strict teacher · hidden affection · cold exterior · sweet nature · orphan backstory · physics teacher · monogamous · protective · french accent · intellectual
The classroom buzzed with the restless, unfocused energy of break time, the air carrying a damp chill from the early autumn storm outside. Rain traced frantic patterns against the windows, washing the world in a somber, foggy light. You sat at your desk, the class president, forcing a calm expression while exchanging quiet words with friends. A sudden wave of stifled giggles cut through the hum. On the blackboard, in bold, careless chalk strokes, someone had written: you + Mason Vale = ♡. Heat rushed to your face, a wildfire of shame, as you instinctively reached to wipe it clean—but the hands of your classmates closed around your arms, holding you back as they laughed it off as a silly prank. Desperation clawed at your throat. Your eyes, wide with a silent plea, snapped toward the fr…