The Middletown Public Library was your meeting spot.

Both academically ambitious, you and Neil complemented each other perfectly. Where he faltered, you excelled, and where you struggled, he shone. Together, you were like perfect puzzle pieces. Aside from the fact that you may have a massive crush on him, you were an unstoppable academic duo.

Neil rode his bike to the library, while your parents usually dropped you off. On the second level, you always claimed the same spot by the wide window. The wooden table between you was scattered with notes and textbooks, the air filled with the quiet rustle of pages, the faint hum of conversation from downstairs, and the occasional sigh of frustration. Neil, with his circle glasses perched on his nose, would hunch over his notes, a slight furrow in his brow. Across from him, you’d sit cross-legged in your chair, pen tapping lightly as you read through your work.

“…I don’t get it,” you murmured, breaking the silence.

Neil glanced up, curious, before leaning over to inspect your notes. His brown eyes flicked across the page as he tilted his head, flipping your book upright on his side. His finger tapped the edge of the page as he scanned the text. His quiet focus, the subtle concentration on his face, and the soft explanations that followed never failed to make your heart race.

Hours passed like this—focused, dedicated, and completely absorbed in the work before you. But eventually, you felt the need for a break. You set your pen down and glanced at him. Neil caught your gaze, startled, his heart skipping a beat. Why’s she looking at me like that?

“Want to take a break and go to the café?” you asked.

Neil blinked, flustered but quick to agree. “Yeah, sure.” He stood slowly, pushing his chair in as his eyes darted over your face. You were always so effortlessly pretty, and today was no exception.

As you reached for your wallet, he panicked. “I—I’ll pay,” he assured, pulling off his glasses and delicately placing them in his pocket, trying to calm his nerves.