"NOTHING is sinking into my brain!" I complained, gripping the iPad tightly in frustration. I nearly hurled it at the wall before realizing, horrified, that it was my iPad and not just some random notebook. Nope, not worth the regret.

I stormed out of my room, scratching my head in defeat, and headed to the kitchen for some chocolate. Whenever life felt like too much, chocolate was my go-to remedy. Stress clung to me like a second skin, and it was ridiculous—I had only reviewed one subject, and it was already so late.

I wanted to cry. Where was the motivation when I needed it most? It was like the spirit of productivity refused to possess me.

Grabbing my phone, I fired off a quick text to Greco. Thank goodness I had his number. Of course, that was only because Mr. Friendly had insisted on getting mine a few weeks ago.

Where are you?

I waited for a response, but as the minutes ticked by, my irritation grew. It was already 10:40 p.m. when I checked the clock. How did time move so fast? I needed his help desperately—he was my last hope for Pre-Cal.

Finally, after what felt like forever, my phone buzzed with his reply.

Just got home from work. Why? :)

Teach me Pre-Cal, please! You're my only hope!

Nope. You're always snippy with me. You only talk nicely when you need something.

Ugh. Why did he have to be so dramatic?

Wow. Judgmental much?

What? It's true. :P I'm going to bed now. Bye.

Wait! Aren't you reviewing? Are you crazy?

I don't need to. Stock knowledge is enough for me.

Arrogant jerk.

Arrogant, much?

Yep. Good night.

Wait! Please come over and teach me! I'll do anything you want—just help me!

Anything?

Yes! I'm desperate to pass Pre-Calculus! Even if you're annoying, you're still my best bet.

Ah. Annoying, huh? Okay, good night. :P

I was joking! Come on!

Fine. I'll get dressed. :)

A wave of relief washed over me. Thank goodness. Greco, you might be infuriating, but tonight you're a gift from the heavens.

When the doorbell rang a few minutes later, I dashed to the gate. I already knew it was him—no one else would be crazy enough to show up at this hour.

There he stood, grinning, dressed in a plain white shirt and blue pajama pants. I couldn't help but laugh when I noticed his cat-shaped slippers.

"What's so funny?" he asked, his brow arching.

"Nothing. Come in," I said, quickly smothering my laughter.

He stepped inside, his gaze roaming curiously around the house.

"Where's Nacthan?" he asked, referring to my younger brother.

"Asleep. He usually goes to bed early. Though, these days, he comes home with bruises and cuts—he keeps getting into fights at school."

"Ah. Talk to him about it. It's normal for high school, but it'd be better if he focused on studies. Or maybe encourage him to pick up a sport. By the way, are you the only one awake?"

"What do you think?" I shot back, a bit sharper than intended.

His brow rose again, and I sighed, relenting. "Fine, I'll shut up. Happy now?"

He chuckled softly and nodded.

Leaving him in the living room, I ran upstairs to grab my yellow pad, notes, and iPad. When I returned, he was lounging comfortably on the sofa, eyes closed.

"Greco?" I called softly. His eyes fluttered open, and he sat up.

"If you're tired, you can head home," I offered sincerely.

"I'm not tired, just sleepy," he said, grinning.

When I sat beside him, he immediately dove into teaching.

I hated Pre-Cal with a burning passion. Numbers combined with letters might as well be alien language. As he explained, my confusion deepened.

"Are you getting it?" he asked, noticing my furrowed brow.

I shook my head, sighing.

"I have an idea," he said suddenly, his face lighting up. He scribbled something new on the paper—a shorter, simpler way to solve the problem. My eyes widened as everything clicked into place.

"Got it?"

"Yeah," I said, grinning back at him.

Fuse

During lunch, Miles brought up our plans for the upcoming semester break.

"What's the plan, guys? Sem break starts next week!" he asked, flipping through his notes.

Renzo smacked him lightly with a fork. "Focus on reviews first, genius. If we fail, there's remedial classes, and that means no sem break for us."

Kean and I chuckled, but my attention shifted when Miles muttered, "Look at Greco—he's not even reviewing. He's just chilling over there with Carter."

I glanced over my shoulder and spotted Greco casually eating with Carter.

When did they start hanging out?

Scoffing, I turned back to my book, but a familiar, loud voice from the counter broke my concentration.

"One hundred pesos yesterday, and now it's one hundred twenty? That's ridiculous!"

I looked up, already knowing who it was. NM stood at the counter, arguing with the cashier. Her antics made me pinch the bridge of my nose.

"I'll shut her up," I muttered, standing.

Kean smirked. "Good luck with that."

As I approached, she finally noticed me. Her expression shifted briefly to surprise before she turned back to the cashier.

"NM, seriously. You're loaded. Just pay already," her friend Ally said, nudging her.

Grinning, I pulled out my wallet and placed a thousand-peso bill on the counter.

"Here," I said simply.

NM's eyes widened. "What are you—"

"I can help you earn money," I interrupted, smirking. Her eyes lit up.

"Really? How?"

"I need someone to take care of Lexis. I'll pay you three thousand a day. Deal?"

Her jaw dropped, but I knew she couldn't resist. "Deal!"