Silence stretched on for a few seconds, and sweat began to bead on Marcus' forehead. Suddenly, he forced a grin. "Um… Sabrina? Could we study together?"

Damn! Who even taught him to smile like that? I had never seen anyone try this hard before.

When I still didn't respond, Marcus started panicking, and his hands trembled.

I'd had enough of watching him look like he was about to suffocate, so I finally spoke. "Of course! I'd love to, Mr. Perfect! Studying with you would be a dream come true!"

I showered him with praise, practically putting him on a pedestal. Instead of looking flattered, Marcus got even more awkward.

"I-I'll see you at the library after school," he stammered.

Having said that, he spun on his heel and bolted, panic clear in every step.

…

I hummed a little tune as I walked into the classroom, feeling like I had just won the lottery.

Valerie was already there. When she saw me, she handed me a small bag of cookies. "Sabby, I baked these last night and saved them just for you."

I was so touched.

"Oh, sweetie! I'll love you forever!" I squealed.

Strangely, ever since Caleb and Valerie reunited, she hadn't shown any reaction. When he brought up the past, she said lightly, "I don't really remember. But meeting you now isn't so bad."

Valerie was cold toward Caleb, as though he were a stranger. Yet, she was glued to me.

She had to sit next to me at lunch, follow me to the water fountain, and even insisted on tagging along to the bathroom.

When I told her she smelled good, she grabbed my wrist and pressed it against hers. "There, you can have a bit too."

I complimented her looks, and she yanked me close, making me look at her properly. "What's pretty? Be specific."

I said her skirt looked nice, and the very next day, I found a matching one in my backpack.

Goodness! If I didn't know she was completely straight, I'd think she was flirting with me. The whole teasing routine she pulled off was seriously lethal. I nearly switched sides on the spot.

I was completely oblivious to Caleb sitting right behind me. When I was about to press the cookies into Valerie's hand, he kicked my chair and snapped, "Are you trying to starve me?"

I shot upright, frantically fishing a sandwich from my bag. "Babe, the egg is cooked just right, tons of ketchup, and no lettuce. Just the way you like it."

He hummed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. That was approval enough.

After that, I turned back and handed Valerie the cookies.

"Here, these are yours," I said with a smile.

She beamed as she took them. In the next instant, she leaned in to kiss me.

I laughed and leaned back, narrowly avoiding her kiss.

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Caleb in the back row. His face clouded over with anger, and I sat up straight, my heart skipping a beat.

What if he thought I was trying to make a move on Valerie? Then, the whole matchmaking plan would be ruined.

I couldn't afford to let anything go wrong.

…

I spent the entire day on edge. When the last bell finally rang, I grabbed my bag and made a beeline for the library.

Our school's crown jewel was the exclusive study room. It featured private cubicles with excellent soundproofing, bright lights, and even ergonomic chairs.

Marcus was the ultimate academic overachiever, and he occupied the largest cubicle.

I hummed a tune as I pushed the door open and immediately spotted him sitting at the desk, his back perfectly straight.

The moment he looked up and saw me, he stiffened. He didn't know what to do with his hands, his legs shifting in and stretching out again. He was so innocent it was almost unreal.

I clicked my tongue softly and strolled over.

As I slid into the chair beside Marcus, my hip brushed lightly against his thigh. His body went rigid instantly, as if he had just been zapped.

I pretended to flip open my book, then sighed. "Oh no. I forgot my pen. Mind lending me one, Mr. Perfect?"

Without saying a word, Marcus handed me a black pen.

I flashed him a sweet smile and reached for it, deliberately letting my fingertips brush against his.

He pulled his hand back immediately, and a flush crept up his ears.

I had heard that Marcus only had eyes for studying and that any woman who came near him would cause him to go completely silent.

I hadn't believed it before. But seeing him now, I wanted to award him for being the world's most uptight guy.

And Caleb actually expected him to flirt with me? That was like asking a wallflower to suddenly become a Casanova.

Oh, Caleb… What kind of confidence did you have to think this was a good idea?

For the rest of the lesson, Marcus explained everything with complete focus, while I watched him just as intently.

When he finally stumbled his way through a problem, I bit the end of my pen, tilted my head, and blinked at him. "Hmm.. I still don't get it. Could you explain it one more time, Mr. Perfect?"

Even I could hardly stand how sweet my voice sounded.

Marcus avoided my gaze and lowered his head. "T-Then I'll explain it again."

Halfway through, I suddenly gave up. I tossed the pen onto the desk and slumped forward, resting my head on my arms.

"I don't feel like studying anymore. I just don't have the energy!" I whined.

Marcus paused with the pen in hand. After a moment's hesitation, he asked, "W-What can I do to get you going?"

That was exactly the question I had been waiting for.

Without warning, I leaned in, so close our noses almost touched. "Wow! Your eyelashes are so long, and your skin is flawless!"

Marcus went rigid, his breath catching as his face flushed bright red. He gripped the corner of his notebook. When he spoke, his voice shook uncontrollably. "D-Don't get so close."

I batted my lashes and replied lightly, "Kiss me, and I'll have the motivation."

My words hit Marcus like a lightning bolt. His head snapped up, and the pen ripped a long line across the page.

"What?" he exclaimed.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I looked at him. "Didn't you ask what you can do to get me going? One kiss, and I'm fully recharged."

He froze completely. His eyes darted around, lashes fluttering behind his glasses. He swallowed hard, yet he couldn't get a single word out. The blush spread from his face to his neck.

Then, as if making a monumental decision, Marcus closed his eyes and forced out a single "Okay".

As he spoke, he leaned in, moving so fast it caught me off guard.

Right as his lips were about to touch mine, I feigned surprise and turned away. His lips brushed lightly against the corner of my mouth.

I immediately covered my mouth and shot to my feet, panicking. "Hey! I was just kidding. You didn't seriously think I meant it, did you?"

Marcus froze in place, completely dumbstruck and at a total loss.

A second later, I leaned in again and pressed my palms together. My eyes sparkled as I begged, "Please don't tell anyone, especially not Caleb!"

We were too close. Marcus couldn't stop his gaze from drifting to my lips. His Adam's apple bobbed before he finally hummed in response.

A sweet smile played on my lips as I slowly leaned closer. Then, I lowered my voice and said, "Thank you."

That seemed to snap Marcus out of his daze.

He jumped up, scooping his books off the desk and cramming them into his bag so messily that two fell to the floor. He even walked out stiffly and nearly tripped over his own feet at the door.

I watched him flee, whistling to myself in delight. Moments later, I glanced down at my phone and changed his contact name to "Pale & Touchy".

Before going to bed, I thoughtfully sent Marcus several flirty emojis. Sleep was probably off the table for him that night.