I told myself it didn't mean anything,
that he is just a man who is being nice, and it's just a chair,
That's all.
But the next morning, I still reached early,
earlier than usual.
And there he was talking to some guy, as soon as I entered, his eyes shifted towards me, and he smiled at me, I smiled back.
I went towards my seat, he said bye to the guy, and looked at me, "Hey, pretty". "Hii," I said with a small smile.
He moved his bag from the chair before I even reached.
I didn't even have to ask.
I just... sat down.
Again.
I thought of starting a conversation with him before he said, "You're early today." "I am always early," I said, rolling my eyes. "Good," he said. I frowned slightly. "Why good?"
He shrugged, leaning back in his chair.
"So I don't have to save the seat for too long."
I looked away quickly, trying to hide the small smile forming on my face.
Why does that make me feel... nice?
After that silence filled between us again, it was not awkward anymore... it felt weirdly comfortable.
Lighter..
Until he broke it- "Did you study anything after yesterday?"
"Yeah, a little,"
"Good, you can teach me again."
I looked at him, "You are just using me for my notes."
He chuckled and said, "I'm using you for a lot of things."
My heart skipped.
"What does that mean?" I asked, raising my eyebrows jokingly.
He smirked and looked at me for a second- "relax, pretty, I meant studies."
I nodded.
But something about the way he said it stuck with me.
Class started, but I wasn't focusing again.
Not fully.
Not when I could feel his presence right next to me.
Not when I was... aware of him.
Halfway through the lecture, he whispered to me, "Can you explain this?" he said, leaning closer to me and pointing at something in his notebook.
I leaned in too, explaining everything in detail
Our shoulders brushed.
Just a little.
But it was enough.
I pulled back quickly.
Why am I reacting like this?
"Do you have any doubts?"
He shook his head, "No, you are a good teacher," he smiled at me.
"It's just basics," I shrugged.
"still" he smiled, "I like the way you explain."
I didn't know what to say, so I didn't say anything.
After the class ended, I started packing up my stuff.
"Ivy"
I turned around. "Yes?"
"Sit with me in the next class, too."
It wasn't a question.
I hesitated.
Not because I didn't want to.
But because I did.
Too easily.
"...Okay," I said quietly.
He smiled, and that was it.
That smile... stayed with me throughout the whole day, and just like that i was distracted again.
even on the bus back home.
even when I reached home.
even when I went to sleep.
And again, I couldn't wait for tomorrow.