Chapter Text
Environmental Science was a bore. Y/N sat slouching in her seat, trying everything in her power to not drift off as her professor passionately babbled about ecosystems and sustainability. The only thing that seemed to keep her awake was the blonde who sat two rows ahead— Armin Arlert. Although the booming professor was enchanting the lecture hall with his absurd wording and complex ideas, Armin was the most distracting person in the room. The way he’d constantly push up his glasses as they slid down his snub nose, his cheeks and nose always highlighted with a pink hue, and his eyes filled with an anxious feel made her melt at the sight. Something about his consistent nervousness was alluring.
The only reason Y/N knew of Armin at all was because they were in the same study group. He never engaged in any irrelevant conversations, but he was always the first to help when someone had a question. No matter how eager he was to assist anyone, he always seemed to blush a rosy pink and stutter when he explained anything.
Despite his shy demeanor, he had an intriguing feature that looked so out of place for a guy like him— a tongue piercing. Every time he’d open his mouth, the small silver stud would glint, and it seemed to shock her every time. The type of person he portrayed— nerdy, quiet, anxious when in uncertain environments— contradicted the idea of piercings in such.. striking places.
[Texting study group chat a couple hours after class ended]
Y/N
anyone down to study for the unit exam later?
random1
i think i can make it
random2
i’ll try my best to come
random3
I can’t make it today guys, sorry!
armin
I think I can go
Y/N
if you’re able to go, meet at the second floor of the library at 6 :)
Y/N was the first to arrive. As she unpacked her belongings, Armin silently approached the table and sat across from her. The only thing that made a noise was the screeching sound of the chair when he pulled it out from under the table.
“Oh, hi Armin,” Y/N softly spoke with a smile.
“Hi, Y/N,” he said, barely able to make eye contact.
They sat in an unwelcoming silence for what felt like years as he unpacked his weirdly large backpack and logged into his laptop. When he finished, the awkwardness of the room multiplied as they avoided eye contact, waiting for the others to arrive.
“I think it’s just gonna be us today,” Armin chuckled shyly.
“I’m alright with that,” she said as she opened her notes. “Where do you wanna start? I feel like I’ve already forgotten everything,” she giggled.
“To be honest, I’m completely caught up in class. If you’d like, I can help you with all of the things you’re forgetting,” he blushed as he intensely fiddled with his pen.
“Aw, that’s so sweet of you.. I’d really appreciate that, Armin.”
His blush deepened as he stared holes into the wooden table in front of him.
“You can.. come and sit beside me if you’d like,” she smirked as she scooched over on the booth chair and patted the place in which she indicated for him to sit. Without a word, he stood and sat beside her, ensuring that there is an appropriate amount of space between them to make sure she isn’t uncomfortable.
They sat for hours, but it only felt like minutes to Y/N. Even while he thoroughly explained acidification, ecology, and all of the other intricate factors of environmental sciences, her only focus was his big blue eyes which seemed to hypnotize her. Multiple times throughout the night he’d catch her staring at him. His nose, eyes, glasses, his lips— there were so many things about him that made her melt, but despite all of the physical factors, his intelligence was the most breathtaking thing about him. Frankly, it’s what drew Y/N to him in the first place. He so effortlessly knew about any topic— marine biology, archaeology, mathematical sciences— in Y/N’s eyes, it made him 10x more attractive than before. He always seemed nervous when someone asked him about any of these topics, though. He’d giggle shyly and nudge up his glasses before giving you such a precise analysis of whatever you’re asking him about. His immense intelligence mixed with his constant nervous was beyond arousing to her.
Don’t even get her started on his tongue piercing. Every time he opened his mouth, the silver stud shone in her eyes like a fresh diamond. It added something intriguing to his look— how could someone who constantly blushed when talking have such a.. provocative piercing? It was seductive, but so, so interesting. She couldn’t help but imagine all of the things he could do with it…
“Thank you so much for your help, Armin,” she spoke softly and smiled at him as she caressed his shoulder.
“Oh, yeah— yes, of course— you’re welcome,” he stuttered nervously, tracing holes into the table.
“I learned a lot more with you than I ever did with the rest of the group,” Y/N slowly crept her fingers towards his hand to stop him from tracing, then held it softly. “Maybe next time.. we can study alone in my room,” she grinned kindly.
There was an anxiousness in his eyes that you would only see in a pleading pup. A nervous giggle fell from his lips as he intensely fidgeted with his nails. “Uhm— sure, I’d love to help,” he stated with a crooked smiling, struggling to hold eye contact.
“Thank you, Armin. So, I’ll see you tomorrow?” She stood up while maintaining eye contact with him, his eyes following her as she moved around and packed her belongings.
“Yes, okay.”
“I’ll text you my room number. See ya later.”
“Bye.”