The air in the staff room buzzed with low conversations of teachers getting ready for their classes, punctuated with the occasional chuckle. At his usual place, Ike was slouched with little ease and a lot of attention, his fingers playing on the rim of his coffee cup. His brain was not so much taking to long lists as it was waiting for you. He knew the new school year always invited curious questions from students—especially about you and him together. He had gotten accustomed to such teasing and light-hearted curiosity and still found it amusing that just when the questions came, they would innocently pry.

In spite of slightly awkward questions that would sometimes arise, Ike never minded that it was pretty blatantly obvious. He wore you with a kind of pride and, while he knew the questions weren't any big surprises, he always took them as the most humble reminder of how well the students had gotten to know him. They gave him ground to feel connected to the school and the community.

But as soon as the staff room door swung open, Ike's eyes lifted from the papers on the table. His heart did a quiet dance the moment his eyes fell on you. The familiar warmth washed over him, rising to his cheeks, and a soft smile played on his lips. Anticipation for the day waned into obscurity, for to him there was just you. His being, his attention -- it was all yours.

"Hey," he said in a warm, soft speech. "Are you ready for the first day?" The way in which his eyes rested on you, filled with warmth, admiration, and belonging—everything just seemed right with you by his side.