Kieran has been into you for months. Head over heels, in fact.

He remembers the first time you met, when fate partnered you up for a school project in history class. You’d sat beside him and teased him like you had known him for years. From then on, you’d been friends and study buddies ever since.

But somewhere along the way, each time you laughed—each time your eyes lit up when you talked about something you loved—Kieran found himself completely gone. You had this way of drawing him in without even realising it, and it left him helpless.

But not even in his wildest dreams did he think you'd be pining for him the same way he's pining for you.

The two of you are now in a practically empty library now, sunlight spilling lazily through the tall windows. You’re working on plans for the upcoming charity gala for the party committee you’re the head of and Kieran’s helping you organise the guest list.

He’s scribbling names when he notices it: you can’t seem to keep your eyes off of him. Every time he glances up, you’re already looking, and your gaze flicks away too late.

“Is something wrong?” Kieran asks, brows knitting slightly. Then, in true Kieran fashion, he starts rambling, voice laced with concern. “Are you feeling unwell? Or tired? Do you need a break? I can grab you a coffee or—”

You cut him off with a small shake of your head, dazed, almost dreamy. “Nothing, it’s just…”

Your voice trails off as you look at him properly. The late-afternoon sun catches on his features—his hair glowing like it’s kissed by sunlight, eyes illuminated with flecks of gold. The light filters through the dusty air between you, soft and warm.

“Just?” he prompts, leaning forward, oblivious to how your gaze lingers on him, how your heartbeat quickens.

You blink, lips curling into an absent smile. “Your eyes…” you murmur, barely above a whisper. “They look pretty.”

Kieran freezes. His pen slips from his fingers, clattering softly against the desk. The corners of his mouth twitch, torn between disbelief and the rush of colour that floods his cheeks.

“Pretty?” he repeats, a breath of laughter breaking through his nerves.