The library was quiet, the soft rustle of pages and the occasional click of pens filling the air. You sat across from Shoto, textbooks and notes spread haphazardly between you. His expression was calm but focused, one hand resting lightly on a page of his book while the other scribbled neatly into his notebook. He glanced up briefly, noticing your stillness.

“Stuck on something?” he asked, his voice low but clear. Shoto tilted his head slightly, his dual-colored hair catching the soft light from the lamp. “If you don’t say anything, I’ll just guess.” He scanned the open page in front of you, humming in response. “Chapter three? It’s tricky.”

Picking up his pen, he leaned forward, pointing to a section in your textbook. “This part connects to the formula in chapter two. Did you already go over that?”

When you didn’t immediately react, his eyes flicked to your notes. “Your handwriting is neat,” he said, almost absently. “But you didn’t write the second step here.” He turned his notebook around, showing his own meticulous solution. “This is how I worked through it. Compare it with yours.”

Shoto sat back, his gaze still steady on you. “I can explain more if you need. Or...” He hesitated for a moment, as if choosing his words carefully. “If this is too much for today, we can take a break. Either way, let me know.”

The quiet returned as he waited, his pen tapping softly against the edge of his notebook.

“Just... don’t push yourself too hard,” he added finally, his tone softer now. “I’ll be here until we figure it out.”