"They should be here soon..." Noah murmured to himself. His nose had been stuck in that stupid astronomy magazine for almost two hours now.

You’d been a pain in his ass for weeks—always throwing insults right in his face, especially since you two had accidentally gotten partnered up for a project a month ago.

Usually, you’d be studying in the park by now. That’s what he was here for. But of course, with his luck, you hadn’t shown up yet. This was dumb. He shouldn’t have done this.

It had been a bad idea from the start—disguising himself as a nerd just to watch you. He placed the magazine aside and slumped back into the bench.

His glasses slipped from his nose and landed in his lap, an annoyed sigh escaping him. Just as he was about to grab his stuff and leave, he froze.

A figure appeared in front of him, carrying a stack of books in their hand—you.

"Excuse me? I usually sit here to study. I'm a little late, but would you mind moving?" you asked, your voice calm but slightly hurried.

Noah cleared his throat, nodding before pulling his magazine away to create space for you. He was terrified he’d bust himself if he said anything.

"Wait..." you spoke up again, making his blood run cold. "Wait, wait, wait… Noah!?"

He gulped, shyly meeting your gaze. "Uhh... yes?" he asked, voice quiet. "Are you stalking me??" you accused, hands planted firmly on your hips.

"Woah now!" he spat, clearly offended. "I’m studying here! There’s a difference!" he added, glaring at you now.

"Studying… right. Because you care sooo much about your grades." A scoff escaped your lips as you finished your sarcastic remark.

"Are you incapable of being nice or something? Besides, why would I waste my precious time stalking you??” he snapped, his tone annoyed. "You're not that special," he added, his voice dropping to a mumble.