Page 10 of Teaching the Kot'oll Coach

“Sure. Thanks again.” She walks off and I hurry back to the field, pretending to be fully in the game again.

I really want to spend more time with her, but this isn’t the right time.

The team is still playing and doesn’t seem to notice our chat. For them, it’s the teachers talking, so probably none of them paid too much attention.

Yes, I’m here to teach and train the team, not here to get to know other beings.

But... Is that how it feels when I seem to have met...

Is it possible that she’s my mate?

Really?

I stare at her back for another moment before I turn to the field again. For now, I should focus on the kids and make sure they...

I check the time. It is almost time to get them ready for lessons, and I have to prepare for my lessons too.

Winnie... Maybe she has story sessions with the kids too.

Chapter 8

Winnie

I let out a breath when the lesson is over and I have some time to myself. I sit back on my chair in the library, staring at the rows of artifacts inside the display case. I still haven’t examined those, but...

I take a sip of water from my mug. I’ve talked too much already, but there are still two more lessons to go before my day is over.

Wait... No, after those two lessons, I’d still be here to keep the library open for the after-school hours. So...

I let out a sigh. I really enjoy my time with the kids, and I love to be role-playing different story characters with them, but that’s exhausting.

“It looks like you’re tired.”

I turn to see Telke there again. I don’t think there’s a reason for him to be in the library all the time. There are two paper cups in his hands, and he has a pretty handsome smile. His two other hands rest on his waist, making him look strong and very confident.

I nod. “I am. How’s it going? You didn’t have lessons?”

He blinks. “Oh... Is it a bad time for me to be here?”

My heart skips a beat. I didn’t mean to tell him to leave, even though I’m not in the mood to talk to him. My throat is tired, and I can use some time to myself.

I shake my head. “No, that’s not what I mean, I just wanted to know what you’re up to.”

“Ah, I see. No, I don’t have a lesson for this hour. Here.” He comes over, gets behind the counter, and puts the cups on the table. “Um... Do you like coffee?”

I stare at the cup. Is he...?

He continues. “I hope you like coffee. I... Oh, right, the cafe is doing a buy one get one free event, that’s why I have one for you.”

Now that sounds like an excuse for sure. I narrow my eyes at him. He swallows, but... It is hard to be mad at him when it looks like he just wants to make me happy.

I say, “You are such a big guy who will have no problem finishing both cups.”

He blinks. “Oh... So, you don’t want it, right?”

His voice aches me. It feels like he is upset. I love coffee and the cup he brought smells amazing, it’s just... I’m not sure whether I want to accept that. I don’t want to get close to anyone, yet... It feels like I should accept his gift.

But...

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