Going off quicker than I thought it would my alarm sounds through my headphones stalling my music.
“Ugh, I've got five minutes to get to tutorial.” Sighing, I switch off my alarm, looking up at the sky... looks like rain. Sigh.
"Today truly is going to be interesting." As the final bell for tutorial rings, I begin making my way from the roof. By now, everyone's in their respective classes so weird looks are at a minimum, my footsteps sounding along the near empty halls. As I approach my classroom my body slows down and I stare at the door. Another day in paradise, right gran? With my headphones still on I push up the door and enter. The shocked looks on their faces are enough, and the gasps are blocked out by my headphones. I smile inwardly as he looks towards me, and by god that man’s eyes shouldn’t be on a teacher. Especially not him. Shallowing nervously, I step further into the room. He looks equally as shocked as my classmates but he quickly recovers and moves towards me. Removing my headphones, he smiles down at me and I've got to admit, he is, in fact, a very good-looking guy, but let’s try to keep it PG. Won't be surprised if all the girls have already set their eyes on him.
"Welcome back Ms. Winters." I see the other students have been talking about me because I know he would've thought my name belonged to a guy.
"Just Atlas,Sensei," I bowed slightly. "Please forgive me for being absent on your first week, I had things to attend to." He looks me over and then smiles again before patting my head, returning my headphones.
“Well since you've apologized, I'll forgive you." With that, I bow again, making my way to my seat at the back of the classroom as everyone's eyes stalk me. This... This is very uncomfortable. I straighten my back and composed myself. I really hate this. I feel my feet stagger as I reach my seat and I quickly sit down before my knees give out from beneath me. You really are a coward Atlas. Looking up from the tight knot my fingers had formed at my side, I see him smiling at me. My tension subsides a little and I look away, placing my backpack on my hook and my headphones in my desk.
"Well then, it seems like my class is finally a full house. I feel like a real teacher now." He beams to the class, the smile on his face annoying me slightly. How does one smile so carefree?
"Don't get your hopes up, sir. Her name isn't S squared for nothing you know." He looks at me as though he’s expecting me to react, but I'm pretty used to them talking about me like I wasn't there. Putting my hands in my pocket I simply sat back in my seat and stare out the window. Somehow, we got through his tutorial and the first two sessions of science before the bell for break sent the class into a frenzy as everyone went about their business. Packing my books away, I take out my headphones and get up to leave walking straight into... a brick wall?
Staggering backwards I rub my forehead, looking up...
"Sensei?" Looking up I meet his eyes which seem to stare through me. This man really annoys me, and I can't help but scowl at him.
"Is that how you look at your elders?" his eyes seemed to smile as his brows arch, "please follow me Ms. Winters."
"I told you to call me Atlas. I'm not a Miss."
"Apologies Ms. Winters." Before I could protest again, he takes my hand, dragging me out of the classroom towards the shared teachers' office.
"Fairchild Sensei... what're you doing?" My voice almost a whisper as we walk through semi packed hallway, stray eyes following our every step. So uncomfortable. Ugh, I hate this man.
"We're almost there. Bear with it, Atlas." Oh... he said my name. He sounds angry for some reason despite the control in his tone. Pushing open the door he steps in still holding my hand before making his way to the desk in the corner near the window, the motor bike boots beneath it indicating it was his personal desk.
"Can you please let go of my hand Sensei." He turns to face me, his brows frowned. Is he... angry?
"Why didn't you attend lessons last week?"
"I had things to attend to." He sits down, removing a cigarette from the box on his table.
"Something more important than your education?" I stare at him without replying,
"How did you do the assignment if you weren't in the lesson?" He asked as he rummaged through the papers on his desk before dropping one near me,
"Can you explain how you got this mark while missing the lesson and the entire week?” I stare at the essay and then back at him.
"Which of those questions would you like me to answer first?" It was his turn to stare and I had to fight the smirk wanting to creep out.
"Why didn't you say anything after what that student said?" Is that why he's annoyed?
"Is that what you really wanted to know?" He pauses as he’s about to light the cigarette, turning to stare at me again.
"What makes you think that's what I really wanted to ask?" I take the unlit cigarette from his hand, placing it back in the box and I could feel his eyes still on me.
"Teachers aren't supposed to smoke in here or in front of a student," I looked at him again, "and I felt like you were mad at me."
"Why would you think I was mad?" His eyes study me. This man really is annoying.
"Your eyes." He continues to stare at me as though waiting for more, but I remain silent.
"So, why didn't you say anything?"
"Because there was no need. I’m used to them talking about me."
"What about last week?" His brow arches and I sigh in annoyance.
"I can't promise it won't happen again, but I do apologize."
"Does that mean you'll be missing more lessons in the future?"
"Yes."
"Are you going to tell me what you do when you skip?"
"I never skip school, Sensei. All my absences are authorized."
"Well, are you?" he continues to stare at me, "Going to tell me why that is."
"I can't. It's family matters." He studies me before sighing, pinching his nose.
"Fine. At least tell me how you were able to do the homework?"
"I asked Mr. Wilson. Since he's the head of the science department I figured he'd be able to get me a copy."
"And the terms and theories you used? You weren't in the lesson so how...?"
"I read a lot Sensei." After a moment he smiles, seemingly defeated.
"Alright Atlas, you win."
"Win?" I frown at his statement and he chuckles.
"Just promise me that whenever you know you'll have to miss lessons again you must come to me and I'll gather notes as well as the homework and assignments you miss." I stared at him in disbelief. Is he being real right now? This man really is annoying.
"Huh?"
"I said..."
"I heard what you said but... why, did you say it?"
"I am not only your science teacher Atlas. I'm also your tutor so I've got double the responsibility when it comes to you." He stands and places his hand on my head while bending down to my eye level. This man is seriously annoying.
"So, do we have a deal?" I mean it's not like you'll allow me to say no you sly bastard.
"Sure, but Sensei," I swat his hand off my head, "please don't patronize me. I despise being treated like a child more than anything."
"My bad." He smiles putting his hand into his pocket.
"Well then, if that's all." I bowed and turned to leave.
"One more thing. Everyone says you barely talk, so why do you say so much to me?" I turn, staring him dead in the eyes.
"Because I find you annoying," he has the audacity to look hurt, "I figured you seemed persistent so I thought for my life to be easier I should answer your questions."
"You haven't answered all of them though."
"That's because I don't know how to?"
"How to?
"I'm not very good with words so I decide to remain silent when I can't decide which route I should take."
"Thank you for finding me annoying then," he smiles at me again, "If being annoying means you talk to me then I'll continue to annoy you, Atlas." He smiles warmly at me and I roll my eyes. Every nerve in my being simultaneously snapping. I hate bubbly people.
"You are very different from everyone here, Sensei."
"How so?"
"Everyone else is simple. They don't talk to me or try to. You on the other hand, you’re very annoying." With that I make my way towards the door.
"And you're very cute Atlas." I freeze as he says that, my hand on the door. I hope no one else heard that. Turning, I’m geeeted with his bemused grin. This idiot. Sighing, I look away.
"Please refrain from smoking in here or in front of the students in the future, Sensei." I practically ran out of the office and head to the roof. I've got 20 minutes left and I intend to find peace. Especially from him.
"I can't believe she called me annoying." Taking another sip of my beer I glare at my colleague sat across from me laughing."That's Atlas for you. However, I'm surprised she even spoke to you," his brow arches as he looks at me over the brim of his glass, "I must hand it to you, your persistence, though annoying, really is beneficial.""What do you mean by beneficial?" Iask returning his stare."I mean maybe you'll be able to help her out of her shell. Help her have a more natural high school experience.""Wilson. I'm simply a teacher..." I place my glass on the table sitting back in my chair, "By the way. Why did you give her the sheet for the essay assignment without informing me?""I see she told you," he sighs as he finishes his drink. "Atlas misses lessons quite often because of her family situation, although no one really knows what that is exactly. However, she never fails any of her exams a
My feet seem to move by themselves and before I knew it, I was standing behind her. Scanning over the contents on the pages I felt my body react. Clearing my throat, I look away and she jumps in response, a soft shriek escaping her lips."Atlas.""Sensei!" Her face goes blank and she snapped the book shut. The cover catches my eye and I smile as realization sets in."So that's what you read in school, Ms. Winters?" She glares at me before looking away."So what? These books are prohibited so I found a way to read them without disturbing anyone." her voice as she spoke seem to lose pitch and drift off at the end. Ah, so she can be cute too."I see. Is that what you're always reading?" I ask as I move to stand in front of her. As though on guard she moves her feet from the ledge turning to face me tucking the book in the satchel at her feet."No." She looks away again as a slight flus
The ride to her house was quiet as we maneuvered through the late-night traffic. Far too quiet. Her light tap on my shoulder stops me in front of the Havens apartments blocks and she gets off."Is this really where your parents live?" I ask, looking from her to the building."No," I look at her in confusion, "this is where I live.""What?!" The surprise in my tone was evident as she stares back at me weirdly."I don't live with my parents. I live alone." Her tone was flat as she said the word parents."But... You're still in high school!" she continues to stare at me in that weird way with her head tilted to the side like a confused puppy, "What parent allows their sixteen-year-old daughter to live by herself! I don't care how much money you have." She continues to stare at me in silence."You really can be funny sometimes Sensei.""I'm serious, Atlas." I could feel
I groaned, annoyed at the sound of my phone ringing. I knew who it was without even looking at the caller ID. He's been calling to wake me every weekday for the past two weeks, at the same time to ensure I don't sleep in, so I'm not... late. Sigh. Sensei, you need a better hobby."I do have an alarm you know." I answer with a sigh."Well, it doesn't seem to stop you from turning up to tutorial after the last bell, so, I'm your alarm." He sounds slightly sleepy still, a soft yawn escaping him causing me to smile broadly. I haven't been able to tell him that I do in fact arrive an hour early every day but just choose not to go to lessons till the last minute. To be honest, after what happened between us that night I still haven't told him much about me and he doesn't push me to answer the questions I know he wants to ask. I haven't told him exactly who and what I am and I don't think I have the guts to, well not now anyway. I mean how would anyone rea
Following our eventful morning, I leave her in the classroom to go collect the attendance form from the office. And as scripted, someone was due to disturb my peaceful journey."What do you want Jon?""You seemed in high spirits so I thought I'd annoy you just a bit." I roll my eyes, ignoring him and continued walking."I swear you are the definition of a pain in the ass." He chuckles, making me frown. This guy is too weird."So, was that the chairman’s car I saw leaving as I was coming through the gate?""I wouldn't doubt it. He came by to welcome me apparently.""Hmm... he came personally? What's the old man planning now?" His voice was low but I could still make out enough of what he said and I stopped in my tracks."What do you mean? You know something don't you?" He grins, putting his hands up in surrender."I know nothing, my friend."
Ah, there it is again. For the past couple weeks after the chairman’s visit that morning, she’s been called to the Head’s office every Wednesday during her lunch break and normally stays in there till the bell sounds again. She always looks more exhausted than she went in. I want to ask her to tell me more, but I know my poking and prodding isn't helping her. From the rumors, she's supposedly the student council president but that’s yet to be proven since no one's ever met the president - apparently. This school has a weird tradition where the presidents' identity is known only by the Head and the staff and then at the end of their three years, they reveal themselves and get rewarded based on their services and achievements rather than their families status. But for the past two years, no staff has known who it is, only the Head. Even the title of Council President was changed to Deputy Council Rep, meaning there’s definitely someone above. I can’t help but find it suspicious that t
After our ‘Get Help’ fiasco, the day seemed to have gone by slower than usual and by the time the final bell sounded everything hurt. Sighing, I make my way to the office swearing under my breath as I remember the staff meeting being held after clubs have ended. Great, another hour and a half of madness. Dropping my materials in the office, I take my cigarettes and the remaining bottle of juice, making my way to the parking lot. Searching for my lighter my hand brushes against the envelope I'd placed there earlier."Oh yeah, I haven't opened it yet." Downing the last mouthful of juice, I toss the bottle in the bin and open the letter, finding the small rectangular box that came out with the letter... keys..."Is this what I think it is?" Hurriedly I read the letter."Dear annoying Sensei, you asked that I tell you the next time I'd be absent, so I guess this is me telling you. I'll only be gone for two days, so I'll be back on Thurs
The warmth I could feel hugging my body was alien to me. The sound of the alarm that woke me was even more alien as my eyes opened slowly, adjusting to the lighting. This is my room. The events of last night came back in a steady flow and I remember falling asleep on the sofa so... an arm snakes itself around my waist bringing me flush against a body that was familiar to me and in surprise I jerked up turning to face... Yuzuki?! When? How? His eyes still closed, he mumbles still half asleep seeking out his phone on the nightstand behind him. God this man is beautiful. He looks years younger when he’s like this, the shadow of his constant frown gone but beautifully replaced with the face of sleep. Hmm, he’s got long eyelashes. My eyes explore his face as though it was newly discovered land, a warmth building slowly in my stomach. His hair was out of its usual bun with strands falling lifelessly across his forehead, framing his neck and shoulders. Without my approval my hand extended