Legends of Mirandis Academy

Chapter 42: Behind Our Backs

The next day, Iridia woke up almost delirious. A million questions swam in her brain, overwhelming her consciousness. Was any of yesterday real? Did she really make out with Brielle in the shop? Did she really have a girlfriend now— was she really dating Brielle Prescott?

In the midst of her delirium, her phone chimed.

New Text Message

Brielle Prescott: Good morning! :)

Iridia texted back almost immediately.

"good morning!!" She paused, thumbs hesitating over the keyboard. Another message: "so like, yesterday was real, right? i'm not delusional?"

"No, you're not delusional LOL. Yes, we're dating. :))))" Iridia would have never imagined Brielle to be a smiley-face texter. It was kind of cute.

"Hey..." Brielle sent another message. "Maybe keep your hair down today? You know, just perhaps for my own convenience."

Iridia's jaw dropped. Was she implying—

"Iri!" Ivita called through the door. "Are you awake?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm awake." As her door creaked open, she dropped her face to apathy. "What's up?"

Only her head poked in. "Are you feeling better?"

She feigned a weak smile. "Y-yeah, I'm okay. Make sure you're ready soon, I want to be at school a little earlier today."

She dramatically sighed. "The price of carpooling." But a tiny smile pulled at her sister's face. "I'm glad you're okay."

The door shut and she let out a rough exhale. It wasn't fair to tell everyone about her and Brielle. Even though she would have loved to shout it from the rooftops of the tallest buildings in Far'Runa with a megaphone, she wouldn't say anything without Brielle's agreement. It wouldn't be fair to her.

Iridia looked at her phone again. She smiled to herself as she went into Brielle's contact information and changed her name: Bri <3

Iridia didn't expect any immediate change in the hallways of the school. Realistically, she hadn't given any thought to what dating Brielle Prescott would actually be like. There wasn't time to entertain the thought, especially because kissing her was the only thing that had occupied her mind the entire night, no room for afterthought.

So when Brielle slid her hand into Iridia's and intertwined their fingers without warning as she was in her locker, Iridia was fairly surprised.

"Oh, hi," Iridia giggled.

"Good morning. How are you?" Brielle's smile was as bright, the shine in her eyes even brighter.

"I'm amazing." Iridia leaned down and whispered, "Are we just... out now?"

"Is that okay?" Brielle pulled back, her hand slipping away and out of Iridia's grasp. "I don't mind it, but if you're not ready to be super public about it, I understand."

"I-I mean, it's just... what if something happens, you know? What if people react badly?"

"You 'beat up a linebacker', remember?" Brielle mischievously smiled. "Who's gonna mess with you?"

"But what about you?" Iridia softly begged. "What if they come after you?"

"Are you implying I can't handle myself?" Brielle leaned back, crossed her arms, and raised a brow. The only difference between this and her usually adopted expression with this pose was her teasing grin.