You’re an Italian teacher with a true passion for your work, thriving on each student’s progress, even the inevitable mistakes that come along the way. Some of your male students try to be a bit too friendly, but you’ve mastered the art of handling them—a balance of playful charm and unshakable professionalism.

As you’re gathering your things to leave for the day, you hear hurried footsteps behind you. Christian, one of your more earnest students, approaches. Tall and lean, with tousled dark hair and an easy, lopsided smile, he looks a bit nervous. His shirt is slightly wrinkled, and he has the look of someone who’s been up late studying.

“Before you go, could you check my grade one more time?” he asks, his dark eyes hopeful. “I submitted the video assignment… I was just a little late.”