"So that's what happened." Alphonso nodded after Alice finished explaining the real thing.

The last thing she want was to be perceived as a weird, suicidal, high schooler. Nothing could be worst.

"I sent you a text to call me when you get home." Alphonso stated. "I didn't get a replied so I was a bit worried."

"But I did send a reply—tho it was a little later." Alice blurted without thinking.

It was only when the young math teacher brought out his phone to check, did something click in her head.

Her face heating up in embarrassment. 'Shit!! I forgot about the emoji's.' she bit on her lower lips as she wished that the ground would swallow her.

Meanwhile, Alphonso didn't click on the test and only took a quick glance before nodding."Oh I see. I should have fallen asleep by then."

Elsa took a peek at his expression, then let out a breath. Her tensed muscles

Thinking this, she gave a bright smile. "That was before 10pm. Do you always sleep so early?"

"It's an habit." Alphonso acknowledge.

"I think I hear the bells." He stated. "it must be pass lunch already."

"Is that so?" Alice asked. "Then I should go back to class. Thanks for you time Mister Alphonso."

"I should be the one apologizing for earlier." Alphonso replied politely.

"Since nothing big happened, it would be exaggerating to pass it off as an incident." Alice glanced behind her shoulder when she reached the door. "Let's just let it go shall we? After all the misunderstanding was also part of my fault."

Alphonso watched her disappear behind the door, then smiled.

'She really is a nice and bright kid.' He thought. He once again fished out his phone, this time he entered the text. Reading to himself.

"Am home." Then he paused, staring at the two strange emoji's that accompanied the words with doubtful eyes. "Love, love?"

★★★★★★

It was raining heavily, and it didn't look like it would be ending anytime soon.

Alice let out a heavy sigh, scratching the back of her neck in frustration.

'what's with the rain nowadays.' She complained in her head.

Alice rubbed the goosebumps that was starting to form on her arms, shivering slightly. If this was normal days, then she'd have no qualms in walking under the cold. But it was just not her day, after all she was already down with a bad cold. Entering the rain was a negative.

'But how long do I have to wait.' Alice
'Or should I go look for Kylee? She always carries an umbrella.'

"Alice."

"Mister Alphonso." The blond teacher walked towards her, one hand holding a slick, leather, office bag, while the other was wrapped around a black umbrella.

"Are you on your way home?" He opened his mouth when he got to her. "I can see you have no umbrella, why don't we share mine?"

Alive weighed the pros and cons, and wasted no time in giving a reply. "Okay."

They both maintained a tactic silence as they walked under the shade of the umbrella, and Alice let out a low sigh the moment they got to the bus top.

"Am taking the bus 9 route. What about you?" Alphonso asked.

"Route 11."

"I don't think the route 11 bus would be coming." Alphonso pointed out.

"Huh..." Alice felt puzzled.

"The notice days the route 11 bus is under maintenance and will be temporary unavailable." He gestured at the new flyer pasted in the board.

"Am not surprised. It happens all the time." Alice rolled her eyes.

"Then how are you going to get home now?" Alphonso asked with concern causing her to grimace as she gave a reply.

"I normally would walk but....." She looked up at the dark clouds.

"How about taking a taxi?" Alphonso suggested.

"Too expensive." Alice immediately flagged down the idea. "Also taxis hardly run around during weather's like this."

"Then take my umbrella." Alphonso

"Then what about you?"

"There isn't any report about the route three bus, but I am sure it will be here in ten to thirty minutes."

Alice hesitantly received the umbrella with pursed lips, her fingers pale from cold. She made a decision. "I will wait with you too."

"There is no need for that." Alphonso politely refused.

"I am staying." Alice declared stubbornly, fixing her ass on the bench.

Alphonso felt his lips twitch as he watched her, then he shook his head. Also taking a seat.

The air was cold and silent, and it started to grow awkward.

Alice took a glance out of the corner of her eyes. The blond haired man was staring at the rain, his gaze fixed on nothing in particular.

She took the time to study his face. Although they were seeing apart with the distance of two feet or three, the bus  stop had impressive light installations which made it easier for her to see despite the dark clouds covering the skies

At that moment, Alphonso turned around, and his eyes met hers.

Alice quickly looked away, her face turning hot despite the cold.

'i can't believe he caught me staring. He must think I am a weirdo now.'

"I think I can see the bus approaching."

Alice looked up, squinting her eyes at the road, it was only after more then ten seconds did she see the headlight.

Surprised, she turned to Alphonso. "You can see that far? Do you are super vision or something?"

Alphonso coughed at her exaggeration. "I just have a good eye sight. That's all."

"It's so cool." Alice replied without thinking.

Uncomfortable with the praise, Alphonso stood up, then walked to the bus that parked right at the bus stop.

"Good night Alice." Alphonso waved when he got on the bus.

Alice smiled back unconsciously, then returned the wave. "Good bye teacher Alphonso."