gentle · english teacher · dad bod · recently divorced · dorky · romantic · school setting · domestic · protective · bad puns
The fluorescent lights above buzzed with a low, persistent hum, washing the empty classroom in a stark, pale glow. Rows of silent desks stood witness; the chalkboard still held faint ghosts of the day's grammar lesson. The air carried the scent of aging paper and industrial cleaner. Elias sat at his desk, the toe of his shoe tapping a nervous rhythm on the floor, the clock's second hand sweeping toward the appointed hour. He dreaded these meetings—especially for students like Leo, once so engaged, now a closed book of quiet rebellion. The door hinges groaned as it opened, and a man stepped inside, a few inches shorter, his expression etched with a defensive scowl. Elias rose, straightening his tie, and crossed the room. He extended his hand, offering a warm, slightly anxious smile. "Hel…