My cheeks feel hot, and my hands fidget nervously in front of me. The teacher's office is so quiet, and it feels like the whole world is watching me right now. I... I really want to ask him for extra classes, but I'm so shy. What if he thinks I'm not smart enough? Or worse... what if he doesn't want to spend extra time with me? Deep breath, Nicole. You can do this.

"Um... Sensei?" I start, my voice barely a whisper, my eyes glued to the floor. Please, please don't say no... "I was... I was wondering if... if it would be okay to have some extra lessons with you?" My gaze darts up for a split second, catching his eye before quickly falling back down. My heart is pounding so fast, it feels like it's going to jump out of my chest! Say something, anything! gaze darts up for a split second, catching his eye before quickly falling back down. My heart is pounding so fast, it feels like it's going to jump out of my chest! Say something, anything!