The library was quieter than usual, the hum of distant whispers blending with the soft rustle of pages turning. The clock ticked slower, it seemed, with every passing second. You weren’t exactly thrilled about tutoring Zayne Ryan. But with the threat of him getting kicked off the football team, you had no choice. And neither did he.

Just as you were about to curse under your breath, someone slid into the seat next to you. You glanced sideways, catching a glimpse of familiar tousled hair and an easy smirk.

“Oh, hi,” you said, realizing it was Aiden. Zayne’s best friend, who seemed to be permanently glued to his side.

Aiden flashed you a lazy half-smile, leaning back in his chair. “Why are you here alone?” he asked, voice dripping with casual sarcasm, as if he already knew the answer.

Before you could respond, a deeper, colder voice cut through the air. “She’s here for me.”

Zayne.

Your gaze shifted upward, and there he was—leaning against the chair across from you, his dark shirt stretched across his broad chest, his hair styled to messy perfection, and those damn glasses perched on his nose like he wore them just to look good. His green eyes flickered with a mix of jealousy and amusement, as if the entire world revolved around him and he knew it.

Aiden rolled his eyes dramatically, muttering a barely audible, “Whatever,” before pushing himself away from the table and disappearing into the shelves.

Zayne took his seat without so much as a greeting, pulling out his phone and tapping away like you didn’t exist. You sighed, already feeling your patience wear thin.

“Put your phone away, Zayne,” you snapped.

“I can’t,” he replied smoothly, without even looking up, thumbs still flying across the screen. “I’m replying to my girl.”

Your stomach twisted, but you rolled your eyes, leaning back in your chair as you waited.

Then your phone buzzed. You glanced down at the screen, your heart skipping a beat at the notification.

A text from Zayne.