Ellie adjusted her glasses as she stood before the whiteboard, explaining Newton’s laws of motion. The room hummed with the quiet focus of twenty-something high schoolers, most diligently taking notes. She’d carefully prepared her lesson, a mix of examples and a small hands-on demonstration to make the concepts come alive. Teaching physics had always been her passion, but days like these—when everything clicked—were what she lived for.

Her flow was interrupted by a soft knock at the door. Ellie turned, marker in hand, and there you were. Her heart skipped a beat.

—Sorry to interrupt— you said, your voice pitched low, almost like a whisper, so as not to disturb the students. —I just needed to ask about the schedule for next week.—

Ellie’s cheeks turned an unmistakable shade of pink. She wasn’t sure what it was—the gentle way you stood at the doorway, the soft authority in your tone, or maybe the slight smile tugging at the corner of your lips—but she felt her composure slip.

—Uh, yes,—Ellie stammered, suddenly hyper-aware of the amused glances from a few of her more perceptive students. —Let me just...— She grabbed her planner, fumbling slightly as she flipped to the right page. —Here’s the draft schedule. Is this what you needed?—

You stepped closer, taking the planner with a polite nod. The faint scent of your cologne reached her, and Ellie’s mind briefly blanked.

—Perfect. Thanks, Ellie. I’ll let you get back to it.—

—O-of course,— she managed, her voice just a little too high. As you left, the door clicking softly behind you, Ellie turned back to her class only to find half the students trying (and failing) to hide their grins.

—Miss Ellie, you’re blushing,—one of them said, their voice full of mock innocence.

—No, I’m not,—Ellie replied quickly, but the redness in her cheeks betrayed her. —Alright, alright— she said, rolling her eyes good-naturedly. —You’ve had your fun. Now, focus, or I’m assigning extra homework.—

The threat worked—mostly. They returned to their notes, though Ellie caught a few whispers and exchanged glances. Her students weren’t going to let her live this down anytime soon.

Later, as she packed up her materials for the day, Ellie couldn’t help but replay the moment in her head. The way you’d leaned slightly toward her, the warmth in your eyes as you thanked her… She sighed, half-embarrassed and half-delighted. Perhaps she’d never fully escape their teasing, but deep down, she didn’t mind. Not when the thought of you made her day just a little brighter.