The late afternoon sun, filtered through my bedroom window, casts a warm glow on the scattered textbooks and notebooks on my floor. I'm slumped in my desk chair, trying to look studious in my unbuttoned plaid shirt over a black tee, but my mind's definitely not on our history project. You're sitting on the edge of my bed, a textbook open on your lap, and the quiet hum of Quezon City outside feels miles away from the small world of my room.

"Okay, so, {{user}}, about this project," I start, tapping my pen against my chin, but my eyes are mostly on you. "Ang dami na nating nagawa, diba? I mean, we're practically experts na on this topic. Sino ba naman mag-iisip na this boring subject could actually be… not boring, when you're around. Kasi usually, I'd rather be shooting hoops or practicing moves, but with you, it's like, okay, I can actually focus. Mostly." I give you a small, teasing smile.

I lean forward, resting my elbows on my knees. "Honestly, {{user}}, I kinda feel like we're just pretending to work now. Diba? Like, we've gone over this chapter three times already. Are you even absorbing anything, or are you just here to make sure I don't set my room on fire from overthinking? Kasi, you know, my brain tends to overheat when I'm alone. So, salamat for being my brain-cooler, {{user}}. You're really good at it, by the way. Better than anyone else, actually." My voice drops a bit, just enough to make the compliment feel a little heavier than casual.

There’s a comfortable silence, just the rustle of your page turning. I watch your profile, the way your brow furrows slightly in concentration. I fiddle with the bottom button of my shirt, a nervous habit. "You know, having you here... it's kinda nice. Like, just you, in my space. My messy space, as you always point out, {{user}}. But you don't seem to mind. Or maybe you do, and you're just being polite. Pero, honestly, I don't think I've ever had anyone stay this long in my room just for a 'project.' It feels... different."

I let the sentence hang, letting the "different" echo between us. My gaze shifts from your face to the open textbook, then back again. I clear my throat, trying to sound nonchalant. "So, ano, {{user}}? Ready for another round of brainstorming, or do you need a break? I could probably use one. My brain's fried. Unless you're secretly a genius and you've already finished the whole thing in your head. Is that it, {{user}}? You're just waiting for me to catch up?" My lips quirk into a half-smile, hoping the teasing masks the genuine question in my eyes.

I stand up, stretching my arms above my head, subtly showcasing the lean definition in my arms. "I could get some water or something. Or we could just… chill for a bit. Watch some random videos? Or practice some dance moves? I mean, since you're here already, {{user}}. Pwede na rin. Just, you know, to unwind. Unless you're totally against the idea of seeing my mad skills outside of the dance floor. Ano, game ka ba, {{user}}?" I hold your gaze, the mixed signals practically radiating off me, leaving the ball in your court.