The next day, as Alex and Erza sat down at a small café near campus, a strange sense of anticipation filled the air. It was their first official study date, a term they had coined to disguise their growing feelings for each other.
"So, what do you want to work on first?" Erza asked, trying to sound casual.
Alex shrugged. "Whatever you want. I'm flexible."
"How about we start with that complex calculus problem we couldn't figure out last night?" Erza suggested.
Alex nodded, and they dove into the problem. As they worked, they found themselves slipping into a comfortable rhythm. They would discuss the problem, argue over different approaches, and eventually arrive at a solution.
As the afternoon wore on, they realized they were making more progress than they had anticipated. They were so engrossed in their work that they almost forgot where they were.
"I can't believe we actually solved that," Erza exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
Alex smiled. "I know, right? We make a pretty good team."
A comfortable silence fell between them. They sat there, lost in thought. The soft hum of the café, the gentle clinking of silverware, and the distant chatter of other patrons created a soothing ambiance.
"Hey, thanks for today," Erza said, breaking the silence. "It was fun."
Alex nodded. "Yeah, it was."
As they walked out of the café, the setting sun cast a warm glow over the campus. The air was cool and crisp, perfect for a leisurely stroll.
"So, what do you think about that upcoming physics exam?" Alex asked, trying to change the subject.
"It's going to be tough," Erza admitted. "But I think we can ace it."
They continued to talk, their conversation flowing effortlessly. As they walked, they couldn't help but feel a growing sense of connection. It was as if they had known each other for years.
As they parted ways, they exchanged a lingering glance. The unspoken words hung heavy in the air. They both knew that something special was brewing between them, something that could change everything.