Jae's sharp eyes caught it almost immediately. The faint flush that touched Mrs. Liara's cheeks, the unsteady rise and fall of her chest, the way she avoided meeting his gaze too long, she was flustered.
A slow smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. He didn't push it directly, not yet, but he shifted his tone, his approach.
"Teacher," he said softly, stepping closer. His voice carried a surprising gentleness, almost concerned. "You look… a little winded. Did I push you too much?"
Mrs. Liara stiffened at his words, instinctively adjusting her glasses to cover the faint tremor in her hands. "I-I'm fine," she replied quickly, her tone sharper than she intended. "Don't concern yourself with, "
But Jae closed the distance before she could finish. He moved smoothly, his hand brushing against hers, warm and firm. "No, really," he interrupted, lowering his voice so it was almost intimate. "I didn't mean to stress you out."
