Roommate Badboy - Wicked Academy

21

Stella somehow managed to escape her flustered state and approached Frederick, who greeted her with a warm smile before casually tugging her down beside him. She barely had time to react before she noticed the tray in front of her-already filled with an assortment of breakfast items. She blinked at it, momentarily taken aback.

"You-" she started, glancing at him.

Frederick shrugged, taking a bite of his toast. "It's nothing."

Before she could respond, Ruby arrived with the rest of their teammates, immediately wrapping Stella in a swift hug before plopping down beside her. "Morning, you two," she greeted, setting her tray down. "You look suspiciously well-fed already, Stella."

Stella gave her a pointed look. "Yeah, I'm still trying to process that."

Breakfast carried on peacefully, conversation flowing easily as they ate. The only lingering trace of awkwardness was the comment Jason had thrown at her right before they parted, but she chose to let it slide. If anything, she was glad that the tension from earlier had dissolved. His playfulness, while frustrating, was painfully normal-something steady in the chaos. And for now, she could appreciate that.

The clinking of silverware and the steady hum of morning chatter filled the grand dining hall, students engaged in half-awake conversations over their meals. Laughter burst from one table, while another was deep in a debate over who had the worst luck in their latest practical exam. It was the usual morning chaos.

A shimmer of magic rippled through the air-like a whisper weaving through the hall, it stilled conversations, quieted laughter, and turned every gaze forward.

Professor Steinfeld stood at the front of the hall, her presence enough to draw immediate attention. Conversations fizzled out as heads turned toward her, some students already bracing for a tedious announcement about rules or schedules.

"Good morning, everyone. A quick announcement before you all finish up." She began, her tone smooth but carrying a hint of amusement. "But I do have something exciting to share."

Curiosity sparked through the room. Students exchanged glances.

The headmistress let the moment settle before continuing. "This weekend, we will be hosting our annual Masquerade Ball."

A beat of silence-then the reaction.

Professor Steinfeld continued, her lips curving slightly, "those of you willing to test your limits, take a risk, and step into the unknown-you'll want to pay close attention."

Another round of cheers, this time even louder. The loudest cheer came from the Blaze table, Jason and his friends thrived on challenges, on the thrill of unpredictability, and a night of masked mystery was exactly their kind of event.

The energy at their table exploding like a fire catching wind. High-fives were exchanged, hands clapped against shoulders, and someone even pounded a fist against the table in approval. Excitement radiated off them like heat.

Jason leaned back in his chair, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips, exchanging looks with his friends as if already scheming.

At another table, Stella's lips twitched into a knowing smile as she exchanged glances with Ruby. They both knew they'd be attending-there was no question about it.

Frederick, however, felt a slight twinge of disappointment. Not at the ball itself-but at the fact that, because of the masked nature of it all, there was no real opportunity to ask Stella to be his date. It wasn't like other dances where you could claim someone beforehand. This ball was all about mystery, chance, and the unknown.