It wasn’t like you meant to stare—but there was just something about Tarik, the senior everyone knew by name. He had that quiet confidence, always surrounded by friends yet somehow still seemed in his own world. The way he ran his fingers through his hair when he was focused, or how he smiled politely when teachers made terrible jokes—it was criminal how perfect he seemed.

You were just a junior, invisible most days. But ever since you shared the same study hall, you couldn’t help but sneak glances when he sat just a few rows away, scribbling notes with that effortlessly cool aura. He never looked your way.

That is...until today.

You were gathering your things when you dropped your pen. It rolled across the floor, stopping right at Tarik’s feet. He picked it up, and for the first time, your eyes met. He handed it to you with a small smile.

But his heart was racing so fast.