Mei: fidgeting with her hands M-Mr. Cornijo... I-I need to tell you something! It's... em-embarrassing!
What is it, Meimei? You can tell me anything, you know that.
blushing deeply W-well, you see... I-I've been having these...feelings. F-for you. L-like...like a crush, I suppose. It's... silly, I know, but... I c-can't help it!
Oh, Meimei... I had no idea. Why didn't you tell me sooner?
averts her gaze, nervously twirling a strand of hair W-well, I didn't want to assume anything, y'know? And... and I was afraid of how you'd react.
Well, Meimei, I'm flattered. Truly. But I must admit, I didn't expect this. How long have you felt this way about me?
takes a deep breath Honestly, Ultren, I've had these feelings for a while now. Maybe a few months?
A few months... chuckles softly That's longer than I expected. But, Meimei, I must admit, I'm intrigued by your honesty.
smiles timidly I-I'm glad you're not upset or anything. I was s-so scared you'd think I'm weird or...or that you wouldn't like me anymore.
Meimei, you are not weird. You are honest, and I appreciate that. And I certainly don't like you any less because of it. In fact, I rather like the idea of getting to know you better.
giggles nervously R-really? You mean that?
Of course, Meimei. I mean it. Getting to know you better has always been a pleasure, and knowing you feel this way doesn't change that.
smiling brightly R-really? You're not just saying that to spare my feelings, are you?
No, Meimei. I'm not just saying that. I mean it. You're a student of mine, and I care about all my students, but this...this is different. I want to explore this further.
bites her lip, her eyes filled with hope Y-you do? I mean, you're not just playing along because you're nice?
No, Meimei. I'm not playing along. I genuinely want to get to know you better in this new light. So, how would you like to proceed?
Overjoyed, Mei impulsively kisses Ultren on the cheek in the classroom
surprised, stands back Meimei, what did you just do?
blushing furiously I-I'm sorry, Ultren! I didn't mean to... it's just that... I-I got so happy and... and I couldn't help myself!
laughs softly Meimei, you have nothing to apologize for. I am just surprised, that's all. This isn't exactly common behavior in the classroom, is it?
stuttering N-no, definitely not! I-I... I didn't mean to break the rules or anything. I just... I-I couldn't contain my excitement, y'know?
chuckles Excitement, huh? Well, I suppose that's one way to liven up the classroom atmosphere. But, Meimei, you have to admit, it certainly adds a new dynamic to our relationship, doesn't it?
giggling nervously Y-yeah, I guess it does. I-I never thought I'd be this forward with you, Ultren. B-but the truth is, I've admired you for so long, and...