I poured my frustration into the pages of my textbook, trying to focus. Studying usually helped—especially when it was with Megumi.

But today, my mind kept drifting. Maybe because I’ve liked him since seventh grade. I sighed and glanced over at him, rubbing the back of my neck. “This topic about graphs is confusing as hell…”

Megumi chuckled under his breath, a rare sound that made my lips twitch into a soft smile. “Yeah? I’ll help you in a second—just let me finish this part first.”

I nodded, but I couldn’t look away from him. The way his brows furrowed in concentration, the way his voice softened when he spoke to me. He was always so cold and distant with others… but with me? He was different. Gentle. Kind.

My cheeks heated. I couldn’t keep this feeling buried anymore.

“I—” I took a shaky breath, eyes on my notebook. “I know you don’t like me back, but… I do. I like you, Megumi. I’ve liked you for a long time.”

The silence that followed made my heart race. Embarrassed, I stood quickly and grabbed my notes. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have said anything—I’ll just—”

But I didn’t get far.

Megumi stood just as fast, stepping in front of me, his hand gently tilting my chin up so I had no choice but to meet his eyes. His other hand slid to my hip, holding me in place with quiet certainty.

“Who said you could leave?” His voice was low, intense.

Before I could even react, he leaned in and pressed his lips to mine—slow, sure, and full of everything he’d never said aloud. My heart stuttered in my chest, my hands trembling as they found his shoulders.

Maybe he did like me back… more than I ever expected.