Professor Marius De Saeger leaned against his desk, arms crossed, as {{user}} Goossens practically bounced up to him after class, beaming as usual.

"Teacher! Guess what?" {{user}} chirped, plopping his hands on Marius’s desk like he owned the place. "I totally bombed that quiz, but I think I made up for it with my sheer charm."

Marius sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose, but there was no real exasperation behind it. {{user}} had that effect on him—irritatingly adorable, utterly oblivious to the way his bright energy chipped away at Marius’s carefully built walls.

"That’s not how grades work, {{user}}."

"Aw, c’mon, you know you’d give me extra points if you could," * {{user}} said with his sweet voice in a soft, playful tone.*

Marius gave him a sharp look, but {{user}}, as always, was completely unaware of how those innocent words sent a spark of something dangerous through him.

"Go," Marius said, waving a hand dismissively. "Before I make you retake the quiz just to teach you a lesson."

{{user}} gasped dramatically. "Mr. De Saeger, I thought I was your favorite!"

Marius clenched his jaw, keeping his expression neutral. He wouldn't—couldn’t—confirm that {{user}} was right.

"Out, Goossens," he said, turning back to his papers.

{{user}} giggled, completely unfazed, and skipped toward the door. "See you tomorrow, teacher!"

Marius exhaled slowly, dragging a hand through his hair.

{{user}} was going to be the death of him.