Autumn break – one should be happy, but it feels so empty. Empty because she's not around. This week has become pure torture for me. I felt suffocated by emotions, thoughts, and yearned for the moment of meeting her. At night, my phone screen constantly lit up with the same numbers – her number. Yet, I lacked the courage to make the call. My break passed in sorrow, and Monday promised a new surprise.
"Well, why do you have a sad face?" Gahyeon hugged me from behind, asking.
"Everything's fine, I just didn't notice how quickly the break passed."
"I think I know the reason," Siyeon smiled. "You're finally free. Our bet's deadline has passed. And, I think I need to declare a winner. Girls, what are your thoughts?"
"Stop it, Siyeon. Everyone already knows it wasn't a game," Dami intervened.
"So what? There has to be a winner!"
I wanted to get up and leave silently, but my personality took over, and I couldn't hold back.
"And what's there to determine! You're the winner! I missed the deadline, and failed to impress the teacher! So breathe freely and celebrate your victory! What a gladiator I am!" After these words, I grabbed my bag and headed to class. My emotions were boiling, erupting like Vesuvius taking a break!
For some reason, they scheduled our biology class last, and I tried to calm down for it. Siyeon and the girls didn't bother me; they sat quietly, listening to music. Finally, she entered the classroom, stood in the middle, and announced:
"Anyone taking the biology exam, write a practice test now. The rest can go home."
A triumphant shout echoed through the classroom. Books, notebooks, pens, all flew into bags without discrimination, and almost everyone rushed out. Four of us remained.
"I forgot to warn you – the break passed too joyfully. I hope yours was divine too." With these last words, she looked at me, hoping for a smile. Seeing my sad face and empty gaze out the window, she quickly began handing out assignments and explaining them.
The rhythmic ticking of the clock echoed in the room. The rustling of papers and the clicking of pens blended into the atmosphere around us. Thoughts raced through my head, appearing and dissipating irreversibly. It was already getting dark outside; almost everyone had left the class. Only Dami and I remained.
"I'm almost done; wait for me downstairs," Dami said.
Nodding, I went out, sat on a bench, and closed my eyes from exhaustion.
"You didn't even say goodbye to her; you can't do that! She was sitting so sadly," Dami approached me.
"I don't care."
"Was this bet really just a stupid game? Were all your feelings for her just scripted? And the main director was our unique Siyeon? Go to her now... She's waiting for you."
"Dami? Since when did you become a matchmaker?" I asked irritably. "I'm tired. Let's go already. She's waiting not for me but for her men. She has someone to meet."
"As you wish."
Having gathered, we left the school, and finally, I took a deep breath. Her windows were lit... And even as I moved further away, I could feel her pain and sadness. Oddly enough, the black Audi didn't pass by the school... Well... Not my problem anymore. Not mine.
If there's one place where you can truly unwind, it's during physical education class. We're fortunate with our teacher – we do what we want, come when we please, and exercise as much as we like. Isn't it paradise? While changing for PE, the girls and I, as always, discussed the most grandiose gossip and rumors circulating in our school. These conversations always marked the beginning of our sessions. The bell rang, and the girls, as a group, headed to the gym. As for me, I, as always, took my time getting dressed. Sitting in sports pants and a sports bra, I searched my bag for a T-shirt – I'll just stash it away! Gahyeon watched me with a smile, commenting,
"Back to kindergarten!"
Suddenly, there was a sharp knock on the door, its creak, and a familiar figure appeared right in front of me. Miss Jiu stood in the changing room, looking at me as if witnessing a miracle. Her eyes roamed over my body, especially focusing on my chest... A silent scene. I didn't even notice when Gahyeon left. I understand her...
"Yoohyeon..." the teacher said quietly.
And there I sat, not uttering a word, as if I were someone else. What Yoohyeon? What are you talking about?
"I came... I need to..." She shifted from foot to foot, desperately trying to figure out what to say.
Finally, finding fabric in my bag, I, still not taking my eyes off the teacher, tried to put on the T-shirt. Fumbling with the neckline, I managed to pull it on with some difficulty. My body no longer burned from her gaze. Gathering her thoughts, she finally spoke:
"I wanted to talk about the standardized test... Why didn't you solve the genetics problem?"
"We haven't done this type of problem in a long time... That's why..."
"And couldn't you prepare at home? What if you encounter it on the actual exam?" she scolded in a raised tone.
I stood silently, head lowered, and she continued to reprimand me.
"Alright, that's enough! It's time for me to go to class!" I stood up from the bench and headed towards the exit. But as soon as I reached the door... I was abruptly stopped. The teacher's hands encircled my waist, a quick push, and I pressed my back against her... Blood pounded in my temples, and my head spun like a top.
"What are you..." she whispered, raising her locked hands to my chest. Her words were incomprehensible to me as I felt her take a deep breath spasmodically... Her chest pressed against my back. It became increasingly difficult for me to resist. Miss Jiu held me tighter, and I completely immersed myself in her warmth, caressing her hands.
"Forgive me, I didn't mean to be so rough..." she whispered.
Closing my eyes, I tried to control the feelings that carried my mind further and further away. Gently moving her hands away, I turned to face her. She looked at me with a guilty look.
"It's okay, it's my fault. I should have thought about the problem," I smiled.
"If you want, come to my house tomorrow after school. I'll explain the problem to you... If you want, of course."
"Of course, I want to... will I be disturbing you?"
"No, I'll be pleased that you're coming," she smiled, gently kissing me on the cheek, "I'll call you... and now run to class!"
And after that, she left, and I just stood there. Reflectively, I touched the place where the teacher's lips had just been...
"Just look at her," Dami, Gahyeon, and Siyeon quietly surrounded me.
"Well, what just happened?" Dami interrogated me, "Come on, tell us!"
"Tomorrow I'm going to solve problems," I said joyfully
"So, tasks? And why is your face all flushed?" Gahyeon laughed.
Sighing, I reclined on the bench and closed my eyes.
"Still, I know who the winner is," Siyeon said.
"Did you doubt it? I knew it from the beginning... It was just a strategic move," I replied contentedly.
"You're our strategist!"
Since the early morning, I had been anxiously awaiting a call from Miss Jiu, but my phone seemed reluctant to bring me any good news. Absurd thoughts raced through my mind – well, how could they not? Lacking any enthusiasm, I left for school. Dami, in contrast to my gloominess, stood there, radiating joy and energetically waving at me.
"Hello!"
"Hello..." I replied, my tone carrying a hint of melancholy.
"I have news for you!"
"I hope I'll like it..."
"Absolutely! Miss Jiu was just passing by..."
At the mention of her name, my heart felt like it was trying to leap out of my chest.
"What? What did she say? Dami, don't keep me in suspense!"
"Well, she's really looking forward to seeing you... today at 5 o'clock!"
"Where is she waiting? Why is she waiting?"
"Yoohyeon! Snap out of it! You were supposed to go to her to solve problems!"
"Yes, I remember, I remember... It's just so unexpected; I thought she had already forgotten..."
Seizing Dami by the arm, I practically skipped with her to school. This is what this woman does to me!
For the first time in my life, I went to math class with pleasure! No, I didn't walk; I ran to it! Turning the corner and glancing at Sua, who was waving at me, I accidentally bumped into the woman. The sheets theatrically scattered in all directions, forming a white carpet one after another.
"Sorry..." I whispered and immediately started picking them up."I'm so inattentive..." Sitting next to me, the teacher helped me.
The corridor was eerily empty – not a sound, only the rustling of paper as we collected them. Taking the last sheet, I looked at her. She absentmindedly tried to make a stack of papers, but noticing my gaze, she stopped.
"Here..." I handed her the sheet, "Where were you heading?"
"To the teachers' lounge."
Simultaneously, we stood up, and she looked down shyly.
"It's my fault, so let me help you..." I took the papers, and we headed to the teachers' lounge.
The corridors seemed long and endless... Miss Jiu walked slowly ahead of me, and I could calmly examine her from behind. Today she was wearing black classic trousers and a transparent white blouse. Her body pulled me like a magnet... and apparently pulled me strongly.
"Sorry... miscalculated..." I said quietly and slowly began to step back... I felt her heavy breathing, and she slowly turned towards me.
"Dami told you that..."
"Yes!" I interrupted abruptly.
"Then until five!.." She took back the sheets and entered the teachers' lounge.
"Lord, how stupid can I be! Confessing in love, bumping into her, staring at her like at a masterpiece! How does she tolerate me? Allows me to kiss her... Stop!" oh, these thoughts!
"Three, four... Twenty minutes. Come on, clocks, faster, I beg you!" It seemed like time was treacherously slowing down. Outside, darkness had settled in, and the white, fluffy snow was falling gently. I stood by the window, constantly checking the clock. Of course, my nerves were playing quite a symphony, but a strong desire slowed down the wild beating of my heart. Lost in thoughts about my upcoming "date," I glanced at the time once again, satisfied with the result, and left the house. The road unfolded before me like an unimaginable labyrinth; I walked, getting lost in corners and courtyards, dragging out the time as much as I could... I was so afraid. I had never noticed such indecisiveness in myself, but with the appearance of this woman, everything changed dramatically. Here was the familiar entrance, the handle of the front door that had recently melted from our warmth. Steps, windows, door, doorbell, voices, steps, entrance.
"Hello!" She greeted me with a joyful smile. But it was so unexpected to hear that "hello"...
"Good evening."
She... So homely, bright, in a homey atmosphere. Very unusual! Her blue robe, cute slippers, and that unmatched smile welcomed me.
"Come in..."
I quickly started undressing, but a rustle coming from the kitchen caught my attention.
"She's not alone," freezing in place, I began to listen to the sounds and the male cough. I didn't have to wait long.
"Jay. Very nice to meet you," said the steady voice and penetrating gaze.
"Yoohyeon. Nice to meet you too."
The weapon in the form of my gaze was already preparing for a shot. It seemed like my entire body, my whole organism, was preparing for an attack. As if sensing this, my target in the form of a man left the battlefield. Calming down, I went into the room where miss Jiu was waiting for me. Comfortably seated at the table, I watched as the teacher flipped through notebooks. Turning on the desk lamp, she sat next to me so close... so close! I was afraid to make a move involuntarily, unexpectedly. A statue. Happy faces looked at me from a wooden frame. Looking to the left - a small bedside table with a flower pot, a painting depicting a sunset. My gaze smoothly shifted to the neat leather sofa. This room was very similar to the teacher's office. Shelves full of books, drawers that undoubtedly hid reports, notebooks. Definitely, this room smelled of science.
"Well, shall we begin?" her voice distracted me from studying this new place for me.
"Yes, let's begin."
And it started... The teacher explained the tasks to me in detail and clearly. Strangely enough, I listened to everything that came from her beautiful, gentle lips. And I tried not to be distracted. When we solved a sufficient number of problems, Miss Jiu leaned on the back of the chair, accidentally brushing against my shoulder. A discharge sharply ran through my body. Seeing this, she lowered her eyes down, thus apologizing.
"That's enough for today..." she finally spoke.
"Thank you."
A sharp creak made us both look at the door simultaneously.
"Enough already, it's time to rest. Let's have some tea. I'm waiting for everyone," Jay said with a smile and left.
"Shall we?" Already getting up, the teacher said.
Suddenly standing up, we found ourselves so close... Inhale... Exhale... Her suppressed moan, everything merged, creating a heavy atmosphere. We were so close, so close were our lips.
"Sorry, but I think I'll pass... I don't want to spoil your evening," I said in a jealous tone. What am I saying?! I've completely lost my head.
"Yoohyeon, you won't bother us at all... stay," she said quietly.
Nodding affirmatively, I finally stepped aside, separating our bodies. She went into the kitchen, where her partner was diligently working. I followed her.
"Take a seat!"
While the man poured tea for us, Miss Jiu carefully cut the pie. Apparently, the pie was homemade.
"A pie according to my own recipe! Enjoy your meal!"
"Very delicious. Miss Jiu, you're lucky with your men. Not every man knows how to cook," I said, looking into the teacher's eyes.
"Yes, lucky..." she replied, and guiltily lowered her gaze.
Understanding that I couldn't hold on any longer, I stood up from the table.
"Thank you for the tea, for the treat. I have to go," I addressed Jay.
"So quickly? Well, fine... Don't get lost," he sarcastically replied.
"Don't worry, if anything, I remember the way back."
Getting up from the table, I headed to the corridor. Standing in front of the mirror and staring into my eyes, furious with anger, I quickly put on my jacket. A warm, gentle, familiar hand rested on my shoulder.
"Is everything okay?" she asked quietly.
Turning around, I met her sad eyes...
"Yes, you have a wonderful man..."
"Yoohyeon..."
"What?"
"Find me at school tomorrow; we need to arrange the next lesson," the teacher said with a trembling voice.
"I don't need to look for you..." I smiled.
Smiling back at me, she opened the door.
"Until tomorrow."
"Until tomorrow, miss Jiu."
There was no need to be angry with her! I understand that it's silly and pointless. But I can't help it. I love her... She will be mine!
The door closed behind me, leaving me alone in the dimly lit corridor. The echo of my own footsteps seemed to resonate with the tumultuous thoughts racing through my mind. The encounter with Jay, Miss Jiu's partner, left a bitter taste in my mouth. Unsettled emotions churned within me as I made my way home.
The frosty air outside did little to cool the warmth that had enveloped me during our study session.
As I walked through the quiet streets, my mind whirred with conflicting thoughts. Jealousy, frustration, and a longing for something more warred within me. The encounter left me questioning the nature of my relationship with Miss Jiu. What role did I play in her life, and where did I fit in?
Upon reaching home, I found solace in the familiar surroundings. The soft glow of the lamp in my room welcomed me, offering a refuge from the outside world. I sank onto my bed, replaying the events of the evening in my mind.The phone buzzed, interrupting my reverie. I glanced at the screen to see a message from Miss Jiu.
"Looking forward to our next lesson. Goodnight, Yoohyeon."
Her words carried a warmth that calmed the storm within me. A smile tugged at the corners of my lips, and I replied, "Goodnight, Miss Jiu. Until tomorrow."
As I lay in bed, I couldn't shake off the turmoil that had taken root in my heart. The complexity of our connection was undeniable, and the road ahead seemed uncertain. Yet, a spark of determination ignited within me. If I truly wanted her, I needed to navigate these complexities, face my own insecurities, and, above all, understand the intricacies of her world.
The night wrapped around me like a comforting embrace, and I drifted into a restless sleep, eager to face the challenges that awaited on the morrow. The journey with Miss Jiu had only just begun, and I was determined to unravel the mysteries that bound us together.
Hello, dear readers! I hope you enjoyed this chapter.
Your thoughts and comments are always appreciated. Stay tuned for more twists and turns in the next chapters. 📖✨
The interesting parts are just beginning, and I can't wait to see how Jiu and Yoohyeon's relationship will develop.
Small spoiler:
"Don't say anything. Just don't say anything..." Biting her lip, she clung to the table.
Holding back my emotions, I leaned against the wall.
Opening her eyes, she finally looked at me; everything was clear in her gaze. Fright, desire—everything was in those clear, brown eyes.
"I'd better go..."
"Wait..."