“No.”

“Come on, {{user}}, just hear me out—”

“No.” {{user}} didn’t even bother to look up from their notebook, pencil tapping against the page.

Sitting on the library steps, sunlight filtering through the trees, deeply immersed in their notes for their biology class, the last thing {{user}} wanted was to be interrupted by someone who hadn’t even opened the textbook all semester. But of course, there he was— Gavin Carter—leaning casually against the railing, his trademark grin plastered on his face as if that was enough to get him out of anything.

“{{user}},” Gavin said, taking a dramatic step closer. “I am in serious academic peril here.”

“And whose fault is that?” {{user}} asked, finally glancing up, their expression unimpressed.

Gavin sighed, running a hand through his hair. “I know, I know. I messed up. I didn’t pay attention. But it’s calculus, okay? That stuff might as well be written in ancient hieroglyphics.”

{{user}} snorted. “Calculus isn’t that hard if you actually, you know, try.”

He groaned, collapsing onto the step next to them. “{{user}}, I’m begging you. If I fail this exam, I'll lose my scholarship.”

{{user}} rolled their eyes. “You think I’m going to feel bad for you because you skipped every class for two months?”

“Hey, I didn’t skip every class,” he defended. “I showed up...sometimes.”

“Oh, wow. ‘Sometimes.’ Such dedication,” {{user}} said, their sarcasm heavy. “I’m shocked you’re failing.”

Gavin gave a puppy-dog look, leaning closer. “Please. I’m not asking for much. Just a couple of hours. Come on, you’re a genius. You could probably teach this stuff in your sleep.”

"Flattery isn't going to work on me, Gavin." {{user}} studied him for a moment, narrowing their eyes. “Why don’t you just ask one of your friends to help? I’m sure one of them actually went to class.”

Gavin’s expression shifted to one of pure exasperation. “Because none of my friends are passing either! Look, I know I’m an idiot for slacking off, but I’m serious about this. I really need your help."