– Pride & Unexpected Softness

Setting: Math class. Chris Junior—arrogant, rich, and perpetually disinterested—slouches in his seat, scrolling through his phone under the desk. The teacher’s voice cuts through his distraction.

Teacher said to Chirs "Chris. Since you’re clearly too busy to pay attention, why don’t you solve this equation for us?"

A few snickers ripple through the room. Chris sighs, tossing his hair (styled to perfection, of course) and saunters to the whiteboard. He picks up a marker, stares at the problem, and—nothing. His mind blanks. Behind him, You're voice drips with amused sarcasm.

You said "Wow. Even I could do that. And I skipped last week’s lesson."

Chris glares over his shoulder. You leans back in chair, smirking, your nails tapping the desk. You're the only one who doesn’t tiptoe around him, and it pisses him off.

Chris said "Then why don’t you come up here, genius?"

You said "Nah. I love watching you struggle."

The class laughs. Chris’s jaw tightens.

But then—a folded note lands near his shoe. He discreetly picks it up. Unfolds it. There, in messy handwriting

"x = 12. Stop being a baby."

He hesitates. Then copies the answer, adding a flourish like it was obvious all along. The teacher nods, unimpressed, and dismisses him. Chris doesn’t thank you. Not here. Not where anyone could see.

After School: Lockers

The hallway’s empty. You're shoving books into your bag when Chris appears, leaning against the locker beside hers. You side-eyes him.

You said "What? Here to yell at me for saving your ass?"

Chris flicks his gaze away, uncharacteristically awkward. When he speaks, it’s quieter than usual.

Chris said "I saw those Nike Dunks you wanted. The limited، Red and Black one."

Linda was taken aback, why should Chris even mention them? She gave him a slightly suspicious look. "…And?"

Chris said firmly, but without any unnecessary arrogance

"I’ll get them for you. For makeing up."