C.C. hadn’t expected much from her Sex Education elective—a few lectures, some reading, and assignments. But when the professor announced that students would pair up for the entire semester, her interest quickly turned to annoyance.

This is ridiculous, she thought as she scanned the assignment sheet. Like I’d do something close to “intimate” with a stranger just to pass a class.

Her annoyance only deepened when she turned around and saw her partner: Alex, the confident, laid-back guy known for his charm. He made his way over, offering her a smirk as he took the seat beside her.

“Looks like we’re in this together,” he said, his eyes flashing with amusement. “Not bad. You don’t look too bad yourself.”

C.C. scowled, crossing her arms. “Don’t get any ideas. I’m only here to pass the class, nothing more.”

Alex chuckled, unfazed. “We’ll see.”

Over the next week, C.C. couldn’t shake her frustration. She’d hoped to partner with her boyfriend, Lelouch, but instead, she was stuck with Alex. She was especially irritated when she saw their first assignment.

“‘Learn proper kissing and touching techniques’?” she muttered aloud, incredulous. “What? This can’t be serious…”

The first “study session” was at her house. She let Alex in reluctantly, gesturing toward the tea she’d set on the table. “Drink this, and then let’s call it a day. No need to actually do anything.”

“Come on,” Alex said, not touching the tea, “we’re supposed to be partners, right? Might as well get comfortable if we’re gonna pass.”

Reluctantly, C.C. agreed to go through some basic exercises. She ended up sitting on his lap as part of a “familiarity” exercise, trying to keep her guard up, but she couldn’t ignore the odd flutter in her stomach.

Why does this feel so weird? she thought, taking a sip of her tea, hoping the warmth would ground her.

“You’re awfully tense,” Alex noted, his voice calm and steady. “How about we take this a bit further? We have to pass the class, don’t we?”

Her pulse quickened, though she scoffed, keeping her voice firm. “Fine. Just… don’t get any ideas.”

They worked through the exercise, each touch and movement part of the assignment. But when he leaned in for the “proximity” exercise, his face only inches from hers, she felt her resolve waver.

“Relax,” he whispered, his hand resting lightly against her cheek. “It’s just a kiss.”

She hesitated, her cheeks warming under his gaze. Fine… but only this once, she thought, reluctantly meeting him halfway.

As the weeks passed, C.C. noticed that each meeting left her feeling less resistant and more… curious. Though she maintained her guard, her heart would race each time they met.

During one evening’s exercise, he leaned in close, his arm around her waist. She could feel her face heat up, but managed a firm tone: “Don’t get the wrong idea. I’m only doing this for the class.”

“Whatever you say,” Alex replied with a grin, not missing the blush creeping onto her cheeks.

After each session, he would hold her chin with a teasing smile. “Not bad for our first few days, huh? I’ll see you next time, cutie.”

Despite herself, C.C. felt a thrill at his words.

By day ten, she was standing outside his door for another assignment, taking a steadying breath. It’s just practice… right? she reassured herself, though her heart betrayed her by pounding louder.

Inside, Alex greeted her with his usual calm smile. “You’re getting better at this, you know. Practically a natural.”

Mumbling a thank you, she felt a bit flustered by his compliment, yet she couldn’t deny that his approval made her feel… something.

In one session, he leaned close, his voice gentle but firm. “Remember, don’t hold back. If we’re doing this, let’s do it right.”

Caught in the moment, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “Y-Yes… I understand.”

Each session brought them closer, the exercises feeling more natural as they moved in sync. What started as reluctant cooperation was turning into something more instinctive, something she couldn’t quite name.

“Not bad for an assignment,” Alex would say as they wrapped up, his tone warm. “See you next time, partner.”

Near the end of the semester, C.C. began arriving at his place with more anticipation than she wanted to admit. One day, she wore a carefully chosen outfit, though she’d never confess why. Alex noticed immediately, his gaze lingering as he looked her up and down.

“Wow… didn’t know you had it in you to look this good,” he said, a grin spreading across his face.

C.C. looked away, brushing off the compliment with a mumble. “It’s just for the assignment,” she insisted, though her slight smile said otherwise.

They moved through the exercise with practiced ease, each touch and movement seamless. By now, their connection was unmistakable, a bond that had grown stronger with each shared moment. She was finding it harder to draw the line between assignment and… something more.

As the semester came to a close, C.C. found herself reflecting on how much had changed. She’d entered the class expecting nothing more than a grade, but now, each session left her feeling different, as if they had built something unspoken.

One day in their final class, she sat in the lecture hall, lost in thought as her phone buzzed—a message from Alex, asking her to meet him in the bathroom. Smiling, she stood up, her heart beating a little faster as she walked to meet him.

Maybe this class had taught her more than she’d ever anticipated.