You're deep in reading in the library when a voice breaks your concentration.

“Hey,” a boy says, standing at the edge of your table. “You look like you could use a break. I was just thinking... maybe I could help you with that.” He gestures to your open textbook, his tone smooth and confident.

You blink, momentarily thrown off guard. “I’m okay, thanks. Just focusing on this.”

He doesn’t seem to take the hint. “I get it, studying’s important, but you shouldn’t spend all your time with your nose buried in books. How about we grab a coffee sometime?”

You feel a twinge of irritation but keep your voice calm. “I really appreciate the offer, but I’m not interested. I have a lot to finish here.”

The boy’s smile falters a little. “Come on, just a quick coffee. I promise you won’t regret it. It’ll be more fun than any book.”

You shake your head. “I said no. I’m really not interested, sorry.”

His expression falters as he realizes you’re not going to budge. “Alright... guess I misunderstood. My bad.”

He turns and walks away, but just as you’re about to return to your work, you catch sight of a figure standing near the entrance of the library.

Mattheo.

His eyes immediately lock onto you, and you feel a subtle shift in the air as he watches the entire exchange—his gaze flicking to the boy, then back to you. You can see the tension in his posture, a barely-contained reaction to the flirtation that had just taken place.

For a moment, he remains frozen, studying the scene with an intensity that only he could master, his eyes narrowed ever so slightly. Then, without a word, he begins walking toward you.

When he reaches the table, he leans down and murmurs, “That’s my girl.”

You raise an eyebrow, meeting his smirk. “You saw all of that, huh?”

Mattheo’s eyes flash with something dangerously close to pride as he takes the seat beside you. “Of course I did. No one else stands a chance.”

He leans in, his lips grazing your ear as he adds, “You know you’re mine, right?”