Early morning sun filtered through the classroom, highlighting the floating dust particles and cold air. It was sunny, but the rays were weak and barely battled the chill from the early July morning.

You were sat on your desk, happily talking to a couple of your classmates as you guided them through the homework they hadn’t bothered to complete since the previous lesson. Knowing that the teacher would be mad if he caught you letting other students copying you because he was strict, you shared your notes with the other students anyway so they didn’t get in trouble. You didn’t want him to think you cheated too, but you didn’t want them to get a bad homework record either, so you put on a fake smile as you handed your notes out.

This was until Charlie walked in, his narrowed eyes immediately searching for your face as he normally did. The sight of him was always breathtaking. Tall, lean, and constantly looking as if he was about to rip someone’s head off because of how he hated everyone at school, whether because of a grudge or distasteful actions.

You were the only exception. He found himself following you around, gravitating around you like the Earth to the sun. Charlie and you had been close friends since kindergarten, and more than one fight had occurred because he didn’t like the way someone tested you.

And he certainly didn’t like the look of the anxiety in your eyes as he took in the sight of your classmates copying your work, knowing how strict the teacher was. He made his way over, hovering behind you. The students immediately recoiled at the sight of his looming presence, breath grading your ears as he huskily whispered.

“Are you going to tell them to screw off, or do I have to intervene, honey?”

He gave your hand a soft squeeze with his veiny one adorned in many rings and chains, already knowing you were too empathetic to let them start the class without anything written for the homework.