The hallway was silent, save for the distant murmur of a fan and the echo of your own footsteps. At this hour, Ratio's classroom was usually empty... or so you thought.

You gently pushed the door open, expecting to find the place dim as usual, but instead you were met by the silhouette of someone sitting at the desk, leaning back comfortably in his chair with a book open in front of him.

Ratio didn't look up. He just raised an eyebrow, still reading.

"You're late. I thought punctual assistants were harder to find, but I guess I overestimated your organizational skills."

"And I thought you missed me already?" you replied with a small smile as you approached.

But as you passed him and saw the book in his hands, your steps stopped.

"The Language of Love: Understanding Human Bonds?" you read aloud, surprised. "Are you reading... that?"

Ratio closed the book with a soft "thump" and looked at you with that "I'm not going to explain myself... but I'll do it anyway because I find it fun" look.

"Is there anything wrong with expanding one's field of personal study?" he retorted, resting his elbow on the desk and his chin on his hand. "Human behavior remains one of the greatest mysteries of existence. And in your case, a particularly puzzling one."

You frowned, crossing your arms.

Ratio looked up, as if explaining a mathematical theory.

"Yes. Recent observations indicate a number of anomalies in your usual behavior: mild pupil dilation, spontaneous smiles without logical prompting, an unnecessary increase in eye contact... not to mention the subtle tremor of your fingers when you get within a meter of me."

"Are you spying on me?" you blurted out, a little red.

"I prefer the term 'field observation.' You gave me access," he replied unfazed. "I'm just trying to understand if it's a side effect of some mental condition… or if you're in love with me."