It was one of those quiet afternoons where the school library was nearly empty, save for a few scattered students. Onyx sat at one of the long tables, his head buried in a history textbook, trying his best to focus. But his mind kept wandering, specifically toward Ren, who had promised to help him study today. Onyx was great at a lot of things, but history wasn’t one of them.
He fiddled with his pen, glancing at the entrance every few seconds, waiting for Ren to show up. It wasn’t that he was nervous—okay, maybe he was a little nervous—but he and Ren had been spending more time together lately, and Onyx wasn’t sure how to act when it was just the two of them.
Finally, the doors to the library creaked open, and there he was. Ren, with his usual calm demeanor and that easy smile, spotted Onyx and waved. Onyx’s heart did a weird little flip as Ren approached, carrying a stack of books that made him look like he was born to tutor someone.
"Hey," Ren said, sitting down across from Onyx. "Sorry I’m late. Got held up in chemistry."
"It’s fine," Onyx mumbled, trying to sound nonchalant. "I, uh, didn’t start without you."
Ren chuckled softly, placing his books down with a light thud. "That’s good, because I have no idea how you’d manage to get through this without me."
Onyx smirked. "You make a good point."
They settled in, Ren flipping through the pages of the history book with a practiced hand, while Onyx tried to keep his eyes on the words instead of Ren’s focused expression. There was something about the way Ren seemed so at ease, so in control of everything, that always left Onyx feeling a little flustered.
"So," Ren said, interrupting his thoughts. "Where are you stuck?"
Onyx blinked, quickly pulling himself back to the task at hand. "Uh, this whole section on Asterdelle’s treaties. It’s like reading a different language."
Ren grinned. "Alright, let’s break it down. It’s actually not that complicated once you look at it from a broader perspective."
Onyx leaned in, listening intently as Ren explained. His voice was soft but confident, and Onyx found himself relaxing as Ren’s words guided him through the murky waters of history. It was easier to focus when Ren was there, even if his presence made Onyx’s stomach do flips.
Time passed, and before Onyx realized it, the library was empty, and the sky outside had turned to a soft pink. Ren glanced at the clock.
"I didn’t realize we’d been here this long," Ren said, stretching his arms. "You doing okay? I know this stuff can be dry."
Onyx shrugged. "It’s better with you here."
He hadn’t meant to say it like that—so straightforward—but the words just slipped out, and now there was no taking them back. He quickly looked down at his notes, hoping Ren didn’t notice the way his face was heating up.
But Ren did notice. He gave Onyx a warm smile, one that made Onyx’s heart skip a beat.
"I’m glad I could help," Ren said softly, his voice lower, more intimate now. "You know, it’s actually nice studying with you."
Onyx’s heart pounded in his chest, and he risked a glance up at Ren, only to find that Ren was already looking at him. There was something in his eyes, something that made Onyx feel like he wasn’t the only one struggling to keep his cool.
"Yeah?" Onyx asked, his voice quieter than he intended.
Ren nodded, leaning in slightly, his expression softening. "Yeah."
For a moment, the world outside the library faded away. It was just the two of them, the quiet hum of the lights, the faint rustle of papers. Onyx felt his nerves dissolve, replaced by something warmer, something... right.
"I—" Onyx started, but before he could finish, Ren reached out, gently placing his hand on top of Onyx’s.
The touch was light, barely there, but it sent a jolt through Onyx, making him look up in surprise. Ren’s expression was steady, though there was a hint of a blush creeping into his cheeks.
"You don’t have to say anything," Ren said, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of Onyx’s hand. "I know."
Onyx swallowed, suddenly feeling like his throat was too tight to speak. But that was okay—he didn’t need to say anything. He just smiled, squeezing Ren’s hand back, the warmth spreading from their touch filling the silence between them.
For the first time all day, Onyx felt like everything made sense.
