𝐔𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐧

𝑬𝒑𝒊𝒔𝒐𝒅𝒆 5: "𝒍𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕 𝒊𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒏𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕"

୨୧
France, Paris
Math camp
O.T.M.
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I slowly wake up, feeling the warmth of the sun spilling through the bus windows, directly onto my face. The light is blinding, making my eyelids feel heavy as I try to adjust to the brightness. But then I feel something cool and soft casting a shadow over my face, and instinctively, I turn my head to find the source.

When I finally open my eyes, I'm greeted by the sight of Mrs. Carter, her hand gently covering my face from the harsh sunlight. For a moment, I freeze, my heart racing as I process how I ended up here-leaning against her shoulder, completely at ease. I can hardly believe this is happening. My breath catches in my throat as I realize how close we are.

The warmth radiating from her body, combined with the intoxicating scent of her vanilla and coconut shampoo, envelops me like a cozy blanket. I'm not ready to give up this moment just yet, so I close my eyes again, pretending to be asleep a little longer. The way she smells, the rhythm of her breathing, and the soft brush of her hair against my skin sends shivers down my spine.

I can't help but steal a glance at her. Her long legs are crossed elegantly, the tailored fabric of her pants hugging her in all the right places, outlining her shape in a way that makes my heart race. I catch a glimpse of a slight cameltoe, and my cheeks flush with heat. It's almost too much.

I sit up suddenly as warmth spreads through my body, realizing I'm getting a bit too hot. The last thing I want is to pass out from embarrassment. "Don't sit in the sun, sweetheart. You'll get sick," Mrs. Carter says softly, her voice smooth like honey.

I glance at her, and there's a gentle concern in her amber eyes, which only makes my heart race even faster. "Do you have any water? My bag is in the boot," I mumble, my voice still heavy with sleep.

Without hesitation, she bends forward, her hair cascading down like a golden waterfall as she reaches for her water bottle tucked in the pocket of her bag. I watch as she stretches, the fabric of her shirt pulling taut over her curves, and I can't help but admire how effortlessly beautiful she looks, even in the casual setting of a bus ride.

"Here you go," she says, handing me the bottle with a small smile that makes my heart flutter. Her fingers brush against mine as I take it, sending a rush of electricity up my arm. I unscrew the cap and take a long drink, the cool liquid soothing my dry throat.

"Thanks," I say, trying to sound casual even though my heart is racing. I can feel her gaze on me, and it's both exhilarating and terrifying.

"How are you feeling now? Still tired?" she asks, her voice soft, almost intimate.

"Better," I reply, my cheeks warming under her watchful eyes. "I just didn't get much sleep last night."

"Studying?" she asks, raising an eyebrow, her interest clearly piqued.

"Something like that," I say with a shy smile, trying to avoid the truth. The real reason I didn't sleep is because I was too busy daydreaming about her-about all the little things that make my heart race.

She tilts her head slightly, a knowing look in her eyes. "You know, Onika, it's important to take care of yourself, especially with all the pressure you're under. You need to rest when you can."

Her concern is genuine, and it sends a rush of warmth through me. I can't help but admire how she effortlessly balances authority and compassion. "I will," I promise, my voice barely above a whisper.

The bus hits a bump, and I instinctively lean closer to her, my shoulder brushing against her arm. The contact sends a thrill through me, and I bite my lip to suppress a smile. She doesn't move away, though, and that small act of closeness sends my heart into overdrive.