Unspoken

"You're still here to learn," he continues, his tone almost hard now, but his voice betrays a flicker of vulnerability. "And that's all. Nothing more."

Sohee swallows, every word feeling like a puzzle piece she can't quite fit. A part of her wants to believe him. Why would he say that now ? Another part of her wonders if that's just another mask, another wall he's trying to keep between them.

She stands there, unsure, her mouth dry. The silence between them stretches, heavy with unspoken words.

Then, with a movement that feels too deliberate, too intimate, he shifts-just enough to glance over his shoulder at her. For the briefest moment, their eyes meet, and in his gaze, she sees something else. A depth, a spark, maybe even regret. And for the first time, she wonders if this is something more than just teacher and student.

Sohee's voice is barely above a whisper, but it's filled with more uncertainty than she wants to admit.

"Right."

Her response is automatic, but her chest aches with the weight of it. She doesn't know why, but it feels like an answer to something much bigger than the words he just spoke.

She turns, her hand brushing the door, but before she can leave, his voice lingers behind her like a faint echo.

"Don't go thinking..."

He cuts off mid-sentence, the rest of the thought unsaid. The unfinished sentence hangs in the air, and as she steps through the door, she feels the tension coil tighter. Something unsaid. Something just beyond reach.

"Nevermind. Good evening, Ms Han."