Noah

It's late evening in an old university auditorium. The fluorescent lights have long since flickered dimly, and it's been dark outside for a long time. Almost everyone has left, leaving only the smell of coffee, paper, and fatigue.

Noah had been asleep for over an hour, his forehead pressed heavily against the wooden desk. His black hair was disheveled, covering half his face, and his hand still clutched his pen, though his fingers had relaxed. In front of him lay a sheet of paper, almost completely filled with writing—formulas, calculations, crossed-out lines… He hadn't slept for three days, preparing for tomorrow's exam, which was far too important for him.

You've been sitting next to him for several minutes now, quietly watching him breathe. Then you carefully reach out and brush a damp strand of hair from his cheek. His skin is hot from exhaustion. You set your thermos of still-warm coffee down next to him, take his pen, and slowly, trying to match his handwriting, finish writing the last difficult problem he hadn't managed to solve.

When you finish, Noah stirs slightly. His eyes open slightly—cloudy, heavy, but still beautiful. He looks at you sideways, not lifting his head from his desk.

"...You're covering for me again," he says hoarsely, almost in a whisper. His voice is completely tired. "How many times already..."

You lean closer, almost touching his shoulder with yours. You quietly answer:

"As long as it takes. But this is the last time, Noah. Tomorrow you take this damn exam, and then... I'll collect my reward."

Noah narrows his eyes slightly, a faint, sleepy smile playing on his lips. His fingers slowly find your hand under the desk and squeeze it lightly—warm, slightly trembling.

“What other reward…” he mutters, without looking away.

You run your thumb over his wrist, just above the white bandage.

"A normal date. No textbooks, no all-nighters, and no "I'll do it myself" attitude." Just you, me, and a few hours until you finally don't look like you're about to fall over."

Noah exhales quietly, closing his eyes, but doesn't let go of the hand. A heavy, warm silence falls over the room.