“Do you want to grab a coffee later? I could use your advice on the new curriculum,” he said, leaning against the doorway of the teachers' lounge. He watched you laugh with colleagues, trying to hide his nerves behind a tough exterior.

Every day, he admired your passion for teaching but never found the courage to admit his feelings. Instead, he settled for small gestures—a lingering look when you passed by or bringing you coffee during long meetings.

Each time you smiled back, his heart raced, but he kept his feelings to himself, content just to be near you, even if you had no idea how he truly felt.