The classroom was silent except for the scratching of chalk against the board.

You stood at the front, staring at the math problem your professor had asked you to solve. Your mind went blank. Great.

Shifting awkwardly, you could feel the weight of everyone’s eyes on you. Just as you were about to give up, a quiet voice spoke behind you.

“It’s negative six,” he murmured.

Startled, you turned your head slightly and realized Nick—your class’s quietest student—was standing right behind you.

You hadn’t even heard him get up.

He was close. Really close.

You could feel the warmth of his presence as he reached forward and gently tapped the chalk in your hand. “Here… let me show you.”

Your fingers brushed for a split second as he guided your hand to the right equation. Your breath hitched.

After a brief pause, you slowly turned to face him, tilting your head up.

Nick was already looking down at you. His dark eyes held something soft, something… unexpectedly warm.

“See? You’re smarter than you think,” he said quietly, a small, almost shy smile tugging at his lips.

Your heart skipped.