𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐃, joseph descamps

𝐁𝐎𝐍𝐔𝐒 (𝟏). friends or enemies

THE MONTHS OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY had passed at an incredible pace. The snow gives way to the first buds of spring, but for Aimée and Joseph, time seems suspended in a bubble of intimacy. They continue to meet in secret, finding refuge in hidden places where the whispers of others cannot reach their connection.

On this day, Aimée sits in a quiet corner of the library, surrounded by rows of books that have witnessed countless stories. She flips through a novel without really reading. The hours spent together feel both real and unreal, like a teenage dream she hesitates to touch for fear of breaking it.

The library door opens softly, and Aimée looks up. Joseph enters quietly, scanning the room to ensure none of their classmates are nearby.

With a quick gesture, he heads toward her, a knowing smile lighting up his face. In his hand, he holds an orange, his usual gift. "Hey," he whispers as he sits beside her, looking relaxed, though his gaze betrays a hint of excitement.

"Hey," she replies, leaning toward him with a smile. "I was starting to wonder if you would come today."

He hands her the orange, and she accepts it, their fingers brushing together in the motion. Joseph knows that this small gift holds special meaning for her. "I thought you might need some vitamins."

Aimée smiles as she bites into the orange. The sweet juice bursts in her mouth, and she wonders if this taste will forever be associated with their moments together. The bright colors of the orange seem to glow under the soft library light, just like the sparkle in her unique eye when she's with him.

"I think I really needed that," she admits, a light laugh escaping her lips.

As he leans in to kiss her, laughter suddenly rings out, clear and mocking. They straighten up instantly, surprised, and find themselves face-to-face with Jean and Charles, who are watching them.

"Oh wow, look who's having fun in the corner !" exclaims Jean, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "Are we interrupting ?"

Aimée blushes, while Joseph straightens up, his expression shifting from surprise to embarrassment. They have been caught in the act, and the humiliation of their secret being exposed is painful.

"You didn't see anything !" protests Joseph, feigning a confidence he doesn't feel. "It's just... a quiet moment between friends."

Charles leans forward, adopting a false penitential look. "A quiet moment, really ? About to kiss ? The great romantics of the library !"

Aimée, realizing the situation, can only smile, even though she feels trapped. She knows they don't want their relationship to be known, but her friends' playfulness forces her to face this reality.

Joseph, on the other hand, is less amused. Far from the carefree attitude he had up to now, he feels a wave of frustration wash over him. "Do you really think this is funny ?!" he shouts, his voice echoing in the silent library. "Do you think it's amusing to spy on us like this ? This is our life, not a show for you !"

"We didn't say we'd shout it from the rooftops, Joseph. But come on, with a scene like this, it's hard not to talk about it a little !"

Joseph, now more than annoyed, steps toward them, ready to defend their secret at all costs. Aimée feels her heart race. She doesn't want this to escalate, but the tension in the air is palpable.

"You know what ? Go ahead, tell everyone !" he throws out. "I'm sure everyone would love to hear about your little jokes !"

The two friends, caught up in a sudden rush of madness, exchange one last glance, then dash out of the library, laughing loudly. "We're off, lovebirds !" shouts Charles as he runs. "Get ready to be the talk of the town !"