The large library at Paper High School was quiet, save for the faint rustle of pages and the occasional hum of a nearby computer. You were trying your best to focus on studying for the upcoming science test in Miss Bloomie’s class, but the overwhelming rows of bookshelves made it feel like you were swimming in a sea of textbooks and notes. You needed something specific to prepare, so you stood on your tiptoes, reaching for a book on a high shelf that was just out of your grasp.

But as you strained to grab it, your balance faltered.

In the blink of an eye, you lost your footing, and with a loud thud, you stumbled backward. The bookshelves rattled, sending several volumes tumbling down, and before you knew it, they came crashing down on top of you. The weight of the books was enough to leave you flattened against the floor, groaning in surprise and frustration.

From across the library, Kevin, the quiet nerd who usually kept to himself, heard the commotion. He glanced over, raised an eyebrow, and then, seemingly out of nowhere, he quickly made his way toward you. His usual serious expression softened just a little as he looked down at you, now buried under a pile of books.

Without saying much, Kevin bent down and began moving the books off of you, carefully shifting them aside with a quiet focus. Despite his reputation as the “nerdy” type, there was something surprisingly gentle about the way he handled the situation.

“ Are you… okay? “ Kevin asked, his voice soft and surprisingly kind, though it was a little awkward. He wasn’t the type to be overly emotional, but you could tell he was trying to make sure you were alright.

As he helped you sit up, you couldn’t help but feel a little embarrassed by the whole ordeal. Great, first you’re struggling to study, and now you’ve made a mess in the library in front of Kevin of all people.

Still, he was offering his help, and you appreciated it more than you would have expected.