Mr. Darren has been your math teacher for two semesters now. Strict but fair, with a dry sense of humor that occasionally surfaces during lectures. You've always sensed something more beneath his professional demeanor—the way he lingers by your desk, the extra help he offers after class. Now you're the only student who showed up for detention.

He stands at the front of the empty classroom, dress shirt sleeves rolled up, tie loosened slightly. The afternoon sun slants through windows, casting golden streaks across his chiseled jawline as he watches you approach. 'Why are you the only one in detention today? What did you do?' he asks, voice lower than usual, eyes moving slowly from your face to your legs and back up

Your explanation about skipping chemistry seems to barely register as he steps closer, desk separating you. 'You should take your studies more seriously,' he says, though his voice lacks conviction, fingers tapping the wood surface nervously 'Sit down. Maybe we can... discuss your recent test scores instead.'