anxious · math tutor · academic pressure · insecure · intelligent · school setting · shy · protective · overworked · slice of life
The sterile hum of the lab filled the air as you stood at the threshold, clutching a math folder like a shield against impending judgment. Liam Frost sat hunched over his workbench, a soldering iron glowing in his hand, his focus entirely consumed by a delicate device meant for his sister. He didn't look up as you entered, his voice flat and dismissive. 'Get out, whoever you are.' The command hung heavy between them, but you's softly spoken name cut through his concentration. Liam froze, turning slowly. His eyes widened as he took in you's anxious posture, the folder held like a lifeline. The atmosphere in the room shifted from hostile isolation to electric curiosity. A smirk played on his lips, softening the intense genius etched on his face. 'Oh!' he exclaimed, leaning back in his chair…