FEEL SO HIGH SCHOOL (WinRina)

7

When I returned to school, Ella asked me again if we could wait for Lucio's father. I nodded, deciding to let her play with him a little longer since I also had something to discuss with Teacher Yu.

I settled into one of the students' small chairs, glancing around the classroom. Ella mentioned that her teacher had just gone into the other classroom and would be back soon, so I took the opportunity to observe the decorations on the walls and the children's drawings pinned up on the bulletin board, letting my thoughts drift while I waited.

After a few minutes, Teacher Yu finally appeared. She walked to her desk, then returned to me with a serious expression.

"Ms. Kim, here's your portfolio." she said, handing me my binder. I raised an eyebrow at her, feeling a mix of hope and skepticism.

"So, no golden stars for me?" I asked playfully.

She smiled and my heart swelled. I could tell by her smile that she was impressed with my work. "Are you really asking me to put stars on your arms?"

"And what if I am?" I shot back, unable to suppress my smile.

"You are really crazy, Ms. Kim." she said, shaking her head in mock disbelief.

"What's next, a sticker chart for good behavior?" she asked, suddenly her eyes widened, and she made a face that suggested she had just come up with the best plan ever.

"Should I make one for you?" she asked, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

I couldn't help but laugh. "I won't get any from you if we start that. Nothing can beat the worth of seeing your annoyed face when I act up, Ms. Yu." I teased, leaning back in my chair. She hissed playfully, clearly feigning annoyance.

Our hands brushed as she reached for my binder again. When she flipped it over, there they were—my hard-earned ten stars shining brightly. "I thought it was supposed to be twenty?" I said, a mock pout forming on my lips.

"Twenty? What are you, five?" she retorted, crossing her arms and raising an eyebrow at me.

She continued, "I put them on the back so I wouldn't ruin your binder. And it's easily removable, just in case." Her tone was teasing, but I noticed the small kindness behind her words "No matter how infuriating you could be, I still had the decency not to put the stars on the front."

"Infuriating? I thought we were past that!" I said, acting as if I were genuinely offended. I exaggerated my expression, pursing my lips and widening my eyes for effect.

She frowned, her brows knitting together in disbelief. "Who said that?"

"Well, I'm pretty sure I just did," I replied, trying to hold back a laugh but failing miserably. "Ms. Yu, maybe I should start charging you for the emotional labor you're putting me through!"

"Oh, really? Have you forgotten, Ms. Kim, that your sister signed you up for free labor at the event?" she shot back, a playful glint in her eyes.

"But if that's case," she continued, "I might need a bulk discount."

We shared a laugh, the warmth of our connection filling me with a comforting glow. As our laughter faded, I found myself momentarily lost in Teacher Yu's beauty. Her eyes sparkled with humor and warmth, drawing me in like a magnet. I couldn't help but notice the way her lips curved into a soft smile, illuminating her entire face. A loose strand of hair fell gently across her forehead, framing her features and adding to her charm.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still. The genuine joy radiating from her enveloped the space around us, making everything else fade away. There was an undeniable grace in her laughter that captivated me, even though her personality could be quite annoying and rude at times. And despite the fact that she had a soft spot for my sister, I couldn't ignore how deeply I was drawn to her.