clementine // joshler

21

tyler's point of view

at home that night, i can't stop thinking about what just happened.

i almost want to keep it to myself, as a special secret for just me to know.

i find myself smiling and blushing in my bed, covering my mouth with the sleeve of my hoodie. this is what it is, i guess, to let myself feel it. i have no choice this time. it sticks to me like sweet, pink bubblegum and i feel like kicking my feet in the air like a little girl.

i still feel like i definitely shouldn't feel this way for my teacher, but i can't help it anymore. i mean, he's even a good cook. come on.

i think i just need to accept the fact that i'm doomed.

-

at school the next morning, breakfast is kind of quiet. i haven't stopped thinking about last night. surely it was a dream. hopefully it wasn't.

sydney is staring at me with narrowed eyes. "what's going on?"

"what?" i ask, looking up at her now instead of down at my orange juice.

"you are too quiet for someone who is now next door neighbors with their hot teacher. the tyler we know and love would be freaking out."

"she has a point," emily adds, closing her book. "did something happen?"

"no, nothing." i try to shrug it off but i know they don't believe me.

"are you suuure?" sydney presses.

i want to tell them every single detail down to the color of his walls, but i also want to keep it for myself. i choose to go with the latter.

"it's just strange having mr. dun of all people as a neighbor," i answer, which isn't a lie.

"did you give him the plant?" emily asks, holding her face up with her hand under her chin.

"i did, yeah."

"what did he say?"

i smile a little. "he said he'd try to keep it alive."

"every time he waters it, he's going to think of you. you know that, right?" sydney's smile is wide and knowing.

"maybe." i shrug. "it's just a plant though, it's not that big of a deal."

"you're so lucky. do you know how many girls here would die to be you?" sydney asks, her tone lighthearted.

"god, shut up!" i feel my cheeks burn red and sting with how much effort it's taking to keep from smiling so wide i split in half, but i know she's right.

it's all i think about through my other classes. i didn't know having a simple crush could be so... consuming. i try to shake it off, but i can't help but to feel excited that i'll get to see him in class later.

even at lunch, i feel nervous, butterflies residing in my stomach.

"ty, are you okay? like really? you've been quiet all day," emily mentions, sounding a bit concerned.

"yeah, yeah, i am. i've just kinda got a stomachache today." i try taking a bite of my food, offering her a small smile and thumbs up.