The following Saturday, Eli found himself walking toward a small café near the school, the strap of his bag tugging at his shoulder. The sun was gentle that afternoon, warm but not harsh, and the streets buzzed with the lazy rhythm of the weekend. He'd gotten Mina's message that morning—*Sorry, errands today!*—followed by Jace's *Family lunch, can't escape,* and then a chorus of vague "busy" excuses from the rest of the group.
Eli wasn't stupid. He had a sneaking suspicion they'd all plotted this, conveniently leaving him alone with Kai. The thought had his stomach twisting with equal parts nerves and anticipation.
When he pushed open the café door, the soft chime of the bell greeted him, followed by the warm scent of roasted coffee beans and freshly baked bread. The place was cozy—sunlight spilling through wide windows, shelves lined with plants, and the low hum of conversations blending with the clinking of cups.
And there, in a corner by the window, was Kai.
He was already settled, posture relaxed yet composed, a neat stack of notebooks beside a tray carrying two drinks. He looked up as Eli approached, and for some reason, that simple glance felt like it cut straight through the noise of the café.
"You're early," Eli said, sliding into the chair across from him.
Kai's lips curved slightly. "And you're right on time."
Eli's eyes fell to the drink sitting in front of him—an iced latte, condensation beading against the glass. "Did you… order for me?"
"Yeah," Kai replied easily. "I remembered you like it. Less sugar, right?"
The words were simple, but the way Kai's gaze lingered made Eli's chest tighten. He quickly ducked his head, flipping open his notebook as if it held the key to steadying his heartbeat. "We should start. Finals won't wait for us."
They dove into their lessons, the world narrowing to the space between them. Kai's explanations were patient, his voice low and even. Every so often, he would lean over to point out something in Eli's notes, his shoulder brushing against Eli's arm. Each time, Eli's concentration wavered, his thoughts scattering like leaves in the wind.
After an hour, Eli let out a frustrated groan, pressing his fingers against his temples. "I don't get this part. No matter how many times I read it, it doesn't stick."
"Show me." Kai leaned forward, their heads nearly touching as he scanned the page. "You're overthinking. Try it like this." His voice was calm, reassuring, as he guided Eli through the steps slowly, carefully.
When Eli finally solved it correctly, his chest filled with a quiet rush of pride. Kai's smile—warm, genuine—made that pride bloom even more. "See? You can do it."
Eli glanced at him, and for a moment he forgot to breathe. Up close, Kai's expression was softer than usual, almost tender, and Eli felt that strange pull again—the one that blurred the line between his waking life and those unsettling dreams he still couldn't shake.
The café noise seemed to fade, replaced by the sound of his own heartbeat.
"Thanks…" Eli murmured, his voice barely above the hum of the air conditioner. "For always helping me."
Kai's gaze softened even further. "You don't have to thank me." His tone was steady, but there was something beneath it, something Eli couldn't name. "I want to."
Eli's cheeks grew warm. He quickly dropped his eyes back to his notes, pretending to reread the problem. "We… should keep going."
"Mm." Kai leaned back slightly, but that faint smile never left his lips.
They studied until the sunlight outside turned golden, stretching long shadows across the café walls. Eventually, they packed up, the clatter of books and zippers marking the end of their session.
As Eli slung his bag over his shoulder, he realized something had shifted. His notes were clearer, his mind lighter—but it wasn't just the formulas and solved problems that left him feeling better.
It was the quiet comfort of sitting across from Kai.
Just the two of them.
And that thought lingered with him long after he left the café, echoing like an unanswered question in his chest.