SERAPHINA
The day tasted like victory, rich and addictive.
After Noah stumbled out of Chemistry like a kicked puppy, Mrs. Kowalski had fawned over me with all the right concern—soft touches on my shoulder, murmurs about how brave I was. Her hand lingered just long enough for everyone to notice. Perfect.
I had played the moment flawlessly: voice trembling at the right beats, eyes glistening but never overflowing, shoulders curled inward like a fragile girl who had only tried to be kind. By lunch, the story had spread across campus on its own.
Noah had been obsessed with me since day one. He spilled his lunch on purpose for attention. When I rejected him, he turned aggressive. Roman had only stepped in to protect me. And I—sweet, gracious Seraphina—was being incredibly mature by not pressing charges.
I hadn't needed to say another word.
At my locker, Tess appeared in a burst of energy, eyes sparkling with barely contained excitement.
"Sera! Oh my God, spill everything about Chemistry. How did you pull that off? The way you made him look so guilty… it was genius."
I closed my locker with a soft click and turned to her, my expression cool.
Tess leaned in closer, voice dropping with genuine curiosity and delight. "Seriously, how did you manage it? The tears, the trembling voice, pointing at him like that… I saw the video from someone who was in class. Noah looked completely destroyed. You were so cruel about it, and I loved every second."
A small, satisfied smile curved my burgundy lips.
"It wasn't hard," I said lightly, linking my arm through hers as we started walking toward the athletic complex. "He sat right next to me like a nervous little mouse. I let the tension build—brushed my hair against his arm, crossed my legs slowly, made sure he felt my perfume. Then I stood up and let the tears come at exactly the right moment. Mrs. Kowalski ate it up. The whole class did."
Tess laughed, delighted. "You winked at him, didn't you? Someone said they saw it right before he left."
"I did." I savored the memory, the way Noah's face had crumpled. "Right as the door was closing. Poor thing looked like I'd just killed his last hope."
"You're evil," Tess said, squeezing my arm. "Actually evil. I love it. The way you turned one little accusation into this whole campus-wide story… he's finished. Everyone's talking about how obsessed he was with you and how Roman was just protecting his queen."
We pushed through the doors to the outdoor tennis courts. The crisp afternoon air kissed my skin as I adjusted my custom tennis outfit—pristine white pleated skirt with subtle gold threading, fitted top with my initials embroidered on the collar. Designer. Unmistakably mine.
Tess wore the standard PE uniform but had rolled the waistband to make her skirt shorter, as usual.
We took our positions on the court. The rhythmic thud of the tennis ball filled the air as we rallied back and forth. I lived for this—the precision, the control.
"Your backhand is getting sharper," I called across the net.
"Liar," Tess shot back with a grin. "You're just warming up to destroy me again."
True.
I was about to serve when Chloe's voice cut through the quiet.
"Sera! Oh my God, are you okay?"
She hurried over, highlighted hair bouncing, face painted with perfect concern.
"I'm fine," I replied softly, lowering my racket and offering a brave little smile.
"We should report him properly," Chloe said, indignation rising in her voice. "That's harassment. That's—"
I let the silence stretch for a beat, then spoke gently. "I don't want to ruin his life. He's already struggling. Did you see his clothes? His shoes? The poor thing probably can't even afford proper uniforms."
Tess smirked beside me. "Being poor isn't an excuse to harass people."
"Of course not," I agreed, shifting my expression to something appropriately serious. "I just wanted him to stop. I tried to be nice. I tried to help him adjust here."
Chloe shook her head, eyes shining with admiration and pity.
She was completely hooked.