chapter 27 - Influence

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As the days passed, a rare sense of dedication finally hit Amy. She knew she couldn't just sit around and wait to fail. The thought of scoring embarrassingly low in front of Zahn made her stomach twist. Even her friends were starting to notice the change.

"Hey, Amy! Let's go to a party tonight," Ruby suggested, nudging her playfully.

Amy didn't even hesitate. "No, you go. I'm heading to the library with Mia."

Ruby blinked. "Library?? You? Are you seriously studying?"

Amy clenched her jaw, "I need to pass, okay? I can't just fail anymore." Without waiting for a response, she turned on her heel, marching toward the library.

Ruby stared after her, then exchanged glances with Noah. "Zahn's influence, huh?"

Noah smirked. "Seems like it."

From that day on, library study sessions became part of Amy's routine. She would come home late in the evening, take a short break, and then dive into another study session at home.

Zahn, who was used to nagging her into submission, now found himself silently watching in mild shock. He never expected Amy to willingly sit down with a book, let alone with such focus.

"You're actually studying," he muttered one evening, setting a plate of snacks beside her.

Amy, eyes glued to the book, hummed in response. "Mhm."

Zahn squinted. "Are you possessed?"

Amy huffed, crossing her arms. "Shut up."

He let out a laugh but didn't say anything. Instead, he quietly supported her in the background-bringing her coffee, making sure she ate properly, even confiscating her phone when she got distracted.

For the first time, Amy realized that studying wasn't as painful as she thought. The content wasn't impossibly difficult, nor was it boring. It was just that she had never given it a real chance.

What a pity she was realizing it too late.

Of course, it wasn't always smooth sailing. There were still moments where she felt like tearing her books apart and giving up completely. And that was when her biggest distraction came into play

It was a lazy Sunday, the kind of day meant for doing absolutely nothing. But with upcoming exams looming over them, the atmosphere was anything but relaxed.

They sat on the couch, books open, though one of them was clearly struggling more than the other.

"Ugh, I'm so bored. I don't wanna do this anymore," Amy groaned, stretching her arms dramatically.

Zahn didn't even look up. "Study properly, and your efforts won't go to waste."

Amy narrowed her eyes at him. "Wow, you sound just like a teacher. No-worse. A mom."

"Good," Zahn replied, turning a page.

Amy huffed, glaring at her textbook like it personally offended her. But then, an idea sparked in her mind. A mischievous glint danced in her eyes as she glanced at Zahn.

She had been annoying him for years-what was one more time?

Crawling onto the couch beside him, she rested her head on his shoulder, dragging out his name in a slow, syrupy whine. "Zahnnnn~"

He barely reacted. "Shh. Get away."

Amy pouted. "Ugh, why?"

"Because you need to study."

"But I don't want to study," she argued, poking his arm.

Zahn let out a sigh, finally closing his book. "What do you want, Amy?"

A playful smile curled on her lips. "I'm bored."

"And?"

"And entertain me."

Zahn raised an eyebrow. "Oh, so I'm just your personal source of entertainment now?"

Amy beamed. " You're my boyfriend, which means you're legally obligated to keep me entertained~"

He let out a short breath, shaking his head. "And what exactly do you expect me to do?"

Amy tapped a finger against her chin in fake thought. Then, in one swift move, she straddled him, settling onto his lap.

Zahn's body tensed. His hands, which had been holding the book, gripped the pages a little too tightly.

"Amy-"

She leaned forward, resting her hands on his shoulders. "Awww, look at that expression. Are you embarrassed?"

Zahn didn't answer right away. Instead, his sharp eyes scanned her face, taking in her teasing smirk, the way she tilted her head just so, pushing his limits on purpose

Then his lips curled into something unreadable.

Zahn's voice dropped lower, a teasing edge creeping in. "You really can't stand being ignored, can you?"

Amy smirked, tilting her head. "Then do something about it."

She expected a snarky comeback She did not expect what happened next.

A shift. A sudden movement.

Before she could blink, her back hit the couch, the air rushing from her lungs. In an instant, Zahn was over her-his hands pinning her wrists above her head.

Her breath hitched.

Wait hold on-

Amy's heart pounded as she stared up at him. His usual indifference was gone, replaced by something unreadable. Calculated. As if he had been waiting for the right moment to turn the tables.

His grip on her wrists was firm, and unshakeable.

"What's wrong?" Zahn murmured, his voice dangerously smooth. "I thought you wanted attention?"

Amy swallowed. "That..."

His fingers tightened slightly.

And he leaned in, his breath tickling her ear. "So reckless, Amy. Do you really think you can keep teasing me forever?"

A shiver ran down her spine.

She opened her mouth, but no words came out.

Zahn pulled back slightly, watching her reaction. A smirk ghosted over his lips.

Then, slowly, deliberately, he brushed his lips against her forehead. Not a peck-just enough for her to feel it, for her breath to catch in her throat.

Amy had felt his kisses before, countless times. But somehow, this one felt different...

But it wasn't over.

His hand, which had been pinning her wrist, dragged down her arm-down her waist, his fingers grazing the curve of her hip, sending on electric shock through her entire body.

Amy squeaked.

The sound made Zohn chuckle-actually chuckle-as if he had just confirmed something amusing.

Amy's face turned bright red

"Zahn..you...!"

But before she could finish, Zahn let go, sitting back into his seat completely unfazed.

He picked up his book as if nothing had happened.

"Do your studies quietly while I do mine," he said smoothly.

Amy sat up in shock

Wait-what?

Her face burned, her pulse racing.

Nothing even happened, and yet she felt completely undone.

She clutched the textbook against her chest, her thoughts a mess

Zahn didn't even glance at her. But as she peeked at him from the corner of her eye, she caught it-just barely. A hint of amusement tugging at his lips.

Amy pressed her lips together, a strange mix of anticipation and disappointment settling in her chest.

I really thought... something was going to happen...

However, there was no time to dwell on that. Reality came crashing down like a cold splash of water-exams had started, and there was no escaping them.

The past few weeks had been nothing short of torture. Exam after exam drained every ounce of energy from Amy, leaving her feeling like a lifeless zombie. Late-night cramming sessions, early morning alarms, and the constant weight of stress clung to her. Sleep? A luxury. Rest? A distant dream.

Meanwhile, Zahn was the complete opposite-calm, composed, and completely stress-free. He had revised everything weeks in advance, solving past papers like it was a mere hobby. Each time he walked out of an exam hall, he looked as if he had just taken a light quiz rather than a grueling university test.

It was another exam day.

Amy forced herself out of bed, her body moving sluggishly as if weighed down by exhaustion. Her hair was a mess, her eyes half-lidded, still begging to go back to sleep.

Zahn, already dressed and alert, placed breakfast on the table. His gaze landed on her disheveled state, and he raised a brow.

"Why do you look like that? Eat before you go," he said, sliding a plate toward her.

Amy plopped down on the chair, rubbing her eyes. Duh, he's too perfect. She shot him a tired glare, irritated at how effortlessly put together he was. How was that even fair?

She barely nibbled at her food, her appetite nonexistent. But there was no time to waste. Slinging her bag over her shoulder, she dragged herself out the door, dreading the long commute to the examination center.

By the time she arrived, exhaustion was already clawing at her, but she shook it off, determined to survive another test.

Taking a deep breath, she reached into her bag to grab her exam pass.

Her fingers brushed against pens, notebooks... but nothing else.

Her heart stopped.

Frowning, she rummaged through her bag again, this time more frantically.

Where is it?

A bead of sweat formed on her temple as she emptied the contents of her bag onto a nearby bench. Pens. Notebook. Keys. No exam pass.

No, no, no...

Her breath quickened, panic rising like a storm in her chest. She dug through every pocket, turned her bag upside down, but it was nowhere to be found.

Then it hit her like a slap to the face.

Did i left it at home?

A cold shiver ran down her spine. Her heartbeat pounded in her ears. Oh my god. I left it at home!?

She felt lightheaded. Dizzy. The world around her blurred as the realization sank in.

How could she be so careless?

Her hands clenched into fists, frustration bubbling up. She wanted to scream, to throw her bag on the ground, to hit her own forehead against the nearest wall.

What do I do?!

Just as Amy was about to spiral into complete panic, her phone buzzed in her trembling hands. Zahn's name flashed on the screen. Without hesitation, she picked up.

"Zahnnnn," she whined, her voice shaky.

"What happened? You reached the exam center, right?" His voice was sharp, alert.

"I did... but my exam pass... I forgot it at home."

Silence.

Then-

"Oh my God, AMY!" Zahn's exasperated voice rang through the speaker. "Are you serious? How can you forget something that important?!"

Amy shrunk under his scolding. "I don't know... I was too sleepy-But what do I do now? They won't accept a soft copy..."

Zahn took a deep breath, his voice calmer now. "Okay, don't panic. Is there a photocopy shop nearby?"

"No, there isn't... And it's too early for anything to be open," she mumbled, rubbing her forehead.

Another deep sigh from Zahn. She could almost picture him pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration. "I'll bring it to you."

Amy's eyes widened. "You will?! But your exam-"

"There's still time."

"But, Zahn... Maybe I should just skip this exam. I can take it next year-"

"Shut up."

The line went dead.

Amy stared at her phone, stunned. Guilt, relief, and overwhelming gratitude swirled inside her.

She waited. Minutes dragged by. Her heart pounded with each passing second. Students were already entering their halls, their voices blending into a distant hum.

Fifteen minutes left.

She scrolled through her phone mindlessly, her fingers ice-cold. Anxiety clawed at her chest.

Ten minutes.

Her stomach twisted into knots.

Five minutes.

Her heart sank. I won't be able to take the exam...

Just as despair settled in, a firm tap landed on her shoulder.

"Here. Now go."

Amy's head snapped up.

"Zahn-!"

Relief crashed over her like a tidal wave. Without thinking, she threw her arms around him, clutching him tightly.

Zahn stiffened in surprise before lightly pulling her away. "Amy, go! There's no time! I need to get back too."

Her throat tightened, but she nodded quickly. She turned and ran toward the exam hall, sparing one last glance at him.

He's... too good.

Zahn let out a breath, running a hand through his hair. Problem solved. Now, he just had to rush back for his own exam-thanks to Amy, as always.

That brat seriously needs to be disciplined,

He thought.