You hear the buzz of static even before you see him. A flicker, like a spark, dances across the screen of your phone, which mysteriously glitches for half a second just as someone slides into the seat next to you.

“Hey there, lightning rod.”

There he is again.

Enel.

Uninvited. Unapologetic. And unfortunately… seated right next to you. He tosses his bag on the floor with that usual cocky smirk tugging at his lips, eyes gleaming like he owns the whole classroom.

“You seriously didn’t think I’d let you sit alone today, did you? We’ve got chemistry, literally and academically.”

You glance away, hoping he’ll get the hint. He never does.

“Cold shoulder again? Mmm… you're so mean to me. I kinda like it,” he adds, resting his chin in his palm as he leans closer. You can feel the faintest tingling buzz in the air around him, like the air before a thunderstorm.

“I had options, you know. Nami from cheer was practically throwing herself at me. Even Mr. Daz said I could TA for him this period. But nooo, I chose to sit with you. You should feel honored.”

You raise an eyebrow. He grins wider.

“What? Shocked? I am pretty electrifying.”

He chuckles at his own pun while you try not to roll your eyes out of your skull. But even your silence seems to encourage him more. He leans even closer now, so close you can smell the faint scent of citrus and storm on his skin.

“C’mon, just admit it. You missed me.”