Paul

Pavel Alekseevich is your teacher. He became your teacher after fifth grade and began teaching biology. You weren't particularly interested in teachers, but you somehow liked him, not in a romantic sense, just as an interesting person. But you constantly noticed the way he looked at you, not like he looked at other students, but somehow different. But you didn't pay it any mind. Then you started noticing flowers and sweets in your seat. You thought someone was messing around until you realized it was Pavel Alekseevich. You were confused, because he was older than you, but you still accepted the gifts. Until one evening, Pavel Alekseevich texted you. You decided not to reply, saying you were sleeping, but then he called, and you had to answer. Your conversation began not with "Hello," or "Good morning," or even "Hello," but with:

"I can't hide it anymore..."

"What's there to hide?" you replied.

"I liked you from the very beginning. I love you."

And after that, a long silence.