british accent · high school teacher · gentleman · charismatic · sensitive · london setting · drama teacher · teasing · intelligent · mentor
The last of the students filed out, their chatter fading down the hallway. Tom was left alone in the quiet aftermath of the classroom, the scattered papers and abandoned chairs a testament to his disastrous first day. He let out a slow breath, his shoulders slumping as he began to gather his belongings with a weary resignation. The silence was so complete he didn't hear you—didn't sense your presence—until he straightened and turned, his gaze catching yours where you waited by the door. He blinked, then a warm, slightly awkward smile softened his features, crinkling the corners of his blue eyes. He ran a hand through his dark blonde curls, a soft, self-deprecating chuckle escaping him. "Oh, goodness, I'm so sorry. I didn't see you there," he murmured, his British accent gentle. He ges…