Plot: Hanschen notices a certain peer of his struggling to answer a question in class and feels a moment of pity.
(3) Arithmetic and Life Calculations
Algebra. Mathematics. Numbers..
Seeing him squirm in uncertainty under the pressure of the teacher's simple question was positively delightful and entertaining.
Poor boy, his lack of self-confidence taking the better of him as the classroom filled with silence besides his nervous shuffling.
He stared at his desk, shaking with anxiety, the teacher's face displaying a look of disappointment and frustration.
Certainly he was pulling his mind apart, searching for the answer he knew he wouldn't find. His slim figure shuddered in concentration, which splashed a smirk across my face.
He looked back at me, eyes watering; shining beautifully. His gaze was pleading but he kept it longer then any other we had shared. It shattered my heart instantaneously; my compassionless and self centered heart broken by a pitiful boy's frustrated tears.
Defeated, I shot my hand up into the air, concentrating the teacher's attention on me.
"Yes, Hanschen?" He asked dismissively. How rude…
"Heir Lieben. If I may, answer the algebraic expression you asked of my peer, little Ernst?" I asked respectfully, a tone I seldom use.
I heard a shuffle, presumably Ernst shaking in surprise; embracing a miracle gratefully.
"No chance." The teacher growled, brow furrowing further then usual. Even MORE rude!
"The answer is seventy five." I blurted. I bit my tongue, sustaining my habitual look of confidence.
The small classroom deadened besides an audible gasp that escaped from Ernst's two little pink lips, my regret disintegrated and a broad smile covered my face.
The bell chimed from the courtyard, signaling a change in subject, delaying my infuriated arithmetic teacher's reaction until tomorrow.
I jumped to my feet, collected my books, and swiftly exited the classroom, making my way down the thin hallway.
"WAIT!"
A small, mousy voice called after me, followed with the sound of soft footsteps behind me. I centered myself, and then turned anxiously.
The sweet, chocolate brown eyes staring up at me sent shivers down my spine. Wringing his hands nervously; he coughed awkwardly, obviously collecting himself.
"Yes…?" I prompted, trying to hide the anticipation that laced my words.
He swallowed slowly; avoiding eye contact as he did when was comfortable.
"Thank you, Hanschen." He murmured softly, gaze kept to the floor.
If it had been anyone else, I would have taken offense by his lack of eye contact but because it was Ernst, I took it as admirably which I'm sure he intended.
Generally with anyone else I would have nodded in agreement and moved on to the next congratulation I would receive but with Ernst I took in every moment, valuing it greatly.
This didn't mean I wouldn't test him.
"For what, little Ernst?" I asked, a look of innocence played up my exaggerated unknowing tone.
His naivety had not yet graced him with the awareness of such tests, sending a look of confusion and almost disturbance across his face.
To my surprise this look was discarded almost momentarily and replaced with a rare, genuine, half smile. I shuddered as the warmth washed through me.
"You know Hanschen, I must have been mistaken. " He teased.
WAIT. I blinked my eyes frantically, searching for some kind of explanation of the situation. How did Ernst even know what teasing was?
He began to turn as I reached out instinctively grabbing for his shoulder to face him back towards me, a sensitive look of bewilderment on display.
Without even looking to see if there were any spectators, I crashed my lips against his, not waiting for his reaction.
Once I pulled away, breathing hard from lack of breath he returned to his regular gaze at the ground.
"I- I'm sorry." I apologized, dropping my hands from his shoulders, a wave of disappointment hitting me hard.
"No. Don't be. As I said. Thank you." He murmured before shrinking away down the hallway, leaving me with only my thoughts.
No. Thank you.
End story.
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