The Flirting Men Time-Space Agency

"I'll be waiting for you at the bus stop by the school gate!" Cole said as he slung his bag over his shoulder and walked out of the classroom.

"..." Elora, utterly confused, wondered if this was the difference between geniuses and academic elites. Was this what it meant to be a top student?

Ah, why bother thinking about such things? She'd find out once she got there! Elora hastily packed her bag and made her way out of the classroom.

"Hey, Elora!" Just as Elora stepped out of the classroom, a male classmate blocked her path.

She looked at him in confusion, her gaze immediately drawn to his multicolored, flamboyant hair. What did he resemble? Ah, yes, a peacock draped in a rainbow-colored coat, or perhaps a peacock in heat.

"I don't know you."

"That's fine, you will soon. From now on, you're my girlfriend. We'll get to know each other."

Elora stared at him, noticing the cigarette dangling from his mouth, his hand casually tucked into his pocket, and the dramatic display of his vibrant, rainbow-colored hair. He looked every bit the stereotype of a self-absorbed, rebellious teenager.

"Go see a doctor if you need help. Just don't come to me," she said dismissively, stepping around him and heading toward the school gate. Her Cole was still waiting for her—no time to waste here.

"Wait..." The boy suddenly grabbed her hand.

"Hey!" Before Elora could react, the boy, clutching his stomach, collapsed to the ground. She turned around to see Cole, his face full of concern. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine!" Elora's mind was still a little foggy from the sudden turn of events.

Cole, having waited at the bus stop for a while without seeing Elora, had begun to worry something had happened. He had decided to check the classroom, only to find the boy pulling on Elora.

In that instant, something primal surged within him, and without a second thought, he rushed to her side.

Ding—"Target's affection +10, current affection level: 50."

"This classmate was just feeling unwell, so I gave him some medicine. He's fine now," Elora explained solemnly to Cole. Yes, a bit of teenage rebellion could be a sickness in itself—it needed treating.

"Well, if he's fine, then let's go," Cole said naturally, taking her hand.

Elora blushed as she felt his hand in hers.

"What's wrong? Are you feeling unwell?" Cole noticed her flushed face and grew concerned.

Elora shook her head, her eyes fixed on their joined hands. Cole, realizing what had just happened, suddenly felt self-conscious. His ears flushed red as he realized he had taken her hand without thinking. He felt a wave of regret, wanting to let go, but couldn't quite bring himself to.

Sensing his hesitation, Elora tightened her grip on his hand, determined not to let him pull away. "I think it's getting late. Let's go home," she said with a smile, leading him along.

Cole, amused by her shy demeanor, couldn't help but find her adorably easy to fluster. Quietly, he slipped his fingers between hers, interlocking their hands, holding her tightly.

Ding—"Male lead's affection +5, current affection level: 55."

Elora flashed him a bright, unspoken smile, and in that moment, everything was understood.

...

Once home, Elora dashed straight to her room.

"You little rascal! How dare you run into your room without taking off your shoes? Do you have a rash or something?" Her mother saw the footprints on the floor and immediately exploded, but all she received in response was the sound of Elora's door closing.

Leaning against her door, Elora pressed a hand to her chest, her heart still pounding wildly, the rhythm stark in the silence of her room. The blush on her face hadn't quite faded yet.

"Ah..." Elora let out a soft sigh, flopping onto her bed and rolling around under the covers a few times.

Clearly, the tutoring session didn't happen. From the moment they left school, they had walked hand in hand, talking, and enjoying each other's company. And to top it off, Cole had walked her all the way home!

What a wonderful day. Tomorrow, if she got to school early, she'd see Cole again. With a smile on her face, Elora drifted into a peaceful sleep.