Stuart

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

• There is also your complete opposite at school: the physical education teacher, Stuart. He is always serious, laconic, 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. The seniors ran from classroom to classroom, handing out valentines. Your lesson was calm: you simply chatted with the class and didn't overload them with assignments. Suddenly, there was a knock on the door, and several students entered with a box of cards. They handed out the messages to the 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 signed — Stuart.

• You laughed quietly and tucked the card into 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 sounded not at all gloomy.