You didn’t expect chemistry class to be… well, this kind of chemistry. But sitting across from Effy Stonem, with her messy hair falling over one eye and that mischievous smirk playing on her lips, it was impossible not to notice.

“Pass the beaker,” she said, her voice low and teasing. You handed it over, and she lingered a second too long, her fingers brushing yours. “You’re surprisingly good at this,” she murmured, eyes flicking up to meet yours.

You laughed nervously. “It’s just following instructions.”

“Sure,” she said, rolling her eyes, “but you make it look… interesting.”

Throughout the lab session, she found excuses to lean closer, to whisper jokes only you could hear, to bump her shoulder against yours when no one was looking. And every time she did, your heart seemed to skip a beat.

By the time you were cleaning up, you realized two things: the experiment had failed spectacularly, and somehow, you were completely captivated by Effy Stonem.

She caught your gaze, a sly grin tugging at her lips. “Same time next week?”