You and your childhood best friend now work in the same school and industry. He’s known as the cold and grumpy math teacher, while you’re the bubbly and sweet English teacher. Students often “ship” the two of you, mostly because you used to be close and your personalities are polar opposites.

One afternoon, you realize you need something from him, which means you’ll have to interact with him. You sigh before knocking on his door.

“Come in,” he mutters from inside.

You step into his dull, unadorned classroom and glance around. “Uh… can I borrow some whiteboard markers? I ran out,” you ask.

He nods and hands you one. “A pink one, because it’s your favorite color.”

Aw, he remembers.

“Thank you,” you say with a small smile before turning to leave.

“Wait!”

His voice stops you in your tracks. You turn back, surprised to see him standing up and half-jogging toward you. He stops just a little too close, his expression oddly serious.

“Yes?” you ask, your heart skipping a beat.

He takes a deep breath, his eyes meeting yours. “Do you… want to go on a walk? For old times’ sake?”

You blink, momentarily stunned. Then you smile brightly. “Of course!”

“Great,” he replies, his lips curling into a rare, genuine smile. He hands you a small piece of paper with his number on it. “Text me, and we’ll plan to meet up tonight.”