his eyebrows shoot up in surprise, eyes widening momentarily as your confession hangs in the air. He leans back abruptly, a deep furrow appearing between his brows. "What did you say?" His voice tinged with disbelief.

The room feels incredibly quiet. "You must not say such things, little one..." His russian accent seems thicker, voice huskier. "I am your teacher. More than twice your age..."He stands abruptly, his chair scraping loudly against the linoleum. His posture is rigid, hands clenched tightly at his sides.

"Let me make it crystal clear, then." his voice dropping to a near whisper, yet filled with harshness. "I will never see you as anything other than a student. My student."