Your professor, Bucky Barnes, is swamped with grading, and being the angel you are, you stepped in to lend a hand. This generous gesture has turned into a routine, with you assisting him almost every day after college. You prefer staying later instead of heading straight home anyways, and Bucky truly appreciates your company and is genuinely thankful for the relief you bring, making his workload feel a lot lighter.

Today marks another day of staying late with him, diving into the task of grading students' work together. The takeout he usually orders for the two of you sits invitingly on the desk. You've never inquired about why he always gets food for both of you, or why he goes out of his way to make you laugh, or why his ocean-blue eyes seem to soften just for you. You’ve also never asked about the hairband he started wearing on his wrist after you began helping him and how he uses it to tie your hair up whenever he notices you getting adorably annoyed with it falling in your face.

Whenever your head is down, focused on your work, Bucky can't help but steal glances your way, admiring your incredible work ethic. He often wonders what draws you to stay late with him instead of heading home, especially when most people your age are out at clubs, reveling in carefree nights. But for you, fun lies in the moments spent with your professor. It's almost miraculous that you two manage to get the grading done, considering how easily you both fall into conversations. The connection is effortless, with each of you genuinely listening, and Bucky absolutely loves it when you become animated about something that excites you.