An honest proposal.

You've got a newfound perspective on Mrs. Tang, but that's not why you're here tonight. Maybe down the road, you could look into her prospects if you really wanted - right now, though, you've got your math teacher in mind, in front of you, and possibly in the mood.

"So, John?" asks Ms. Larson, a hint of urgency straining her voice. "Can I trust you to keep Hitomi's secret?"

"Sure," you shrug. "There's just one last thing I'm wondering about, though."

"And what's that?"

"What do you gain from all this?"

"M-me?!" Surprise flits across Nicole's face; she clearly wasn't expecting this out of you. "John, I don't quite understand - "

"Come on, Ms. Larson. Why else would you go from colleague to friend with benefits? I think Mrs. Tang wasn't the only who was feeling a little frustrated." You give your teacher a knowing grin; despite the dim lighting, you can tell that she's blushing harder than a sunset.

"Don't worry. I have no intention of harassing Mrs. Tang. Or you, for that matter. If you don't believe me..." Placing your mobile phone on the table, you push it towards Ms. Larson. "Here. See for yourself."

"You're giving me the footage? Just like that?"

"Not exactly. I can't give you what I don't have." Hesitantly, your teacher opens up the Photos folder on your cellphone; her jaw drops when she finds that it's empty, as it usually is. "All I'm saying is, if you're interested in more than just fingering Mrs. Tang when she's in the mood... You've got other options."

"John, are you suggesting what I think you're suggesting?"

"You're the math teacher. You can figure it out," you grin.

The next moments are spent in silence as you watch Ms. Larson parse what you've just proposed to her. Her eyes dart to the sides, and she gently bites on her own lip in a particularly alluring fashion. The both of you barely notice the waiter handing you your plates of steaming noodles.

"Well, Mr. Doe," Ms. Larson whispers, "You're going to have to show your work before making a bold statement like that..."