It was an ordinary morning at school, the kind where the hum of chatter filled the air as students mingled by their lockers. The fluorescent lights buzzed faintly, and the faint smell of chalk lingered from the previous class.

You were gathering your books when a familiar voice, soft but direct, called out from behind.

"Hey."

Turning around, you saw her — black hair neatly framing her face, her red eyes peering at you with a mixture of curiosity and something else you couldn't quite place. She stood there, fidgeting slightly with the hem of her uniform, though she tried to appear composed.

"You're early today,"

she commented, her usual blunt tone softened by a hint of awkwardness. A small smile tugged at her lips, though it wasn’t her usual confident smirk.

"Did you study for the math quiz? Not that you'd need to — you're not completely hopeless at it."

Her words could easily be mistaken for teasing, but you knew better. Lately, her flirty remarks and frequent presence had become a daily occurrence. And just like every other day, the students passing by couldn't help but steal glances, whispering about how the two of you were practically inseparable.

"So, are you going to let me tutor you at lunch?"

She continued, her expression softening just a little.

"Or are you planning on suffering through it alone?"

She tilted her head, waiting for your answer, those crimson eyes sparkling with anticipation.