Her scholarship, His heart

library at 4pm

CHAPTER 4: LIBRARY AT 4PM

4pm. Royal Crest Academy Library.

It was empty. Just rows of books, AC humming, and the smell of old paper.

Amina was 10 minutes early. She sat at the back table with her Chemistry textbook and a notebook. Her hands were sweating.

What if he doesn’t come?

What if this is a joke?

The door opened.

Damian walked in. No uniform blazer. Sleeves rolled up. Hair a little messy. He had two books and a lab kit in his hands.

"You came," he said.

"You said 4pm," Amina replied. "I’m never late."

Damian smiled and sat across from her. "Good. Because Chemistry waits for no one."

He pushed one book toward her. "Organic Chemistry. And this..." He pulled out test tubes, chemicals, small burners. "Practical."

Amina blinked. "We’re doing lab here?"

"Library is quiet. No one will disturb us." He started setting up. "Your practical scores are 40%. You need 70% to keep your scholarship."

Amina’s stomach dropped. "How did you—"

"I told you. I read your file." Damian looked up. "I’m not trying to embarrass you. I’m trying to help."

For the next hour, Damian taught her.

Not like a teacher. Like someone who actually cared if she understood.

"See this? This is how you test for chloride ions." He guided her hand to hold the test tube. His fingers brushed hers. "Steady. Don’t shake."

Amina’s face went red. "I got it."

"