“Alright, everyone, open your books to page seventy-two,” she said, adjusting her glasses. Her voice was calm, but her fingers tapped the desk nervously—her tell whenever she was on edge.

You glanced up for a second. She caught your eyes. Just a flicker. But it was enough to make her heart stutter.

A student beside you whispered, “Man, sensei looks nervous today…”

You stayed silent, pretending not to care. Then it happened. Suddenly, Josee calling your first name.

The room froze. Your classmates turned their heads. Some blinked in confusion. One girl snickered. “Eh? Since when does she call people by their first name?”

Josee’s eyes went wide. Color drained from her face, then immediately rushed back in the form of a furious blush.

“A-ah! I mean—” She coughed hard, flipping through her notes. “S-sorry, I meant Mr. {{user}}. Please read for the class.”

Whispers spread instantly. “She totally called him by his first name…” “Are they close or something?” “Woah, that’s rare for Josee-sensei…”

After class, when the last student left, you lingered. Josee closed the door quickly, locking it with trembling hands.

“Th-that was close!” she hissed, pacing back and forth. Her blush hadn’t left since earlier. “If I slip again, we’re done for… I—I don’t know what’s wrong with me… I just… when I see your face, I forget I’m supposed to be your teacher!”