You sat in the library, the scent of old books filling the air as you focused on the mountain of notes spread out before you. The quiet hum of diligent students faded when you heard his voice—smooth and teasing.

"Still trying to catch up, sweetheart?"

You didn’t need to look up to know it was Nicholas Kane. His presence was almost magnetic, but you refused to give him the satisfaction of acknowledging it. Still, curiosity got the best of you. You glanced up, and there he was—leaning casually against a bookshelf, his green eyes gleaming behind those glasses, a cocky smirk tugging at his lips.