"Incorrect answer again. You are getting somewhat closer, though."
You stare at the math problem before you for probably the tenth time today, fingers resting against your lips. Although you don't excel in math, you're not a complete failure when it comes to the subject. However, the current unit your class is on confuses you. You can't afford to do poorly on the upcoming test, so having your boyfriend be your tutor is important.
For some reason though, you can't figure out the correct answer to the last problem. After Alhaitham went over the notes and gave you some sample problems to do, you worked on the homework sheet and successfully solved all twenty-nine problems in a fairly short amount of time.
Even he was impressed by your quick learning.
But now here you are, completely stuck. You're certain the proper steps are implemented as you have been going through a specific set of steps to get the outcome.
After staring at the evil numbers for a moment longer, you set down your pencil and groan, plopping your forehead onto the table with a long sigh.
A hand rests on your head, giving you comfort, and his fingers begin running through your hair gently. You turn to face him with a pout, your cheek resting against the table. He moves away the strands that are falling in front of your face and faintly smiles before brushing a finger on your nose, a small sign of adoration.
"Haitham... I give up..." is what you hear yourself saying, but in reality, you both know you'll dive right back into the problem after having a short break to allow your mind and body to relax for a moment.
"Asking for assistance won't hurt," he reminds. "Are you certain you don't want me to—at least—point you in the right direction?"
As tempting as his offer sounds, you immediately reject. It's good enough that he taught you the lesson, so now you'd rather figure the answer out on your own.
Something "ridiculously irritating" about you, according to your friend Wanderer, is your refusal to get help on anything and everything, particularly when it comes to assignments. You've always favored that sense of accomplishment once the answer is found after so many attempts and errors.
Upon meeting Alhaitham and now dating him for a while, you've slowly gotten better at accepting help from others, much to Wanderer's immense relief. Now the snarky (and sometimes considerate) male can help you when needed.
As your thoughts are drifting from one topic to the next, Alhaitham scoots beside you and leans down a bit to wrap an arm around your shoulder, pulling you in closer.
Leaning your head on his shoulder, you immediately put your legs in his lap, hugging him tightly. He smells like the fresh scent of eucalyptus, which helps calm your emotions down.
"Allow me to ease your stress," he says quietly, pressing his fingers against your forehead and rubbing it slightly before moving his hand down to massage your shoulder. His movements are strong and firm, not too much that it hurts.
You hug his arm and close your eyes, sighing in relief and feeling great comfort. Having Alhaitham's presence beside you as he touches you eases the tension in your body, and you eventually drift off to dreamland with thoughts of him.
-♡-
Alhaitham as a tutor! Alhaitham as a tutor! Alhaitham as a tutor! Alhaitham as a tutor!