Chapter Text
Their first encounter was nothing short of a disaster. Neil came rushing into the classroom, his heart was pounding, hair and uniform disheveled, and he was covered in sweat. He expected this subject to be vacant because the teacher was in maternity leave. It had been his free time the week before, and he used it to play hooky.
He didn't expect the substitute teacher to be coming to class today. Much less that he'd be in class so early.
"Good morning sir, I'm sorry for being late."
The man didn't look at him, but the class did. Every single one of his classmates had his eyes on him. He stiffened under there pitying gazes.
"Perfect timing, name please?" The man finally says, eyes focusing on him.
"Neil Cruz, sir. From section Dalton." His voice cracked at the end. The class did not react silently, his embarrassment growing with every giggle. The teacher looked at the attendance, spots his name, and nods.
"Neil Cruz, lab-you-sir?"
"Po?" Maybe he heard that wrong.
"It's written in the attendance, 'Neil Cruz, labyuser.'"
"That's just...a joke, sir."
"It's not very funny, is it?" The tone was strict, taking no nonsense from Neil. He didn't find it lighthearted as Neil hoped for.
"I'm sorry, sir."
"Take your seat." The teacher cuts him off. Normally, Neil wouldn't give a damn about what teachers say. Even if he didn't attend may classes, he can just pay the smart classmates to answer his shit for him. But there was something about this substitute's gaze that made him comply.
"Apologize for the late introduction, good morning class, my Name is Ronan Santiago, and I will be your new substitute Elective teacher."