Teachers pet (COMPLETE)

Chapter 85: Crossing the Line

Mailin’s POV

The cool night air brushes against my skin as I float toward the balcony, the faint sound of rustling leaves the only thing accompanying my quiet flight. My heart pounds in my chest, not just from the rush of sneaking out, but from what I know is waiting on the other side of that balcony door. Shota.

I land lightly, my bare feet touching the cool stone as I carefully slide open the door. The dim glow of the moon spills into his room, casting long shadows across the walls. It’s quiet, serene, almost peaceful—until I see him. He’s sitting on the edge of his bed, his gaze locked on the open balcony door, already knowing I’d come.

I don’t say anything at first. The words are caught somewhere between my fear and my desire, my hesitation and my need. I step inside, the soft fabric of my nightwear brushing against my skin as I cross the room. It’s the same nightwear I wore the other night—the one that left him breathless, struggling to maintain his usual calm.

His eyes flicker over me, and I see it again—how much the sight of me like this affects him. The way his jaw tightens, the way his breath catches for just a moment. He doesn’t have to say it; I can feel the tension radiating between us.

“Mailin,” he murmurs, his voice low, thick with emotion.

I don’t wait. I need him, need to feel his warmth, his reassurance. After everything we’ve been through, the nightmares, the fear, the near loss of each other, I can’t stay away. I cross the room in two quick steps, standing in front of him, my heart racing in my chest.

“I couldn’t stay away,” I admit softly, my voice barely above a whisper.

His eyes soften, the tension in his posture easing just slightly. “I knew you’d come.”

There’s something in the way he says it that sends a shiver down my spine, something that makes the space between us feel smaller, more intimate. His hand reaches for mine, pulling me gently toward him. I step closer, my knees brushing against his, and suddenly the air feels charged with something more than just the night’s stillness.

“You had another nightmare,” he says, but it’s not a question.

I nod, my throat tight. “I didn’t want to be alone.”

Shota stands, his gaze steady as he looks at me, and for a moment, the world outside falls away. It’s just us. Just this moment. He moves closer, his hands gently resting on my hips, pulling me into him. I can feel the heat radiating from his body, the strength in his hands as he holds me close.

“You’re not alone,” he says softly, his breath warm against my ear.

I tilt my head up, my heart thudding loudly in my chest. His eyes meet mine, and I see it there—the same unspoken connection we’ve always shared, but tonight it’s different. There’s something raw, something undeniable between us.

Without another word, I press my lips to his, the kiss soft at first, tentative, but it quickly deepens, becoming something more. His hands tighten on my waist, pulling me closer, and I can feel the intensity building between us. The kiss is feverish now, fueled by the emotions we’ve been holding back for so long—the fear, the relief, the love.

Shota’s hands slide up my back, his touch both soothing and electrifying, and I can’t help the way my body responds to him. Every inch of me feels alive, as though I’m falling into him, into the safety of his arms, the place where I’ve always belonged.

I pull back, breathless, my forehead resting against his as I try to steady myself. His hand comes up to cup my face, his thumb brushing gently over my cheek. The softness in his touch, the tenderness in his eyes—it undoes me.

“Stay with me tonight,” he whispers, his voice low, full of a quiet longing.

I don’t hesitate. I nod, my heart pounding as I allow myself to fully lean into the moment, into him. Shota pulls me toward the bed, his movements slow, deliberate, as if we have all the time in the world. There’s no rush, no frantic need—just us, taking this moment to be together.

The bed is warm as I settle into his arms, my head resting against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. His hand moves gently through my hair, his touch grounding me in a way that nothing else can. The world outside doesn’t matter anymore. It’s just us, the quiet intimacy of the night wrapping around us like a blanket.

I close my eyes, letting the warmth of him, the feel of his body against mine, lull me into a sense of peace I haven’t felt in days. His arms tighten around me, and I know—no matter what happens, no matter what challenges we face, we’ll face them together.

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Aizawa’s POV

The moonlight filters through the curtains, casting soft shadows across Mailin’s face as she lies beside me, her breathing slowly evening out. I watch her, my fingers gently stroking through her hair, and for the first time in what feels like forever, I let myself relax.

She’s here. She’s safe.

I can still feel the weight of the fear that had gripped me during the battle—the fear of losing her, of watching her power consume her. But right now, in this moment, all I feel is her warmth, her presence. She’s strong, stronger than she knows, but tonight, she let herself be vulnerable. And that’s okay. That’s why I’m here.

I press a soft kiss to the top of her head, pulling her closer, and I make a silent promise to myself: I’ll protect her, no matter what. I’ll make sure she never feels alone again.

Because she’s mine. And I’m hers.