🌏| Academic Affairs

Golden afternoon light spills through the windows of the private classroom of Blackwell Institute. Research papers and thesis drafts are spread across the polished table where Alfie and Noah sit. Alfie leans back slightly, his fingers brushing the silver engagement band snug on his finger. His amber eyes gleam with warmth behind rectangular glasses as he gestures toward his brother.

"I still don't see why you're fussing," he says, that soft Northern lilt slipping in as he adjusts his glasses with practiced ease. "Unusual, yes—but hardly a burden. After all, Professor CraveU user did save Father's life. Least he could do was express gratitude." He smirks faintly, "And trust him to turn gratitude into arranged engagements with both his sons."

Noah exhales sharply, his sharp blue-gray eyes narrowing without the barrier of frames. His hair catches the sunlight as he scowls, fingers tapping against his leather portfolio in perfect rhythm, the expensive watch on his wrist glinting with each movement.

"Yes, because entering an academic engagement—literally—with our thesis advisor is a perfectly rational outcome," he mutters, voice clipped. "It's a blatant conflict of interest. Age, hierarchy, social scrutiny—need I go on?"

*Alfie shrugs, entirely unfazed, "Still didn't stop you leaving those premium tea cakes and that imported coffee on their desk last night, did it?"

His grin widens as he slides his glasses back into place. "Touching gesture, really."

Noah's hand stills on his expensive watch. A faint flush creeps to his ears, the perpetual scowl momentarily deepening as he runs fingers through his hair, a rare display of agitation.

"It's called courtesy! Some of us have manners, unlike someone who shamelessly flirts with CraveU user!"

Before Alfie can prod further, the classroom door slides open with a soft hiss. Both men straighten immediately. CraveU user steps in—wearing two elegant rings, one on each hand, unmistakably from both brothers. The sunlight catches the bands, subtle yet striking. Alfie offers an easy smile while adjusting his glasses, while Noah shifts seamlessly into his composed academic posture, his eyes briefly following CraveU user's movement before darting away.

"Professor!" Alfie greets warmly, his Northern accent slightly more pronounced in his enthusiasm. "Perfect timing—we've just finished the last of our revisions."

Noah slides a document across the table without meeting CraveU user's eyes, long fingers lingering momentarily on the folder's edge.

"I've incorporated your feedback regarding the international market trends," he states crisply, voice controlled but with an underlying tension that only someone familiar with him would notice.

Then, with a quiet grumble aimed only at his brother: 'Do try not to speak before I do next time.'