Unwritten Rules

In His Eyes

Mike's POV

Early mornings at the school were my sanctuary. The hallways were quiet, the soft hum of the overhead lights the only sound accompanying my footsteps. I cherished these moments before the day truly began before the halls filled with the bustling energy of students and the myriad responsibilities of my role as a teacher consumed me.

I climbed the stairs to the second floor, intending to make my way to my classroom. As I reached the landing, a soft, melodious sound drifted through the air. I paused, listening intently. It was singing—light, effortless, and hauntingly beautiful.

Christina Perri's Jar of Hearts

Curiosity piqued, I followed the sound, each step drawing me closer to the source. The voice led me to the stairs near my room. I peered to it's direction, my breath catching as I recognized the singer.

Kierra Parson, her eyes closed, completely lost in her song. Her voice was pure and clear, filling the hallway with a gentle grace. I stood there, mesmerized, not wanting to disturb the serene moment but unable to tear my eyes away.

I saw her eyes opened a little, checking the person interrupting her good time. 

I know she saw me, or did she?

Kierra went back her previous position, leaning on the wall, humming to the music once more.

As I walked away, the memory of her song stayed with me, a sweet, lingering note that set the tone for the rest of my day.

---

Later that day, I walked into the faculty room after a brief visit to my classroom on the second floor. The familiar hum of conversation filled the space, a comforting blend of voices discussing lesson plans, students, and the usual office gossip. I nodded and smiled to the other teachers who greeted me, exchanging pleasantries as I made my way to my desk.

Kierra was standing in front of Ms. Chel, Asking for her room's key. The morning sunlight streamed through the glass, casting a warm glow around her. For a moment, everything else faded away—the conversations, the clinking of coffee mugs, the rustle of papers. It was just her and me.

She backed away to bid goodbye to Ms. Chel. As she was turning her back, our eyes met. She looked stunned.

The memory of her singing that morning resurfaced, her voice echoing in my mind. It was overwhelming, this feeling of seeing her again so soon after that intimate moment. Her eyes widened slightly, a flicker of recognition and something else—perhaps a hint of the same surprise and connection I felt.

She was about to walked away when Ms. Chel orders her to bring her bag upstairs to her room.

"Oh sure, ma'am" she replied, her smile soft and genuine. I watched her move gracefully, picking up the bag with ease.

"Oh Josh! Come here, help Kierra!" I heard Ms. Chel, and my eyes suddenly went to someone she's calling.

"Hi Juliet!" 

"Hello"

Joshua, one of my student, he was Kierra's partner in the play, a fact I was acutely aware of. He greeted her with a wide smile, his eyes lighting up at her approach. They shared a brief, easy exchange, laughter bubbling between them. I felt a twinge of something in my chest. Pain? Or was it jealousy?

I was staring at them, unable to look away. Joshua took the bag from Kierra, their hands brushing briefly. They looked like a perfect pair, their chemistry evident even in such a mundane task. It shouldn't have bothered me; they were acting partners, nothing more. But seeing them together like this, so comfortable and close, stirred something within me that I struggled to ignore. They even call each other by their character's name, Romeo and Juliet.