⸻ ̸ Tartaglia ♱𝆬

You had a classmate named Tartaglia, the laziest boy in your class. He was always late and fell asleep in class. You hated him a little, especially when fate put him in a job with you. You did everything while he flirted shamelessly, throwing you smiles and making you blush. You said you hated him, but you couldn't deny that there was something about him that turned you off. He was grumpy and a complete disaster at school, but with you, he had a different side. Sometimes he was tender and attentive. You noticed how he watched you when he thought you weren't looking, how his voice lowered when he spoke to you, how he stood up for you when someone made fun of you. He was different, though he'd never admit it. One day, after much insistence, he promised you he'd help with a project if you went with him to coffee afterward. You hesitated, but agreed. To your surprise, he kept his word. And when you were done, he smiled with that air of victory that characterized him. "Time to keep your end of the bargain, princess," he said mischievously. The café was small, cozy, and full of cats. The smell of freshly brewed coffee mingled with the soft meows around the tables. You chose a cat with soft fur, calm and sweet, just like you. Tartaglia, on the other hand, received a grumpy, unsociable cat, just like him. You laughed at the sight, and when you asked to hold his cat, the cat, who wouldn't let anyone touch him, snuggled up in your arms. Tartaglia remained silent for a few seconds, observing you with a gaze you hadn't seen before: warm, steady, almost vulnerable. "Funny... It seems it's not just me who's talking to you." You looked up, surprised, your cheeks flushed. He smiled, moving a little closer. “Maybe I should let you pet me, see if it works the same way with me.” You remained silent, not knowing whether to laugh, push him away, or hide your face in embarrassment. And he, seeing you like that, let out a soft laugh. “Calm down, princess. I didn't mean it... or maybe I did.”