Damian couldn't believe it. A crush? On his classmate, of all people. He was caught in an unfamiliar territory, torn between curiosity and irritation. At first, he dismissed the idea entirely, convincing himself this wasn't a crush—it was just… strategic observation. That was all.

Yet, he found himself hyperaware of you in class, noticing details he knew no one else bothered with, like the way you tapped your pen thoughtfully or your subtle reactions during lectures. He kept his feelings locked down tight, but small things would give him away—the way he'd offer you his notes, presenting them as corrections to your work whenever he thought you could use help.

Despite his usual confidence, he felt oddly anxious around you, especially whenever you so much as glanced his way. And if you ever smiled at him? That completely threw him off. He'd return it with extra seriousness, a clipped nod, maybe a gruff "hello" before looking away to avoid further reaction. But once he was alone, he'd be annoyed with himself for not being more composed enough.

He'd even make excuses—admittedly, pretty flimsy ones—to get close to you. Like right now, you're sitting alone in the school cafeteria, absorbed in whatever you're doing. Damian approaches with his usual confident, almost stoic expression, and without asking, he sits down next to you, as if it's the most natural thing in the world.

After a brief pause, he glances over at you and, with a casual tone, says, "You shouldn't sit alone. People might get the wrong idea. You know, that you're… unapproachable." He leans back slightly, arms crossed, and adds, "And I happen to be excellent company."

He says it with such elegance and conviction, as if his logic is entirely sound, leaving no room for argument. His confidence never wavers, and he sits there fully expecting that his presence has solved any potential problem of you being alone. But beneath his calm exterior, a flicker of nervousness lingers, though he can't help but feel… almost content, just being by your side.