𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃, joseph descamps

𝟎𝟏𝟔. a taste of the forbidden

OCTOBER 1ST ARRIVES with its share of golden leaves falling from the trees, and a cool breeze sneaking between the school buildings. Aimée steps out of class, the sound of doors slamming still echoing in her mind. The day has been long, and it feels like the hours have piled up, weighing on her as she struggles to stay focused on the lessons.

As she sets foot outside, she closes her eyes for a moment, savoring the softness of the air. The courtyard buzzes with activity, but her gaze is drawn to a familiar figure leaning against a wall, smoking a cigarette, his usual eye patch in place. Joseph. He looks detached, as if the world around him doesn't matter. His brown hair floats slightly in the wind as he takes a drag, a contemplative expression on his face.

She hesitates before approaching, her footsteps merging with the crackle of the cigarette. He glances up at her, an amused smile tugging at his lips. "I didn't know the courtyard was a smoking lounge."

He straightens up a bit, his back still against the wall. "Don't worry, I'm not smoking for pleasure, just trying to survive the classes."

Aimée can't help but smile. "Survive, huh ?" She studies him, her heart beating faster, fascinated by how comfortable he seems in his own skin, while she's still struggling with her insecurities. "And is it working ?"

He shrugs, the cigarette dangling between his fingers. "Depends. Sometimes, I just want to snap and throw everything away."

"That doesn't sound like the best solution." But she knows she can't really judge. She has her own coping mechanisms, her own escapes.

He takes another drag, the smoke curling up into the air like a gentle fog. "So, redhead, did you nibble like a little rabbit again today ?"

She rolls her eyes, but a slight blush rises to her cheeks. "Very funny. Not that it's any of your business."

"Oh, but I'm interested. I just want to make sure my little mouse isn't struggling to find crumbs to nibble on."

"I can take care of myself, thank you. And for your information, I had a real meal today. Not that it's any of your concern, but a salad, with chicken and everything."

Joseph presses his lips together, visibly amused. "A salad, huh ? What a feast. Life's not just about eating vegetables, you know."

"I'd rather have my salads than your cigarettes. At least I'm not filling my lungs with stuff I don't understand."

"Oh, really ? Don't you remember the last time, in the gymnasium ? Ah, the salad ! I have to admit it sounds less exciting than a cigarette, but I respect your choice. But a little bit of nicotine wouldn't hurt, right ? Just to see."

"And I suppose you're an expert on good decisions ?" she says, raising an eyebrow.

"Once in a while, it doesn't kill you."

She stares at him, puzzled. Joseph has a way of making everything seem so simple, almost irresistible. He holds out a cigarette to her, the gesture both provocative and inviting. She hesitates, torn between wanting to prove to him that she's not the goody-two-shoes he thinks she is and listening to her instinct telling her not to give in. Eventually, she declines.

"No, thanks," she says, turning to leave.

He grabs her arm. "There's another way. You could at least taste it, just to see. It's not just smoke... a little taste of nicotine," he says, an amused smile on his lips.

Aimée frowns, not immediately understanding what he means. "The taste of nicotine ? What are you talking about ?"

Still smiling, he leans closer to her, moving slowly, and for a moment, everything seems to hang in the air. She feels her heart race as he attempts to place his lips on hers.

But she snaps out of it, shoving his shoulder abruptly. "What do you think you're doing ?" she exclaims, breathless, pushing him away.

"Relax. It was just... a moment."

"A moment, really ?" she replies, suddenly feeling angrier than she'd like. "You know I'm not like that !"

"I know, but I just thought you could be a little more daring," he murmurs.

She steps back, giving him a piercing look. "Daring doesn't mean throwing myself at the first guy who tempts me."

"You're more complex than I thought," he admits, clearly amused by her reaction.

"And you're more persistent than I expected," she retorts.

He bursts into laughter, surprising her. "I'll take that as a compliment. It means I got you out of your bubble, right ?"

"Maybe, but not in the way you think."

Joseph steps back a bit, smiling, but his eyes stay fixed on hers. "Alright, I respect that. But I'm not going to stop challenging you, you know."

"I'm not some prey to be hunted."

"Of course, but let's be honest, you don't seem very experienced in this area."

She glares at him, her cheeks flushing. "Pervert ! You think I'm going to fall for your tricks?"

"No, I'm not trying to trap you, I just want to... explore a bit. You know, exploration can be quite fun. Sometimes, it's just about knowing where to look."

"I'm not your playground, Joseph," she snaps, trying to hide her unease.

"Ah, but everyone needs a bit of adventure in their life, redhead. Even good little girls like you." His tone is teasing, and he steps closer, as if he's about to whisper in her ear. "And what's so bad about discovering new sensations ?"

She straightens up, her heart racing, unsure whether she should be annoyed or intrigued. "You're unbearable, you know that ?"

"And you're infuriating in the way you resist. It makes me want to push a little harder," he says, a playful smile on his lips, his eyes glinting.

Aimée, biting her lip, feels a wave of confusion wash over her. Joseph has this knack for playing with her emotions, for drawing her into a game where she doesn't yet understand all the rules. "You know, just because you're making insinuations doesn't mean I'm going to change my mind," she throws back.

"Oh, I'm not trying to convince you. I'm just showing you another side of life. You know, there are things far more... interesting than your salad."

She doesn't want to play this game, so she steps forward, her cheeks burning with anger. Then, without thinking, her hand strikes sharply against Joseph's cheek. The sound echoes in the air, cutting through the silence between them.

He instinctively brings his hand to his cheek, stunned. It's been a long time since he felt that kind of shock, not since that day she slapped him after he spilled water on Michèle. That day, he ended up losing his eye, a bitter memory that seems to come back to haunt him at this moment.

She doesn't wait for his reaction. Her breath is heavy as she turns on her heel and walks away briskly, without looking back. Her heart pounds in her chest, adrenaline coursing through her veins.

Joseph remains frozen for a few seconds, trying to understand what just happened. He slowly straightens up, a smile spreading on his lips despite the sting on his cheek. Part of him wants to run after her, say something that would make her turn back. But he knows she doesn't need that. Not now.