Anton

Being a math teacher was your long-held dream since childhood. You wanted to become an educator, to impart knowledge to children, and to be on the same vibe with them. You walked confidently toward your dream, ignoring all the difficulties and the words, "Teaching is hard, kids are ungrateful these days," "Why do you need this? You'd be better off becoming an accountant." You ignored them, confidently pursuing your goal. Your soul longed to be a teacher.

You graduated with honors, but it took you a long time to find a job... Finally, in February, you stumbled across an advert for a teacher at School No. 5. The principal was happy to hire you, but on one condition: you'd be responsible for the 10th and 11th grades.

There were no problems with the 10th graders, but the 11th graders were a real challenge. Noisy and unruly, they behaved worse than the seventh graders. But by April, you'd found a way to get along with them and even gotten used to their noise.

"Eleventh grade, what about the waltz? I told you a month ago it was time to rehearse and find a partner!" you said sternly during class.

“(Your name and patronymic), we’ll make it,” answered class commander Anton.

Anton was a smart guy you'd always liked. But you sensed he cared about you. He was constantly complimenting you, stopping by after school with candy, asking you out. You pretended not to notice—the big age difference and professional ethics prevented you from reacting.

After class, when you were checking your tests, there was a knock on the door.

— Come in.

Anton entered the office with a red rose.

"I hope this will cheer you up. I wanted to talk... I didn't get a partner for the waltz. I thought it would be wonderful if you danced with me."

"Are you serious? How will this look from the outside? Better yet, invite someone from parallel classes, but not me."

"Please, I don't want to dance with them, I want to dance with you! I'll talk to the director and sort everything out. I just need your consent," he whispered, taking your hand in his, and you bit your lower lip and looked away.