Chapter 10

AUTHOR

I know I told you nerds that I was supposed to update another chapter, but I didn't. What happened was that I didn't like it, so I wrote this chapter—like three times, I guess? Until all the scenes and dialogues came out naturally. And I appreciate the waiting. Enjoy!

***

The dimly lit lecture hall was filled with the hushed rustling of note-taking as students diligently tried to absorb the intricate web of classical literacy being woven by the professor at the front. Ginny was among them, her pen moving swiftly across her notebook, capturing the essence of each concept with precision and dedication.

Lost in the world of literacy and classical theories, Ginny was a picture of unwavering concentration. Her brow furrowed slightly as she tried to understand a particularly complex piece of literacy, her mind fully immersed in the lecture. Just as she was about to underline a key point, a faint vibration against her thigh interrupted her focus.

Slightly annoyed, Ginny retrieved her phone from her pocket, casting a quick glance to ensure the professor hadn't noticed her momentary distraction. The message on her screen almost made her roll her eyes.

Persephone: Hey there, gorgeous. Mind if I distract you for a bit? ;) (2:32 P.M.)

Ginny's stoic facade remained intact, but a subtle sparkle glinted on the pit of her stomach. She was well-acquainted with Persephone's playful antics, and while she often pretended indifference, there was an undeniable warmth she felt whenever Persephone attempted to breach her composed exterior. She always reasoned that it was due to the embarrassment Persephone was causing her, and she will always believe it that way and nothing else. Persephone just doesn't know how to stop, and she can't always find the right timing to tell her to leave her alone, which is utterly baffling. Fate seems to enjoy watching her suffer.

She looks at the latter from the other side of the room. To her surprise, Persephone was already looking at her, a playful smile placed on her lips as she sent a wink in her direction. Ginny couldn't help but narrow her eyes at her. But nonetheless, she finds herself replying to her message.

Ginny: This better be worth it. (2:33 P.M.)

Persephone: It is ;) just couldn't help but notice you from across the room. Your seriousness is intriguing, but I have a feeling I can coax a smile out of you ;) xx (2:33 P.M.)

Ginny: Just engrossed in the lecture, as usual, which is something that you should be doing too. (2:34 P.M.)

Persephone: But studying you is much more fascinating :( (2:34 P.M.)

Ginny couldn't help but roll her eyes, yet a tint of pink blush was crawling and covering the tip of her ears.

Ginny: What do you want, Campbell? (2:35 P.M.)

Persephone: Oh, just here to brighten up your day with a dose of my infectious energy. Trust me, you won't be able to resist it for long ;)) xx (2:35 P.M.)

Ginny: I've developed quite an immunity to distractions, Persephone. My focus is unwavering. (2:36 P.M.)

Persephone: Impressive, darling. But remember, even the strongest minds need a break ;) How about we take a study break together and explore the lighter side of life? ;)) xx (2:36 P.M.)

Ginny: My schedule is quite tight, Campbell. I have to study. (2:37 P.M.)

Persephone: Well, I must say, there's nothing wrong with indulging in a little pleasure alongside all that hard work. You might be surprised by the results ;)) xx (2:37 P.M.)

Ginny: I've learned to prioritise discipline over indulgence. It's a key to success. (2:38 P.M.)

That's a lame excuse, she mutters to herself. Ginny cringed at her words. What sort of nonsense is she spouting? Although she's not the kind of gal who flaunts designer bags and brags about their family's summer house on an obscure Mediterranean island, she's also not the kind of person that you would seek some financial advice from, unless you're interested in discovering new and innovative ways to accidentally make your money vanish like socks in a laundry machine.

Persephone: Admirable. But how about discipline, focus, and a dash of flirtatious fun—now that's a winning combination, don't you agree? ;) Let's see if I can shake up that rigid routine of yours ;)) xx (2:38 P.M.)

Ginny: Your efforts are valiant, Campbell, I'll give you that. But my priorities remain unchanged. (2:39 P.M.)

Persephone: Persistence is another one of my virtues. I'm determined to see that stoic exterior crack, darling. Care to place a bet on how long you can resist my charm? ;)) xx (2:39 P.M.)

Ginny: I'm not one for gambling. But I do admire your confidence. (2:40 P.M.)

Persephone: Confidence is my middle name, Ginny. Along with a healthy dose of playfulness, of course. Just remember, I'm here whenever you decide to have a little fun ;)) xx (2:40 P.M.)

Why did she forget that she and Persephone shared the same class in English Literature? Simply because she never really paid attention to her or to anyone in the class before. And now that they've exchanged contact numbers, Persephone is all over her.

"Ms. Green, would you like to share something with the class?" The voice of her professor startled her, making her hide her phone immediately but then fail. "Because it appears that you're more entertained by your phone than paying attention to my lecture," Prof. Edevane sternly said, her English accent pretty much emphasised.

"I apologise, Professor," she mutters shamelessly, glaring at Persephone, who only gave her an apologetic look.

"Right. Let's continue what I was saying a while ago before I was rudely interrupted." She continued, "Ms. Green will do the honour of picking first." She placed a box full of folded papers, urging Ginny to get one, which she then obliged obediently. Ginny's eyes went horribly wide when Persephone's name was written on the paper.

Prof. Edevane continued, "The name of the person that you picked on the ballot will be your partner for the rest of the semester." Subtly, Ginny was about to pick another name when Prof. Edevane uninterestedly looked at her and said, "Oh, how fortunate of you, you're partnered with Ms. Campbell," to the whole class.

Oh, bloody hell. Ginny could only mentally curse.

♦

Ginny often sought refuge in the quiet corner of the library, surrounded by nothing but peacefulness. But today was different. Instead of a quiet environment, every person was looking in her direction as if she were a rare exhibit at a museum. Instead of embracing the comfort of mere isolation, she found herself accompanied by an unlikely companion, someone she'd never have imagined sharing a space with.

Only one person can cause this unwanted turmoil inside her. This person—or she would rather quote—this persistent disturbance that always managed to find its way to her quiet sanctuary is none other than Persephone Campbell, the whirlwind of enthusiasm and relentless affection. That's her official title now, as Ginny would have remarked. Quite dramatic, actually, but there's nothing more dramatic than being in a close space with the most popular and gorgeous girl on campus as she tries to woo your heart and soul with profound flirtatious words as you try to stay calm and tell yourself that you're not having a mental breakdown inside. That's what Ginny is feeling right now.

"What are you doing?" Ginny mutters in a hushed tone, her voice muffled by annoyance. Persephone wouldn't stop sending flirty messages when they were literally sitting right next to each other.

"Charming you," Persephone replied, still looking at her phone.

"We're literally right next to each other!"

"That's what makes it more effective," she chuckles.

"You're unbelievable." Ginny sighed inwardly and continued, "I'm trying to get some work done here, and you're just—"

"Just what?" Persephone cut her words short. She's now staring at Ginny shamelessly.

Ginny was caught off guard by how intense Persephone was looking at her. "A distraction," she croaked out. Embarrassed at the sound of her voice, she cleared her throat. "You're distracting me," she states much firmer.

"The good kind, I suppose." Persephone gave a charming smirk, her baby blue eyes twinkling with amusement.

"Rather the opposite of good," Ginny could only murmur silently, diverting her attention from Persephone's gorgeous eyes. She cleared her throat yet again, trying to compose herself. "How about we create a reaction video for our assignment? It might be more fun and engaging than a traditional presentation," Ginny suggested, changing the topic, hoping to finally get Persephone's attention.

They were seated at a small wooden table, surrounded by stacks of well-worn books and scattered notebooks. The weight of their impending English Literature assignment hung in the air as Ginny tentatively broached the subject.

Persephone, however, still seemed preoccupied by their previous conversation, flashed a mischievous grin, and batted her eyelashes at Ginny. "You know, Ginny, if we're going to be spending so much time together, we should at least have some fun. Like, why not combine business with pleasure?" she teased, her words dripping with flirtatiousness. Ginny narrowed her eyes suspiciously at Persephone. Her words seemed to be full of sexual undertones. Or was it just her imagination? She's not sure.

Ginny's patience was wearing thin. "Campbell, we need to focus on the assignment. This is important, and I can't afford to risk my grades just because you want to flirt around."

Since when did she care about her grades? She couldn't help but question herself. Since now, actually. Let's just keep the academic bullocks on, shall we?

Persephone's smile wavered as she realised Ginny's annoyance. She cleared her throat and refrained from her playful banter. "Alright, alright, I'll pay attention. But I have a little condition." Ginny doesn't like that mischievous smile on her gorgeous, annoying face. "A term of endearment, perhaps, in exchange for my undivided attention."

Ginny's eyebrows shot up, her irritation momentarily replaced by disbelief. "A term of endearment? Persephone, this isn't some parlour game. Are you serious?"

Persephone leaned in closer, her eyes gleaming with a playful glint. "Yeah, something sweet and romantic, like 'Honeybun' or 'Cuddlebug,'" she continued, "You know, something that shows how close we really are." she mutters in a teasing whisper, eyes locked intensely at Ginny's.

Ginny's cheeks flushed due to the sexual undertones hidden underneath that emphasised word. Torn between frustration and a faint sense of embarrassment, she fumbled with a pen, avoiding Persephone's gaze. "I'm not calling you 'Honeybun' or any sort of names in public. That's just... embarrassing."

Persephone chuckled. "Okay, okay, fair enough. How about 'Starlight' or 'Moonbeam'?"

Ginny's eyes rolled as she groaned painfully. "I can't believe we're having this conversation."

Persephone pouted, feigning hurt. "Aw, come on, Ginny. You're no fun. How about 'Darling' or 'Sweetheart'? Classic, timeless…" she trails off, eyes beaming with playfulness as she sents a wink. "Although, I'm already calling you 'darling' so lets's think of another one."

Ginny's cheeks were now an even deeper shade of red. Worst, she couldn't even believe that she was entertaining the thoughts of it. Ginny shrugged the unwanted thoughts out. There's no way. Not a chance in a million unicorn races would she even think about calling Persephone with cheesy endearments. Nuh-uh. She'd rather teach Prof. Beak how to write than do what Persephone was asking her to do.

♦

Ginny skipped school the next day because the odds of avoiding a "Persephone encounter" were as slim as a toothpick in a haystack. She feels like she's losing the purpose of her plan, so she decided a breather was a must.

She knows she can't avoid Persephone forever. That's why she's been vocal about her feelings to stop the latter's relentless wooing. But it didn't work because the girl doesn't take 'no' for an answer. So she thinks of another plan. Her initial plan was to play cupid at the upcoming school carnival. Persephone Campbell and Ariel James should kiss together in the kissing booth.

That was the plan.

"Why are you trying to set me up with other people?" Ginny feigns ignorance and lets out a nervous laugh. They were now standing awkwardly in an open parking lot near the carnival. The mood was heavy, which she dislikes a lot. But it was inevitable. Her indifference to their situation must come to an end.

To be continued…