Unwritten Rules

Meaningful Interactions

Mike's POV

"I miss Sir Mike so much. It's like there's this giant void...

"One Blueberry Tea, please!" I stood at the counter of the school's café cashier ordering my usual blueberry tea, a plant hiding my presence when I caught a snippet of conversation from a nearby table.

...in my life." 

Kierra's voice, soft and familiar, reached my ears amidst the cheerful chatter of her friends. She was saying she missed me. My heart skipped a beat as I paused, the warmth of her words washing over me unexpectedly. It had been a long time since someone had expressed such sentiments towards me.

"You think he heard me?" She whispered yelled but I can hear it from my position. I giggle on my own as I glanced towards Kierra's table.

I took a deep breath as I approached Kierra's table in the school café. My heart raced with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. I knew I couldn't avoid this encounter; I had to face it head-on.

"Oh oh he's coming this way!" Kierra's friend teases her.

"Stop being so obvious!!" I can't help but laugh on my mind.

"Hi, Sir Mike!" her friends greeted me.

"Oh, hi girls!" I greeted them back, my voice steady despite my nerves.

Kierra slowly looked up and said, "Hi Sir! I... I didn't know you were here." She stammered.

I just nodded, my smile warm and reassuring. "Just got late today. And I couldn't think of a better welcome than hearing how much you missed me."

Kierra's eyes widened, realizing I had heard her entire rant. She fumbled for words. Her lips parted and closed, like she was trying to catch elusive words fluttering away from her grasp. "I... um... I didn't mean for you to hear all that. I was just... venting."

I couldn't help but admire her in that moment. There was something endearing about her awkwardness, a vulnerability that made her even more captivating. She was trying so hard to find the right words, her eyes darting around as if searching for an escape, her breath hitching with each attempt. I chuckled softly, my gaze kind and understanding. "No need to apologize, Kierra. It's actually quite flattering. I've missed our discussions too." and... maybe you?

"Ahh yes, sir, our discussions. Right, girls?" Kierra said, glancing desperately at her friends. 

"Actually, sir..."

Kierra looked at Ely, shocked when she started talking.

"Kierra has a lot of questions regarding our project on your subject. She said she's shy about asking you for help."

Why would she be shy to ask me? We've had so many conversations before, and she's always been so inquisitive. Has something changed?

"Oh really? Don't be shy, Kierra. You can ask me anything, especially when it comes to literature."

I watched Kierra as she spoke, her voice slightly wavering. The gentle blush that painted her cheeks only grew deeper as she continued, and I couldn't help but smile at her endearing shyness. Her eyes flickered away from me whenever our gazes met. She took a deep breath "Yeah, sure, Sir!"

"Come to my room whenever you need. I'll be there, waiting for you, okay?"

"O-oh, thanks, Sir Mike!" I gave them a warm smile and bid goodbye as the waiter handed me my blueberry tea.