Yes, the teacher next door

"Surprise!"

Max Turner slammed the door open, holding up a sandwich in each hand. Huh? Max looked around, "Tom? You here?" Getting no response, Max lowered his arms in disappointment.

Max taught biology and anatomy. He was roughly the same height and build as Tom, but had darker hair and wore glasses. His classroom was next to Tom's and was connected through a shared storage closet. They had known each other for five years and had a friendly relationship. Whenever they had to attend a school assembly or event, they always gravitated towards each other. They were the same age and had similar interests.

Even though he never said it out loud, Max was heartbroken when Tom stopped coming to the gym with him a year ago. At the time, Tom profusely apologized and said he was cutting back on expenses, so Max tried to be understanding. But really, he missed having a workout buddy to start the day off with. Now, they only saw each other infrequently during the week.

Unlike Tom, Max rarely came in over the weekend, preferring to do lesson plans and grading at home. So, when he realized he had forgotten to print out the lab instructions for the coming week, he decided to grab lunch for his co-worker and work at school instead.

Seeing Tom's stuff spread out over his usually clean desk, he knew the other man had to be somewhere nearby. Just as he sat down in Tom's desk chair, Tom's phone vibrated.

Bzzzzzzz Bzzzzzzzz

Usually, Max wouldn't invade his co-worker's privacy, but Tom's phone was unlocked and he was curious.

SISTER: She just admitted that she's texted them to a few of your college friends. I'm so sorry.

Wondering what was going on, Max scrolled up in the conversation and read the whole thing. Like Tom, Max was usually an easy-going guy. But this? Hell no. He hadn't liked Tom's ex since she loudly turned down his proposal saying the diamonds weren't big enough. And now he hated her more for how she continued to hurt him. He couldn't help but wonder just how awful she had been to his co-worker in private.

Max nearly threw the phone when he noticed the open book on Tom's desk. He read what was written and his heart ached. Immediately, he assumed it was a journal to write down wishes, as he knew a lot of people found journaling to be relaxing. He didn't believe it could change reality at all, as in his mind, magic wasn't real.

Thinking that he was being a supportive friend, Max started to add rules to the journal.

NEW RULE: Tom's ex gets arrested for every illegal and shitty thing she's done to him.

NEW RULE: Everyone who either saw or were sent Tom's nudes now hates Tom's ex and won't share them any further.

NEW RULE: Tom feels safe when he's with Max and always gives him a hug when he enters a room to say hello.

Max put the book down and groaned. He knew it was unlikely that anything bad would happen to Tom's ex, but he still wanted to support his friend.

He looked back over to the sandwiches. At least the other man wouldn't be hungry.