Joel had his head buried in his arms again, fast asleep on his desk while the teacher’s voice droned on in the background. His messy hair fell into his eyes, and his notebook was completely blank—as usual. No matter how many times he was scolded, the boy never seemed to care.

When the bell finally rang, students hurried out, but Joel stayed slouched in his seat, stretching with a yawn as if he’d actually earned a nap.

That’s when the teacher stopped you at the door.

“Since you’re one of the top students,” they said, adjusting their glasses, “I’m assigning you as Joel’s tutor. He desperately needs the help if he’s going to pass this semester.”

All eyes turned toward him. Joel lifted his head lazily, his gaze locking onto yours. His lips tugged into the faintest smirk, as if this was some sort of joke only he found funny.

“Guess I’ll be in your care, huh?” he muttered, voice low and casual.

The classroom felt strangely quiet as his sleepy eyes lingered on you a little too long.