It started out as a small crush, but it eventually grew into something more. Lyrex had had Cheerilee as his teacher for three years now, and over those three years, he had grown a romantic interest in her. She had everything. The kind personality, sense of humor, enchanting smile, knowledge, and was downright beautiful. Lyrex and Cheerilee had developed a bond together. Lyrex was one of Cheerilee's best students. Both school-wise, and personality-wise. Cheerilee thought Lyrex was a really nice filly. She was proud of him, and she knew he was gonna accomplish big things when he grew up to become the stallion he was destined to be.

Cheerilee was unaware of Lyrex's interest in her. It never crossed her mind that the apples he placed on her desk, the compliments he gave her every morning, and the extra homework he did wasn't because he loved her as his teacher, but because he loved her more than just that. A teacher.

Lyrex was friends with Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo, and they all knew about Lyrex's situation. Of course, they didn't tell anyone, but they thought it could get Lyrex in big trouble if the word ever came out. Therefore, they kept quiet for his sake. Because they were friends.

It was Friday. All the fillies were excited for the upcoming weekend. Lyrex was making his way to school, humming a song he had written last night to himself. One he didn't dare to sing for the mare it was written for. Maybe one day in the future, when he met her years after she wouldn't be his teacher anymore, he'd bring it up. But that day was definitely not today.

''Hey, Lyrex! Wait for us!'' A voice heard from behind Lyrex. He stopped up and turned around to witness three fillies running towards him. It was the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo. ''Hey there, chump! Are you ready for this day to be over so we can get over deserved weekend?'' Scootaloo asked Lyrex enthusiastically.

''If only weekend wasn't a thing. I would love to spend every day listening to Ms. Cheerilee talking about fractions I don't understand, and the confusing word classes''. He said, resulting in the Crusaders hanging their heads low, sighing heavily

''Ugh, c'mon, Lyrex! Y'all can't possibly mean that you're still in love with Ms. Cheerilee?'' Apple Bloom asked the filly with eyes shaped like hearts.

''How couldn't I? She's wonderful.'' Lyrex said.

Sweetie Belle pulled a notebook and a pen out of her backpack, writing down a number. 38. ''Aaand... that's thirty-eight so far.''

''What's that?'' Lyrex asked.

''Oh, right. Ever since we found out you were in love with Ms. Cheerilee, we've been noting every time you say something lovable about her''. Lyrex raised an eyebrow. ''Today marks the 38th time you've said ''She's wonderful'' this year''.

''It's only February'' Scootaloo said. ''There'll be plenty of more numbers to be written on that notebook''.

''Come on, girls!'' Lyrex whined. ''I don't do that all the time. thirty-eight is not even that big of a number!''

Sweetie Belle turned a page in her notebook. ''Oh, this only marks this year. Last year you said ''she's perfect'' three hundred and sixty-seven times''. Lyrex's other eyebrow raised at the same level as his other. ''And the year before that, you said ''she's beautiful'' three hundred and sixty-seven times'' Sweetie Belle noted. ''And the year before that, you-''

''Alright, I get it.'' Lyrex interrupted his friend.

''Oh, heh. Sorry''. Sweetie Belle apologized.

Lyrex and the Crusaders started talking about what their plans were for the weekend when a notebook fell out of Lyrex's backpack. Apple Bloom noticed and trotted back to pick it up. Before picking it up, she instinctively read what was written in the notebook. On the page Apple Bloom was reading, was the lyrics to a romantic song written for her teacher. She grabbed the notebook with her mouth and trotted back to her friends. ''Hey, Lyrex?'' Apple Bloom asked, muffled, with a notebook still in her mouth. Apple Bloom then let Lyrex levitate the notebook out of her mouth, letting her speak more clearly. ''What's that you've written in that notebook of yours?''

Lyrex's eyes widened. Could Apple Bloom have read the embarrassing lyrics he had spend few minutes writing the other night? He hoped she hadn't and tried to lie out of an awkward reveal. ''Oh, just notes'' Lyrex answered.

''Notes on what?''

''Oh, nothing. Just...comma placement''.

''I'm not stupid, Lyrex. Is this a love song about Ms. Cheerilee?'' Sweetie Belle asked Lyrex.

''I... yes.'' Lyrex said ashamed.

''Oh, come on, Lyrex!'' Sweetie Belle cried out. ''Really? You could get in a lot of trouble if someone found that notebook. Imagine what would happen if anyone in class found out! What if Diamond Tiara found it, and read it out in front of the entire class, with Ms. Cheerilee listening?''

''That's not gonna happen'' Lyrex assured his three friends.

''How can you be so sure?'' Scootaloo asked with concern.

''Because no one is gonna find it. It'll be safe in my backpack's pocket.'' Lyrex looked at the Crusaders. They all had a worried look on their faces, and they thought something bad would happen if the truth was to be revealed. ''Girls, I promise you won't have to listen to me crying over the secret being told.''

The girls looked concerned but had to trust their friend. ''I hope you're right, Lyrex'' Sweetie Belle said. ''And we promise not to tell anyone either.''

''Really?'' Lyrex asked.

''Hay yeah, dude!'' Scootaloo said, playfully hitting Lyrex on his left shoulder. ''We're a team. We wouldn't do anything to embarrass you!''

''Your secret is safe with us'' Apple Bloom noted.

Lyrex smiled. How did he ever make such great friends? They knew it would potentially cause him trouble to have written a love song about his teacher. They're willing to keep it a secret, even if it meant that they'd get in trouble as well for not saying anything. ''Thanks, guys'' Lyrex said. ''You're the best''.

After a lot of chit-chatting, the four fillies finally arrived at the school, ready for the last school day of the week. The four fillies proceeded to open the door, entering the classroom. Only three other fillies had shown up so far. At the front desk of the classroom, was the beautiful, sweet Ms. Cheerilee, waiting for her students to arrive. ''Oh, good morning, you three! And good morning to you, Lyrex!'' Cheerilee said in a happy tone.

''Good morning Ms. Cheerilee!'' the Cutie Mark Crusaders yelled all at once, paying no respect to the silence there was before.

''Good morning, Ms. Cheerilee'' Lyrex said with a smile and then proceeded to sit at his desk, along with the Crusaders.

Before they knew it, more students started to show up in the classroom. First Twist, then Archer, then Diamond Tiara. Like the Cutie Mark Crusaders, Lyrex was not too happy with Diamond Tiara. She never really bugged him, though. It was mostly targeted towards the Cutie Mark Crusaders, due to their tremendous lack of cutie marks.

''Hey, losers. I see your flanks are still empty. Don't be ashamed, I'm sure you'll get your cutie marks for being the talents of nothing''. Diamond Tiara said mockingly, continued with a small giggle.

''Y-yeah. W-well... y-you are just...''' Scootaloo struggled to come up with a proper comeback to Diamond Tiara's mocking sentence. She gave up with a heavy sigh and looked upset at the floor, along with Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle.

Lyrex then whistled at Diamond Tiara to get her attention. ''Hey, Diamond Tiara? Nice tiara. I think my sister has one just like that''

''Oh? She must have a delicate taste then.''

''Yeah. Her dolls love the cheap plastic cosmetics she makes them wear.''

The Crusaders giggled at Lyrex's comment. Diamond Tiara's eyes widened at the unexpected comment. She grew annoyed, turned her head, and went over to her desk. Lyrex proceeded to hoofbump the Crusaders, sharing a laugh together.

All the other fillies have entered the classroom, sitting at their individual desks. ''Alright, is everyone here?'' Cheerilee asked her students.

''Yes, Ms. Cheerilee!'' all the fillies said at the same time. Cheerilee then noticed an empty seat. ''Uhm, where's Silver Spoon?''

''She's sick today'' Diamond Tiara said.

''Oh. That's a shame.'' Cheerilee responded. ''Well, then it's good the rest of you are here. So let's get to work before the day is over!'' Cheerilee then proceeded to bring out a piece of paper to each student. ''Today we'll learn about grammar! We'll start out with comma placement! You may start now.'' Cheerilee's students then proceeded to do their homework. Some struggling more than others. Lyrex was all about proper grammar. He would never forgive himself if he accidentally spelled out ''your wonderful'' instead of ''you're wonderful''.

Two hours have now passed. Time was up to bring Cheerilee their work. ''Great job, everyone! Now we're gonna train our spelling.'' Cheerilee happily announced.

It's almost the end of the day. The students have been working all day, but at least the weekend was just around the corner. ''Alright, I gotta check on something. I'll be back in a second.'' Cheerilee told her students before exiting her classroom.

Lyrex was working hard. No break was being taken by him. He did begin to sweat from the hard work. His leg started to itch. Lyrex began scratching his leg with his other leg, accidentally knocking over his backpack in the process. He used his magic to levitate his backpack upwards again.

Diamond Tiara was almost dying of boredom when she noticed a notebook lying on the floor. Lyrex had dropped it yet again. She quickly picked it up from the floor to make sure no one noticed and started reading the notebook. Her eyes widened as the realization hit her. A love song for her teacher, written by the filly who'd bugged her this morning. This would be a nice act of revenge to end off the final day of school this week.

Diamond Tiara proceeded to stand up from her chair, trot over to Cheerilee's desk, and coughed loudly to gain the attention of the other students. ''Everyone. I have something I want to say!'' Diamond Tiara announced. The Cutie Mark Crusaders rolled their eyes. ''Just now, I have found a notebook owned by our beloved classmate, Lyrex, and he has written something truly beautiful.''

Lyrex's heart dropped as the realization hit him as well. Had Diamond Tiara read the embarrassing song carved into the pages of the notebook?

''A song for our dear Ms. Cheerilee, our teacher!'' Diamond Tiara continued.

Yup. She definitely read it.

Diamond Tiara's eyes met Lyrex'. She blinked at him with a big smirk on her face. Diamond Tiara then read the lyrics out loud for the entire class to hear.

Ms. Cheerilee, oh I love you so
You're the most beautiful mare that I know

Your gentle smile and humorous taste
Is what makes my school days less of a waste

You have taught me the calculation of 2 + 2
But what I'd rather want is to be with you

There's nothing I'd rather be
Than your colt, dear Ms. Cheerilee

Diamond Tiara struggled to read the rest of the lyrics due to her giggling. Lyrex waved his hoofs, signaling to Diamond Tiara to stop reading from the notebook. Diamond Tiara ignored Lyrex and kept on reading the embarrassing song.

Hey Cheerilee Cheerilee
I think I'm in love with you

Diamond Tiara started bursting into laughter, along with her classmates. All except for the Cutie Mark Crusaders. They all shared worried looks on their faces. They couldn't help but look over at Lyrex, who was now hiding his face in his desk.

''What is going on here!?'' A loud voice was heard from the classroom entrance. A voice all the students seemed to recognize. Due to the deafening laughter from the students, none of them had heard or noticed that Cheerilee had entered the class. She had an angry expression on her face. Mostly dedicated to Diamond Tiara. The glare from the teacher made Diamond Tiara sweat aggressively. ''Get down from my desk right this instant, Tiara!''

Diamond Tiara proceeded to step down from her angry teacher's desk, looking over at Lyrex, giving him an evil glare.

Cheerilee led out a huge sigh while facepalming. ''I'm gonna have a serious talk with your father, Diamond Tiara. I'm very, very disappointed in you. I thought you were done with these kinds of things, but clearly, I was mistaken''.

Diamond Tiara faked a sad expression for her teacher. ''I'm so sorry, Ms. Cheerilee! I-it was Silver Spoon! She forced me to do it!''

''Silver Spoon is not even in school today.''

''Well, I... have I told you how much of a great teacher you are, Ms. Cheerilee?''

Cheerilee sighed, looking disappointed at all of her students. ''You should all be ashamed. Everyone! Apologize to Lyrex right now!''

The entire class then proceeded to apologize to Lyrex. Lyrex didn't respond to it. He was still sitting face down onto his desk, sniffing.

''Alright'' Cheerilee said, continuing with yet another tremendous sigh. ''Class is dismissed. You can all go home now. Have a nice weekend.''

All the fillies started getting up from their chairs, trotting towards the exit, all talking about what had just occurred. Diamond Tiara followed the others. Lyrex lifted his head to look at the fillies leaving the classroom. His eyes met Diamond Tiara's, and she still had that unforgettable, evil look.

The Cutie Mark Crusaders went over to Cheerilee, pleading with her not to get mad at Lyrex. ''Ms. Cheerilee, please don't be mad at Lyrex. He didn't do anything wrong!'' They all said at the exact same time, in one big mouthful.

''Don't worry about Lyrex, girls. I'm just gonna have a private talk with him.'' She assured the girls. ''Head on home now''.

The Crusaders looked over at Lyrex with concerned looks, then proceeded to exit the classroom together. Cheerilee then sighed, and looked over at Lyrex, wiping away tears from the embarrassment of what had previously happened. Cheerilee went over to Lyrex, sitting next to him. ''Are you okay, Lyrex?'' Cheerilee asked in a calm, caring tone.

''I... I'm fine, Ms. Cheerilee'' Lyrex responded.

''Are you sure?'' Cheerilee asked, noticing how upset Lyrex looked after the whole event that had transpired.

''Did you... hear any of the things Diamond Tiara said on your desk?''

''Bits and pieces.''

''Oh, sweet Celestia...'' Lyrex cried out in embarrassment. ''Ms. Cheerilee... I-I'm really sorry. I wasn't thinking straight. I didn't mean to be-'' Lyrex was then cut off by the feeling of two hooves pressed against his back in an attempt to comfort him. Lyrex accepted the embrace from his teacher, softly sobbing into her shoulder.

''It's okay, Lyrex. I'm not mad at you. I'm quite flattered, actually.'' Cheerilee chuckled, as she slowly stroked his back.

''Y-you are?''

''Of course! It's always nice to know how much my favorite student cares about me.'' Cheerilee reassured her upset student. ''But... you do know that I'm way too old for you, right?''

Lyrex let out a heavy sigh. ''Yeah, I know.'' Lyrex took a few seconds to collect his breath from his small sobs. ''That's why I didn't directly tell you. I figured you'd get mad at me, or even hate me for admitting my feelings towards you.''

''Oh, Lyrex. I could never hate you. As a matter of fact, I do love you, but as a student. I hope you know that as well.''

''I do. And I'm... really grateful that I have you as my teacher. You're the best.''

It didn't take many caring words before Cheerilee's eyes started to water up as well. ''You're a good soul, Lyrex. And don't worry, I'll be sure to punish Diamond Tiara for this.'' Cheerilee assured her student. That did manage to put a smile on Lyrex's face.

Cheerilee pulled back and noticed her student was still sobbing quietly. She knew what would make him feel better. ''I... hope this will make you feel better''.

''Huh?''

Cheerilee then proceeded to place a quick and gentle kiss on Lyrex's cheek, as she would do to the fillies who had gotten hurt in her early days as a teacher. That made Lyrex's sobbing stop in an instant. His eyes immediately began to form into an unnoticeable heart shape. Cheerilee giggled. ''Have a nice weekend, Lyrex''.

''T-thanks'' Lyrex said with a smile. Lyrex proceeded to grab his backpack. He then finally exited the building, feeling a lot better. He was then making his way home, almost floating from what he had just experienced. The Cutie Mark Crusaders rushed towards their friend after witnessing the entire thing through the window outside.

''Lyrex!'' Apple Bloom yelled with Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo running behind her. ''How are ya feelin'?''

''Oh... amaaazing''. Lyrex replied.

Scootaloo let out a quick laugh. ''Heh. He sure seems satisfied''. Scootaloo noted.

''Huh. She's wonderful''. Lyrex added.

Sweetie Belle then proceeded to pull out a notebook from her backpack, noting yet another number to her list. ''And that's thirty-nine times this year.''

''Should we be worried about him?'' Sweetie Belle asked her Crusader friends.

''Eh, could be worse'' Scootaloo noted.

''How?'' Apple Bloom asked.

''He could be in a fanfiction by Magic Quill''.

''That's true'' Apple Bloom said while sharing a laugh with her two friends.

And so, the four fillies continued home without talking more about what had transpired. They talked about their plans for the weekend, and the Crusaders convinced Lyrex to come along. He couldn't stop thinking about Cheerilee, like usual. But he thought he'd get her out of his mind for the next two days, and have fun with his friends. It was weekend after all.

Author's Note

Hello there, good folks! This rubbish right here is my first story. Believe it or not.
I greatly appreciate criticism and feedback!