Wicked Academy

4

Mornings had always been a time for Stella to ease into the day–silence, a moment of peace, a sip of coffee to slowly wake up. But today, she was already wide awake. Too aware.

The night had changed everything.

Not just waking up against Jason, her fingers still curled into his shirt. Not just the warmth of his skin against hers, a lingering heat that still clung to her even now.

But the kiss.

The way he had looked at her before he leaned in. The quiet thrill of his hands on her hips. The moment she could have pulled away–but didn't.

She had let it happen.

And before she could think about it any longer, Ruby's voice cut through her thoughts. "You're quiet this morning,"

Stella blinked, looking up to find her friend watching her over the rim of her own coffee cup.

"Just tired," Stella answered, her voice even.

Ruby frowned slightly but didn't push. "You shouldn't have to stay alone in that room. You could always come to mine, you know."

Stella felt the lie forming before she could stop it. "It's forbidden, I'm grounded."

She exhaled quietly, yet guilt gnawed at her. Lying to Ruby felt foreign–wrong, even. She never used to lie.

The lecture dragged on endlessly.

Stella sat there, twirling her pen between her fingers without actually writing anything. She was supposed to be listening, focusing, taking notes. But instead, the same images kept replaying in her mind–Jason, his challenging smirk, his fingers on her skin, the moment he leaned in closer.

And the way she hadn't stopped him.

She exhaled quietly, forcing herself to pay attention. Then she felt him.

Even before she saw him, she knew he was there. Jason.

She didn't lift her head, kept her eyes down, pretending to be completely absorbed in her notes. But as he passed by, he didn't say a word. No cocky remark, no teasing grin–just a single, knowing wink.

Her heart skipped a beat. Damn it.

Jason couldn't help but glance over at Stella during the lecture, his eyes lingering on her for a moment before he turned his attention back to the professor. He had caught her attention once or twice, but today, she seemed completely absorbed in her notes, her focus unwavering.

But he knew better.

Stella wasn't really paying attention to the lecture. He had seen that look in her eyes before–the kind that said she was miles away, lost in her thoughts. And Jason couldn't help but wonder if he was occupying her thoughts.

He shifted in his seat, his hand tapping against the table in a rhythm that only he could hear. Confidence. It was easy to slip into, especially when you were used to getting what you wanted–with a glint of mischief in his eyes.

After the lecture ended, the students shuffled out of the auditorium, the sound of footsteps echoing in the hallway. Stella walked alongside Ruby, her mind still lingering, but she kept her focus ahead, not wanting to give away any hint of distraction. The day was only just beginning, yet her thoughts were already far from the lectures.

Ruby, ever the observant friend, kept glancing at her, a knowing look in her eyes. Stella felt the weight of her gaze but didn't acknowledge it, instead quickening her pace toward the dining hall.

The scent of fresh food hit them as they approached, and the chatter of students filled the air. It was lunchtime, but to Stella, it felt like the calm before the storm.