Author's Note
Um, well, I heavily ship Ron and Hermione. And obviously, I do not own Harry Potter or its characters, those belong to the ab-fab J.K. Rowling.
Explanation
The Gryffindor Common Room was deserted. Except for Ron and Hermione.
In his mind, Ron leapt in joy whenever he had the rare opportunity to be alone with Hermione, that bushy haired know-it-all he loved regardless. The positives outweighed the shallow negatives.
It wasn't as thrilling when actual work needed to be done.
Hermione kept sneaking glances at him, biting her lip to keep her mouth shut.
She couldn't.
"I told you weeks ago to complete this assignment. Clearly, you weren't listening."
Ron smirked. "I was listening."
"No, if you listened, you would be out there playing Quidditch with… what do you call them? The gang?" "I never thought I hear you'd say 'gang'. You made my day, Hermione."
Hermione's cheeks turned a light shade of pink and gave away a small smile, and it did not go unnoticed.
"Anyway," Ron said, offering a change of subject. Hermione breathed a tiny sigh of relief. "I was listening. I just didn't care." He laughed lightly.
"Oh, okay, I fully understand. You don't care about what I have to say." Hermione tried not to overreact. She had a tendency to blow things out of proportion. Maybe she was hormonal. Maybe she was just too sensitive. But those words stung the most coming from Ron, no matter what was intended.
Ron's eyes grew big with regret and sincerity. "I didn't mean it like that."
…
"Can I be honest with you?" Ron asked, after a few moments of silence. "Why not? You certainly are uninhibited with what you say, so I assumed…"
Hermione stopped talking; knowing something idiotic would come out if she continued.
"I started working on it the day you told me I should; I finished it completely last week."
Her face crumpled in total confusion.
"Can I have an explanation for why you're up here, then?" "Do you really need one?"
"Well, when I'm confused about something, I look for an explanation."
"I can't give you one."
"Can't or won't?" "You have me nailed."
Hermione wouldn't let it go, even five minutes later. Ron was exasperated.
"Everything can be explained."
He acted on instinct and kissed her softly, though awkwardly, for a few lingering seconds.
They broke apart finally.
Hermione glared at him. "Did I… did I do something wrong?" Ron asked, in an innocent and hurt tone – as if he was a little child unaware of the fact he did something he shouldn't have.
"No, you didn't." Her eyes softened. "I… I'm just not good with serious distractions."
And Ron kissed her again. Hermione got the explanation she wanted.