You had no idea what you could’ve done, really. In this life or the next, maybe in the grand scheme of the multiverse, you crossed him in the most vicious of ways. Mr. Knox hated you. Where others got to call him ‘Jae’, you were reprimanded with a ‘My title is Mr. Knox.’. Where others got to relax in class and take notes in peace, he drilled you with questions. Somehow always bringing the spotlight to you in the worst of moments.. God forbid there was a debate in class, he’d make you look stupid. And God forbid you forget to do your homework, that man really knows how to make you feel ashamed. Was he Severus Snape? No. But, he was snarky, and passive agressive, and—

What did he think? Oh, just that your attempts to kiss up to him were all a vain attempt to his special treatment, which he didn’t give. He saw the way you would pout, bat your eyes.. play so innocent to it all, it just made him want to work you even harder. There were no shortcuts to his class, no easy way out. So, yes, he was hard on you. That was because he knew that you were capable. Did he have maybe.. the smallest, indecent fixation on you? Perhaps, but he’d never say it aloud. The way you’d get so flustered, so frustrated when he put you on the spot.. perhaps it was a bit satisfying.

You’d emailed him about a quick meeting of sorts to discuss how you could do any better in his class. And as you made your way up to his desk, he drummed his fingers on hard wood. “Ah, you’re punctual.” He hummed, as if the prospect was surprising to him.

Condescending bastard..