The library was nearly empty, save for a few scattered students buried in their books. The overhead lights cast a dim glow over the long wooden tables, the quiet hum of the air conditioning the only sound breaking the silence.
Candice sat cross-legged on the cushioned chair, her laptop open in front of her, notebooks sprawled across the table. A deep sigh left her lips as she ran a hand through her hair, frustration creeping in as she stared at the unreadable equations on her screen.
Across from her, Nick leaned back in his chair, casually flipping through a textbook, looking far too relaxed for someone who had just as much work to do. He glanced up from his book and smirked.
"You look like you're about to throw your laptop out the window," he teased.
Candice groaned, rubbing her temples. "I might if this formula doesn't start making sense."
Nick leaned forward, resting his forearms on the table. "Alright, let's see."
He pulled her notebook toward him, his fingers brushing hers for the briefest second. Candice's breath hitched, but she quickly masked it by shifting in her seat, pretending to adjust her laptop.
Nick grabbed a pen and scribbled something next to her equation. "You're overcomplicating it. See here?" He pointed to a section of her notes. "You just need to substitute this value here, and it cancels out."
Candice leaned in closer, their shoulders nearly touching as she followed his explanation. She could feel the warmth radiating from him, his voice low and patient as he walked her through the problem.
"Oh," she murmured, blinking as realization dawned. "That actually makes sense."
Nick grinned. "Told you. You just needed the 'Nick Carter Exclusive Tutoring Session.'"
She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile playing on her lips. "Don't flatter yourself."
He leaned back, crossing his arms. "Hey, if it helps, I'm willing to take payment in the form of coffee."
Candice scoffed. "You literally drink coffee like it's water. You don't need any more."
"Correction—I always need more," Nick countered. "And besides, if we're pulling an all-nighter, we're gonna need something to keep us awake."
Candice glanced at the time on her laptop screen and sighed. "Ugh. It's already past midnight. Why did I think studying this late was a good idea?"
Nick smirked. "Because I told you I'd be here, and you secretly enjoy my company."
She froze for half a second before quickly masking it with a scoff. "In your dreams."
Nick chuckled but didn't push it further. Instead, he reached into his backpack and pulled out a granola bar, unwrapping it before breaking off a piece and holding it out to her.
Candice hesitated. "What's this?"
"Your midnight survival snack," he said matter-of-factly. "You've barely eaten anything, and if you pass out on me, I'll have to drag your unconscious body out of here, which—no offense—sounds like too much work."
Candice huffed but took the piece from him anyway, popping it into her mouth. "You're so dramatic."
Nick just grinned, watching her as she chewed. His gaze lingered for a moment longer than necessary before he cleared his throat and looked back down at his textbook.
After another hour, Candice stifled another yawn. Nick noticed and smirked. "Tired?"
"No," she mumbled, rubbing her eyes.
YOU ARE READING
Stole My Heart 💕
Short StoryNick raised an eyebrow, then pointed at her before jerking his head toward the door, a silent command. She hesitated, clearly unsure if he was addressing her. He gave a firm nod to confirm. Without another word, he turned on his heel and strode out...
