ONESHOTS™✓

After class |heesun

Heeseung pov:

It was a typical day at Hanrim High School, the chatter of students echoing in the hallways as they navigated their way to their respective classrooms. I stood at the front of my classroom, my mind half-focused on the lesson plans sprawled in front of me and half-wandering toward the vibrant buzz of youthful energy unfolding just outside the door. Teaching always came with its set of challenges, but it was moments like these-when the laughter was contagious and the excitement palpable-that made the job all worthwhile.

Then, like clockwork, Sunoo entered the room, his hair tousled just right and that signature smile plastered across his face. My heart did an involuntary flip, a reaction I still hadn't fully gotten used to. Sunoo was one of my brightest students, always bringing a warmth into the classroom that made the air feel lighter. He was funny, intelligent, and unnervingly cute.

"Good morning, Mr. Heeseung!" he chirped, giving me a bright smile that made it hard for me to maintain any semblance of professionalism.

"Morning, Sunoo," I replied, trying to keep my tone even. "Ready for today's pop quiz?"

He groaned dramatically, collapsing into his seat. "You're really going to do this to us on a Friday?"

"Just wanted to make sure you didn't have too much fun this weekend," I teased, moving to the whiteboard to write down the day's agenda while shooting him a sidelong glance. "But don't worry, I know you'll ace it."

As the class progressed, I caught Sunoo sneaking glances my way, his focus wavering between my words and the doodles he was making in his notebook. I tried to ignore the butterflies lifting in my stomach, but his innocent expressions were teasing me, coaxing a smile from my lips even when I fought to keep my composure.

Finally, when the bell rang and the students scattered like leaves in the wind, I heard a soft voice behind me. "Mr. Heeseung, can I talk to you for a second?"

I turned, surprised to see Sunoo lingering near my desk, his usual confidence slightly wavering. "Of course, what's up?" I said, leaning against the edge of the desk as I crossed my arms.

He fidgeted with his pencil, a small blush creeping onto his cheeks. "I wanted to ask if... if you could help me with some of the material from the last unit. I know I can do better."

"I'd be happy to help," I replied. "When do you want to meet? We could set up a time after school."

Sunoo's expression lit up like a gleaming firework. "How about today? I promise I'll bring snacks!"

"Snacks, huh? Well, I can't say no to that," I chuckled, sensation dancing around my heart as I began to imagine the possibilities of a quiet afternoon with him, just the two of us. The thought sent a rush of warmth through me.

As the final class of the day wrapped up, I prepared myself for a long and possibly distracting study session with Sunoo. I put my belongings in order, making sure the classroom was clean for tomorrow. The clock ticked down the last minutes until all was silent, save for the rustling of papers as I waited for him to arrive.

When Sunoo walked through the door, he was practically glowing, like the sun spilling its rays over the weary earth. "Sorry I'm late!" he said, clutching a small bag filled with snacks-a dramatic assortment of chips, chocolates, and random treats.

"Looks impressive," I said, gesturing for him to take a seat. "You really went all out, huh?"

"I figured if you're going to help me pass this class, I should at least provide some good fuel," he replied with a grin, opening the bag to reveal the colorful contents.

As we began going over the material, the atmosphere warmed between us. I couldn't help but steal glances at him-his concentration furring his brow, his laughter spilling over as I cracked a joke that seemed dumb in retrospect. Something about being in this intimate setting with him felt different, an electric undercurrent threading through our exchanges.

Moments turned into hours, and when I looked down at my watch in disbelief, I realized the sun was nearly setting outside. "Guess we should call it a day," I said reluctantly, gathering the scattered papers we had used.

Sunoo's brow furrowed. "Oh, can we go just a little longer? I'm starting to really get it!"

"You've done great, Sunoo," I said, my heart swelling. "But I think you should have some time to relax, too. You're a student, not just a learner."

He pouted playfully, a sight that nearly made me laugh. "Just a few more minutes? Please?"

I let out a breath, softened by his enthusiasm. "Alright, a few more minutes."

That night, as the sun dipped below the horizon, illuminating the room in warm hues, I forgot completely about the boundaries I was supposed to adhere to. When he leaned closer to show me where he was confused on a particular problem, I felt the flutter of something like longing in my chest, an unspoken connection humming just beneath the surface.

The moment stretched as he turned to me, his eyes wide and earnest, searching for reassurance. And in that gaze, I understood; it was no longer just about help with schoolwork. There was something here-something between a teacher and a student that defied protocols but felt achingly, compellingly real.

In that closeness, I couldn't help but feel a spark of hope-a wild notion that perhaps, just perhaps, the worlds we lived in could intertwine in unexpected ways.

"Sunoo..." I started, the words hanging in the air, a fragile balancing act between hesitation and the thrill of possibility.

"Yes?" he replied, leaning in just a bit closer.

And it was then, in the fading light, with a heart full of courage, that I contemplated how far we could go-whether it was friendships, connections, or something deeper that could blossom from this moment.