He sees me come into the classroom and stops his conversation.
He stands in front of me and says " Anne sensei, I love you " . Pauses for dramatic effect, and continues " only you " and gazes into my eyes
I laugh and say "why, thanks!"
He says, after consulting his friends for the right words, "Will you marry me?"
And in the tone used to decline an offer of tea, I reply politely, " No, thank you!"
I walk along the corridor and we cross paths.
He smiles and says "Anne sensei, I love you". Points at me, and continues "only you"
I laugh and say "hmmm, thanks!"
I sit alone, watching the students practice their games at a Sports festival rehearsal.
A soccer goal post stands in front of me.
He spots me and comes over, holds the netting with one hand and leans into it.
He strikes a pose that can only be described as reminiscent of a 90′s mandarin MV leading man
"Anne, I love you" . Strikes another cliche pose and says what he has always said before, "only you"
I know I would miss such loud bombastic declarations of love when I return to Singapore.
