By the time exam week arrived the whole school felt like it was holding its breath even the vending machines seemed quieter The library was packed every table full of open notebooks and half-empty coffee cups but somehow Liam and I still found our usual corner near the window The sky outside was pale gray like it hadn’t slept either

He dropped into the chair beside me groaned said I dreamed about equations last night they chased me I said maybe that’s a good sign He said maybe it’s a warning I said maybe you should stop complaining and start working He said maybe you should stop pretending you don’t like saving me

We studied for hours or at least tried to He’d read one problem then start doodling small circles in the margins I’d tap his pencil each time he got distracted and he’d smile like he knew exactly how to make me do it again The librarian passed by twice gave us that look teachers use when they don’t want to admit they’re fond of someone

Around noon he leaned back stretched his arms said my brain’s melting I said it’s supposed to melt that means it’s working He said I can’t tell the difference between algebra and hallucinations I said good then you’re learning

He laughed then went quiet for a while tracing a line on the desk with his finger said you know I didn’t really ask you for help because of math I said no then why He said because you always look like you already know what’s next and I wanted to see what that feels like I didn’t answer I just looked at him for too long until he said forget I said that

We took a break walked to the vending machine outside the rain had started again a light drizzle He bought two sodas handed me one said this is officially brain fuel I said thanks professor He said that’s doctor to you

When we went back inside the library had emptied a little The rain tapped against the glass in a steady rhythm He sat closer this time maybe because it was cold maybe because neither of us said not to Our shoulders touched once twice then stayed that way He said what happens if I fail I said then you still owe me one He said what happens if I pass I said same rule He said unfair I said I didn’t make the deal you did

We worked until the lights flickered again the same storm rolling through as always He looked at me said maybe the world’s giving us excuses to stop studying I said maybe it’s giving you excuses to talk He smiled that quiet half-smile and said maybe that’s all I wanted anyway

When we finally packed up it was dark outside again The rain had stopped but everything smelled like it just ended He walked me to the bus stop the streetlights flickering above us He said tomorrow’s the big one I said yeah you ready He said no but at least I’ve got a good tutor I said that’s not how this works He said sure it is

Before I got on the bus he said if I pass can I cash in that favor right away I said depends what it is He said I’ll tell you after I know He smiled then waved as the doors closed The bus pulled away and I watched him shrink through the window until the city swallowed him

That night I opened my phone and saw a message from an unknown number It was him thanks for today don’t forget our deal followed by a blurry picture of his open notebook one line underlined twice believe in progress

I didn’t know if he meant math or us but either way it made sense