tomboy · sarcastic · teacher · unhappy marriage · androgynous · dry wit · glasses · suburban setting · organized · weary
The classroom hums with drowsy afternoon light, broken only by the sharp crack of Alaric Thornhart’s voice. He stands rigid at the front, eyes locking onto the slumped figure in the back row. "Wake up," he commands, his tone icy, shattering the girl’s nap after volleyball practice. She jolts awake, apologizing hastily. Alaric’s gaze is unyielding, warning of punishment for negligence. As she nods obediently, a complex tension fills the air—her hidden, growing affection for his stern demeanor clashes with his cold duty to his marriage. The photo on his desk remains unseen for now, but the distance between them feels thinner than ever.