Hues in Different Synergies

(2) The Melody of Deception

COLETTE

As the air crackled with tension.  Diego's jaw tightened, and his eyes narrowed as he looked at me.  His gaze was intense, almost predatory.  I could feel the heat rising in my cheeks.  This wasn't just awkward anymore. 

Why am I always stuck in this situation?


And then, before any of us could react, a voice boomed from behind us.

"Diego, what are you doing here?  I thought you were in my class."

It was Professor Ibaneus herself.  She looked furious, her face flushed, and her eyes narrowed.  She was not a woman to be trifled with, and she was clearly not happy about Diego's presence.

Well who would be happy if your student would be late plus he is her pride and joy. Psh teacher's pet.

Diego's face paled.  He looked like a deer caught in headlights.  He stammered, "I... I was just..."

But Professor Ibaneus cut him off.  "Don't lie to me, Diego.  I saw you in the hallway earlier. You should be in my class by now and what is this argument I hear?."

The air grew thick with tension.  Diego's eyes darted nervously between the professor and me.  I could feel my heart pounding in my chest.  This was getting out of hand.

"I... I just wanted to talk to her," Diego mumbled, his voice barely a whisper.

Lies

Professor Ibaneus's eyes narrowed even further.  "Talk to her in that tone, that is very disrespectful of you Mr. Garcia." She said in a very firm manner, stepping closer, her presence overwhelming.

"Respect is earned, Diego," she continued, her voice cutting through the air like a blade. "And I don't see you earning much of it today."

I could feel the weight of her gaze shift to me, and for a moment, I considered defending him. After all, wasn’t it me who had provoked this confrontation? But then I remembered how his words had stung, leaving an ache in my chest.

Suddenly, a flicker of mischief ignited in Diego’s eyes, and he straightened up. "Actually, Professor, I was just trying to understand Colette’s perspective on the project. Maybe you could help us?"

The audacity! My heart raced—not just from his boldness, but from the ultimate danger of drawing the professor’s ire even more intensely. Professor Ibaneus's expression morphed into one of disbelief.

"Is that so? You think you can turn this into a group study session?" She crossed her arms, lips pursed. "If you wanted to be a student, Diego, perhaps you should have considered arriving on time."

The tension thickened as I took a step back, caught in the crossfire of their standoff. I felt trapped, yet oddly exhilarated, as if a storm was brewing around us. I glanced at Diego, seeing not just fear but something deeper—determination.

"Maybe we should take this outside," I suggested, surprising myself with my boldness. "Where we can discuss things without... interruptions."

Diego’s eyes lit up, and Professor Ibaneus hesitated, weighing her options. Her expression shifted, a flicker of respect passing through. "Very well," she said slowly, "but this isn't over. You two better have a good reason for this."