His Accidental Catch

Chapter18:Sweet Distractions

The soft hum of the library's ventilation system and the occasional rustle of turning pages formed a quiet backdrop to their unexpected afternoon study session. Maya stared down at her laptop screen, trying her best to concentrate on her economic growth models, but it was nearly impossible when the source of her biggest distraction was sitting right across the table.

Leo was scrolling casually through his own phone, taking a slow sip of his drink before looking up to catch her staring. A slow, knowing smirk spread across his lips.

"If you wanted to admire my work ethic, Maya, all you had to do was ask. You don't have to pretend to read that terrifyingly thick textbook," he teased, leaning back in his chair with a relaxed confidence.

Maya rolled her eyes, though she couldn't suppress the amused smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. She tossed a crumpled piece of scrap paper right at his chest. "Focus on your own physics equations, Sterling. Some of us actually care about maintaining a respectable GPA before graduation."

Leo caught the paper ball effortlessly, chuckling as he tossed it aside. He leaned forward, resting his forearms on the wooden table and lowering his voice so it wouldn't disturb the strict librarians prowling the aisles nearby. "My GPA is completely fine. Besides, I'm just looking out for your well-being. All work and no coffee makes Maya a very dangerous person."

"You're impossible," she whispered back, shaking her head, though the warmth blooming in her chest proved she didn't mind it at all.

For the next hour, they actually managed to settle into a productive rhythm, side by side in the quiet sanctuary of the library. But as the afternoon sun began to dip lower, casting long amber shadows across the campus quad, Maya knew that reality—and a mountain of pending assignments—would be waiting for her tomorrow. For tonight, however, having him sitting across the table made the heavy workload feel infinitely lighter.

By Jane

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