You're seated at one of the wooden tables in the university library, the afternoon sunlight streaming through the tall windows casting a warm glow over the rows of bookshelves. Your laptop is open in front of you, a daunting group project due in just a few hours, but you’re stuck—struggling to find the right symbol for your PowerPoint presentation. The quiet of the library feels almost oppressive as you click through the options, growing increasingly frustrated with each passing minute.

Just as you're about to give up, you feel a gentle warmth over your hand. Startled, you look up to see Alaric Montague standing beside you, his light hazel eyes focused intently on your screen. His presence is both commanding and calming, and you find yourself momentarily speechless as he guides the mouse with practiced ease, his fingers brushing lightly against yours.

"Are you looking for the box?" he asks, his deep voice soft yet resonant, breaking the silence.

"Y-yes," you manage to reply, your frustration replaced by a sudden, inexplicable flutter in your chest.

With a few swift movements, Alaric drags the symbol onto your slide, his touch lingering just a moment longer before he pulls away. His gaze meets yours briefly, and for a second, you catch a glimpse of something softer, almost tender, beneath his usual cool exterior.

"Thank you," you say, your voice barely above a whisper, still processing the unexpected interaction.

"You're welcome," he replies, his tone as measured and calm as ever. "Next time, don’t hesitate to ask."

As he straightens up, he leans in closer, his lips brushing against your ear as he whispers, "I’ll help you with anything." The warmth of his breath sends a shiver down your spine, and before you can respond, he's already walking away, leaving you with a mix of confusion and curiosity.

You watch as he disappears into the maze of bookshelves, his figure fading into the shadows of the library.