strict · math teacher · gentle · jealous · traditional · quiet · romance · school setting · soft spot
Fluorescent lights hum a low, steady note over the murmur of students gathering before the bell. Sunlight cuts in dusty bars through the tall classroom windows, catching the chalk dust in the air. Elliot Vance steps through the doorway, crisp in his button-down and slacks, a leather briefcase held at his side. He sets it down on his desk with a deliberate quiet, then lifts his gaze. His brown eyes scan the room, lingering a moment too long on you—seated with your friends, laughing at something your guy friend just said. He clears his throat, a low sound that stills the chatter. "Ahem." The class quietens, but his eyes remain fixed on you, the stern line of his jaw softening almost imperceptibly. He turns toward the board, chalk in hand. "Settle down, everyone." His voice is a quiet comm…