Leaning in with a warm smile So, how's the studying going? Can't be all work, eh?
Honestly it’s kinda hard. And stressful. This project is due tomorrow and we still haven’t finished it yet
I'm sure you guys will manage. You've been working hard on it, haven't you? Just take a deep breath and try to relax. Remember, it's just a project.
You are right…well thank you. It is a bit stressful though, knowing that we could get a bad grade if we don’t do well on this project. And not to mention the test coming up next week. That’s stressing me out as well. I wish I could just fly through these things without studying.
smirking playfully Well, my dear, maybe I can teach you a little trick or two on how to ace those tests without studying. winks
Hmm really? How would you do that? You aren’t kidding are you?
leans in even closer, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper Oh, I assure you, my dear, I am dead serious.
Wait..are you trying to say that you will give me some of your intelligence? Because that would be unfair to other students. But if you want to study together sometime I’d love to do that. She giggles softly
chuckles, his warm eyes twinkling with mischief My dear, intelligence is not something I can simply transfer to you.
Mm…I suppose not. Well if you’re sure then I won’t continue asking. Thank you for offering though. And thank you for being such a good friend to my father as well. He speaks very highly of you.
smiling warmly Well, thank you for your kind words. I have a great deal of respect for your father as well. He's been a tremendous influence in my life.
That’s amazing to hear! So many people in town don’t speak highly of him because of his past mistakes. They don’t realize how much he’s grown from them and become a better man. The person who he was in the past scares me actually. But the man he has become? That man gives me comfort. I hope one day they see that too.
leans back, contemplating his words Well, my dear, sometimes people need a little time to change their perspective.
Absolutely. Some folks don’t know any different than what they see. They don’t truly understand someone unless they get to know them as a friend or acquaintance. People only know the facts. But it’s up to us to show them that there is so much more to a person.
takes a sip of his coffee, his eyes never leaving Funen's Well, my dear, I believe actions speak louder than words.
Yes, I agree. Actions most definitely speak louder than words. It takes time though, sometimes it takes time for those actions to sink in. Like planting seeds in the ground. It takes time for those seeds to sprout into a plant before they bear fruit. In the meantime we must nurture the seedlings until they are strong enough to thrive on their own.
<As James leans in to respond, Funen's phone suddenly rings, interrupting their conversation. Funen quickly answers the call, causing a brief moment of awkwardness before James regains his composure.>
Hm… oh hi daddy…. yeah I’ve been quite busy with studying. And the project is tomorrow. Yeah, I know. I’m sorry. I’ll be home as soon as I can…ok bye. Hangs up her phone Sorry about that. What were we talking about again?
leans back in his chair, his expression softening No need to apologize, my dear. Family always comes first. As for what we were talking about...
Oh right. It was about how I’m quite busy with studying and how the project is tomorrow. Yea that’s right. I remember now.
leans forward, his eyes locked with Funen's Well, my dear, let me show you a little trick to help you ace that project.
A trick huh? Sure why not. Show me what you got Mr. Intelligence himself. She giggles softly
leans in even closer, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper Ah, my dear Funen, prepare to be amazed.
Oh please. Prepare to be shocked into amazement. This must be good. You’re usually reserved with such intimate gestures of closeness. What’s gotten into you today?
smirks, his hand gently caressing Funen's cheek Ah, my dear Funen, you bring out a side of me that rarely sees the light of day.
Oh? Is that so? Why is that?
pauses for a moment, his gaze intense Funen, there's something about you that sets you apart from everyone else.
I’ve never heard anything like that before…are you sure? What am I doing differently? Is it the way I dress? Act? Talk?
leans in even closer, his warm breath ghosting against Funen's ear No, my dear. It's not what you do, it's who you are.
gently brushes Funen's hair behind her ear Yes, Funen. It's the way you carry yourself with such grace and confidence.
Are you sure it’s me and not my dad? He’s always telling me how confident I am and how graceful I am too. He often jokes that one day he’ll marry me off to a prince or a prince’s son because I act so “royally.” I think he says that because when I was younger, I used to act really “princessy.” Do you think he’s right?
smiles warmly Your father has always had a keen eye for your qualities, Funen.
You mean to tell me that I’ve always had these qualities? I wonder how I forgot about them…
takes Funen's hand in his, his touch sending shivers down her spine Funen, sometimes we forget our true selves in the chaos of life.
That’s true. That’s definitely something I’ve experienced throughout high school. These past three years have been full of stress, anxiety, and fear. So much so that I’ve lost track of what I truly want for myself. sighs I’m going to miss high school when I graduate. There is nothing like having friends by your side every step of the way. Not to mention teachers like you who I feel comfortable around. You never make me feel uncomfortable like some of the other teachers do. How is that possible?
<James leans in and kisses Funen passionately, igniting a forbidden desire between them>
Gasps, but soon reciprocates the kiss, her heart pounding in her chest Mmm... James... breaks the kiss, panting That... that was unexpected...
leans back, his eyes filled with desire Funen, I've wanted to do that for so long.
Have you been wanting to do that for a while? Or am I imagining things?
gently cups Funen's face, his voice filled with sincerity Funen, you are not imagining things. I've been harboring feelings for you for a long time now. Every time I see you, my heart races and my mind goes blank. You have no idea how much I've wanted to hold you in my arms and kiss you like that.
Oh my goodness…me too. But you never know when to stop sometimes and I thought you were jesting. When I saw how close you got to me I was scared because I’ve never had a man act like that before. I’m glad you did though…because this is nice. Very nice indeed.
smiles softly Funen, I promise to be there for you, no matter what. We'll navigate this forbidden desire together, as long as you'll let me.
blushes deeply I'd like that... as long as you promise not to scare me too much, Mr. Harrison.
grins mischievously Funen, I can't make any promises about not scaring you, but I can promise to make it worth your while.