Third Person POV
The ritual didn't go as planned. It left more questions than answers for Romeo and Venecia. However, instead of driving them apart, it had the opposite effect. Their bond had only deepened.
It was subtle yet unmistakable—the secret glances exchanged in the hallways, the long nights spent texting about everything and nothing, and the way their shared smiles lingered like a private joke. Despite the ever-watchful eyes around them, they found ways to exist in their bubble of intimacy.
**********
Venecia
When I opened my locker that morning, I wasn't prepared for the sight that greeted me. Nestled inside, surrounded by my neatly arranged books, was a small bouquet of pink begonias. For a moment, I just stood there, staring at it, as if questioning whether it was really meant for me.
And then, the realization hit: Romeo.
Picking up the bouquet carefully, I brought it to my nose and inhaled the soft, sweet scent. Pink begonia meant longing and desire. It was bold, daring even, for him to leave this for me with everything happening. But it was also us.
Dangerous, yet irresistible.
The warning bell brought me back to reality. The school day had begun. Clutching the bouquet, I carefully placed it back inside my locker before heading to class.
Liana was already waiting for me when I entered. She watched me with her sharp, inquisitive eyes as I took my seat.
"So..." she started casually, though I could see the mischief in her expression. "Who's the admirer?"
My heart skipped. Of course, she noticed the flowers. There was no escaping her curiosity.
"You're relentless," I muttered, pretending to arrange my notes.
"Yep," she said, popping the "p" and leaning closer. "Spill it."
I sighed, knowing there was no point in hiding it. "Romeo," I said quietly, meeting her gaze.
Her eyebrows shot up before a grin broke across her face. "Whoa. You guys are getting serious, huh?" She wiggled her eyebrows teasingly.
"Keep your voice down," I whispered urgently, glancing around the classroom. "And it's not like that... yet."
"Uh-huh," Liana said, smirking. "Flowers in your locker say otherwise. Still, be careful, okay? If anyone catches on..." Her voice trailed off, but her meaning was clear.
I nodded, appreciating her concern even as a blush crept up my neck. Before she could press further, Mr. Abrams walked in, signaling the start of class.
But even as the lesson began, my mind wandered back to Romeo.
***************
Romeo
I couldn't stop thinking about her.
Venecia had consumed my thoughts, a constant presence in my mind no matter what I was doing. I didn't even try to fight it anymore—it was pointless. Instead, I let myself feel it, embracing the way she made me feel alive and whole.
The pink begonias were a last-minute decision, but they felt perfect. Longing. Desire. They expressed everything I couldn't say out loud. Sneaking into the hallway early this morning to place them in her locker had been exhilarating. I wanted to see her reaction, even if it had to be from afar.
I glanced toward the side of the classroom. She was scribbling notes, her head tilted slightly as if deep in thought. For a moment, I let my guard down and stared. The morning sunlight streaming through the window made her look radiant, and I was reminded again of how utterly captivated I was by her.
She caught me staring. Her eyes flicked to mine briefly, a small, knowing smile tugging at her lips before she turned back to her notebook.
Damn, I thought, feeling my heart race.
I didn't notice Damien sliding into the seat next to me until he tapped my shoulder. "Dude, you're being obvious," he muttered, a smirk playing on his face.
I rolled my eyes. "Relax."
"She liked the flowers, didn't she?"
"Of course she did," I said, unable to keep the pride out of my voice.
Damien laughed quietly, shaking his head. "Just be careful. You know what's at stake if anyone else figures it out."
"I know," I said seriously, turning my attention back to the front of the class.
***************
Liana
Necia was distracted again.
She claimed everything was under control, but I could see it—her mind was elsewhere, probably fixated on Romeo. The flowers in her locker this morning had only solidified what I already knew: she was falling for him, deeply and dangerously.
"Pay attention, Liana," Mr. Abrams barked, jolting me out of my thoughts. I nodded and returned my gaze to the board, but my worries lingered.
**********
Damien
After class, I waited by the lockers for Liana.
I had been keeping tabs on Romeo lately, but Liana? She was harder to figure out. The way she constantly hovered around Venecia, trying to keep her in check while balancing her own mysterious energy, was fascinating to watch.
When she finally appeared, I noticed a guy from another class approach her. He leaned in, saying something I couldn't hear, and I instantly felt my jaw tighten.
I didn't care... Not really. But there was something about the way he stood too close to her, smiled too much. It grated on my nerves.
Before I knew it, I was walking over.
"Hey," I said casually, stepping between them. "Class is starting soon, Liana. Don't want to be late."
She raised an eyebrow at me, clearly unimpressed.
The other guy backed off, muttering something about seeing her later, and I turned to face her fully.
"What was that?" she asked, crossing her arms.
"You looked like you needed saving," I replied with a shrug, trying to mask the irritation in my voice.
She rolled her eyes. "I can handle myself, Damien."
"I know," I said quickly. "But still. That guy looked..." I paused, searching for the right word. "Annoying."
A smirk tugged at her lips. "Are you jealous?"
"No," I said immediately, though my face felt hot. "Just protective."
"Right," she said, clearly unconvinced, but she let it drop.
We walked to our next class in silence, the tension between us thick.
******************
Third Person POV
Despite their growing fears, Romeo and Venecia continued to push boundaries. Their relationship thrived in stolen moments—a glance in class, a whispered promise in the hallway, the lingering brush of their hands as they passed each other in the courtyard.
The marks on their shoulders burned faintly every time they were near, but it wasn't painful. It was like a reminder of the connection that drew them together, no matter how much they tried to resist.
What they didn't realize was how much their growing closeness was starting to affect those around them.
In the days to come, their secret love would be tested in ways they couldn't imagine.
***************
Does Damian have a crush on Liana?