[Previously titled 𝗚𝘂𝗶𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝘂𝗿𝗲]
❝No, Ace. I can't do it," I sob.
"I know you can take more than that, sunshine, come on," he encourages, pummeling into me in fervent motions. "One more for daddy, yeah?" He coaxes in a gruffly voice...
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O L I V I A
It's been five days since that morning with Ace, and things have changed between us. I've seen him around campus, in class, and even exchanged a few words when necessary. But it's like a switch has been flipped. He's back to being just my professor—no lingering touches or intimate gazes. It's both a relief and a frustration.
Ace's deep voice announces the upcoming assignment, snapping me back to the present. As I jot down the details, Jordan complains about her disrupted weekend plans and I smirk.
When Ace dismisses the class, I hope he'll spare a moment to talk to me but just like that, he's back to being all business, not sparing me a single glance. Frustration builds as I pack up my things. I need to know what's going on between us because it's driving me crazy, and I can't keep going like this.
"Livia?"
I'm snapped out of my thoughts by Jordan staring at me with lowered eyebrows, and I realize there's almost no one around and Ace is nowhere in sight.
"Uh, sorry. Were you talking to me?"
"Yes, and I was telling you that I'm going to professor King's office for advice on a painting technique. You mentioned that you struggle a bit with oil painting. So, wanna go together?" She proposes and I bite my lip.
Say yes, say yes, say yes, say—
"No, thank you. I'll do it next time," I decline, and regret immediately hits me.
Going to his office with Jordan would have been the perfect opportunity to casually see Ace, to clear the air, to maybe get some answers. Ugh, I'm so frustrated with myself.
"Speaking of which, Sam and some of our classmates are planning to hit a bar for drinks and food. Care to join? It should be a good time," she offers hopefully, and I just stare at her, torn.
Should I let loose, have fun, maybe distract myself from Ace? Or should I stay, buried in my work?
"Staying for another all-nighter?" Jordan guesses, a touch of exasperation in her tone and I nod slowly.
"Yeah, I've got some stuff to catch up on," I reply with a small voice and she sighs, looking at me as if I've grown a second head.
"Do you realize it's Friday night?"
Another nod from me.
"And that people actually have social lives and enjoy themselves?" She continues and I try to shrug nonchalantly.
"My social life is here, with these canvases," I say and she pouts and grabs my hand.
"You were on the brink of becoming fun, and now you're backtracking!"
"Guess I reconsidered my choices," I say and she sighs heavily, letting go of my hand. "Have fun with your fun," I offer as she starts to walk away.
