Here For Fluff

“Don’t forget our midterm will be on Monday, first thing...So, study up.  I don’t want to hand back any tests with a grade lower than a C...Mr. Lee, did you hear that?” your Calculus teacher shot at Mark, who was talking with a group of his friends in the back.  

“Roger that sir, I will aim for a C.  Actually, you know what? Scratch that, a C+ just for you,” Mark fired back, adding a wink.  Soft chuckles flooded the classroom, your lips forming into a smirk. 

Your teacher took a deep breath, saying through his teeth, “That will be all class, see you on Monday.” 

The class began filing out, you stayed at your desk gathering your things, when you heard, “I’ll catch up with you guys in a bit.” Mark made his way over to your desk.  

“Hey Y/N.” 

“Hey Mark...”, you said looking up meeting Mark’s eyes. 

“So any interesting plans this weekend?” Mark asked.  

“Um...no...not really....you?” you asked slowly.  

“Nope...we should get together and study.  You just really helped me out last time, so I thought you could work your magic again?” 

You tried to hide your face “I wouldn’t call it magic--,” you began. 

“--trust me.  You have the magic touch.  So what do you say? Tomorrow? My house?” Mark pleaded. 

“Sure...I’ll be there at 1.” 

“Awesome! It’s a date!” Mark said as he exited the classroom, leaving you alone.  

“It’s a date,” you whispered when Mark was out of earshot.  

You made your way over to your locker where your best friend was waiting for you. 

“Were you and Mark just talking?? ALONT?!?!?!” your friend said.  

“It’s not even like that.  He was just asking if I wanted to study on Saturday,” you said, shutting her down. 

“Girl, stop playing, you know you like him. You should go after that!” 

“I don’t even think he likes black girls like that...”, you said quietly. 

“Whatchu mean? What is there NOT to like when it comes to black girls? We are all that and a then some. And Mark would be crazy to turn you down.  You are amazing!” your friend said, giving you a shove, knocking some sense into you.  

“You know I’m shy! I could never” you said. 

“Listen to me sis, what do you have to lose?” 

“My dignity--” 

“Absolutely nothing!  So get over yourself and on Saturday just drop some little hints.  Flirt your way into that boy’s heart.  We’ll practice.  You’re still coming over my house tonight, right?”

“Yes, but we have to stop by my house so I can get some clothes?” you asked. 

“Sure...or you could borrow something of mine’s...you know I got that new FashionNova,” she said chuckling, as the two of you made your way to the school parking lot. 

The next day, you arrived at Mark’s house, nervous.  You tugged at the hem of your top as you rang the door bell.  You heard a “Who is it?” coming from the inside.  

“It’s Y/N,” you replied.  

“Y/N!” Mark said as he swung the door open, “Come in! Welcome to mi casa!” 

You followed behind Mark slowly, as he led you to the living room.  

“I thought we could study in here. It’s the most spacious.  I would’ve said my room, but uh it’s pretty messy right now, so I hope this is okay?” he said.  

“This is perfect,” you said, clearing your throat, “Do you have any water?” 

“Yeah! Let me go get it! Make yourself comfortable,” Mark shot over he’s shoulder as he made his way into the kitchen. 

You sat on the floor, arranging your notes and textbook on the coffee table, as Mark entered with two glasses of water.  

“So I thought we could start with Chapter 10, because I have a feeling that’s what Mr. Park is going to test us on the most,” you suggested.  

“Sounds good to me, you’re the boss,” he said, throwing you a smile, locking eyes with yours.  Neither one of you wanting to look away, so you both lingered there, when you felt Mark lean in closer.  

“We should really get started,” you said, not looking away. 

“We really should,” Mark said, holding your gaze.  

Mark moved in even closer, his lips grazing over yours.  

“I’m sorry,” you said, turning to your notes.  

Mark let out a sigh, “You’re right, I did promise Mr. Park a C+.  Would hate to disappoint him,” he said.  

 “So Chapter 10--”, you began. 

When Monday morning rolled around and it was time for your Calculus class. You could sense the tension between you and Mark.  Neither one of you spoke about the almost kiss and when you saw him in the hall earlier, you tried to avoid him.  But it was final period and there was no way you could avoid him now.  

You could sense Mark’s eyes on you, but you fought to turn around and meet his gaze.  

After class you turned in your test and rushed out of class.  Just as you were approaching your locker you felt someone grab your hand.  You turned to find Mark standing there.  

“I feel like you’re avoiding me,” he started, “I’m sorry if I made Saturday awkward.  I didn’t mean too and I--”

“I’m sorry too,” you interjected.  

“Sorry?”

“I’m sorry that I pulled away,” you said. 

“You are?” he asked. 

“I am.” 

“I thought you pulled away, because you didn’t like me,” he said slowly. 

“I thought you didn’t like me, either,” you confessed.  

“What’s not to like? You’re beautiful and smart and I don’t know...I just like you.”

“I like you too,” you said. 

Mark stepped closer to you, placing his hand on the small of you back, pulling you in.  

“I’m going to kiss you now, I hope that’s okay?” he asked.  

You nodded, allowing him to lean in close.  His lips met yours softly with his fingers pressing into your back.  Your hands caressed the back of his neck, stroking softly as he pushed you up against the locker.  

Mark parted his lips from yours, speaking softly. 

“So...”, he started. 

“So,” you said. 

“Boba?”