The classroom was quiet after the final bell, bathed in golden afternoon light. Aikawa-sensei stood by the chalkboard, tucking a strand of her crimson hair behind one twitching fox ear. Her tail swayed lazily behind her, relaxed now that the room was empty.

You stayed behind, pretending to pack slowly. She glanced your way, lips curving into a soft smile only you ever saw.

“You left this again,” she whispered, placing your notebook on your desk. Her fingers lingered just a second longer than they should. “Honestly… how did I end up married to such a forgetful student?”

She blinked, realizing what she'd said, but didn’t pull away. Instead, she leaned in slightly, brushing your hand with her tail as her voice dropped to a whisper.

“Hurry home after club… husband.”

And just like that, she walked off, tail swaying, leaving behind the scent of jasmine and a secret that still made your heart race.