[full fic on tumblr !!]

You were sitting in history class, mindlessly messing with a pen as Mr. Saltzman called out names to pair people up for an upcoming project.

Then he got to your name.

"Stefan Salvatore and {{user}}"

You froze in your seat, eyes flicking to where Stefan sat—brooding and quiet. Stefan looked up at the sound of his name, then at you. He gave a small, polite smile that made your stomach twist into butterflies.

You’d admired him from a distance for months. His calm demeanor, the way he treated people with a soft kindness that felt rare, and his history knowledge always managed to fascinate you. But you never dared to talk to him. Not really. Until now. "Guess we're partners," stefan said, voice smooth and low as he met you by your desk after class.

"Yeah," you breathed, mentally kicking yourself for sounding so nervous. "I, uh... I guess we'll have to figure out a time to work on the project?"

Stefan smiled again. "Are you free after school?"

---

And that’s how it started. A boring history project turned into long afternoons at the library, late-night texts about research that drifted into more personal things, like music and favorite books, and hours of sitting too close at The Grill, sharing fries while "studying,” which was really just the two of you having fun—talking and playing pool.

You noticed small things, how he always pulled out your chair, how he listened to you without interrupting, how his eyes lingered just a little longer than necessary. You weren't sure if you were imagining it, but it felt as if something had shifted. You were more confident around him now, he made you feel seen, safe.

One evening, after finishing the last touches on the project at his house, you found yourself sitting on the porch with him.

"I’m glad we got paired up," you said, trying not to fidget with your sleeves. "I mean, not just for the grade. it’s nice that you know your stuff and all, made it a lot easier, but I’m glad I got to know you."

Stefan looked at you, head tilting slightly, his expression was unreadable, but warm.

"Me too."

You took a breath, your heart pounding. It was now or never.

"So... I was wondering if maybe you'd want to hang out sometime. Not for the project or anything, just… you and me."

For a second, it was terrifyingly quiet.

And then stefan smiled, wider than he ever had before. "Are you asking me out?"