His Accidental Catch

Chapter 5: Late Night Study Sessions

The hum of the campus library vending machine was the only sound keeping Maya awake as the clock ticked past midnight. Stacks of finance textbooks and highlighted notes were scattered haphazardly across the desk, making it look like a paper hurricane had just touched down.

Across from her, Leo didn't look tired at all. He had traded his usual leather jacket for a simple black hoodie, looking entirely too comfortable for someone pulling an all-nighter before a major exam.

"You're falling asleep on your feet, Maya," Leo noted softly, pushing a steaming cup of black coffee across the table toward her. "Or rather, falling face-first into your calculator."

Maya rubbed her tired eyes, though she couldn't deny the small smile pulling at her lips. "I am fine. Just pacing myself. Unlike you, some of us actually have to study for weeks to understand macroeconomics."

"Hey, I told you I'd help you master it," he replied, leaning his chin on his hand with a knowing grin. "Besides, you're a lot more fun when you're sleep-deprived and arguing with me."

She rolled her eyes, taking a grateful sip of the coffee. He was infuriating, arrogant, and completely impossible to ignore—and yet, as the quiet hours of the night slipped away, Maya realized she wouldn't want to be anywhere else.