Derek stepped into the new environment. It felt strange so many unfamiliar faces. He couldn't just socialize.
Derek took a deep breath and walked toward his class. He sat down quietly, antisocial. He kept thinking, Why would my dad suddenly change my school?
The class began, and soon enough, the lesson ended. A new trend had already started: everyone was talking about the transfer student.
Derek was light-skinned with blonde hair. He looked strikingly handsome, and his curly hair swept back stylishly. He looked bold but that was far from the truth.
Because of his appearance, people mistook his silence for confidence. In reality, he was just quiet.
The school day ended. Derek slowly and deliberately packed his things. It had been a tough first day, and he just wanted to go home. But he didn't want everyone's eyes on him again, so he packed slowly, hoping to be the last to leave.
Their last class was English. The English teacher, Miss Alison, was in her early thirties. She had a captivating figure, making her one of the most admired teachers in school. Boys would often stare lustfully and fantasize about her.
Alison didn't care about the attention. She always carried out her duties professionally and left. After all, she was highly respected by both students and teachers. A little staring did no harm.
That day, she wore a tight shirt and a fitted skirt. Her outfit was not provocative but it emphasized her figure delicately.
Alison had just finished her last class and was about to leave the classroom. She had gathered her books together when she noticed Derek, the new student. His lips were curved into an inverted "U" and his eyes were shifty.
She stared at him for a while. She didn't like seeing her students moody. She exhaled though summoning energy. Then she placed a cheerful smile on her lips, deciding to cheer him up.
But just as she was about to take a step toward him, she paused, observing what Derek was doing. A broad smile played on her lips. She sat down, deciding to wait for him.
Is he that shy? She thought.
Derek finished packing and glanced around the room, only to see Miss Alison seated at the front desk.
He sighed in relief, greeted her politely, and turned to leave.
"Derek," she called.
Derek turned sharply and approached her. He hoped nothing was wrong. Was this day about to get worse?
"Yes ma'am, you called me? I hope everything is okay," Derek said, eager to get home.
Alison held eye contact for a few seconds, then said, "Derek, sit down. We need to talk," as she pulled a desk closer for him.
Derek looked at her serious expression and knew he had no choice but to sit.
He adjusted his chair and looked at her, waiting to know if there was more.
Alison cleared her throat and began. "Well, Derek, I know this is a new path for you. But you need to brace yourself. Try to be open to new things."
Derek lowered his head, already guessing where this was going. As Alison continued speaking, she noticed his head remained down.
Maybe she was pushing too far—he looked visibly drained.
"Derek, am I saying something you don't like?" she asked gently, her voice soft and caring.
"No, ma'am. I just… already know what you're getting at," he replied, raising his head slightly.
"Could you enlighten me a bit more?" she asked, still trying to sound warm.
"Well," Derek began, "I know you're talking about me being timid… or shy. I don't know why I'm like this, but I'll definitely try to adjust."
He still couldn't look at her out of the shame he felt inside.
"I really like that you can admit your struggles.
That's the first step to overcoming them," Alison said, looking at Derek, who still avoided eye contact. She wondered if her outfit was too revealing.
Derek stayed silent, lost in his dilemma. He became more restless. All he wanted was to go home.
Alison noticed and decided to end the discussion.
"See you tomorrow, Derek. Make sure your attitude improves—I'll be watching you."
Derek quickly responded and left without glancing at her again.
Alison felt disappointed. She misread Derek's guilt as lust. She glanced down at herself—only a bit of cleavage was showing, though the shirt's tightness outlined her figure.
She didn't dwell on it for long. She packed her things, ready to leave, as the school gate would soon be locked.
As soon as Derek left the school premises, he glanced around to see if anyone was nearby.
He lazily looked up at the signboard: Brandon High. One of the town's best schools though privately run by a businessman.
Derek knew he could've easily passed the entrance exam. Still, his dad had used connections to get him in instead.
It was a lonely walk home. Derek recapped the day's events and stopped at the thought of Allision. He began to feel ashamed of himself.
He kicked a stone. I should've done better, he thought. I still need to protect my reputation.
Though he found Miss Alison beautiful, he hadn't felt any sexual urge toward her. It was just his first day.
Derek approached his house—a luxurious mansion with various cars parked outside. He paused at the door and whispered a prayer.
"O God, please… not tonight"