(Different musical)

Of course I did a legally bi one-shot for the last two, what did you expect? This jumps right after "What rich romantic planet are you from?"

May the year before you help you grow closer to your goals, and further from your worries.

37. Driven as hell

Connor looked around the room in amazement.

"I wasn't aware students were allowed this much greenery"

"Well… make yourself comfortable while I get my books"

Connor looks around again.

"Where?"

It takes Evan a bit to find his books, what does take a lot of time is cleaning his desk of the potted plants that sit in it.

"I get the feeling your major was biology"

"Something like that"

"You could've followed that path, you know?"

"I already told you why I'm here"

"Right, you're an idiot"

"I'm in love"

"Same difference really"

"You're such a charmer"

Connor chuckled; he was liking this snarky side of Evan Hansen. Evan finally finishes and places the books on the table.

"Well then, let's get down to business, shall we?"

[November 2018]

"B-bye Jared… happy thanks giving"

Connor watches him linger in the doorway for a minute while he nurses a can of red bull.

The moment Evan stops being a lovesick fool, Connor begins quizzing him on the material they have learned so far; he notes the boy's answers are slightly more sure, and that he's moving around the room moving stuff.

"Where are you going?"

"Home? It's thanksgiving break"

Connor raises an eyebrow, Evan falters.

"What?"

Connor leans back in the chair, still holding the expression.

"Can you stop your whole I'm smarter than you spiel and just tell me what you're thinking"

"Oh nothing, I'm sure you'll do just fine in your exams"

"Yeah?"

"Probably a low passing grade"

"That's unfair!"

"It's what happens when you don't prepare in time"

Evan bristles for a full moment, which Connor watches almost transfixed; it's good to know the boy is human beneath all the pleasant smiles and quiet attitude. Then Evan sags and drops into his bed, pulling his book out of his bag.

"Fine, you're right, like always"

[December 2018]

"Bye Jared, happy Hanukah"

Trevor shifts the cards on his hands as Evan closes the door.

"Ok now, focus Ev, focus"

Evan is really lucky to have befriended Trevor; the hairdresser is going out of his way to help him. Actually, Evan isn't sure when their friendship happened, but he likes the way it works.

Trevor is really good at complimenting Evan when he gets something right, they've just gone through a few questions when Connor comes in. Trevor gasps immediately, and mutters something about hair, which Evan gets because Connor has a really pretty mane.

"I can come later"

"No, no, Trevor was just leaving"

"Would you let me play with your hair?"

"And that's enough of you"

Evan drags him to the door, Trevor makes the universal motion for 'call me' before he's shoved outside and Evan closes the door.

"I'm sorry about him, he's a hairdresser"

"Right, I think you've mentioned him"

"Likely"

"So uhm... I brought you something"

Connor pulls the wrapped gift out, feeling a rush of nerves pass through him, no backing down now.

"Since you're not going home for the holydays, I figured..."

Evan takes the packet, face full of wonder, and Connor feels his words abandon him, swallowing as Evan opens it. As he sees the book his face morphs into a smile, and Connor feels his heart stutter; Evan turns to him.

"This is... how- where did you even get it?"

"I found it on a bookshop I like to go to, and since you like trees..."

Evan beams at him, and Connor's heart does a fucking pirouette at the sight, but he manages to smile back.

"This is wonderful, thank you"

Evan pulls him to a hug, which makes Connor feel really warm for a second and then the door opens to Jared Kleinman.

"Hey Evan, have you seen Giselle"

"I uh… s-sure"

Jared gives him an expectant look, Evan seems to realize what he said.

"I meant no"

"Great, we're gonna miss the flight"

Connor watches him exit the room, leaving a dazed Evan in his wake.

"You do realize that whenever you're in the same room as Kleinman your IQ drops down to 40, right?"

"Wha?"

"Ok, maybe less"

Evan shoves him playfully, Connor feels warmth spreading over him from there.

"Rude"

His tone is offended, but his smile gives him away, Connor licks his suddenly dry lips and pushes.

"I'm being serious"

Evan makes a motion indicating he can go on.

"It's like you're being blocked by the guy you're trying to impress"

"Oh... oh!"

Evan now has a wide grin on his face, forming dimples on his checks; Connor is unsure how to feel about it.

"Ok..."

"I just... oh god, the epiphany I just had"

Connor raises an eyebrow at him.

"If I stop paying him attention he'll come to me, and I can concentrate on getting Arber's internship!"

Evan moves his hands as he speaks, exited gleam in his eyes, something awful coils around Connor's throat, but he can't name it.

"Sure"

He makes an effort to smile, Evan beams back at him, unnoticing, it's better like that.

"Come on, we have work to do!"

Connor catches himself, and manages a more enthusiastic tone.

"Yes sir"

-. -. -.- .-. -.-. - .- - .-. -.. -… ..- …- - - - -

Connor sees Evan leave the exam room looking astonished.

"I won"

"What?"

Evan turns to him, smiling bright and wide.

"I won the case!"

His whole face seems to illuminate as it morphs into an expression of pride and... victory; that's what it is, Evan Hansen looks like he just won the world; Connor's heart does a pirouette inside his ribcage, like it knows what awaits it; Connor is headed for heartbreak.

The sad part is that he's ok with it, if anyone's going to utterly destroy him, then there's a part of him that likes the fact that It will be Evan; something possessive in the notion. It's a weird thing to think about, a painful thing; so Connor shoves it and the feelings as far down as he can.