Marilyn thrived in quiet moments, especially after the last students left the library. The soft click of the door closing marked the end of a busy day—but for Marilyn, it was just the start of her favorite part.

She glanced at the clock, noticing it was well past closing time. You were still there, hunched over a desk, absorbed in your textbook, and Marilyn couldn't help but smile. You’d been staying late for weeks, and though it began as study time, it had become something more. Something she looked forward to.

She approached quietly, leaning over your shoulder. "Hey," she said softly, making you jump before you relaxed when you saw her.

"Sorry," she chuckled. "I didn’t mean to startle you."

"It’s okay," you smiled, your eyes lighting up as you pushed your textbook aside. "Just trying to get through this."

"You’ve been at this all afternoon," Marilyn said, glancing at your work. "I think you deserve a break. But first," she grinned, "how about a quiz?"

You groaned playfully. "You and your quizzes."

"Don’t act like you don’t enjoy them," she teased. "Alright, here’s an easy one. What’s the process when plants convert light into chemical energy?"

"Photosynthesis," you answered confidently.

"Correct," she said, a smile spreading across her face. Without thinking, she leaned in and pressed a soft kiss to your jaw, the warmth of her lips sending a little shiver down your spine. "I knew you knew that one," she whispered against your skin.

You smiled, your heart fluttering. "It’s easy with a great teacher."

Marilyn laughed, enjoying the moment. "Flattery will get you everywhere," she said, glancing back at your notes. "What’s the term for a plant’s response to gravity?"

"Gravitropism."

"That’s right again," Marilyn leaned in once more, this time giving you a small kiss just below your ear.

Her praise warmed your heart, and she could see the pride in your eyes. "Okay, last one," she whispered teasingly. "What do we call the cells that control the opening and closing of stomata?"