Swallow your pride

Confusion

Yarra was walking through the halls and everyone was staring at her and whispering. It was already getting on her nerves. Liam came around the corner, they almost collided. "Ah Yarra! Hello baby. How are you?" he asked her with a smile.
"Hi Liam... it was better." she answered him sadly.
Liam grabbed her hand and led her to a nearby bench. He put his hand on her thigh and caressed it. "Oh, I'm sorry. I heard you had an... *interesting* potions class."
Yarra looked at him with a raised eyebrow.
Liam shrugged and said, "the whole school is talking about it... how two boys smelled the same scent." He winked at her. "Is that why you're sad, baby?"

Yarra sighed. "They're best friends. I don't want them arguing and fighting. Not for me."
Liam squeezed her hand gently, offering a comforting gesture.
"Best friends, huh?" he mused aloud, tilting his head as he considered the situation. "That must be tough for both of them, and even tougher on you. It's not easy being caught in the middle of such a mess."
He gave her thigh another reassuring pat. "But Yarra, it might not be just about you. There could be a lot more going on between them than either of them are willing to admit."

Yarra squeezed his hand and replied, "Yes, you're right. There were 'some' things that happened last school year that strained their friendship. But still. I don't want to be another reason for their rift. I have to keep my distance from them."
Liam's expression flickered with a hint of concern at Yarra's words. He squeezed her hand in return, sensing the weight of her words.
"Keeping your distance might be for the best," he agreed quietly, his tone gentle. "Although, it's clear they both care about you a lot. Maybe too much. It's a difficult situation for everyone involved. But don't forget to take care of yourself first, baby."

Yarra bowed her head, considering his words. Liam gently took her chin and lifted it, their eyes met. "And what about your amortentia? Can I hope that you smelled at least a hint of a scent that would remind you of me?"he asked her, his eyes wandering to her lips. The memory of the moment with Sebastian at the cauldron of the intoxicating potion immediately came to her.
She turned her head away, she wouldn't bear his disappointed look if she told him the truth about what, or rather who, she felt in the love potion.

Liam's smile faltered as he observed Yarra avoiding his gaze. He had a hunch that her silence was a reflection of her hesitance to share the truth. He gently ran his thumb over her chin, his touch tender but persistent. "I understand Yarra. I was hoping... maybe one day." He stroked her cheek. Then he released her, got up and left.

Yarra watched him walk away, a mix of guilt and resignation washing over her. She leaned back on the bench, her thoughts swirling like leaves caught in a gentle breeze.
"One day," she muttered to herself, a pang of sadness in her voice. She knew that she had hurt Liam. He was so sweet, attractive and attentive. And he showed his interest in her openly. Ah, fuck! Why couldn't she just smell him in that fucking potion! Everything would be easier.

She closed her eyes, her mind replaying the moment with Sebastian in the potions classroom. And also to moment when she realize that she smelled the attractive scent of Ominis. She was so confused.

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Sebastian Pov

Sebastian stood in the shadows watching the stream of students coming down the stairs from the astronomy tower after their evening stargazing class. When he saw Yarra, he grabbed her, put his hand over her mouth so she wouldn't scream. He pulled her into his hiding place around the corner and leaned her against the wall in the shadows.

When the footsteps of the students died down, he loosened his grip and release her mouth.
"What the hell are you doing?" Yarra snapped at him.
Sebastian smirked. He had missed hearing her voice, the way it sent shivers down his spine.
"Calm down, honey," he said, his voice low and sultry. "I just wanted to talk to you without any interruptions."
He leaned in closer, closing the distance between them. He could feel her breath on his skin, the heat radiating from her body. It took all of his self-control to resist the urge to press her against the wall.