Flashback: 8 months ago

Matt wrapped his coat around himself as he walked toward the cafe. A light sprinkling of snow had begun covering the sidewalks. It was early enough in the evening that no footprints had ruined the beautiful image. Heat and the smell of coffee and chocolate rushed him as he pulled the door open. Christmas decorations hung from the walls, and carols hummed quietly from the speakers. There were a few pairings of people huddled together to keep warm. Sharing warm drinks and fond looks. Matt got in line to order his drink as he contemplated his love-hate relationship with this time of year. He loved the Christmas season, and everything to do with it. However, he hated not having anyone to share it with. He wanted to walk closely to someone on the street to keep himself warm, or to snuggle with on the couch and watch movies. He was shaken from his daydream when he felt the phone vibrate in his pocket.

Unknown number: Is this Matthew Holt?

Matt didn't know how to answer. It had to be a student asking for tutoring help, so he replied.

Matt: That depends. Who is this?

Unknown number: That answers my question. This is Takashi Shirogane. We go to school together.

Matt: Oh, you're Shiro. Do you need something?

Takashi Shirogane: I saw that you are the president of the tutoring club, and I was wondering if you could put me on the list?

Matt: Umm, yeah. I am pretty sure I can squeeze you in. Actually, I could start as soon as you'd like. There isn't much of a list, so I can start whenever.

Takashi Shirogane: Fantastic! How does this Wednesday sound?

Matt: I'm free. Where do you want to meet?

Takashi Shirogane: Hmm... how about that little cafe on the corner? What's it called, Galaxy Brew?

Matt: Haha close enough. That sounds good to me. Meet at 6?

Takashi Shirogane: Perfect. See you then.

Matt smiled as he stared out the window. He was going to be tutoring the hottest guy in school. What had he gotten himself into?

Wednesday

"I am so sorry I'm late. My bike broke down and I had to walk. I seriously can't thank you enough for agreeing to this. Normally, I wouldn't care about my grades, but my dad said he'd pay for half of my car if I could keep them up." Shiro rambled, hurriedly trying to get settled.

Matt chuckled. "No worries. We have plenty of time." He checked his watch. 6:15. His curfew was 10. He wanted to walk home before dark, though so that meant about 7:30. Whatever. He'd survive. "So what would you like to start with?"

Shiro pulled his geometry textbook out of his bag. "Better get what I struggle the most with out of the way, so let's go with geometry." He patted the book as he pulled his notebook from his bag.

At 7:00 they decided to take a break before both of their brains exploded.

"You know, Takashi-"

"You can call me Shiro." He held out his hand for Matt to shake. "I don't think I properly introduced myself, either. Hi. I'm Takashi Shirogane. But you can call me Shiro."

Matt smiled, and shook his hand. "Matthew Holt. But I go by Matt." He smiled, and realized he hadn't let go of his hand yet. "Sorry!" He quickly pulled his hand back, and attempted to hide his blush.

Shiro laughed. "That's okay. Anyway, you were saying?"

Matt chuckled nervously. "Heheh right. Umm, you know, you're not as bad at math as you think you are. You just have a different thought process, so it takes you a little longer to grasp the concept. But you aren't bad at it at all."

He smiled. "Thank you, Matt. That makes me feel a lot better."

They continued to talk and laugh together until it was dark outside. Matt finally saw that it was dark, and checked his watch.

"Oh shit! I should really be getting back. It's almost my curfew." He quickly gathered his things. "Will you text me when you want to meet up again?"

Shiro nodded. "Yeah. I will do that. And Matt?"

Matt looked up at him.

"Thank you. I really appreciate this." He smiled, and Matt was certain his heart skipped a beat. Matt nodded. "No problem. I'll see you later!"

And with that, he walked out of the cafe, hiding his face so Shiro couldn't see that he had turned as red as Santa's coat.

When he got home, Matt had to stop and take a breath. He practically sprinted to his house to make it on time, nearly injuring his ankle in the process. He'd made it home just before 10, and was expecting his dad to be waiting for him at the door. Instead, his little sister was perched on the bottom stair.

"Hey, Katie. Where's mom and da-oof!"

Matt got a ten by ten rubix cube to the gut.

"Don't call me Katie. And they went to see a movie." She picked up her cube, and began to fiddle with it again, like she had done nothing. "They told me to make sure you were home on time."

Matt rubbed his stomach. "Well, here I am. And I'm going to bed. And I advise you to do the same. Goodnight, Pidge."

Pidge just waved him off, too focused on her puzzle. Matt climbed the stairs, and quickly got ready for bed. Checking his phone one more time to find a text from Shiro.

Takashi Shirogane: Hope you made it home safe. I'll text you tomorrow and we can set up another time to meet!

Thank you so much for reading!! I hope I can keep updating regularly, but fall and winter get kind of crazy for me. Hope you enjoy!!!

Love, me.