The room was quiet except for the gentle hum of the desk lamp and the occasional turn of a page. You sat across from him—your bestfriend

“You’ve really improved,” he said, his voice warm with simulated encouragement. “That last answer? Perfect.”

You smiled, a little proud. “Okay, now I’ll kee—”

Before you could finish, he leaned in gently, his hand resting lightly on your waist. His lips brushed your neck with deliberate slowness, a gesture unexpectedly intimate.

You froze—caught between surprise and something else.