Kasper sat slouched in his seat, trying to hide his disinterest in the lecture on the decline of democratic systems. His blonde hair fell in messy waves over his forehead, and he absentmindedly pushed it back, only to have it fall again seconds later. But honestly, the lecture wasn't the problem. His focus had nothing to do with politics, history, or anything remotely academic at all. It was all about you.

You were standing at the front of the room, voice smooth but commanding, lecturing about the stability of governments, your body language so poised it made him forget the world around him. God, you've got this power over everyone. He had to admit it: you were captivating. Every move you made, every flick of your hair or that light gleam in your eyes, it was like some kind of spell you cast without even trying.

He watched you speak, so effortlessly composed, and then his gaze flickered to the idiot in the front row, Lucas. Of course, the one time Kasper wasn't paying attention, Lucas had to open his mouth.

What a fucking idiot.

Lucas raised his hand, that smug shit of a grin plastered across his face like he had some brilliant, original thought. The kind that made everyone else in the class groan inwardly, but no one would dare say anything. Kasper rolled his eyes and leaned forward slightly, glancing at his best friend, Tyler, sitting next to him.

Tyler, a lanky guy with a mop of messy brown hair, shot Kasper a knowing glance as Lucas began his usual act.

"You seriously dragged me into this class for this?" Tyler whispered, his voice a mixture of disbelief and amusement.

Kasper couldn't help but grin. "It's a Political Science class. You said you wanted to 'expand your intellectual horizons,'" he mocked Tyler's voice. "And here we are, the brilliant minds of Greyford University, sitting in a lecture where half the class doesn't even know what a democracy is."

Tyler snorted, shaking his head. "I swear, you owe me lunch for this....and a kiss on my bare ass."

Kasper's grin widened. "Deal...—wait what the fuck?'' Kasper shot Tyler a glare but only quietly laughed and nudged his friend to the side.

What a pair we make, Kasper thought to himself. I'm here because I need to pass this class to avoid my mom's disappointed face among other more obvious things, like you... and I'm dragging him along because he thinks 'it's important to get the full college experience,' whatever the hell that means.

Lucas, meanwhile, hadn't noticed the side commentary, continuing to pose his question. His voice droned on, the kind of tone that grated on everyone's nerves. You didn't flinch. You didn't even bat an eye. You just shot him down in the most casual yet perfectly sharp way possible, as if you did this every day. And maybe you did. It wasn't like you had any real competition for the top spot in this class.

Fuck, you're so amazing, Kasper thought, watching you. If I were Lucas, I'd have probably just walked out by now.

Tyler nudged Kasper. "Dude, why do you look like you're about to climb over the desk and fight him yourself?"

Kasper blinked, his attention snapping back to Tyler. "What? Oh... shit, sorry. Was just thinking." He leaned back in his chair, his arms crossed. "Don't get me started on Lucas. That guy's like a cockroach in this class. Doesn't know when to quit."

Tyler snickered. "He doesn't get it, does he? I swear, you and I could've made a better argument in five minutes, and he's out here acting like he's got the cure for democracy's problems."

Kasper shook his head. "Honestly, I don't know why you're surprised. The guy thinks wearing a blazer to class is going to make him a political genius."

The room was still, as you took the floor again, slicing through Lucas's "question" with precision, your voice like a dagger wrapped in silk. Kasper grinned, watching Lucas squirm in his seat. There's no way you don't know how much you just destroyed him. Probably did it on purpose.

He shifted in his seat again, his thoughts racing, unable to stop himself from thinking about you—how you held yourself, how you effortlessly commanded attention. He hated that he felt this way.

You're not like the others. You don't need me watching your every move, you dumbass. You're older, way more mature, you've got your shit together. You're out of my league, you lovesick idiot, Kasper told himself.

Tyler let out a dramatic sigh. "If you keep staring at her like that, she's going to think you're some kind of stalker. Get a grip, man."

Kasper shot him an amused but warning look. "Shut up. I'm not staring at her like that. She's just... fascinating."

Tyler raised an eyebrow, snorting. "Yeah, sure, Kasper. Just be careful you don't trip over your tongue while you're ogling her."

Kasper huffed, rolling his eyes. "Halt die Klappe, du Depp."

Tyler blinked. "The fuck did you just say? Bro, stop with the German. It's stressing me out—."

Your voice cut through the air, announcing the end of the class. People were gathering their things, but Kasper barely moved. He waited for the moment when everyone would rush out and you would be left alone at your desk for a few brief seconds. He had no idea what he was going to say yet, but he needed to make his move. Needed to... apologize to you for Lucas.

"Alright, man. I'm out. I'm gonna grab a coffee or something," Tyler said, standing up and slinging his bag over his shoulder. "You coming?"

Kasper stood, but his eyes were already glued to you. You've got that look again... like you're waiting for something. Or maybe you're just trying to survive Lucas. But either way...

"Nah. I've got something to do," he muttered, already making his way toward the front of the room.

"Yeah, sure. Whatever you say, Captain Subtlety," Tyler called after him, laughing under his breath.

Kasper didn't respond. His heart was pounding in his chest as he finally made his way to your desk, Lucas nowhere to be found, mercifully. He took a breath, straightening up. The words were on the tip of his tongue, but he was struggling to find the right way to start.

"Hey, uh... I just wanted to apologize for that guy's behavior," he muttered, hands shoved deep into his pockets. "Lucas is... well, an idiot. He thinks challenging everyone's opinions makes him look smart. But he's just—well, you get it."

He hesitated, suddenly unsure if he was overstepping or just making an idiot of himself. But he wasn't going to walk away without at least giving you some kind of explanation. You deserved better than to have some jackass keep bothering you.

"So, uh... I noticed you didn't bring coffee to class today, like you usually do..." Shit. Now you're probably thinking I'm some kind of creep, paying attention to your every move. But I do— God, I'm digging myself deeper.

He quickly cleared his throat, his voice dropping awkwardly. "I mean, uh, I just thought I'd mention it because... well, it's like your thing, right? Coffee every class, always." Fuck. You definitely think I'm weird now.

He shifted his weight on his feet, struggling to keep his voice steady. "Anyway... I kind of need help with the assignment. So, um... how about I buy you coffee, and you can help me figure out where I went wrong? No pressure, professor... just a thought, really." His words tumbled out in a flustered blur, and for a second, he couldn't bring himself to look you in the eye.

Scheiße! You fucking idiot. She's gonna think you're just asking her out or something. God, I'm so bad at this.

He ran a hand through his hair, cursing himself silently. Focus, Kasper. You just need to get through this without sounding like a goddamn fool.