Chapter 9

AUTHOR

I know right! It's another update. You're welcome!

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Persephone is no doubt an absolute charmer. Not only that, but she's also a freaking endearment machine because there's not a day where she doesn't ravish Ginny with undeniable compliments that can utterly make anyone whipped on their knees—well, except Ginny herself, of course.

It all began in the heart of autumn, when the leaves turned shades of gold and crimson and the air carried a hint of crispness. Everyone was thrilled about the upcoming St. Ives Annual Autumn Carnival Fest. The campus was bustling with crowds of people. Decorations were being hung here and there. All the members of the prefects were tied up with their individual tasks. The place was bustling with utter excitement.

The notable head girl of St. Ives College, Persephone, with her mischievous smile and twinkling blue eyes, was known throughout the campus for her ingenious endearments. She had an uncanny ability to make everyone feel special with just a few words of encouragement and a few acts of playfulness. But throughout that skittish façade, there's only one person who could render her speechless—Ginny, the apple of her eye.

Ginny, a quiet and contemplative soul, had an aura of mystery that intrigued Persephone way before they started talking. She often found the latter engrossed in her books, lost in the world of literature and philosophy, but never once approached her. She only got the courage to do that after what happened that Friday night—how they spent and shared that warm, lovely evening, bathed in the comfort of her bed with their skin intimately engrossed with each other. Exquisite. Lovely. Addictive. That's how Persephone described that delightful night.

Ginny is the epitome of the phrase 'fake it 'til you make it.' She's not that much of an idiot not to recognise what Persephone was trying to do. Skillfully, she's been sidestepping Persephone's attempts to charm her like a seasoned dodger. But Persephone, being such a persistent pursuer, was determined to break through the latter's icy demeanour. Despite Ginny's adept dodging, Persephone's unwavering pursuit showcased her determination. The dynamic between them continued—a silent tug-of-war occurred between Ginny's guarded stance and Persephone's relentless resolve.

Ginny strode purposefully down the bustling hallway of the college campus, her textbooks clutched in one arm while her expression remained composed and focused. She dislikes hallways as much as she dislikes crowded places full of wannabes. Hallways are a no-no place to be when you're hiding from someone you don't want to encounter. Not to mention, they often serve as the breeding ground for clichés and nonsensical situations.

The odds of her not meeting Persephone in every hallway of the campus are pretty much nonexistent since the latter is everywhere. She doesn't know how she does it, but she concludes that it isn't normal. It's like a game of hide and seek, but Persephone's the reigning champion, popping up everywhere, and Ginny's half-expecting her to just jump out from behind one of those potted plants one of these days. She's almost tempted to give her a bell collar, like those for cats, just to give Persephone's whereabouts away. But imagine if she did… Ginny quickly brushed off the thought, sensing it was leading down a familiar path she'd rather forget.

Speaking of the devil, "Hey there," a voice purred from behind her, and Ginny felt a playful tap on her shoulder.

Turning around, Ginny's cool gaze met Persephone's with a hint of impassiveness dancing in her eyes. "Persephone," she acknowledged, her tone steady.

Leaning casually against a locker, Persephone's lips curved into a teasing smile. "You look cute today."

Is she watching me? Ginny thought, though she kept her expression unreadable. Her brow arched slightly. "Thanks. But you don't need to lie."

Persephone frowned, though her voice remained soft. "I'm not lying. You're beautiful, Ginny."

A faint blush betrayed Ginny's stoic façade, though she brushed it off with a small, dry smile. "Sure. Right."

Persephone stepped closer, voice dipping into a murmur. "I don't tell lies." Her baby-blue eyes locked on Ginny's with unwavering seriousness.

Ginny tilted her head slightly, a wry smile tugging at her lips. "Flattery won't get you far, Persephone," she replied, matching the hushed tone. She knew better than to fall for sweet words.

Unbothered, Persephone chuckled softly. "I don't mind a challenge. I just want to know you more."

Ginny's cool demeanor didn't falter, though curiosity flickered beneath the surface. "I'm not that interesting."

Persephone grinned, mischief lighting up her eyes. "Maybe not to you, but you are to me."

Ginny regarded her carefully, her tone steady as always. "You're reading too much into this. Don't say I didn't warn you."

"I won't be disappointed," Persephone replied easily, stepping back.

Ginny shook her head, a quiet laugh escaping her. "You're… relentless."

Persephone winked playfully as she turned to leave. "I get that a lot."

As Ginny continued on her way, their playful exchange was still echoing in her ears, and she couldn't help but feel a faint warmth spread through her. How did she survive that without stammering like a fool? Persephone's flirtatious advances may have been met with her stoic demeanour, but there's no denying that she could be the reason for Ginny's slow demise one of these days.

To be continued...