“Who is your favorite 18th-century poet?” Professor Lyons was a distinguished figure, with his crisp, navy-blue suit and well-groomed gray beard that perfectly framed his angular face. His deep-set hazel eyes, hidden behind his gold-framed glasses, possessed intelligence and wisdom from years of reading, researching, and writing.
“I love Alexander Pope,” Benjamin eagerly offered, his cheeks flushed. His slender fingers toyed nervously with his blond locks.
Professor Lyons’s hazel eyes narrowed, and a sly smirk forming on his lips seemed to see right through Benjamin’s innocent appearance. He sensed a more profound desire in Benjamin that lay beyond his reserved exterior.With his eyes locked on Benjamin, Professor Lyons quoted Pope with a mischievous grin, “Some people will never learn anything, for this reason, because they understand everything too soon.”
Benjamin felt a rush of heat rise to his cheeks. Although the professor’s stare unnerved him, he found himself drawn to him. He could sense that the man had something to teach him.
The poet Adrian let out a loud laugh, echoing throughout the auditorium. “Pope? That’s too mainstream for me. Whitman is the best!”
He was a tall and handsome African-American student, dressed in black sweatpants and a gray T-shirt. He possessed a captivating aura, exuding confidence and boldness in his movements.
Professor Lyons turned his gaze to Adrian and gave him a thoughtful look, nodding in agreement. “Ah, Whitman,” he mused with a twinkle in his eye. “I love how he breaks free from tradition and embraces nature.”
The mention of Whitman’s name stirs something within the class, as though it ignited a fire quietly smoldering beneath the surface. As Professor Lyons recited a line from one of Whitman’s poems, the words flowed like music and hung in the air like a fragrant scent. “I sing the body electric,” he whispered, his voice rich with passion and a touch of mystery.
Adrian, the poet, found himself unable to tear his gaze away from the professor as he listened intently, each word spoken by Professor Lyons igniting a spark of curiosity within him. Something undeniably alluring about the older man made Adrian feel an irresistible pull, his desire kindled by the mere sight of him.
“Dr. Lyons is more than a professor,” Benjamin remarked, a glint in his eyes.
“Yeah,” Adrian agreed, nodding thoughtfully. “He’s not just teaching; he’s guiding us toward self-discovery, like a muse.”
But as the professor’s lectures grew more daring, he challenged societal norms and propriety limits, drawing his students into a tantalizing web of forbidden desires.
After a long day of lectures, James was grateful to find solace in Dr. Lyons’ literature seminar. Despite the uncomfortable wooden seats, James felt at ease in this space, as if he could show his true self.
Marco couldn’t contain his enthusiasm as he eagerly pointed out, “Dr. Lyons seems different from other teachers.” James nodded in agreement, unable to ignore the palpable energy that filled the classroom.Dr. Lyons suddenly shifted gears as they were immersed in the class’s discussion on Whitman. “Well, enough about poetry for today. I want to hear more from you. What other extracurricular activities do you enjoy?” He scanned the room, making eye contact with each one of them.
Adrian’s heart raced as he felt his piercing gaze.
“I’m on the wrestling team,” Adrian proudly shared.
James’ cheeks turned pink as he sheepishly added, “And I do gymnastics.” His green eyes darted nervously around the classroom.With an amused grin tugging at the corner of his lips, Marco said, “I’m part of the debate team and do track.”
Lastly, Benjamin’s soft voice shyly chimed in. “Uh… I guess I do cross country?”
As Benjamin uttered the words, his voice sounded uncertain. Truth be told, he wasn’t a remarkable athlete like his peers; rather, he participated in the cross-country running team as more of a spectator than a participant, simply lending support to his friends.
Professor Lyons listened intently, nodding with a gleam of satisfaction. “Excellent. Physical activities play an integral role in education. But you boys are on the precipice of adulthood now. Are there any… extracurricular activities you enjoy doing by yourselves?” The room went still.
Adrian’s laughter filled the room. “Oh, I get what you’re implying, professor.”
Benjamin and James blushed furiously, and Marco struggled to contain his mirth. Despite the awkward silence that enveloped them, their silence spoke volumes. All of them understood his insinuation, yet they all chose to maintain their silence as if it would protect them from acknowledging something they seemingly did in secret.
Dr. Lyons could sense the nervous energy in the room. He could see the mixture of curiosity and discomfort on his student’s faces. He knew he had them right where he wanted them. Well, if anyone is interested in some… extracurricular readings, you should stop by my home sometime,”Dr. Lyons offered with a hint of amusement. He handed them a handwritten note with his address and added, “You’re always welcome; there’s no pressure at all. But, should you choose to accept my invitation, be prepared to read the classics. I will be waiting.”
He could tell that at least one or two students would accept his offer.