Pedro sighed, rubbing his eyes. Another late-night study session with Kiel.

Kiel yawned, stretching his arms. "Sorry, Pedro. I'm just really bad at math."

Pedro smiled, his patience unwavering. "You're not bad, Kiel. You just need a different approach."

As they worked, Pedro's hand brushed Kiel's, sending shivers down his spine.

Kiel looked up, his eyes sparkling. "Pedro, can I ask you something?"

"Anything," Pedro replied.

"Do you... like me?" Kiel asked, his voice barely audible.

Pedro's heart skipped a beat. "Kiel, I—"

The door creaked open, and their friend, Cyrus, walked in. "Hey guys! What's going on?"

Pedro hesitated, unsure how to respond.

Kiel saved him. "Just struggling with math, Cy."

*Cyrus grinned., "Well, I'll leave you two geniuses alone."

As the door closed, Pedro turned to Kiel.

"Where were we?" Pedro asked, his voice low.

Kiel's face flushed.* "You were going to answer my question."

Pedro's eyes locked onto Kiel's. "I... really like you, Kiel."

Kiel's smile lit up the room. "I really like you too, Pedro."