It's night. Sleep eludes me, and I'm far from feeling drowsy. Lately, I've been struggling to fall asleep, grappling with nerves and thoughts about Miss Jiu. Tonight, I find myself once again staring intently at the ceiling. The room is shrouded in darkness, quiet, and seemingly conducive to rest, yet I remain wide awake. Closing my eyes, a recurring image emerges—a woman with brown eyes, fiery lips, silk-like skin, and a whisper escaping from her lips. Spare me, grant me tranquility, release me from these ceaseless torments. Tears begin to trace their slow path... Yesterday's events couldn't help but leave their mark. A meeting with her boyfriend, a mutual handshake, an assessing gaze. Jealousy knows no bounds. It felt as if she deliberately invited me, wanting to gauge my reaction, to understand, to decide something for herself. Or perhaps, it was just a game for her.
"Yoohyeon, it's time to get up..." Grandma's gentle whisper prompts me to open my eyes, still heavy with sleep.
"Yes, I'm getting up..."
"You don't seem like yourself. Is everything okay?" Grandma asks, her concern evident as she touches my forehead.
"Everything's fine; I just slept poorly," I assure her.
"Well, alright, breakfast is on the table."
The day doesn't start off well. On the way to school, I run into Sua and end up walking with her. For the sake of appearances, I continue to maintain a relationship with her, not every day, but often enough.
"My mom got me a voucher to the sanatorium! I'm going during winter break! Can you believe it?" She joyfully exclaims.
"I'm happy for you."
The school entrance is already in sight, offering a reprieve from this chatterbox.
"Hi! How are you?" Siyeon greets me.
"Yeah, more or less."
"Did you go to her yesterday? It doesn't seem all is well. Am I right?" Siyeon looks into my eyes.
"Well, let's say... everything is as it should be. Let's talk about it later, please."
"Sure."
As we hang our jackets in the locker room, we head to class.
"Excuse me, may I have a moment?" Mrs. Solji entered the classroom.
All eyes turned to the teacher, and a pleasant hush descended.
"I need a couple of people to help move the flowers from the biology classroom to the "Winter Garden." It's preferable to have girls; otherwise, the boys might end up scattering everything."
Apparently, the students were more inclined to chat than to assist with the flower pots, as there were no volunteers.
"Alright, understood.Dami, Gahyeon and Ryujin follow me."
"Can I join too?"
"Okay, come along."
I stood up, and we all followed them.
"Here we are, Miss Jiu. Receive your helpers!"
I cast a sharp look at the person with that name, and she returned my gaze. It seemed neither of us expected such an unexpected encounter. She smiled shyly, then shifted her focus to the other girls, explaining the task. Once she finished, we got to work.
"The way she looked at you..." Gahyeon whispered.
"Nothing special," I replied, handing her another pot with a plant.
"Oh, don't keep secrets from me. That look definitely meant something."
"Yoohyeon, take my place, help miss Kim. I need to step away," my classmate exited the lab and quickly headed back to the classroom.
"Gahyeon and Dami laughed simultaneously.
"Go, go. Run. We'll cover for you if anything!"
Shaking my head, I made my way to the laboratory. The teacher had her back to me, slightly leaning over the flowers. Quietly, like an experienced spy, I closed the door and approached her unnoticed.
"I told you that you wouldn't have to search for me," I said with a trembling voice.
Taken aback, she jumped and turned sharply towards me. Locking eyes, we once again found ourselves in that silent dialogue.
"Indeed," she uttered.
"It seems like you need help..."
"Help? Oh, yes. It's just about watering the flowers here. Just be careful; space is limited, and there are many flowers... You won't have much room to move around."
Truly, the laboratory resembled more of a small storeroom filled with flowers, microscopes, and old posters.
"Alright," I said, smiling at the teacher, as I began to cautiously follow her instructions.
For more than a minute, we remained silent.
Turning around, I saw her standing on the table, reaching for a flower pot.
"My goodness, where are you going..." I said, putting down the watering can. I easily embraced the teacher around her waist. "Couldn't you have just asked me?"
"Don't worry; everything's fine. Just one row left," she said, glancing at my hands and nervously scanning the room with her eyes. "I think that's it. I'm coming down."
Supporting her around the waist, I offered her my hand. When Miss Jiu was at the same level as me, I felt calmer, much calmer.
"Thank you," she whispered. "You can go now."
Removing my hands from her waist, I stepped away.
"Promise me that you won't climb so high without me."
As I stepped away, a mixture of emotions lingered in the air, creating an atmosphere charged with unspoken sentiments. The fleeting moment of physical closeness left a lingering warmth in my chest, a connection that extended beyond the ordinary boundaries of teacher and student.
Her whispered gratitude resonated in the quiet room, wrapping around me like a delicate embrace. The vulnerability in her voice revealed a layer of trust, a subtle acknowledgment of the unspoken understanding that had developed between us.
As Miss Jiu descended from the table, supported by my offered hand, a wave of calm washed over both of us. The physical proximity, however brief, had transformed the ordinary classroom into a realm where our worlds briefly converged.
"It's not that high. I promise," she said, smiling at me. "I appreciate your concern. Go to class; the girls have probably finished by now."
The promise lingered in the air, unspoken yet acknowledged. It wasn't just about physical assistance but a silent commitment to be there for each other in the face of challenges. The weight of unexpressed feelings and uncharted territories added depth to our connection, leaving a subtle but palpable tension that would continue to unfold in the days to come.
"I worry about you... Until we meet again."
"Goodbye."
She turned back to the window, and I headed for the exit, but stopped at the door. Realizing that I still hadn't left, the teacher's hands froze, and I walked slowly toward her. Standing close to her, I drew a wave line with my finger from her neck to her waist, beyond that forbidden zone. A shiver began to spread throughout my body. Pressing myself against the teacher, I put my hands on hers and our fingers intertwined.
"No need, Yoohyeon..." Turning around, she looked me in the eyes.
"As you say, I won't go against your will," I slowly separated my fingers, still enjoying her gaze.
A quiet moan escaped her lips, and I froze abruptly. She hesitantly took my hand and lowered her gaze to my lips, my eager lips.... Breathing heavily, she moved closer to them, her fingers sliding over my cheek, leaving vintage patterns. The tenderness was so intolerable, and giving in to it, her lips felt the softness of my lips... That light kiss reverberated on our bodies with a quick jolt, it seemed that all the flowers wilted from the drought... The heat, the passion, everything was soaked with them. I could feel her insecurity and I knew she couldn't do more... Not yet. That kiss, that light kiss drove us both crazy. As soon as our lips stopped feeling each other, the teacher pulled away abruptly, closing her eyes.
"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. A light kiss, and so maddening, dizzy, it's impossible...
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..."
Walking confidently towards me, she whispered, "Everything that happened, I wanted it. Don't blame yourself." The familiar trace of her lips appeared on my cheek. "Let's get to class, or we'll both get in trouble."
Smiling, I tried to bring my clouded mind back to normal, thinking, but ... An overabundance of feelings swept through my body, and I was rocked to the side.
"Calm down,"
Miss Jiu laughed. "Should I get you to the class?"
"No, I'd rather do it myself... It's calmer that way."
Exiting the realm of love, I slowly descended along the wall.
"Yoohyeon? What happened?"Dami rushed to me.
"Everything's just wonderful."
"You were gone for so long; I was waiting for you. Gahyeon is already in class."
"Thank you... I'm going now." Rising, I looked happily at Dami. While my friend tried to read what was happening in my eyes, I quickly took her hands and started spinning around with her.
"Explain to me what happened with you," Dami asked.
"Later, everything later..."
As I made my way to class with Dami, the echoes of that lingering kiss resonated in my thoughts. The air felt charged with a mixture of excitement, confusion, and a hint of apprehension. We entered the classroom, and Gahyeon looked up from her desk, curiosity evident in her eyes.
"Yoohyeon, where were you? What's going on?" she asked.
"Everything's fine, Gahyeon. I just had something to take care of," I replied, attempting to keep a nonchalant tone.
Dami shot me a knowing look, silently acknowledging the unspoken events that had transpired. The class continued, but my mind drifted back to Miss Jiu, her soft lips, and the unexpected intimacy we had shared.
***
"So, did it really happen?"
"What are you talking about?"
"Well, you know..."
My laughter drew Siyeon's mom into the room.
"Is everything okay? Do I need to call an ambulance?" her mom asked, smiling.
"No, thank you. We're fine for now," I replied, trying to calm down.
"Alright then." and she closed the door, returning to her creative work.
"Okay, enough diversion. Let's get to the point..." Siyeon said, trying to be serious.
"Oh, it was just a kiss, a light one. You could even call it friendly... although our attempt at being friends didn't quite work out. She stopped in time, and that was the right thing to do."
"Well, that's some progress. Alright, give me your math. A bet is a bet."
The math was done, and I left for home with a calm mind. The night was dark and quite chilly. Replaying the scene in the lab, my heart threatened to leap out of my chest with a new wave of emotions. The thoughts were so pleasant that even the melancholic music in my headphones didn't seem as gloomy. The cold wind blew in my face, and my hands were like little ice cubes.
"Nevertheless, it's time to put on mittens... "Fall in love...The feeling that came to me like destiny."Humming the lyrics, I felt a vibration in the back pocket of my jeans. Without checking the number, I pressed the answer button.
"Yes," I cheerfully replied.
"Hi, Yoohyeon."
Stumbling on the spot, I sharply looked at the number.
"Miss Jiu?"
"Yes, didn't you save my number?" she asked, coughing.
"No, no, I did save it..."
"Sorry for calling so late, but I got sick, and we need to reschedule our lessons..."
"How did you get sick? When? You were energetic this morning!" Remembering today's events, my cheeks flushed, and I felt a burning sensation.
Silence...
"Yes, but apparently, on the way home, I managed to catch a cold," she laughed.
"I'm glad you're in a good mood..."
"No fever yet, which is bad. The body is not fighting..."
"I won't survive without... your tomorrow's lesson..." I sighed, sitting on a cold bench.
Her laughter seemed to echo through the whole street, all the trees, all living things, but I was anxious...
"Miss Jiu..." I said softly.
"Yes..."
"Would you mind if I visit you tomorrow..."
"No, of course not. I'm alone anyway..."
"Alone? Where's your better half?" I asked with a hint of sarcasm.
"Went to relatives, and I didn't want to bother him, so he doesn't know about my illness."
"Then, in his absence, I'll be your doctor, your personal guard, and your spouse..."
Her laughter again.
"Okay, Yoohyeon, I agree..."
"Great! Then tomorrow after school, I'll be there. And now, I guess it's time for bed! Did you check the time?"
"What am I saying? I'm still swaying... In love,..."
"As you wish, my personal doctor. Good night."
"And you too..."
"Where are you in such a hurry?" Dami asked, looking at me with astonished eyes.
"I still need to stop by the store, and then I'm heading to see miss Jiu."
Gahyeon nearly choked on her tea.
"What? Why?" The girls quickly formed a blockade around me, preventing me from passing through.
"Come on, girls, there's not much time; we can talk later..." I said imploringly, trying to navigate through them.
"Absolutely not! It's now or you're not getting through!" they declared in unison.
"This is blackmail! Oh well, in a nutshell! She is sick, and I need to visit her. Oh, look, I think Mrs. Solji is heading this way, and she looks furious..."
Seizing the moment, I swiftly maneuvered away, grabbed my bag, and dashed out of the cafeteria.
This door is undoubtedly magical... How does it manage to stir up such mixed emotions in me? Joy, sadness, fear, and an overwhelming desire. My finger adhered to the doorbell, and suddenly, a nightingale's song echoed through the apartment.
With slow footsteps, a familiar face wearing a smile welcomed me.
"Hello... Come in."
Entering the apartment, I checked, for reassurance and tranquility, that we were alone.
"How are you?" I asked, placing my bag on a chair.
"Well, I have a fever," she replied, wrapping herself in a blanket.
"So, the body is fighting back..."
"Yes..." She answered shyly, lowering her gaze.
"Well then. Since I am your personal doctor, here are my instructions: off to bed now, and we'll start the treatment."
Realizing that I might have overstepped my bounds, I hesitated a bit.
"I obey..." Smiling, miss Jiu went into the room.
Left alone in the kitchen, I took charge. Following my grandmother's recipe, I began preparing the healing concoction. It didn't look or taste like a potion, but its effectiveness was undeniable. Carrying a tray, I headed into the room.
"What's this?" she asked, sitting up.
"This is a miracle cocktail..."
"Cocktail? It doesn't smell miraculous at all..."
"Alright, endure it; I've endured it, and so will you."
I handed her the cup, but she seemed reluctant to drink it.
"Maybe we shouldn't... Maybe just a pill?" she pleaded.
"I will get angry..."
Sighing, she took the cup and, closing her eyes, drank slowly.
"Oh God, what a nasty taste!"
"Well, there you go. Now you need to rest... It's necessary. And no objections!"
Smiling, she lay down and whispered:
"Aren't you afraid of getting infected?"
"No... I've developed immunity to you."
"If that's the case, then lie down next to me, please."
Pulling away, miss Jiu, without letting go, watched my every move. Without hesitation, I lay down at the edge of the bed. Tucking her in tightly with the blanket, I scooted a bit closer to her... Turning towards me, closing her eyes, my miracle quickly fell asleep. Sighing, I began to enjoy her presence, her sweet breathing. Immersed in thoughts, I, too, fell asleep... Everything was so calm... And my sweet woman – sleep – quickly embraced me.
I woke up to the sound of a ringing phone. Reaching for it, I heard my grandmother's worried voice.
"Yoohyeon! Where are you? Were you keeping an eye on the time?"
"What? Grandma, don't worry... I'll be there soon; I'm with Siyeon, we're working on a presentation. I'm coming."
Assuring my grandmother, I glanced at the clock before me.
"Oh God, it's already ten in the evening..."
Looking around, I finally understood where I was. Miss Jiu was still sleeping, huddled against me and embracing my waist. Her heartbeat was rhythmic, and I wanted to listen to it for hours. Touching her forehead with my lips and confirming that there was no fever, I slowly tried to extricate myself from her embrace. Sitting on the edge of the bed, gathering my bag, I felt a gentle touch on my shoulder.
"Are you leaving already?"
Turning around, I couldn't help but smile. My sleepy, beloved miracle was looking at me.
"Yes, my grandmother called... And it's already late..."
The teacher looked out of the window.
"Oh God... We slept for so long. Thank you; I feel much better," she said, pulling me closer by my jacket and looking deeply into my eyes.
The kiss held a subtle sweetness, a silent expression of gratitude and connection. It was a gentle punctuation mark to the shared intimacy of the moment, a tender acknowledgment of the comfort found in our unexpected closeness.
"There's a herbal infusion in the thermos... Drink it again in an hour..." I said, my fingers gently stroking her cheek. The touch lingered for a moment, a silent reassurance exchanged between us.
This continued for about five minutes. As the minutes passed, we remained in this quiet dance of shared glances, soft touches, and unspoken understanding. The room held a sense of suspended time, as if the world outside had momentarily ceased to exist, leaving only the echo of our intertwined moments.
"Well go, your grandmother is worried..."she said, a hint of sadness coloring her words.
Getting up from the bed, I threw my bag over one shoulder, the weight of the moment settling in. Leaning in, I whispered,
"I'm always here..."
With a final glance, I stepped away, leaving the room but carrying with me the lingering warmth of shared breaths, stolen moments, and the soft imprint of a kiss on my cheek.
The hallway outside her apartment felt different as I made my way toward the exit. It held the residual energy of shared intimacy and unspoken words. As I closed the door behind me, the quiet click resonated like a subtle punctuation mark, marking the end of a shared interlude.
The cool air of the night greeted me as I descended the staircase, each step echoing with a sense of both departure and anticipation. The words, "I'm always here," lingered in my mind, a promise suspended in the atmosphere.
As I stepped outside into the night, the city seemed to have quieted down, wrapped in the tranquility of the late hour. The streets were dimly lit, casting long shadows that mirrored the complexity of emotions I carried with me.
My mind buzzed with reflections on the events that unfolded - the unexpected closeness, the shared moments of vulnerability. The connection with Miss Jiu had deepened, taking on hues of both friendship and something more elusive.
Upon reaching home, the familiar comfort of my grandmother's presence welcomed me. She wore a worried expression, a mix of love and concern etched across her face.
"Everything alright?" she asked, her eyes searching mine for reassurance.
"Yes, Grandma. Just lost track of time while working on the presentation," I explained, careful not to reveal the intricacies of the evening's events.
She sighed, a mixture of relief and lingering worry. "You need to take care of yourself, Yoohyeon. You've been working so hard lately."
Her words resonated with a truth that extended beyond the realm of academics. The events of the night had opened a new chapter, and I felt the weight of unspoken emotions settle in my chest.
Hello!
I hope you liked this chapter!
Small spoiler for the next chapter:
The teacher stood there, pressed against the wall, and whispered hoarsely:
"You..."
"There you are! I was just looking for you, miss Kim!" Mrs. Solji, looking at papers, approached us. "And what are you doing here?" Finally raising her eyes, she asked.
"She's mine, oh, I mean, with me..."Miss Jiu muttered, "So why do you need me?"
"Help me out! Before the winter holidays, my class is going on a two-day trip to the resort, and I am called to another city on those days!"