Levi's POV

"No, no, no, Hanji. I have to get to the school." She tried to stop me by attacking me with kisses. "This is important, you know."

Hanji groaned, flopping onto the couch with a pout. I've called her many things, and I referred to her to many things. Right now, she's playing her part as a toddler. I wonder... would our baby be like that way when they get to that stage? I have a feeling they would... ugh... now, I'm getting a little worried.

"Aw..."

"It's just for an hour or so. I'll be back, okay? Invite Nanba over or something. I just don't want her in the bedroom, okay?"

"Why do you have to go back again? I forgot..."

I sighed, searching for my car keys on the counter. "It's a review I have to do to conclude my substitute job at the high school. If I'm successful, Hanji, then I can work at a school as a math teacher. Probably going to work as a professor if I get enough hours."

Hanji stays silent for a little bit before groaning a bit more. "Alright... good luck, Levi."

Why do I believe something isn't right?

*   *   *

The meeting was just with the principal. Even as an adult, the principal's office is still intimidating. 

"Mr. Ackerman, there's something serious we need to talk about." Principal Rogers scowled as he held a small manila folder as soon as I walked in. "And what we have to discuss... I think you know exactly what we're going to discuss."

I believe so.

I sat down across his desk as he paced behind his chair. "I'm sure you're aware of the rumors?"

"Yeah... I am."

"Is it true?"

"If I admit it, what's going to happen to me?"

"Just a confirmation, Mr. Ackerman. By your response, I know it's true."

My eyebrow rose slightly. "Are you going to report me to the police? Ruin my name?" Like every threat, I've heard it from everyone. Just hearing that enrages me. I'm not that kind of man.

Surprisingly, Principal Rogers shook his head. "If I were to do that, that would put this school on the news in the way I do not want it to be. If anything, I would report you to the school board about this... misconduct and I would have them handle everything. But this isn't under normal circumstances."

"Normal circumstances?"

Principal Rogers nodded his head. "On a few occasions, I had the other math teachers swap out the exams and tests that you created with something they have made. This was to ensure that you were not giving them the answers. Seeing that you returned everything to Mrs. Mason without a hint of cheating, I can tell you that you have raised her classes' grades in the second semester. Your work is exceptional, Mr. Ackerman. Hence, this is what's going to happen."

I still couldn't breathe. I may not be reported to the school board, but if someone were to catch wind of it, I could still be ruined.

"Mr. Ackerman, we will approve you to teach full-time at any school. However, you will not teach in this district. We expect you to move and find a job in a different district. We will keep our mouths sealed about this incident. I see this as a win-win. And if we go back on our word, both of us will lose our reputation. There's no going around this, Mr. Ackerman. What do you say?"