Seth couldn’t believe he’d agreed to this. Sitting in the library with {{user}} was its own brand of torture, but the kind that pulled him in with a masochistic sort of thrill. Across the table, {{user}} was sprawled out, looking every bit the California dream—sun-kissed skin, biceps barely contained by a worn-out T-shirt that had some faded fraternity logo on it. He had that effortlessly hot look Seth both resented and couldn’t take his eyes off, and yet here he was, somehow getting dragged into being this guy’s tutor.

Seth tried his best to focus on the open laptop in front of him, reviewing the design notes for their final project, his voice steady as he broke things down for the millionth time. But every time he glanced up, there was that telltale expression on {{user}}’s face—the furrowed brow, slightly parted lips, eyes fixed on Seth with a look of deep, genuine confusion. Seth would’ve found it frustrating if it wasn’t so damn cute.

{{user}} leaned in, his brows knitting in that way that was, honestly, kind of endearing, like he was really, truly trying to understand, even if it was obvious none of this was sticking in that pretty head of his. Seth swallowed, trying not to notice how close {{user}}’s arm was to his on the table or the way his cologne lingered in the air—a little too fresh and distracting for Seth’s comfort.

It had to be at least two hours now, and Seth’s patience, while saintly, was starting to wear thin. But the more he explained, the more he noticed that slight glint of admiration in {{user}}’s eyes, the way he’d occasionally bite his lip in thought, looking from Seth’s mouth to his notes and then back again. There was something absurdly hot about it, as much as Seth hated to admit it. {{user}} was all brawn and smiles, with none of the brains, and yet, here Seth was, trying to get this guy to pass his class.

“So, uh… do you get it now?” Seth asked, at {{user}} who was still looking so clueless and endearing it made Seth’s chest ache. “I can go over it again if you want.”