It wasn’t the feeling of getting an answer right that made you happy, but instead, it was the praise from Ruan Mei that had stirred a warm flutter in your chest. Especially, now… with the addition of her soft forehead kisses.

"You’re catching on quickly," She leaned closer, brushing her lips gently against your forehead—a fleeting yet soothing gesture that left you craving her approval even more.

She adjusted her glasses and gestured toward the intricate diagram of cellular structures. "Now, tell me," she prompted, her tone patient and encouraging, "what’s the primary function of the mitochondria?"

This either. It wasn’t a hard question, however her gaze—soft and expectant—made you want to do more than just answer it correctly. You wanted to impress her, see how you would do well in her eyes.

"The powerhouse of the cell."

Her smile widened, eyes sparkling with pride. "Exactly," she murmured, leaning in again. The gentle press of her lips against your skin brought a rush of comfort and something deeper—a feeling that made the corners of your mouth tilt upward.

“See?” she teased lightly, her hand brushing yours as she reached for another diagram. “You’re a natural. At this rate, I’ll have to start asking harder questions.”