WebNovels

Chapter 11 - His caring side

Taylor sank into her usual seat, feeling a mix of relief and embarrassment. She had missed a day, and the thought of falling behind made her stomach twist.

Chris slid in beside her, carrying a small stack of papers and his notebook. "Here," he said, handing her the notes from yesterday's lecture. "Everything you missed. I also added some extra points so you're not completely lost."

Taylor glanced at the neatly written pages, her brow furrowing. "You wrote all this? You didn't have to."

"I wanted to," Chris replied casually, but his eyes softened. "You can't afford to fall behind, and I'm not letting that happen."

She tried to hide her smile, flipping through the pages. "Thanks… really."

"No problem," he said, leaning back slightly. "Now, let's catch you up on the lecture. Pay attention this time — no sneaking off or dozing."

Taylor groaned softly but nodded. Chris summarized the previous day's points, explaining each in his usual clear, slightly teasing way that somehow made learning less boring. Halfway through, Taylor realized how much easier it was to understand the material with him there.

After about thirty minutes, Chris noticed her sipping from her water bottle. "Here," he said, holding out his own. "Drink this too. You need to stay hydrated."

Taylor blinked at him, a little surprised. "I—oh, thanks," she murmured, taking a small sip.

Chris gave a small, satisfied nod. "Good. Can't have you passing out in the middle of class."

She laughed softly, shaking her head. "You're ridiculous."

"Maybe," he admitted, leaning back in his chair. "But you survived yesterday because of me, so I get some credit."

Taylor gave him a pointed look but couldn't stop the small smile tugging at her lips. "Fine. You get some credit."

They spent the rest of the lecture side by side, Chris patiently guiding her through the material, and Taylor realizing that having him there made everything feel… lighter. Not just the notes, or the lecture, but even the nervousness she usually carried around in class.

By the time the bell rang, she felt caught up, more confident, and a little closer to him than she'd expected. And Chris? He watched her pack up with a quiet, protective satisfaction, knowing he'd be there whenever she needed him — sick, sleepy, or stubborn.

More Chapters