𝕵𝖚𝖘𝖙 𝕱𝖗𝖎𝖊𝖓𝖉𝖘...

Chapter 2: The Serendipitous Encounters POV: Delanor

"Stop Worrying/Calm Down. If you can't shut up, I'll find a way to shut you up" -Devin

I walked down the bustling hallways, the vibrant sounds of student life surrounding me like a symphony of daily routines. The rhythmic squeaking of shoes on the polished floors harmonized with the constant chatter and laughter, creating a lively cacophony that filled the air. Lockers clinked and thumped as students expertly opened and closed them, the metallic clang resonating through the hallway like melodic percussion.

My eyes roamed the walls, taking in the familiar sights that adorned the school corridors. Classroom doors were adorned with colorful posters and student artwork, showcasing the creativity of young minds. Trophy cases proudly displayed the achievements of the school's athletes and scholars, a testament to the hard work and dedication of the students. Class pictures immortalized moments of camaraderie and friendship, a gallery of smiles frozen in time.

The shiny lockers, each one adorned with personalized decorations, stood like guardians of the student's belongings, their surfaces reflecting the bustling activity around them. Intricate graffiti and doodles, etched into door frames and written in marker on the walls, added a touch of rebellion and individuality to the otherwise orderly environment.

Finally arriving at my assigned locker, I skillfully unlocked it, the routine feeling as natural as breathing. I joined the familiar symphony of sounds as I threw my backpack into the locker with practiced ease and retrieved the books I needed for my first class. The familiarity of this morning ritual brought a sense of comfort and assurance, a grounding element amidst the bustling chaos of the school day.

As I stood by my locker, the blend of scents in the air enveloped me like a warm embrace. The aroma of freshly polished floors mingled with the scent of well-worn books and papers, creating an atmosphere that felt like a second home. It was a smell that had become synonymous with learning and friendship, and it welcomed me back to another day of exploration and growth.

Just as I was about to grab my books for the first class, the sound of approaching footsteps caught my attention. My heart skipped a beat, assuming it was my best friend, Lucas, as he usually walked with me in the mornings. Without even turning around, I playfully called out, "Hey, Lucas, you still in for the walk to the park?"

But to my surprise, a different voice responded, "Uh, sorry, it's not Lucas. I'm Jason." I turned around, the flush of embarrassment spreading across my cheeks. Jason was a classmate, someone I knew but wasn't as close to as I was with Lucas.

"Oh, hey, Jason," I stammered, trying to recover from my assumption. "Sorry about that. I thought you were someone else."

He chuckled good-naturedly, understanding my mistake. "No worries happens to the best of us. So, are you excited for today? The party that your boyfriend is throwing is tonight!"

I nodded, grateful for his friendly demeanor. "Definitely! Hey, um have you seen Lucas around, by the way?"

Jason's expression softened a bit, and he replied, "Actually, I haven't seen him yet today. Maybe he's running a bit late or something."

A twinge of concern flickered in my mind, as it was unlike Lucas to be late without letting me know. "Hmm, that's strange," I murmured, more to myself than to Jason. "Well, I guess I'll catch up with him later."

During class, my mind kept drifting, making it challenging to concentrate on the lessons. I occasionally stole glances at the empty seat beside me, where Lucas should have been. The class material seemed duller without our usual banter and inside jokes.

Once the bell rang, signaling the end of the first class, I decided to send Lucas a text to check on him. "Hey, are you okay? You weren't at the bus stop, and I missed you in class." I hesitated for a moment before adding, "Let me know if anything's up, and I hope you're okay."

While I was still texting on my phone in the crowded hallways, I bumped into Devin, my boyfriend, and his strong hands quickly steadied me before I could stumble backward. A slight grunt escaped me at the impact, but Devin's presence made me feel safe and secure. I looked up at him with a smile, feeling a warm sensation rush through me.

"Ahh, thank you, baby," I said in a soft, playful tone.

"No worries. Hey, you seemed a bit off last period. You alright... I mean you seemed off since the beginning from our bus stop?" he asked, his concern evident in his voice.

"Yeah, I'm ok. I'm just a bit worried. Lucas hasn't been here for a while, and it's not like him to be late. I'm afraid something happened at home, even though something always happens at his home, he always comes early! It's just not like him-" I rambled, my anxiety beginning to rise.

Before I could continue, Devin's lips met mine in a passionate and intense kiss, instantly silencing my worries. His hands cupped my face, and his other arm wrapped around my back, drawing me closer. The world seemed to melt away as I lost myself in the moment, the kiss a perfect distraction from my concerns.

When he finally pulled back, I licked my lips, feeling a mix of desire and relief wash over me. Devin always had a way of calming my anxieties, even if it meant using his charm and allure to do so.

"You were talking too fast and about Lucas, my love. You know that raises your anxiety, and I don't want to be seen with a girl who has anxiety attacks," he said, his words sweet and caring but laced with a hint of possessiveness.

"Yeah, sorry," I said, trying to regain my composure. I couldn't deny that I was drawn to him, but a small voice in the back of my mind reminded me to be cautious.

"Baby?~" Devin's voice lowered, becoming more seductive.

"Yeah?" I asked, taking deep breaths to steady myself, the scent of his cologne intoxicating my senses.

"When you come to my party tonight, dress... sexy. Alright? You have a great body, show it off for me," he said, his request filled with desire and expectation.

I took a shaky breath, trying to hide the desire I felt for him. "Yeah... ok, my love. I will."

"Thank you, my dear.~" He leaned in to bite my neck gently, leaving a trail of sensations in his wake, before winking and walking away, leaving me slightly dazed.

As the bell rang, I cleared my throat and fixed the books I was holding in my arms. When I turned around, my worries momentarily forgotten, I saw Lucas leaning against my locker, a smirk on his face, and small bandages on his face and arms. My eyes widened, and my smile grew as I ran up to him, dropping my books as I jumped into his arms, burying my face in the crook of his neck as I wrapped my arms around him.

"Oh, My God! Lucas, you're here. I thought you weren't coming today!" I said, my smile radiating with joy as I felt his arms around me too. He set me down, still smiling down at me, and I grabbed his arm, talking to him excitedly as we walked to our next class.

"Hey, wait, aren't you going to grab your books?" he asked, his voice gentle and caring.

"Oh yeah. Sorry." I chuckled, my heart still fluttering with happiness, as I ran back to grab my books that I had dropped and then ran back, grabbing his arm as we continued our journey together.