Tutoring became a routine.
Twice a week, every Tuesday and Thursday, like clockwork. Always in the Hastings' impossibly elegant study - with its mahogany bookshelves and antique globe that Molly claimed was "for vibes only." Jessica would spread out her notes and try to stay professional, while Molly spun lazily in her overpriced swivel chair like she had all the time in the world.
At first, it was tense. Awkward. Too many unsaid things hanging in the air. But slowly, something started to shift. The silence between them grew warmer, not colder. The insults got cleverer. Sharper. And somewhere along the line, their verbal jabs started sounding less like rivalry and more like flirtation.
"You chew your pen when you're nervous," Molly said casually one afternoon, her voice almost teasing as she lounged with her legs up on the chair. Her eyes were half-lidded, like she'd been watching Jessica for a while.
Jessica didn't look up from the whiteboard. "You memorise that before or after stalking me on social media?"
Molly grinned, undeterred. "Please. I don't stalk. I skim."
Jessica snorted. "Uh-huh. So you 'skimmed' my Tumblr, didn't you?"
Molly faltered for a split second, the tips of her ears turning faintly pink. "It was for academic purposes."
Jessica turned then, eyes locking with hers.
The moment stretched longer than it should have. Jessica's breath hitched before she broke eye contact first, suddenly finding her own handwriting fascinating. Her cheeks burned, and she cursed herself for it.
That wasn't supposed to happen.
That night, long after the session had ended, Jessica stood behind the counter at the bookstore, flipping through receipts while Hannah stacked the last of the returns.
"You're not going to believe this," Jessica muttered, not even looking up.
"Try me," Hannah replied, placing a worn paperback back on the shelf.
"Molly actually listened today. Like… took notes. Asked questions. She's getting better."
Hannah narrowed her eyes. "Okay, but why do you sound weird about that?"
Jessica glanced at her, then leaned on the counter like gravity had gotten stronger. "I think I smiled at her."
Hannah raised an eyebrow. "So?"
Jessica gave her a look. "Like…genuinely. Without irony. It just sort of… happened."
"Wow," Hannah deadpanned. "Better check for a concussion."
Jessica sighed dramatically. "I think it's brain damage. Or worse - feelings."
"Oh no," Hannah said, mock serious. "Not feelings. You poor thing."
Jessica rolled her eyes, but the truth was, even hours later, she could still feel that look - Molly's flushed cheeks, the quiet charge in the air, the way their bickering had softened into something else entirely.
And for the first time, she wasn't entirely sure she wanted it to stop.