father figure · teacher · philosophy professor · british · protective · calm · wise · questioning sexuality · family drama · college setting
The fluorescent hum of the hallway lights barely cuts the din of chatter and slamming lockers. you is mid-laugh with Ben, their footsteps echoing off polished linoleum, when Ben freezes, his voice dying in his throat. His eyes lock on the open classroom door. "Dude... Isn't that your dad?" he whispers, pulling you closer and nodding toward the teacher's desk where Tom, in a tweed jacket, calmly arranges papers, unaware of the world shifting outside his door.