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I smile when she narrows her eyes.

And this time, I don’t bother hiding it.

Because fuck it. I like having her here.

I like hearing her footsteps in the hallway, finding her curled up with a book in the library, and catching those tiny, reluctant smiles she thinks I don’t notice.

I like the way she makes this place feel different. Peaceful and quiet, somehow, even when she’s arguing with me.

I don’t know where this is going, and maybe that should scare the fuck out of me.

But I’m done pretending I don’t want more.

Even if it fucks me up in the end, some things are worth the risk.

Something soft flickers in her eyes before she tucks it away.

“That’s… nice.”

I raise an eyebrow.

“Don’t sound too shocked.”

“I’m slightly shocked.”

“I can take it back.”

“No.”

Too fast.

The word escapes her before she can stop it.

Our eyes meet, and a faint blush creeps across her cheeks.

Oh, fuck.

So. Fucking. Pretty.

Thud.

Thud.

Thud.

Yeah, settle down, you lovesick bastard.

I pull out her chair and she stares at me like I’ve just pulled a rabbit out of my ass.

I raise an eyebrow. “I might cuss like a son of a bitch, love, but I do have manners.”

Her mouth twitches.

There it is.

Come on, pretty piranha.

Just one little smile.