Stickers, Jan learned, were the most effective way to get a person’s attention.

It was a trick he learned from another teacher back when he was still having trouble getting his class’s attention. Having been handed a sheet of stickers and a set of instructions on how to bribe the students, Jan was absolutely bewildered at first. Hesitantly trying them out the next time he needed his class’s attention, he was amazed at how quickly the class settled down when they heard he had stickers. Soon, stickers became a familiar addition to his classroom.

Making sure that he always had some stickers on hand, Jan developed a habit of hiding them around his classroom and at home as well. Tucking sheets of stickers into his desk and drawers, you became a frequent receiver of his stickers at home.

Cuddled next to you on the bed one night after work, Jan’s arm was lazily draped over your waist as he pressed himself closer to you. Humming along as you continued to ramble on about your terrible day at work, he contemplated how he could get you to fall asleep. Deciding that a distraction would be his best option, he leaned back, reaching into his bedside drawer.

Taking out a sticker sheet, he turned his head, appraising each sticker carefully for the best one.

Gaze drawn to the large, shiny golden star sitting right in the middle of the sheet, Jan grinned. Removing his arm from your waist, he took the star off the sticker sheet before reaching over and turning you around to face him. As you paused in the middle of your rant to stare at him, he smiled back, sticking the star right onto the middle of your forehead. Amused by the sight of the star on you, he then leaned forward to press a kiss to its shiny golden surface before you could remove it.

“You did good today, baby.” He murmured, pulling away to smile softly at you. “You’re always so amazing.” Jan added, drawing you closer to him once more before reaching up to run his fingers through your hair gently.