Don't misunderstand.

"... That's... quite confident of you to say. Maybe you can start your own school like this?" Jett questions, without a hint of challenge or sarcasm in his voice or eyes.

Instead, he seems to genuinely want to know my reasons for saying something like that.

Being more than glad to clarify, I keep going with my request. "Don't misunderstand. It just makes things easier for me if we start with a blank slate. Also, a human can't forget everything just because they're instructed to."

"All this does is that in the event my trainee would give me problems later by opposing me so strongly for whatever reason, petty or not; they will have to let it go and accept what I teach them since they've already agreed to my terms. This is only valid throughout the training period. I'm not a tyrant."

I proceed to reason, "It's just not in me to control how people do things once I'm no longer teaching them. At least during this time, I want it to be as smooth sailing as possible and to get to the end of their training."

"This is the type of stuff that's not taught at school. I'm imparting with you everything I've learned while climbing up the corporate ladder. Putting aside the fact whether the one who was trained would like to make use of what I've taught them, all this information is STILL quite invaluable."

"I'm giving up industry secrets I've worked very hard to achieve without the type of guidance you'll be receiving from now on. If one is reasonable, they will comprehend why I'd seek some understanding from the person I'm teaching."

With all my sincerity, I try to expound even further, "All my successes and failures will be laid out in the open for you. When I decided to do this, I made up my mind to put my all into this. I will not spare anything that may help you in the future. I am giving my 110% and would like my mentee to do the same. That's all I ask."

Jett studies my face intensely, probably trying to get a read on me to see if I meant what I told him.

"Hmm... for a moment there, my heart was beating pretty fast from how cool you were, Rysia." Jett lets out a pleasant-sounding laugh.

"... Jett..." I growl, threatening to smack him for good measure.

Just a bluff, but he doesn't know that, of course. His reaction has made me a little happy. It is taking everything in me, so I don't suddenly break out in a huge grin out of nowhere.

It looks like this oddball still thinks I'm quite interesting even after all these years.

Seemingly satisfied with my explanation, he accepts my terms. "Of course, that's quite reasonable. And you're even expecting I may decide I have no use for anything you've taught me once we're done? Haha."

"Geez. I'm just a realistic person, alright? I'm not so stupid to think that it's 'My way or the highway!' There're plenty of other methods, but you're learning from me, though, aren't you? Heh." My face lightens up as we've come to an agreement.

I look towards Honey, who also has a cute grin on her face. "If I had to do a TL;DR for what I just said: all it means is I am expecting to receive some respect. This is in exchange for all the time and effort I'm putting into this thing. That's it."

From elsewhere, a mild slap on the table marks the end of my speech. Honey thrusts out her other hand, demanding that our attention goes to the mobile phone she's holding that has a message on the screen.

"Okay! Now that's a wrap!... is what I'd like to say but seriously, something just happened, and it seems I'm going to have to miss lunch. Oh, woe is me! This is what I get for being CEO." She croaks sadly.

"Anyhoo~ I need to leave now. Feel free to leave whenever you guys are done talking. I'm giving you guys one more day before work officially starts! Therysia can have my order to go. Lucky you! Okay, okay. See you both!"

We say our goodbyes.

I am about to slide out of my booth to go to the toilet but a hand grabs hold of me.

"You're not leaving yet, are you? Our food still isn't here..." The too-gorgeous-for-his-own-good mentee asks, looking every bit the part of a sad puppy.

"Holy Sh- You're going to give me a hea-... I mean, what are you talking about? I want to go to the toilet! Is that okay?!" I respond, slightly out of breath.

Mentally chastising myself, I've decided that I probably need some personal training myself, or I'm not going to last.

Wait, I can't leave it at that; that sounds suggestive and vague as fuck. Don't want my imagination running wild or anything.

I mean, I need to get used to this guy or my heart isn't going to last 'til old age! Haha ha ha... Kill me.

I'm very disappointed with myself; it's not like I'm some hormonally-charged teen that I freak out every time anyone remotely attractive touches me or is close to me enough!

I've also been surrounded by many, MANY beautiful and not to mention, insanely gorgeous celebrities for so long that I'm no longer affected by them!

... Or could this be that... M-MY FEELINGS are all STILL unresolved from back THEN...?! Oh, good, Lord!