After the flurry of lunchtime drama, I half–expected Elias Vale to disappear into the orbit of his own social galaxy. Instead, that afternoon, I found a neatly folded note tucked into my chemistry textbook:
Callie, want to review for tomorrow's quiz? Library, 5 PM. –E
My stomach did a celebratory flip. A private study session with Elias—was this real life? I spent the rest of the day in a daze, my notes practically memorized but my heart racing at the thought of seeing him again.
At precisely 4:59 PM, I slipped into the hushed grandeur of the St. Vincent library. Rows of mahogany shelves towered above me, shafts of late-afternoon sun slicing through stained‑glass windows. Elias was already there, sprawled at a round table with open textbooks and a thermos of coffee beside him.
He looked up, offered a shy smile, and gestured to the empty chair. "Hey, Callie. Ready?"
"Absolutely," I said, collapsing into my seat and immediately knocking over my water bottle. I scrambled to catch the spill, cheeks flaming. Elias leaned over, helping me steady the bottle. "You okay?" he whispered, genuine concern in his eyes.
I nodded, mortified. "I'm fine. Just… enthusiastic.
As we quizzed each other on molecular bonds and reaction equations, our conversation flowed effortlessly. Until footsteps approached.
"Elias? There you are!" came a singsong voice. I looked up to see Victoria Chen—member of the student council, head cheerleader, and unofficial "Elias fan club" president—striding toward us. Her perfectly styled ponytail swished as she stopped right beside our table.
"Oh, I didn't know you were studying together," she chirped, flashing me a too‑bright smile. "Mind if I join? I was hoping Elias could help me, too."
Elias closed his notebook politely. "Actually, Vic, we've got a lot to cover. Maybe another time?"
Victoria's smile faltered. "Sure… but don't forget, group study is more fun with three." She lingered for a moment, then turned on her heel and stalked off, head held high.
We exchanged a look. "She doesn't seem happy," I murmured.
"Let's just get back to acids and bases," Elias said with a small laugh. "I'd rather focus on our quiz than a cheer routine."
We stayed until nearly six, our quiet camaraderie only broken by the occasional librarian shush. At one point, Elias explained a tricky thermodynamics problem by sketching diagrams in my notebook, his hand brushing mine. My heart did that flip again.
When the sun dipped below the rooftop skyline, we packed up. Outside, a crisp breeze ruffled my hair.
"Thanks for studying with me," Elias said, voice soft.
I shrugged, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. "I should be thanking you for saving me from Vic's… enthusiasm."
He laughed, eyes bright. "Come on, you did great tonight. You could teach me a thing or two."
I blinked. "Me? Teach you?"
"Yeah," he said, stepping closer so I could see the sincerity in his gaze. "You make even a terrible topic like chemistry feel… fun."
I felt warmth bloom in my chest. "I'm glad."
He offered his hand. "Walk you home?"
As we strolled across the quad, under a sky heavy with stars, I realized that this—us, here—was something neither of us expected. Chemistry might be a test in the morning, but tonight felt like discovering a bond far stronger than any formula could explain.