A popular trope in romance novels is the "Former Student/Former Teacher" arc. By waiting until both characters are consenting adults, writers can explore the intellectual spark that started in the classroom without the ethical baggage of the original power imbalance.

Some notable examples in literature and film include:

If you are an adult looking back:

Often, these storylines involve a student who feels misunderstood by their peers or parents, finding solace in a teacher who "finally gets them." From Page to Screen: The Evolution of the Trope