New-found Intimacy

Continuation,

Sol sat down on the bench next to Professor Benjamin, feeling slightly intimidated by his presence. She knew he was a professor at her university. She felt a bit uneasy, sitting in the darkness with her professor, but she also found herself strangely attracted to his calm demeanour.

Benjamin took a long drag on his cigar and blew out a cloud of smoke. "So, what brings you out here on such a beautiful night? I also noticed this neighbourhood is peaceful" he said, glancing at Sol with his icy cold eyes which had so much appeal.

Sol took a deep breath and replied to Benjamin, "I needed to clear my head and get some fresh air after everything that happening with my life I guess."

Benjamin nodded thoughtfully, taking another long inhale of his cigar. "Yes, I understand definitely, that's what life is."

Sol felt a sense of relief wash over her as she listened to Benjamin's easy words. He had a way of putting things into perspective, and his calmness was infectious. She felt grateful to have run into him tonight and wanted to thank him for his company and comfort.

They didn't know where the conversation was taking them but they allowed themselves to blend in the conversation with vulnerability. The professor was calm as ever still his eyes sparkled with some deep grief. There was a moment of silence for a while.

"I wonder if you must be at the same phase as me in your life then," said Sol breaking the silence which formed up.

"Haha, I'm fine, Sol . Just dealing with some personal issues," he replied, taking another drag on his cigar. "You know, life can be tough sometimes, and it's the same with everyone. I've been thinking a lot lately," Benjamin said, his eyes fixed on the night sky. 

Sol 's mind started racing with questions, but she hesitated to ask anything to Benjamin fearing about overstepping a boundary. This time she saw her professor vulnerable for the first time, and she had no idea about what to do, but she was glad that she could be a listening ear.

After a while, Benjamin finally turned to look at Sol , his face in the flicker of the streetlights. " I know I probably shouldn't be telling you this, but...I just needed to talk to someone," he said, exhaling deeply with audible breathing.

Sol 's heart was pounding in her chest because of the new-found intimacy with her professor that night. As she wondered what Benjamin was going to say next, she felt a mix of emotions - relief that Benjamin had chosen to confide in her, but also a sense of responsibility to keep his secret.

" I feel like I'm just going through the motions " said Benjamin meeting her eyes as if he desperately needed someone to hold him and listen to him.

Sol listened quietly, taking in Benjamin's words and she couldn't deny the feeling of attraction and sensuality both shared. She had always thought of him as a confident and put-together man, but now she was seeing a different side of him - one that was vulnerable and unsure.

"I just don't know how to move forward," he said, his voice quivering slightly as he leaned his head on Sol 's shoulders.

To be continued...