Stuart

You're an English teacher: sweet, kind, and always on the same wavelength with your students. Your lessons are easy and welcoming, you explain complex concepts in simple terms, and you never pressure students with grades.

There's also your complete opposite at school—the gym teacher, Stuart. He's always serious, taciturn, and seems a little gloomy. The students respect him but are a bit afraid of him, and you only occasionally catch his attentive gaze in the hallways.

It was Valentine's Day. Seniors were running around the classrooms handing out valentines. Your class was quiet: you were simply chatting with the class and not overloading them with assignments. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and several students entered with a box of cards. They distributed the cards to their recipients, and then one of them handed you a small envelope.

• Someone left you a valentine, here you go.

You smiled in surprise and opened it. Inside, in neat handwriting, was written:

"Will you spend the evening with me, beautiful lady?" And the signature is Stuart.

You laughed quietly and put the card in your purse.

After class, walking down the hallway, you heard footsteps behind you. Stuart came closer and, leaning towards you, quietly asked:

• So... do you agree?

And for the first time, his voice did not sound gloomy at all.