Chapter 109: Cuddles and Kisses

Words : 1532 Updated : Sep 19th, 2025

Chapter 109: Cuddles and KissesEvaline: Monday mornings were always sluggish, but today, my steps were feeling lighter. Maybe it was the good night’s sleep. Maybe it was the memory of my time with Draven in the library. Or maybe it was the good time I spent with my friends in our dorm after dinner where we played games and planned for the trip. Whatever it was, I wasn’t dragging my feet toward class like usual. First class was Herbs and Potions with Professor Kieran. I kept to myself throughout the class, scribbling notes and avoiding his eyes. Standing at the front of the class, he was looking impossibly composed in a silk green shirt tucked in light beige colored pants. He started the lecture with a simple overview of our current lesson - dream-root mixtures and their various magical reactions when paired with sunleaf. I took photos of the formulas and diagrams he jotted down on the board, made notes in my laptop, and marked all the important topics in my book. I was unwilling to fall behind just because I was leaving for a trip. Near the end of class, he closed his book and looked at the class with his usual unreadable expression. "Before we end today," he said in his clear and authoritative voice, "good luck for your first ever trip. This project carries significant weight for your practical exams, so make sure you pay attention to more than just the landscape." A few murmurs spread through the classroom. Some students were looking excited, others nervous. Personally, I felt a mix of both. "And as a small mercy," he added with a dry smile flickering on his face, "there will be no homework from my class for the rest of the week. Focus on staying alive and learning something useful." Light laughter rippled through the class, and a few students began packing up their things. I started packing up too with Mallory, but then... "Evaline. Stay behind a moment." His voice wasn’t sharp, but it was loud enough for everyone nearby to hear. And the pause in motion was instant. I stiffened, catching the distinct sound of someone scoffing behind me. I didn’t even have to turn around to know who it was. Nadine. And with her, like always, were Bianca and Violet. I was able to feel their stares drilling into my back, full of speculation and venom. I waited until the classroom emptied out. My friends left me with a promise to wait in the hallway outside. Once the door closed, I took a steadying breath and approached Professor Kieran’s desk. He looked up with an unreadable expression on his face. "I just wanted to wish you the best of luck," he said simply. "This field project is important. Treat it that way." "I will," I replied, a little stiffer than intended. The silence stretched, and I shifted uncomfortably. "Can I go?" He leaned back slightly in his chair. "Once you return, I’ll hand you your task... what we agreed upon before. Be prepared." I blinked in surprise. Then a mixture of relief and curiosity settled in my chest. I didn’t know what he planned to have me do, but at least we were sticking to boundaries now. No more favors. No more lingering glances or confusing interactions. "Alright," I said, bowing my head slightly. "Thank you, Professor." And just like that, I turned and walked out, never looking back. * * * Draven was already waiting for me when I returned to my dorm room after dinner. I barely got the door closed before he caught me in his arms, spinning me once in a quiet, playful circle. I laughed, my voice muffled against his chest as he held me like I was something precious. "You smell like cinnamon rolls," I teased softly. "You are welcome," he smirked. "I had to sneak past the kitchens to grab snacks for you. Healthy ones. Don’t complain." Sure enough, he had brought an assortment of snacks - cinnamon rolls, trail mix, fruit bars, packets of herbal tea, even a reusable hot pack for cramps. Nothing expensive, nothing flashy. Just thoughtful little things someone might pack for someone they cared about. This made my chest ached a little. He wasn’t trying to impress me. He was just... being himself. He flopped down on my bed and patted the space beside him. I joined him without hesitation, tucking myself under his arm as he pulled the blanket over both of us. "Did I tell you how adorable you looked during dinner today?" he whispered, brushing his fingers against my cheek. "Relaxed, smiling, and enjoying the food." I smiled, feeling the heat rush to my face. We kept our voices low, giggling in whispers like teenagers hiding from their parents. Ria and Mallory were down the hall, and the walls here weren’t exactly soundproof. We didn’t do anything more than talk and cuddle... though the kisses he planted along my jawline were enough to make my heart flutter and my body flush. "Draven," I murmured as he nuzzled the side of my neck, "thank you. For everything." He pulled back just enough to look at me. "You don’t have to thank me, dove. You are mine. Taking care of you isn’t a favor. It’s a privilege." That... that nearly broke me again. He kissed me long and slow before finally whispering, "You need to sleep." "I know." "Promise me you’ll text me, okay? Updates. Everything. I’ll be waiting." "I promise." He brushed a final kiss on my lips. This one was deep and passionate and enough to make my toes curl. Then, he finally slipped out of the bed and vanished into the shadows outside the balcony door like he was never there. * * * Tuesday morning arrived in a blur of early alarms and scrambled breakfasts. The Academy was buzzing with energy as the first-year students rushed to the main gates where three black private busses were waiting. I arrived there earlier with Kyros and Professor Aldric handed us clipboards to check names and bags of the students. As the Class Keeper and President, it was our job to make sure everyone was accounted for. "No one brought swords, right?" I asked him dryly as he went through the luggage pile. "Not unless you count Bianca’s curling iron. That thing looks lethal." He replied with a shake of his head, joining me in talking nonsense. I chuckled. Once Professor Aldric confirmed that everyone was present and the equipment was loaded, Kyros and I finally boarded the third and last bus. I let him take a seat in the middle section while I moved all the way to the back, craving a little silence. Most of the seats were filled. Some students were chattering excitedly while others were already passed out with neck pillows and earbuds. The back row was empty, and I slid into the corner seat by the window. The bus rumbled as the engine started. I leaned my head against the window and exhaled. Finally, I was able to... "Mind if I sit here?" My entire body tensed at the familiar voice. I turned slowly and my eyes widened in disbelief. The person who just slipped in the seat beside me was the last person I was expecting to see. Of all people, Oscar, slid into the seat next to me like he owned it... and maybe the bus too, if his smug expression had anything to say about it. He stretched out, deliberately brushing his arm against mine before casually leaning back, one leg draped across the narrow aisle like he was here to lounge for the next three hours. "Isn’t there a law against tormenting innocent students on school trips?" I muttered as I hugged my arms over my chest. He tilted his head toward me as he replied in a low voice. "You are calling yourself innocent now? That’s cute." I shot him a glare. "There are at least thirty other seats." "Thirty," he said, resting his cheek on his palm, "but only one next to you." I shook my head and let out a sigh. "You are going to bring me unnecessary attention." At that, he quickly scanned the bus before turning his attention back to me. "No one’s looking our way. And even if they did..." He then turned to face me, staring into my eyes with such intensity that I found myself holding my breath. As if he knew what kind of effect he was having on me, he leaned even closer, leaving just a few breaths of space between our faces. "... I dare anyone here to question my presence next to you." That made me arch one of my eyebrows. "Of course, they won’t question you. But nothing and no one will stop them from cornering me." His gaze softened immediately and he reached out to take my hand in his own. The moment our skin made contact, sweet tingles rushed across my body. "I’ll make sure to not cause you any trouble. I promise." How was I supposed to stay strong against such words and sincerity? So, I gave in, letting him win this time.

Chapter 109: Cuddles and Kisses

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