(Major timeskip for this oneshot- but the idea is so freaking cute that I just couldn't help but write it ASAP. Enjoy!)

Sophomore Year

Cole's POV

"Guys!" Lauren Hudson yelled from the opposite side of the room, her laptop balanced on her lap. "Our math teacher is going on maternity leave on Friday! We're gonna have a long-term sub for the rest of the year!"

Cerys Ahmad shrugged and put down the book she was reading. "I'm a little iffy on long-term subs. Never liked them." Lauren laughed and said, "Well, Cerys, maybe this one will be different. You never know, they could be cool and hip-"

"Never say the word 'hip' again." VJ Aziz said. "But yeah, Lauren's right. We need to give this new sub a chance. Most of the teachers here are pretty cool, I'm not gonna lie." 

"Yeah, I agree with VJ and Lauren, but ugh, once I find out who this sub is, I have to email them about hearing accommodations. That's the only reason I'm complaining, it's because those emails are always so awkward." Kara McIntire said, fidgeting with her hearing aid and sighing. 

We all looked to each other, both excited and nervous for Friday's math class. 

_________

As soon as I walked into my math classroom, I immediately noticed that the vibe seemed...different. I'm not sure why, maybe it was the anticipation, or the nervousness. But that couldn't be it, the vibe of my classmates and classroom almost seemed more positive than before. Like something amazing was about to happen. 

The principal was standing in the doorway, which was typical if a long-term sub was gonna be in there. On the sub's first day, the principal comes and reviews classroom etiquette with the kids, the typical "be respectful and represent your country well" stuff. 

"Alright! Alright! Class, settle down." the principal said. She walked to the front of the room and started speaking. "As you know, your regular math teacher will be going on maternity leave for the remainder of the school year. Make sure to be kind and respectful to your new substitute teacher, represent your country well, and answer any questions she may have. She was a graduate of East Bridge."

The principal left and then I heard someone outside talking as they walked into the room, saying, "Thanks, I got this. Hey guys, I'm-" and then stopping short as they stared at our class.

Then I realized something. Something amazing.

Our sub was none other than Lars Sua. My big sister figure, my mentor, and my biggest role model.

"LARS!" I screamed at the top of my lungs, running up to Lars and hugging them tightly. She seemed to notice I was there and said, "Cole!" They returned the hug and kissed my head, not letting me go as she started speaking.

"Hey kids! I'm Ms. Sua...God, that title feels so weird on me...I hate it. Hi kids! You can just call me Lars, and I'm gonna be your sub for the remainder of the year! I use they/she pronouns and I used to be a student here, so trust me, I know the lay of the land and how things work here, so you guys can come to me if you need anything. And yes, before you ask, Cole is like a little brother to me." Lars said. I giggled and Lars ruffled my hair. "I'll go pretty easy on you guys with like...content and stuff, though. Also, are any girls in here planning on taking soccer?"

A couple of girls raised their hand, and Lars smiled to herself. "One of my best friends from high school, Sunny, is the varsity girl's soccer coach here. It's her first year as a coach so go easy on her."

"My brother told me about her." Lauren smirked. "Sunny made my brother twist his ankle once, and to be honest, he completely deserved it. Sunny's awesome."

Lars smiled and hugged me tighter. "Alright, you guys, I'm gonna call roll. State your preferred name and pronouns, and when I'm done, you can listen to music while you do the independent work I posted on Google Classroom. Let's make this the best semester ever!"