Work Text:
Midterms were coming up at Hillerska, which some could say is the most stressful time of year. With teachers cracking down on students by shoving exam prep sheet after exam prep sheet down their throats.
Unfortunately, that meant Simon was forced into studying at the library on a Wednesday evening instead of playing video games or hanging out with Rosh and Ayu.
One thing he hated about libraries and study halls was the deathly silence. Simon felt like he was committing a federal crime every time his stomach growled or he sneezed because it was allergy season and the universe hated him.
Also, the librarian was terrifying.
Now.
Realistically, he knew he shouldn’t be scared of a short, fifty-something-year-old Asian woman who probably knitted scarves or fed ducks in her spare time. But he made the mistake of returning a book he borrowed two days late. Let’s just say the look she gave him was one that still plagued Simon’s dreams. Who knew librarians could be so scary?
At least he wasn’t alone this time around. His boyfriend Wilhelm sat next to him, busy reading a question in his worn out math textbook. Simon was pretty sure it was a hand-me-down from Erik.
The boys were smushed together at the table, their elbows and arms touching. Ever since they got back together, the pair were inseparable; they held hands walking to and from class, randomly hugged each other, and even kissed each other on the cheek during lunch or passing periods. (Wilhelm was the clingier one between them but Simon had his moments which he would rather die than admit).
Simon found the gestures endearing. Holding hands or laying a head on each other’s shoulder were sweet gestures that grounded both of them when the exam stress became too much.
Especially now.
Simon threw his head back, groaning miserably at the ceiling. Maybe one of the light fixtures would fall on him and put him out of this equation-induced nightmare.
The simple, numberless clock on the wall read a quarter past seven. An appropriate time for most students to be packing up their belongings and heading out for the night. Maybe reward themselves with a hot slice of pepperoni and sausage pizza.
Simon’s stomach growled at the thought.
“Tell me why I agreed to this again?” He complained.
Wilhelm hummed and turned a page after finishing another equation. Not looking up from his textbook, he responded,
“Because you love me and promised we’d have a study date.”
“Love is a strong word.”
Wille raised a brow, grinning mischievously. “That’s not what you said last ni-”
“Finish that sentence and we’re gonna have a repeat of last Christmas,” Simon threatened, mocha eyes narrowed in a joking manner. It would've been more menacing and convincing if he wasn’t bundled up in plaid pajama pants and a blue hoodie that he definitely didn’t steal from Wilhelm’s closet.
Just like that, the prince closed his mouth. Folded like a piece of paper. A light blush coated the boy’s cheeks, his eyes downcast.
Simon felt the tiniest bit guilty.
Damn it.
Completely forgetting about their upcoming math exam, he turned in his chair to face his pouting boyfriend.
“Hey,” Simon began, his voice oh so gentle and full of love. He placed his hand on top of the other’s, “I’m just kidding. I’d never leave you. God, how could I after everything we’ve been through.”
His other hand rose to cup Wilhelm’s cheek, thumb stroking the skin softly. It was warm to the touch and Simon found himself memorizing all the little imperfections. Like the tiny scratch under his right eye and the beauty mark resting along his jaw.
A small smile finally (finally!) made its way to Wille’s face. He had such a cute smile, it was innocent and sweet. Just like him.
Wilhelm chuckled.
“You sure you’re not just saying that because I’m the Crown Prince?” He joked, raising his head to meet his boyfriend’s concerned gaze.
Nevermind.
Simon scowled immediately. He pushed the other’s face away and dropped his hand.
“You’re the worst. I hate you.”
“No, you don’t,” the prince sang. “You love me because I’m your boyfriend and you’d do anything for me.”
“Right now, I don’t know if I want to kiss you or shove you off a bridge,” Simon complained.
Wilhelm grinned cheekily, leaning into the other’s space, “Can I pick?”
Simon rolled his eyes.
Not bothering to see if anyone was looking, he leaned in and gave the other a quick peck on the lips before turning back to his homework.
Wilhelm’s face darkened and he sputtered.
“I- You can’t just….We’re—”
“Aw, what’s wrong, mi príncipe?”
“…shut up. Do your prep sheet.”
Simon smirked. “As long as I can do you after.”
Wilhelm buried his face in the other’s shoulder, ears tinged pink.
“Oh my god, you’re horrible,” he mumbled, the words muffled by the fabric of his hoodie.
Simon hummed, finally listening to the other and turning back to his incomplete exam prep sheet.
Together, the boys studied (and flirted some more) until the librarian kicked them out for being too loud, which was just as terrifying as the last confrontation.
In Simon’s defense, Wilhelm shoved one of his mandarin orange peels down his shirt! So it was only fair that he did the same. And maybe they ended up laughing hysterically and kissing but who’s to say.
Eventually, they went back to Wilhelm’s room to cuddle and watch true crime videos until they fell asleep.
Simon never turned in his worksheet.