Slow Dancing In a Burning Room-JENLISA

05

Gradually, Jennie became more comfortable around Ms Manoban. The awkward silence that would usually drown both women was now replaced with playful banter, but to Jennie's disadvantage, an overwhelming warmth grew alarmingly quick within the pit of her stomach.

Considering the Friday afternoon was nearing, and Literature was her next subject, Jennie had decided to do the most sensible thing anyone would do in her situation.

Skip.

With the weather awfully cold for a summer day in New York, Jennie regretted not bring her school jumper, despite its tacky design. Unlike other times, Jennie had strayed away from the school and wandered near the north side of the city, where unexpectedly, she was strangely unfamiliar with.

Jennie had been used to the south of the city as her whole world revolved around it - her parent's firm, school, and even social events. To her knowledge, the north side of the city wasn;t as different to the south, minus the popularity. It had all the same functions and nearly the same restaurants, however, it provided more secluded spots than the south.

Secluded sports were quite useless for Jennie, for who would she hide from?

Relationships were never her type of thing, sure she had her moments, but they never lasted long enough for her to say she was in love. Similar to her uncle, love scared her, but to an extent. It wasn't falling in love that she strayed away from, but the feeling of attachment and loss was the main reason.

Since she never had anyone to love she was foreign to the feeling, alone in her own mixed signals and ocean of unwanted emotions for the women that failed to be enough. Maybe she was selfish for thinking it was someone else's fault. But in really, you couldn't blame her if she hadn't experienced love yet. 

To her expectation, the north side had been just as lively and busy as the south side. It felt like home. She missed th nostalgic feeling of new areas, th way your eyes would light up just from an unknown object or buildings.

Opting for limited adventure, Jennie had decided in exploring the north end of th city rather quickly. Judging from the way Jennie walked stiffly along the pathway, she was reaching he limit.

Jennie had settled for seeking shelter, a nearby bakery doing the trick as it looked pleasing to the eye. To her suprise, the bakery was somewhat packed. Bodies all sizes occupying the entrance seats and such.

Her eyes skimming the crowd, she recognized a familiar blonde standing near the book section, her back facing Jennie. Subconsciously, Jennie stared at the woman's outfit - a black oversized blazer matched with a tight skirt and low cut blouse underneath. 

Being the snarky teenager she was, Jennie chose to go to the opposite side of the book aisle, her fingers willing to skim the several book spines to result to pulling on out, aimlessly flipping through the contents of what looked like a romance novel.

Noticing an enticed brow and neutral expression, Jennie began ton wonder why she was here, out of all places. Though this encounter wasn't slightly planned, Jennie wondered why her teacher was here considering it was still so far away from school.

"Jennie?" The woman called softly, her voice kept out a minimum as she attempted to reduce the attention brought to the pair. "What're you doing here? School hasn't ended."

Turning around suddenly, Jennie had recognized Ms. Manoban standing directly behind her, only a few steps back, holding a romance book. Her figure overlooked the student as her face held concern and uncertainty. 

"Relax, I'm....exploring?" Jennie answered, her response sounding more like a question rather than an explanation as she looked at her surroundings only to feel more hindered than she already felt.

Jennie couldn't but shoot back with a question aimed with just as much curiosity as Ms. Manoban's question beforehand, "What are you doing here?"

"That's none of your business." Ms Manoban deadpanned, her voice awfully calmed. "Go back to school."

"Why?" Jennie slouched, her body leaned against the tainted bookshelf behind her, pushing her teacher further to argue.

"What- seriously? You're asking my why you should go back?" Ms Manoban replied as she widened her eyes at Jennie's daring response. "Go back now, Jennie." She answered, her tone now hinged with authority.

Jennie. The brunette admired the way she said her name. It almost sounded meaningful, anglic almost. Though Ms Manoban often referred to Jennie as Ms Kim, this time was different.

Perhaps she should push her teacher to the limit more.

Somehow, a smile and appeared on Jennie's face as she regained her sense of confidence and stubbornness, "And if I don't?"

"Then I hope you enjoy detention." Ms Manoban answered, mirroring the wicked smile Jennie displayed

Empty promises? Maybe, maybe not.

"Why are you here?" She diverted, her body moving closer to Ms Manoban subconsciously 

"Again, none of your business." Ms. Manoban opposed, dodging Jennie's touch as she stepped back into a nearby chair. 

"Jennie, I swear-"

Looking up, Ms. Manoban caught Jennie over-looking her, the challenge in her eyes going unnoticed as she too stared back just as intensely. Internally, Jennie was hanging by a thread. On the other hand, Jennie maintained control over the scene, despite her heart beating tremendously fast. 

Words dying in the throat, Ms Manoban was finally silenced, the necklace she wore acting as a noose whilst her throat felt as if it stiffened by the second. Her body solidified with every breath she took, and with this, Jennie displayed an amused look.

Similarly to Jennie, Ms Manoban developed her own feeling that started in the presence of her student. of course she thought it was strange, let alone odd considering it only happened around her. In a way, Ms Manoban liked the feeling though it confused her. 

Deciding that this was enough torture, Jennie had regained her posture, stepping back enough to se Ms Manoban release a breath she had kept in.

"Care to drop me off?"