𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐃𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐡

12 〄

ANTHEA

╚══ஓ๑♡๑ஓ══╝

I slid into my seat just as the lecture started, trying to act like everything was normal. But then I caught it-his cologne. Faint, familiar, and way too distracting.

My stomach flipped. He was here.

I didn't look. Didn't move. I just kept my eyes on the board, pretending to listen while my mind raced. I could feel him a few seats away. Close enough to notice. Close enough to drive me crazy.

Every so often, I stole a glance. He was sitting like everyone else, focused on the professor, not giving anything away. But I knew he felt me there, just like I felt him.

And then-his hand brushed my thigh.

Just like that, I forgot how to breathe.

I didn't react. Couldn't. Not with half the class around us. But I felt the heat rise in my face, the way my skin tingled where he touched me. It was subtle. No one would've noticed. But it was enough.

By the time the lecture ended, I was counting the seconds.

Everyone started packing up. Just as I reached for my bag, he slid a folded piece of paper onto my desk and walked out like nothing happened. I opened it: Meet me outside.

I didn't hesitate.

The second I stepped into the hallway, I felt his hand on my waist, pulling me aside into a quiet corner. I barely had time to smile before he kissed me, and I kissed him right back, all urgency and heat and months of hiding.

"I missed you," he murmured, forehead resting against mine.

"Yeah," I breathed. "Me too."

"Let's meet up at old factory near the pizzeria in the city center," he whispers and I just nod.

We couldn't stay for long, but even those few stolen moments were enough to make my day. As we said our goodbyes and went our separate ways.

As the phone rang loudly, I took a deep breath before answering. It was Tyson, calling. I knew it must be important for him to call during school hours. With a wave of fear washing over me, I answered and braced myself for whatever news he had for me.

"Anthea speaking," I answered, trying to sound calm and composed despite the adrenaline pumping through my veins.

"Hey boss," Tyson's voice echoed through the line. "I have some important information for you. It involves our rival organization and I think we need to take action before they make a move."

My heart sank at the mention of our rival. The thought of losing control of my territory filled me with dread. "Alright, give me all the details," I replied, my mind already racing with possible plans.

Tyson proceeded to inform me about the enemy's recent activities and their potential attack on our territory. We were facing a huge threat and needed to act fast. But then, I remembered something that I had to do after school. I knew it was important for the organization, but I couldn't tell him about it.

"I understand, Tyson. Thank you, I'll take care of it," I said, trying to hide my hesitation. "But I have something important to do after school, so take care of the matter for now and report back to me."

There was a slight pause before he replied. "Alright, but just make sure you don't take too long. We need to be on top of this situation."

I promised him I would take care of it and ended the call. The weight of the situation heavy on my shoulders, I made my way through the school halls, my mind a whirlwind of thoughts.