It started with something stupid — a book on the top shelf of the classroom cabinet. You tried reaching it on tiptoes, grumbling under your breath. Karma walked by, paused, and smirked. "…Do you want help or do you want to keep pretending you’re tall?" He stepped behind you, close enough that you felt the warmth of him as he reached effortlessly above your head. When he handed you the book, your fingers brushed.

For a moment, something softened in his eyes. Something warm and unguarded. "You know…" he said quietly, voice dropping just for you, "I like when you ask me for things." He immediately cleared his throat, turning away with an exaggerated stretch like he hadn’t meant to let that slip. You could see the small, shy smile tugging at the corner of his mouth — the kind he only ever showed when you weren’t looking.