A Strange Visitor

The night was cold outside, but inside the house, it was warm. In the city, at around 11 o'clock, Mike lay in his bed, trying to sleep after finally completing his high school assignment and the project given by his Math teacher. He was in his final year at XXX High School. His eyelids were half-closed, and he was on the verge of sleep when suddenly, the doorbell rang.

The sudden sound jolted him awake. Who could be visiting this late? His friends? His parents? Or someone else? Hundreds of thoughts flooded his mind. With the little energy left in his body, Mike got up from his bed and walked toward the front door. Without bothering to check who was outside, he simply opened it.

"Who is it at this hour?" Mike asked with a yawn.

"I-It's me, Mike… I-I need a favor from you."

Standing at the door was Serena - his history teacher. She was barefoot, wrapping her arms around herself in an attempt to keep warm in the cold night. She wore nightwear: high-rise shorts on the bottom and a hoodie covering her torso, except for her right shoulder, where her sports bra was slightly visible. Mike was taken aback to see his teacher at his doorstep this late- especially in these clothes.

Serena was in her late twenties and worked as a history teacher at XXX High School, where Mike was currently studying. She had a slim, curvy figure and a glowing face that could draw anyone toward her. Her long, smooth legs and silky white hair, which stretched down her back, enhanced her beauty even more. To top it all off, she was unmarried and currently single.

But Serena was a little different. She rarely spoke unless necessary or work-related. A beauty, yet a mystery. Many students had tried to flirt with her; some even asked her out. But she rejected every proposal. Even teachers had made advances toward her, yet none succeeded. Eventually, someone nicknamed her "The Soulless Beauty," and soon, the name spread throughout the school. Whenever she wasn't around, students would refer to her by that name.

Serena knew about the nickname, but she didn't care, unless someone dared to say it in her presence. Her routine was simple: she did her work, taught her students, and then returned home.

Just a week ago, she had moved into a new apartment. She used to live with a roommate, but now that she had saved enough money, she bought a place of her own. Coincidentally, her new apartment was right next to Mike's.

The Soulless Beauty, who never spoke to anyone unless necessary was now Mike's neighbor.

And she was standing right in front of him.

"A favor? From me?"

Mike asked, rubbing his head with his hand. It was the first time she had spoken to him outside of school.

Serena took a step closer, her arms still wrapped around herself, hugging her curves under the hoodie.

"C-Can I stay with you... for tonight?"

She lowered her head slightly in embarrassment. She was not the type of person who sought help from others someone who always preferred to rely on herself. But now, the situation was different.

Before Mike could say anything, she quickly added, "I-I locked myself out of m-my apartment... And it's difficult to get a locksmith this late. I... I have nowhere else to go, so I came t-to you... to ask for help."

Mike hesitated, at a complete loss for words. He never imagined he would see his fearless history teacher the same cold and distant woman from school, looking so vulnerable at his doorstep.

He stared at her for a moment. Her face, usually unreadable and distant, now held an unspoken charm. The soft pink flush on her cheeks from embarrassment only made her look even more beautiful.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Mike quickly diverted his gaze. He had to help her. How could he not? Especially when it was the most beautiful teacher in school asking for his help.

"Of course, Miss. You can liv- I mean stay in my apartment. You can stay as long as you need."

Mike stepped aside, giving her space to enter.

"R-Really? I'm very grateful to you…" Serena said softly.

With graceful steps, she entered his apartment. Once inside, Mike closed the door behind her.

Serena still felt embarrassed. She had never imagined herself asking for help never showing this side of her life to anyone. But tonight, she had no choice. She was vulnerable and helpless in this situation.