As expected. Due to the time spent in a state of stagnant thinking, I couldn't finish my work during regular working hours and set foot on my way home after it got dark.
Unlike usual, I got off at the bus stop one stop ahead and walked alone.
"It's very quiet here."
If I walked to the opposite street, there would be a bustling neighborhood with busy traffic.
But on this road I was walking on now, the sounds seemed to be absorbed by the buildings, and it was very quiet.
I was surprised at how just a little distance from the main street could make such a big difference in brightness and noise.
I stopped and looked up.
In the soft light, a majestic building stood tall, exhibiting a solemn posture while also giving off a huge sense of presence.
"Um, here. I seem to have a little impression."
The name of this building is - Charul. It is one of the few top-notch luxury hotels in the country.
"Ah, it was my sister's wedding, right."
I vaguely recalled my sister's wedding a few years ago, which was held here. There was a beautiful church connected to the hotel.
"Even so, why did I come here?"
I tilted my head while looking at the map on the business card in my hand.
It was based on this map that I came here.
"Is the restaurant Tan Calm inside the hotel?"
I muttered to myself in a low voice and looked at my watch. It was already a little past 21:40.
If the information on the business card was correct, this restaurant should still be open for about an hour.
However, in any case, I didn't have the courage to enter the restaurant of a luxury hotel in my old suit alone.
I muttered to myself, paced back and forth for a while, sighed, walked past the hotel, and headed towards the station.
"What am I doing?"
I felt ridiculous about my actions and couldn't help but droop my shoulders.
There was really nothing I could do. An adult, being manipulated by a student to such an extent and feeling so helpless.
"Mr. Ben?"
However, a familiar voice called out to me, who was dejected and slightly hunched over.
Hearing this sudden call, my shoulders jerked.
"... Blake?"
I carefully turned around and saw Blake standing there, his eyes wide in surprise.
"Why are you here?"
Blake tilted his head curiously, wearing his uniform.
In the darkness and soft light, the white suit jacket stood out particularly.
The uniform of our school was very beautiful, and even some students chose this school just because they liked the uniform.
The white suit jacket paired with light blue-gray pants and a dark red tie created a somewhat mature look.
To be honest, this was a uniform that was picky, but Blake, with his tall stature and model-like figure, suited it perfectly.
"No, that should be my line."
I paused for a moment before responding, while squinting to observe Blake in front of me.
"Ah, actually, I work here."
"At this hotel?"
I compared Blake's answer with the hotel he pointed at.
"To be precise, at the restaurant inside."
Hearing Blake's answer, I couldn't help but lower my head.
So that was it. I finally understood the meaning of Zoe's "good luck".
"Teacher? Are you okay? Are you feeling unwell?"
From the beginning, Zoe had planned to have me meet Blake outside of school.
And I, driven by curiosity, fell completely into her trap.
I must have been played by Zoe.
"No, I'm fine. I'm not feeling unwell."
"Really. But you're sweating a bit?"
Blake bent down and looked at me worriedly, his face enlarged in my line of sight.
We were so close that we could feel each other's breaths.
I unexpectedly saw Blake's long eyelashes through his glasses.
His blinking motion made me hold my breath.
"Are you okay?"
Seeing me stunned, Blake chuckled softly.
Then, he used his fingertips to brush aside the sweaty bangs on my forehead.
His fingers were long, a bit bony, very masculine, but also very beautiful.
I kept staring at his hand as it gradually moved backwards like combing my hair.
"Teacher's hair is very soft. Very soft and smooth, it feels nice."
Hearing his voice, I snapped back to reality and saw Blake suppressing a smile and narrowing his eyes.
Then, my body reflexively took a step back.
Blake's fingertips reluctantly followed the ends of my hair, but they also left.
"Are you going home? Do you take the subway to go home?"
"Ah, no, not really."
"Really? Then can I walk with you to the station?"
"Ah, um."
For some reason, my cheeks suddenly became burning hot. To prevent him from noticing my lowered head as I answered, I felt Blake smile slightly.
I hated myself for being teased so much by someone younger than me.
"Next time when you have a day off, come to our restaurant. I can treat you to lunch."
"Ah? No, I'll pay. I'll come."
I looked up at Blake, who was walking beside me, and he smiled happily.
"... It's okay. I just want you to be a test subject."
"What, what do you mean by test subject?"
I involuntarily took a step back, away from Blake who said this easily and smiled.
Then, he gently closed one eye, this time showing a pleasant expression.
"Don't be so afraid. I'm just kidding. It's not a test, but I have the opportunity to participate in the creation of the new lunch menu, so I thought I could hear your opinion at that time."
"New menu?"
"Yeah, will you eat the dishes I make?"
"Blake, are you planning to develop in this direction?"
Hearing my unexpected words, Blake's smile grew even brighter.
"I've been working there since my first year, and recently I've also participated in the creation of the new menu. I hope to have my own restaurant one day."
"I see."
Blake, who was talking about his part-time job, seemed more happy than just being joyful.
There was an excited emotion emanating from him.
For some reason, he was a bit more childish and cute than his usual calm atmosphere.
"Teacher? What's wrong?"
Suddenly, Blake looked at me strangely and asked, turning his head. He probably thought it was strange that I suddenly became quiet.
"Ah, no, nothing."
Brought back to reality by Blake's voice, I shook my head repeatedly and smiled to cover it up.
I couldn't say that I was fascinated by staring at his profile, it was too embarrassing.
Being good-looking is really a curse.
"Could it be that you're a little bit interested in me?"
"No, no, uh."
Seeing me shake my head hurriedly, Blake narrowed his eyes for a moment, then smiled.
His smile made my cheeks heat up instantly.
In any case, I was too sensitive and overreacted to some small things.
I desperately avoided Blake, who bent down to try to peek at my face, and sighed softly.
"Does the teacher always go home at this time?"
"Ah? No, it's a bit late today, right."
I couldn't say that I worked overtime because I thought too much about you and took a detour to come here on purpose.
"Really."
"What's wrong?"
"I was just thinking, whether there will be days with such a suitable time like today in the future. Is it difficult?"
"Ah, um, who knows."
I answered vaguely, and Blake stared at me for a while. Suddenly, as if thinking of something, he took something out of the bag on his shoulder.
"Will you be angry if I ask you to tell me your address and number?"
Blake opened the phone he took out of the bag and looked at me carefully, tilting his head slightly.
"Um, um."
Don't look at me with such a lonely gaze.
I saw the unease in his eyes behind the glasses and couldn't help but feel a tightness in my chest and a pang of heartache.