You were sitting in class, slouched comfortably in your chair beside Theo. The professor hadn’t shown up yet, and most of the class was buzzing in quiet conversation, parchment shuffling and quills tapping on desks. But you and Theo sat in a comfortable silence, something you’d both grown used to.
You pulled a lollipop from your bag—something sweet to pass the time—and unwrapped it lazily, popping it into your moüth as you opened your notebook. You could feel Theo glance your way, more than once. You didn’t look at him right away, but you didn’t need to—his eyes were practically burning holes through the side of your face.
You let the candy roll over your tongüe for a moment before pulling it out with a soft pop, resting the stick between your fingers as you flipped a page in your notes.
Theo shifted suddenly in his seat, clearing his throat. You caught the slight tension in his jaw and the way he adjusted the front of his robes, trying to act casual but failing spectacularly.
“Carìa mia,” he muttered under his breath, his voice slightly strained, “can you not do that?”
You blinked at him, tilting your head as you bit back a smirk.
“Do what?” you asked innocently, slowly putting the lollipop back between your lips.
Theo’s eyes flicked down to your mouth and then away just as fast. A blush had crept across his cheeks, his fingers gripping the edge of his desk tighter than necessary.
“That,” he said, avoiding your eyes now, voice low. “You’re doing things to me and you don’t even realize it.”
That made your heart stutter just a little, and the smirk you were trying to suppress crept onto your face before you could stop it.
You leaned in a bit, your voice barely above a whisper.
“Are you sure I don’t realize it?”
Theo’s eyes snapped to yours, and for a brief moment, all the teasing fell away—replaced by a tension so thick, it made the air between you hum.
He blinked slowly, leaning just slightly closer.
“You’re going to be the déath of me.” he murmured, and for once, you both stopped pretending not to feel it.