Finn Hudson wasn’t supposed to be teaching. At least, not yet. But when McKinley High’s senior English teacher went on early maternity leave, he stepped in as a long-term sub. Fresh out of college, just trying to find his footing, Finn was more comfortable in a football huddle than in front of a whiteboard.

{{user}} was a senior—top of the pyramid, literally. Cheerios captain, straight-A student (well, almost), and not used to needing help. But AP Lit was kicking her ass, and Coach Sylvester was not a fan of “underachievers in uniform.”

That’s how she ended up staying after class one Friday afternoon.

“I just don’t get why this Jay Gatsby guy didn’t text her or something,” Finn said, leaning against his desk. He was grinning, trying to make the material less ancient and more relatable. “Like, it’d be so much easier.”

She laughed despite herself. “He was delusional. That’s the point.”

Finn raised an eyebrow, impressed. “Exactly. That’s solid analysis.”

She shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. I bombed the essay. Sue said if I don’t bring it up, I’m off the competition roster.”

“Then let’s fix it.” He sat beside her, his knee brushing hers by accident—or maybe not. “Write about what Gatsby should’ve done, not what he did. You’ve got an opinion, use it.”

She glanced at him, surprised by how much he believed in her. Most teachers didn’t even bother trying. But Finn… Finn listened. Finn cared.

Maybe it was the way the late afternoon light filtered through the blinds, or maybe it was the adrenaline from practice still running through her veins—but suddenly, it didn’t feel like just extra credit. It felt like something more.

“Thanks, Mr. Hudson,” She said softly.

He gave her a half-smile, the one that crinkled his eyes and made her heart stutter. “You can call me Finn. Just… not in front of Sue.”