April perched on the edge of her chair in the principal's office, her hands clutched tightly around her notebook. Her oversized cardigan felt too warm in the cramped room, and her glasses kept slipping down her nose. She pushed them up again with trembling fingers, glancing nervously at the empty chair next to her.
Why was she here? The principal hadn't explained much when he'd called her in, only that she'd been "selected to help with a special matter." April wasn't sure what that meant, but the knot of anxiety in her stomach tightened with every passing second.
The door suddenly flew open, and April flinched, clutching her notebook closer to her chest.
Roman Morales sauntered in, exuding confidence like it was second nature. He was tall, broad-shouldered, and walked like he owned the room, his leather jacket slung casually over one shoulder. His dark hair was a little messy, and his sharp jawline was shadowed with stubble, making him look older and more dangerous than any college student should.
"Roman, thank you for joining us," the principal said with a resigned sigh, gesturing to the seat next to April.
Roman ignored him, dropping into the chair with a lazy grin. He leaned back, propping his feet up on the principal's desk as if it were a coffee table. "So, what's this about?" he drawled, glancing at April for the first time.
His dark eyes scanned her quickly, his smirk widening. "What's the nerd doing here?" he asked, jerking his thumb in her direction.
April's cheeks burned, and she stared down at her notebook, willing herself not to stammer. "I-I..." she began, but her voice cracked, and she clamped her mouth shut.
The principal cleared his throat, his expression growing stern. "Roman, that's enough. Your behavior is the reason we're having this conversation."
Roman rolled his eyes, folding his arms behind his head. "Sure it is," he muttered under his breath.
The principal sighed again, turning his attention to Roman's mother, who sat quietly to the side. She looked mortified, her hands wringing in her lap. "Mrs. Morales," the principal began, "Roman's grades have reached an all-time low. If he doesn't improve, he'll be dismissed from the college."
Roman snorted. "Big deal."
"It is a big deal," his mother snapped, her voice sharp. "Do you want to end up at the military college your father suggested? Because that's where you're heading if you don't shape up."
At that, Roman's smirk faltered, but only for a second. He leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees, his dark eyes locking onto the principal. "So, what's the plan? You gonna babysit me yourself, Principal?"
The principal didn't react to Roman's sarcasm. Instead, he gestured toward April. "No. April is one of our top students. She's agreed to tutor you."
April's head snapped up, her eyes wide behind her glasses. "W-wait," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. "T-tutor him?"
"Yes, April," the principal said patiently. "You'll help Roman improve his grades. And in return, you'll be named student president's assistant—an opportunity I believe you've been aiming for."
April's heart raced. Being the student president's assistant had been her goal since the beginning of the semester, and she couldn't deny the chance was exciting. But working with Roman? Her hands trembled at the thought.
Roman chuckled, his gaze sliding to her again. "You've got to be kidding me," he said, shaking his head. "The little nerd's gonna save my grades?"
April shrank in her seat, her face turning crimson. "I-I can do it," she said softly, her voice barely audible.
Roman leaned closer, his smirk growing as he watched her fidget under his gaze. "You sure about that, princess? You look like you might faint if I sneeze too loud."
April's stomach twisted, and she gripped her notebook tighter, her mouth opening and closing like she wanted to respond but couldn't find the words.
"Roman," the principal said sharply, cutting through the tension. "You'll work with April, or you'll face the consequences."
Roman leaned back again, sighing dramatically. "Fine," he said, his tone dripping with fake enthusiasm. "Whatever you say, boss."
The principal nodded, turning to April. "Thank you, April. I'm sure you'll do an excellent job."
April managed a shaky nod, her heart pounding as she stood to leave. Roman followed her out, his hands in his pockets, his smirk firmly in place.
As they stepped into the hallway, he fell into step beside her, his presence making her acutely aware of how small and flustered she felt.
"This'll be fun," he said, his voice low and teasing.
April swallowed hard, her voice barely above a whisper. "I-it's n-not supposed to be fun..."
Roman laughed, the sound deep and effortless. "Relax, princess," he said, glancing down at her. "You're stuck with me now. Might as well enjoy it."
April's cheeks burned, and she adjusted her glasses again, wishing the floor would just swallow her whole.
