He's Different

*Flop*

I place my books on the desk and Marques looks up from his book.

Ciara: I borrowed these from Kwan, we both missed the lecture so this should help us.

I show him the notebook and he glances at it and then back at me.

Marques: Why didn't you take it from Xia?

Ciara: Momo? She doesn't take notes, she says that she has good memory so she doesn't need 'em.

Marques:.... Next time take it from Locke.

Locke? Oh, he means Jake.

Ciara: Why? It's the same. Besides, Kwan has really good handwriting.

I sit down across of him and flip through the book's pages. It's too beautiful to be a guy's handwriting. An amused smile spreads across my face.

Marques:....

Ciara: Hey!

He plucks the book out of my hands and takes a peek at the opened page. His eyes widen for a moment before he keeps it back on the table.

Marques: Since you took your own sweet time to come here, I tried to find one of the books I thought were useful for understanding the different guns and their bullets.

I don't get that stuff at all, that book would be a real help.

Ciara: Did you find it?

Marques: Nope. That book was of a higher level, the NDIA doesn't approve of it.

Ciara: Damn.

Everyone keeps saying that the theory part of the exams is quite scoring but, I suck at it. I don't think I'll be able to pull this off. I sigh and puff my cheeks. Marques looks at me and rests his chin on his palm.

Marques: I can get you my copy if you want.

Ciara: Really?!

Marques: Yeah.

I look at him with a happy smile and my heart almost leaps out of my chest. A few strands of his raven black hair fall on his face as his hazel eyes stare into mine. I never really had a good look at his face, it's flawless, no blemishes, a neat face cut, a slender nose and tan skin.... He's perfect.

Ciara:..!

Afraid that he might notice me stating at me, I quickly look away.

Marques: I'll be going to my apartment this weekend, I can get it for you then.

That's all great but...

Ciara: If the NDIA doesn't recommend it, how did you know of it?

Marques: Someone recommended it to me. Anyway, today we have to revise....

Ciara:....

This is not the first time this thought has crossed my mind, what DID Marques do before joining the NDIA? He didn't share any of his interests any of the times we as a team gathered together. Plus, he's well built, athletic and experienced in the kind of training we do here.

I'm below his level but I could only obtain those skills because I was a police officer before. Considering this, Marques should come from a higher ranking defence force. But, if he is already so accomplished, why did he come here? It doesn't add up.

Does he have a personal reason for coming here just as I do? It's not like he'll tell me about the real reason if I asked him, he would've done it already if he wanted to. Maybe he's just like me-

Marques:.....

*Dong*

Ciara:..! Hey!

He smacks my forehead with Kwan's notebook when he notices me spacing out.

Marques: Pay attention. What're you thinking?

Ciara: N-Nothing, um, this looks difficult.

I point to a random portion of the chapter. He looks at it and nods.

Marques: It is, but if you learn it this way...

I'm in no position to ask him what he's hiding, I'm doing the same. And so, the bury the doubt and continue with my studies..

Later...

Ciara: *Yawnnn*

I cover my mouth and yawn. I feel so tired... I'm so sleepy, none of this is getting into my head today.

Marques: If you're tired, we can stop for today.

Ciara: Thanks.

I quickly start to pack up my stuff. I stand up and my head spins.

Ciara: Woah.

Marques: 'You okay there?

Ciara: Y-Yeah, I just felt a little lightheaded. Maybe it's because I got wet in the rain.

Marques:....

He doesn't say anything for a moment. Then..

Ciara: Hey, I can carry that!

He effortlessly plucks out the books from my hands, our hands brush together and he freezes. H-His hands are so cold! I'm about to tell him this when he interrupts me.

Marques: You're burning up.

Ciara: Huh?

I have a fever? That makes sense though, I haven't been taking good care of myself. No, I can't get sick! I finally got Doris to help me!

Marques: You shou-

Ciara: I'm fine!

I start to walk over the exit when I accidentally step over my shoelace and trip.

Ciara: Ack!

Marques:..! Watch out!

He grabs my wrist just in time and pulls me towards him for support. The books from his hands fall down on the library floor. I hesitantly open my eyes to find myself in Marques's embrace. Wh-What the..! I don't like to be too close to men since that day 5 years ago.

Normally, my Androphobia would tell me to push him away but, it's not. Why? Is it that I don't feel threatened because he doesn't consider me as a woman? But why does this feeling seem so familiar? Has this ever happened before?

Marques: Are you okay?

When I get lost in my thoughts, Marques peers at my face, worried. I look up to meet his eyes and my heartbeat picks up pace. S-So close!! This is one of the only times I regret being so tall..! I can't manage to get any words out and get lost in his eyes, feeling dizzy. My face feels so hot, is it...?