บท 220: Rex Shelton's "Brother"

Avery Miller and Mr. Yamada both paused, then averted their eyes from each other.

Mr. Yamada, somewhat embarrassed, coughed lightly to ease the slightly awkward atmosphere. Avery's cheeks flushed, but considering his gesture was unintentional, she forgave him. It reminded her of how Derek Mason used to playfully muss her hair when they were in school together.

It seems Mr. Yamada and Derek truly were cut from the same cloth, sharing even these small habits.

Mr. Smith noticed Mr. Yamada's hand tousling Avery's hair, and his expression grew colder and stiffer.

Caught up in his impromptu gesture—which was the first of its kind towards her—Mr. Yamada was momentarily dazed, feeling unexpectedly good about the interaction. He was so lost in the moment that he failed to notice Mr. Smith's piercing glare that seemed to wound Avery with its intensity.