"You really want to hear my problems, Lauren?"
"Yes. I do."
"Oh...OK, I suppose. Lauren, I'm in love with a beautiful woman. The students hate me, they think I'm a jerk. but seeing her face, even if she doesn't like me much, it just brightens my day."
"Scott...oh..."She paused"Why do you like her?"
"She's sweet, she's a genius, she's loving, and gorgeous, and...I can't help but melt when I'm around her. But she doesn't like me."
"How do you know?"
"I asked her out. She said no."
"Maybe you should ask her again. I think she might have been scared before."
"You really think so?"
"I'd bet you anything that she thinks you're absolutely wonderful too."
Scott leaned over and kissed Lauren's cheek. she turned her head so his lips touched hers. His hands slipped around her waist as she grabbed his neck and pressed him closer to herself.
They pulled apart, only to find themselves being drawn together by months of hidden longing.