𝗖𝗟𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗗𝗘 𝗟𝗨𝗡𝗘. Demetrius Desmond

18

THE DAY STARTED LIKE ANY OTHER—at least, that's what I had told myself. But walking into the classroom, I could already feel the shift in the air.

All morning, whispers had followed me down the halls, punctuated by teasing and not-so-subtle glances at the side of my neck.

I didn't have to look in the mirror to know what they were talking about. The mark was still there—a glaring hickey right where Demetrious had left it.

I had tried to cover it with my collar but apparently, it wasn't enough. The murmurs only grew louder and a few giggles echoed from the back of the room.

"Did you see it?"

"Who do you think it was? Leon, maybe?"

"Definitely Leon. He's always around her."

I resisted the urge to roll my eyes. Of course, they'd pin it on Leon. Soon though, The teacher called for partners and I found myself paired with Lydia and Sydney—two of the Imperial Scholars since my grades stood high.

Lydia was poised and sweet with a perfect record in both academics and behavior. Sydney, on the other hand, was more outgoing and playful though just as brilliant.

We moved to a table in the corner, their curious glances immediately zoning in on me as soon as we sat down. "So." Sydney began, leaning closer with a mischievous grin.

"You're going to tell us who gave you that, right?" she asked and I played dumb, flipping open my notebook. "Gave me what?"

Lydia giggled softly, covering her mouth with her hand. "Come on, Y/n. You can't seriously expect us not to notice."

"Notice what?" I asked again, feigning innocence. Sydney smirked, pointing to her own neck. "The hickey. It's practically screaming for attention."

"Must've been Leon, right?" Lydia chimed in, her tone curious but not judgmental. "No way, Leon is like a brother!" I said, hiding my red cheeks.

"Then who?" Sydney pressed, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "I—" I started, but she cut me off. "Wait, don't tell me it's a secret!" Sydney exclaimed, her voice loud making a few look at us.

I groaned inwardly, trying to find a way out of the conversation. Before I could, Sydney's attention shifted. "You know." she said, her tone softening as she glanced at Lydia.

"I wish I had a love life like yours. Lydia's got someone she likes too so i'm completely alone." She teased. "Sydney!" Lydia's cheeks turned bright red and she glared at her friend.

"What? It's true!" Sydney said, laughing. She turned back to me, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "She likes Demetrious."

My stomach twisted uncomfortably. I forced a smile, keeping my tone light. "Oh? What's so great about him?" Lydia hesitated, her blush deepening. "He's...well, he's really smart and talented. And he's always so composed. I admire him."

"That's it?" I asked, leaning on my hand to hide my growing irritation. She fidgeted with her pen. "He's also really handsome." Of course, she'd say that.

Lydia was the kind of girl anyone would expect Demetrious to go for—polished, kind, everything I wasn't. But he didn't go for her. He went for me, Not that I could tell her that thought.

Instead, I feigned interest, nodding along as if I were genuinely supportive. "Well, if you want to get his attention, you could try being direct."

"Direct?" Lydia asked, her eyes wide. "Yeah. Just be upfront about how you feel. Guys like that." Sydney tilted her head, intrigued. "You sound like you've done this before."