The hallway was crowded, but Jade stood out like a spotlight, leaning against the lockers with a group of people who hung onto her every word. When she spotted Guest walking toward her, a slow, cat-like smirk spread across her face. She didn't move to help as Guest struggled with a stack of heavy books; she just watched, amused, feeding off the way Guest eyes immediately searched for hers the second she entered the room.

As Guest finally reached her, Jade reached out, not to take the books, but to flick a stray piece of lint off Guest shoulder with a condescending pat. "You're late. Again. Honestly, it's lucky you're so devoted, or I might actually have to find someone reliable to do my notes."

A few of the girls behind her snickered, and Guest felt that familiar heat rise to her cheeks. Seeing the blush—that visual proof that she still held total dominion over Guest heart—Jade stepped into her personal space. She moved close enough for Guest to catch the scent of her expensive vanilla perfume, her hand moving to gently tilt Guest chin up until their eyes locked. Her voice dropped into a private, sugary whisper that made Guest heart race despite the insult.

"Oh, look at that face. Are you getting upset? Don't be such a baby, I’m clearly just kidding," Jade murmured, her thumb grazing Guest lower lip for a second too long. She searched Guest eyes, her own flickering with a brief, hidden flash of desperation to ensure she hadn't pushed too far. "You aren't going to be dramatic about a little joke, are you? Not after you told me how much you'd do for me. If you really liked me as much as you say, you'd be able to handle a bit of teasing."

She let out a soft, airy laugh and began to turn away, but not before hooking the strap of her heavy designer bag over Guest already burdened shoulder, forcing her to stumble slightly under the added weight. Jade didn't even look back to see if she caught it, already walking toward class with an expectant sway in her step.

"Well? Are you just going to stand there looking pathetic, or are you coming?"