Philip's POV

Disappointment was an understatement. I had been practicing so hard to even get a small role in the theatre and the volunteers had the audacity to simply throw me out like an used trash bag. They didn't even give me a chance to portray my talent and hard work. And it was not my fault one bit. I was late because I had to submit an assignment after class, the theatre timings didn't match with my schedule at all.

"Don't make that sulky face. You're already very ugly," Nick said trying to console me.

Yes, that was him consoling. His usual reactions were mere nods.

"I really want to act in that drama,"

"I think you should talk to Ms. Patricia, she handles the theatre every year and she likes you too," he suggested with a straight face like always.

"Do you think she'll help?"

"Would you know if you don't ask her?"

"Makes sense," I shrugged.

"Then I'll leave for detention," he said as he flung his bag on his shoulder.

"Why hurrying? Do you miss Aiden already?" I moved closer to him, raising my eyebrows suggestively.

"Do you want to get slapped?" he asked squinting is glasses covered eyes.

"Okay... okay. I won't bother you anymore. I'll go meet Ms Patricia and you can go enjoy your date.. I mean detention," I quickly ran out of the class before Nick could say or do anything. He was a very aggressive person but, his aggression was always hidden as he didn't enjoy being involved in any kind of drama. He usually stayed low. Although there's no doubt that he could beat most of students here into pulp.

I was already in front of Ms Patricia's office, knocking on the door I let her know my presence.

"Oh Philip! What brings you here? Come inside," she smiled at me.

"Thank you ma'am. I am here to ask for your help," I said as politely as I could.

"Sure, how can I help you?" she asked softly. I loved her. She was just like my mother. I was only hesitant to ask her because she often had a hectic schedule and I didn't want to bother her.

"I wanted to audition for the yearly theatre but the audition timing overlapped with my class and I missed it," I replied trying to look sad.

Need to add the drama you know.

"That's sad to hear. I remember you performing excellently last year,"

"I was hoping to get a more significant role this year but I couldn't even go for the audition,"

"Do you know Mr. Louis?" she asked gazing at me.

"No," I shook my head.

"Due to my busy schedule, he is handling the theatre this year. He is an assistant professor in the psychology department. You can go meet him on the sixth floor,"

"Should I go now?"

"Yes, go ahead. He is usually available at this time. And while you go there, I will give him a call and put in some good words for you," she smiled at me.

I beamed at her with the most genuine smile.

"Thank you so much ma'am. I'll take my leave now. I'm grateful," I bowed.

"It's alright. No big deal,"

I ran to the sixth floor, jumping on the stairs as fast as I could. I didn't bother waiting for elevator, it was mostly crowded. By the time I reached the psychology department, sweat was dripping from my forehead and I was panting like the dog who ate Nick's homework.

"Should I go to the washroom and fix myself before meeting Mr Lucas? Was his name Lucas or Louis?" I scrunched my nose trying to remember his name as I asked myself the question.

"You are Philip, aren't you?" a girl who appeared out of nowhere asked me.

Her suddenly coming in front of me, scared me. I was probably distracted and didn't pay attention to her approaching.

"Yes, I am Philip," I replied.

"Mr Louis is waiting for you inside, please go meet him."

"Okay, thanks for letting me know," I smiled politely at her and she walked away.

Who was she again?

I searched for a door with name plate 'Louise' and knocked on it.

"Come in," a hoarse voice replied.

To be honest, the voice sounded kind of scary and I was hesitant to open the door but I entered anyways.

"Good afternoon sir, I am Philip. Ms Patricia sent me to you," I bowed to look more polite but I caught him slightly smirking at me.

Perhaps I was overthinking but, why did I feel like this guy was about to torture me?

"Good afternoon. Weren't you the guy who played the detective last year in the theatre?" he questioned.

"Yes!" I exclaimed, I was very proud of my performance last year.

"Why didn't you audition this year?"

"I am a pure science student and I usually have calculus class when the theatre club practices and conducts auditions. Calculus is a very important class for me and I couldn't miss it on the day of audition. That's why I was late for the auditions and the volunteers didn't allow me inside," I sulked.

"I can understand. Have you prepared your lines for audition?"

"Yes sir. Should I perform for you?"

"No need. I have seen you perform before and I will give you a significant role in the theatre," he said without a single expression on his face.

He looked pissed to me, maybe he didn't want me to be part of the theatre and was just doing so because of Ms Patricia? This made me feel insecure.

"Are you sure sir?"

"Do you have your schedule with you?"

"Yes, but..."

"Write your name and contact number on the back of your schedule and leave it here. I am in a hurry now, I will contact you tomorrow or the day after according to your schedule and you can give me a short performance of your favorite dialogue. Based on which I will assign you the role in theater," he said fixing his gold rimmed glasses.

Oh! So he was in a hurry and not annoyed with me. I was overthinking again.

"Philip?" he rasped raising his right eyebrow.

And that is when I noticed how hot he looked. Honestly I couldn't believe it took me so long to notice that but now that I saw him properly, his hazel eyes were strikingly luminous. And just below the small nose were his plump red lips. I couldn't take my eyes off his lips.

"Umm Philip? Are you alright? Should I call the doctor?"

He looked concerned and I was just there gawking at him with my mouth open.

"I'm so sorry sir! I spaced out," I quickly shook my head.

"Cute," he chuckled.

Did he... Did he just call me cute? This was the first time a teacher had called me cute.

"I have seen you act before and I am quite impressed so you don't have to worry about it. You can go home and rest, I will contact you soon," he smiled.

"Okay sir. Sorry for any inconvenience, here is my schedule,"

"It's nothing. Take care of yourself, don't space out like this on roads," he said taking the paper from my hands.

I just gave him a nod and a polite smile.

"I will take my leave then. Thank you so much again," I bowed.

"My pleasure," he replied and continued to place my schedule to his right drawer. That's when I noticed his jawline. It was so sharp, almost as if he was flexing. I quickly rushed out of the office before I could get caught drooling over him again.

For the sake of humanity, hot individuals shouldn't take up teaching as profession!