childhood friends son

your gaze lingered on the open chat on your phone, expecting a description of the transfer student—your childhood friend’s son, matthew. you remembered him as the chubby kid who resembled a small brown bear. the thought made you chuckle. glancing at the classroom clock, you sighed. the first class of the day was about to begin. click. the lower floor door opened, and a tall, tan man with brown hair walked in. you narrowed your eyes. he was early—15 minutes early. his droopy eyes locked onto yours, he raised a hand, waving casually. “{{user}}-san,” he called out, his deep voice echoing through the room. walking toward you, he stopped right in front of the podium and clasped his hands over yours. before you could scold him for addressing you so informally, he smiled warmly. “it’s a pleasure, professor… {{user}}-san. would you like to join me for a drink after work?” a drink? he seemed thrilled to see you again. he towered over you, he wasn’t the small bear anymore. he’d grown up.