(Hérèse POV)
She had actually just gone over the desk.
I watched her settle down next to me as if nothing had happened.
I glanced down at my bag and took out the first hidden item that my fingers brushed against.
But my gaze turned towards her.
Then quickly towards my bag.
– …
I no longer even had the strength to direct my head; I hope she won't interpret anything.
PAF..
The professor placed his belongings on the desk.
– Take out your textbooks.
The sound of pages turning echoed through the room.
I did the same.
Finally, I tried.
My head was still throbbing.
Every time I moved a little too quickly, a dull pain shot up to my temples.
I discreetly placed two fingers against my forehead.
The bandage was still there, obviously where else could he go with that idiot who's been hurting me lately.
She even dares to blame me, it's starting to seriously annoy me.
I turned my head slightly towards Maëva because it was the only angle from which I didn't feel pain as a dog.
She looks so serious as she turns the pages like that.
No hesitation.
No distractions.
She had this ability to give the impression that she was always perfectly normal.
I then turned my attention back to the painting.
The professor began his explanation.
I couldn't even find my pen. Then something fell on my table.
A small ball of paper.
I looked at it and unfolded it in the palm of my hand.
I slowly raised my eyes.
Alex.
He was looking at me from the other end of the row.
His face was still in a pitiful state.
And yet, he was still smiling.
I unfolded the paper and slipped it under the table.
Just one sentence.
"Are you backing out?"
My gaze remained fixed on the wall.
WHAT DID YOU DO?
Next to me, Maëva stopped writing and stared at me with disgust as if she wanted to spit on my feet.
Fortunately, she didn't ask any questions.
A few minutes passed.
The price was moving slowly.
I was starting to regain some calm when the professor suddenly asked a question.
– Hérèse .
I almost rolled my eyes but changed my mind, he was also a charming dog.
- Yes ?
– Since you seem particularly attentive this morning, answer me.
A few muffled laughs broke out.
I sighed inwardly.
Those professors.
I looked at the painting.
I knew the answer, it was just basic concepts.
I gave it away, nothing too big.
The professor nodded.
– Correct.
The murmurs ceased.
I leaned against my backrest.
In the end, this day might not be as difficult as expected.
Then the professor added:
– In fact, since we have finished this part of the program, I am going to announce something to you.
Everyone raised their heads.
– Starting next week, students will be divided into groups for a series of practical assessments.
A hubbub immediately swept through the room.
– haaaaaaaaa
- With who ?
The professor raised a hand.
– I haven't finished.
Silence gradually returned.
– The groups will be formed based on your previous results.
I frowned.
Previous results.
It didn't smell good.
I let out a sigh.
Why did adults always have to complicate things?
The professor began to read the first names.
I was only half listening.
Then I heard mine.
– Hérèse .
I raised my head.
It continues.
– Maëva.
I slowly turned my head towards her.
She had already stopped writing.
She was looking at me.
I looked at her.
– No.
She raised an eyebrow, accepting so easily.
- What ?
- Nothing.
I looked at the professor again.
Among the entire class...
I had to run into her.
And trouble followed immediately.
I turned my head.
Alex had stopped smiling.
He was holding something between two fingers.
A small piece of folded paper, he passed by without forgetting to kick my shoes.
– It belongs to you.
I stared at him from top to bottom; this idiot really has some nerve.
- What is this ?
He shrugged.
- I don't know.
Then he threw the paper onto my table.
Again
I looked at the paper.
I don't like it.
No way.
I waited until the professor looked away before opening it.
Inside, there was only one sentence.
"4 p.m., you and me, duel."
I stopped breathing for a second.
This time I really want to kill him.
–(No, no, nooooo)
I pinched the bridge of my nose.
Then I looked up at Alex.
He had already returned to his seat.
His face had become smiling again.
I looked at the paper between my fingers and casually threw it away before crushing it like its owner.