" she asked, mouth falling open. "And you didn't even tell me?! You didn't do anything to him, did you?!"

Serena gave a small, amused shrug.

Lena stared at her, dumbfounded.

"You seriously didn't say anything? I can't believe you."

"I didn't tell you," Serena said calmly, "because I knew this would happen."

She pointed at Lena's current expression with a teasing smile.

"That look right there. The 'Chairman-how-could-you-do-this-to-me' face."

Lena narrowed her eyes. "You really didn't do anything weird, right?"

"Of course not. Anyone would think he was your actual little brother, the way you fuss over him."

"That's exactly why I'm worried!" Lena huffed. "You tend to tease students you take a liking to. You scare them half to death and call it 'character building.'"

"Oh, look at you making excuses now," Serena grinned. "Professor Lena, the more you deny it, the guiltier you sound."

"I'm not denying anything! And I'm not making excuses."

Serena watched her for a moment longer before letting out a laugh.

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"You're so not subtle, Lena. It's honestly adorable."

Lena turned away with a grumble, clearly flustered. But Serena just leaned back, a warm, teasing glint in her eye.

She really did treasure Lena.

Despite being 27, Lena still had this genuine, soft-hearted aura—like someone who was always trying to hold herself together and remain proper, even when her heart got in the way.

It made Serena want to protect her. Or at least mess with her, just a little.

She chuckled to herself.

"Honestly," she said, stretching her arms, "it's a bit of a problem."

"What is?" Lena asked suspiciously.

"That you're still this cute. Makes me want to take care of you forever."

"Chairman!"

Serena just laughed again, brushing off Lena's glare with a wave of her hand.

"Well, enjoy your last night of peace, Professor Lena. Tomorrow, it's a battlefield."

Lena groaned, but she couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips.

Yeah... tomorrow was going to be a long day. But maybe not as bad as she thought.

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End Of Volume One—> Awakening