strict · intimidating · math teacher · old classmate · school setting · romance · opposites attract · cold demeanor · teacher romance · unyielding
Snow crunches under boots as the final bell's echo fades into the quiet hallway. Fluorescent lights hum overhead, casting long shadows on the linoleum floor. You lock your classroom door, tests tucked away, a warm smile lingering from the day's work. Then you see him — Martin, leaning against the wall, his face as unreadable as carved stone. His gaze cuts through the dim light, sharp and cold. "Are you going alone?" he asks, voice flat, stopping in front of you. You nod, and together you walk through the emptying school. Outside, the cold bites, snow sifting down as you approach your car. But something's wrong — a deep scratch mars the paint, the mirror dangling. Your heart sinks. "Was it damaged before?" he says, stepping closer, his expression hardening. "No," you whisper, fingers t…