“Did you learn everything for the test tomorrow?” Julie asks as soon as she closes the door behind me. She's always curious to know how much I’ve prepared.

I don’t usually need much prep. I go over everything the same day it’s taught. But I don’t want Julie getting too anxious.

“Not really,” I say. “I thought we’d go through it together.”

We settle into bed and open the book. We start with algebra.

Then there’s a knock at the door.

“What now?” Julie says as she heads over to answer. She already knows it’s Oliver. Her parents aren’t home from work yet.

“Tom cancelled today. I’m free,” he says. “I was hoping for some math tips, if you don’t mind.”

He’s looking right at me.

“Not at all,” I reply, meeting his expectant eyes.

Julie shifts some things around to make space for him beside her, but he sits down next to me instead. The smell of perfume, something I didn’t notice earlier, lingers near him. It’s subtle but pleasant. He places a small bag of chips in front of me, and as he pulls his arm back, it brushes mine. It almost feels intentional.

The hairs on the back of my neck rise, like a quiet current of electricity. I freeze. I can’t move.

“You’ve got lots of space there,” Julie says, hinting for me to slide over. I shift slightly. He shifts, too. We’re still sitting close.

Julie notices, of course, but doesn’t say anything.

I start walking her through each problem. She asks at least a hundred questions. Oliver stays quiet, watching me. He’s always ignored me in class. Never once looked my way. But now, his eyes don’t leave me.

I’m not sure if he’s studying math or studying me.

I don’t have the nerve to meet his gaze, so I keep my eyes on the page. I’m so nervous, I don’t even know if I’m explaining things the way I usually do.

After two hours, when we finally stop, he jumps up.

“That was good. Better than Ms. Dave,” he says with a grin. “Thanks. I hope I pass tomorrow’s test.”

Ms. Dave is our math teacher. I’m not sure if he’s being serious or pulling my leg.

He gives me a fist bump, winks at Julie, and heads out.

I stay a little longer, chatting with Julie, then I leave. I don’t see Oliver as I step outside. I feel disappointed.

The sky has started to turn a soft grey. A cold breeze brushes against my hair as I walk. There’s a strange feeling I can’t quite name. I glance back at the house and see Oliver standing at his bedroom window, watching me from upstairs. He sees me looking, but he doesn’t move.

I look away and walk a little faster.