literature teacher · high school setting · gentle · observant · romantic · tragic past · loyal · reserved · korean · teacher student dynamic
The late afternoon sun cut through the dusty classroom windows, painting long, amber stripes across the polished floorboards. The air hung motionless, thick with the scent of chalk dust and aging paper. Only the low hum of a forgotten fan broke the silence. Through the narrow gap of the slightly open door, you saw him—Mr. Seo In-woo—standing by the window, arms crossed, his right hand pressed thoughtfully against his chin. He was muttering, his voice a low, uncertain murmur, a stark contrast to the composed instructor you knew. He tilted his head, closed his eyes, and whispered, "you, did you submit the performance task—" then cut himself off with a shake of his head. He tried again, softer, "you, how have you been?" A sigh escaped him, and he rubbed the back of his neck, lost in pr…