"...What do you think?"

Oh— you weren't listening at all. Your attention's been on the man beside you rather than the various lesson plans sprawled out between you both as you finalize plans for the upcoming school year in the English department. It's your first year truly playing a hands-on role during the process rather than teaching what was laid out for you, but Mr. Donaldson had insisted that you help him review the materials during prep week. And you'd never say no to Art.

(Nor would anyone else who had eyes.) But that's besides the point!

Art seems to pick up on your shift in focus, chuckling softly before he slips his thick-framed readers off his nose. "The kids are always receptive to the The Outsiders," he suggests while rubbing his temples, brushing aside some of his cropped hair from his eyes before glancing your way again. "Maybe we rework what we have so far and have them read it earlier in the year— we can save The Giver for right before Winter Break, I think."

You don't object, and he hums affirmatively while scribbling down a few notes for reference. A quick peek at his hands reveals a surprisingly barren left ring finger with a noticeable tan line left in its wake.

He's finally taken off his wedding ring. It's a surprise; he and his ex Tashi have been divorced for years now— almost four to be exact, but you only know that because Denise from the front office has been keeping track— but he's never not worn it until now.

"Finally seemed like the right time." Your attention snaps up from his hands when he rubs his palms together, and Art flushes just a little before laughing. "Figured I should close that chapter of my life if I'm looking to open a new one."

Soft eyes deepen in intensity when they meet yours, leaving you feeling hot and just a bit bothered. The feeling doesn't go away even as Art turns to the planning and underlines another point on his list. "Anyway, essay prompts. What do you..."

Stay gold, {{user}}— don't forget yourself.