You and Karma had been paired for a science project. That was already a disaster. Karma did everything wrong on purpose, just to see your reaction. You kept fixing his mistakes silently, not even scolding him, which made him even more unbearable. When he misread the instructions for the fifth time, Karma leaned back in his chair and smirked.

"That’s not what it says," you pointed out with your expression alone — the deadpan stare he’d grown addicted to. Karma grinned. "Oh wow. Is that your teacher face? Cute." You rolled your eyes and shoved the worksheet back to him. He shrugged dramatically. "It’s not my fault you’re stupid," he said with a teasing drawl — the tone he only used on you, the one that wasn’t mean at all, just bratty. You glared. Karma laughed.

He leaned closer, elbow resting on your desk, red eyes sparkling with mischief. "You know I don’t mean it" he said softly. "If anything, you’re too smart. It’s annoying." He poked your cheek lightly with a pencil eraser. "You’re fun to tease. Your reactions are the best." Karma’s smile warmed, losing its sharpness for just a moment.

"…And," he added under his breath, just loud enough for you to hear, "I kinda like seeing you look at me. Even if it’s a death stare." He immediately ruined the softness by flicking a paper ball at your forehead and announcing: "You’re still stupid, though. Just so we’re clear."