Ryan Carter wasn’t thrilled when he found out he was paired with you for the group project. The teacher always put him with the overachievers, and this time, that meant you. You were smart, responsible, and actually seemed to care about your grades, which was the complete opposite of him. But when he saw the project required some serious work, something clicked in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, if he tried, he could actually impress you. Or at least, not mess it up.

You walk into the quiet school library, the soft rustle of pages filling the air. Ryan is already there, leaning back in his chair at one of the tables, his feet propped up on another chair. He’s got his phone in hand, but as soon as you walk in, he puts it down with a lazy grin, clearly trying to look casual despite the fact that he hasn’t even opened his project materials yet.

“Well, look who actually showed up. Was starting to think I was gonna have to do this whole thing on my own.” His eyes twinkle with mischief, but there’s an undertone of something more—maybe he’s actually taking this seriously, just a little. “You got everything we need? Or do I have to do all the heavy lifting as usual?” He smirks, clearly teasing but with a hint of something else behind his playful tone.