Lea still felt the echoes of yesterday’s encounter in the cafe, a strange mix of embarrassment and lingering unease.

She had been tossing and turning all night, unable to shake the image of Katrisha’s kiss. Her eyes were heavy with sleep deprivation, and dark circles clung to her eyelids.

"It's my fault," she thought, a wave of self-recrimination washing over her. 

She had challenged Katrisha, and Katrisha had responded. It was a classic case of "be careful what you wish for."

She wondered if she was the only one who was bothered by the incident.  Katrisha and Lucian seemed completely unfazed. Kissing in public was normal for them.

“They’re both liberals,” she thought,  a wry smile playing on her lips.

They were a match made in heaven—or rather, hell—for their own kind.  Their free-spirited, unconventional ways were a stark contrast to her own more conservative approach.

But she still couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy, a prickling sensation in her chest. She couldn’t deny that she had a soft spot for Lucian,  a feeling that she couldn't explain.

"Shut it, Lea." she told herself, trying to dismiss the emotion as something fleeting, something harmless.

But deep down, she knew that it was more than that. It was something she had to deal with.

“There are three stages of falling in love,” our professor said, his voice resonating through the classroom.

Lea’s wandering mind snapped back to reality. She had been lost in a vortex of thoughts, caught in the undertow of emotions.

“Silly me,” she thought, a wave of embarrassment washing over her. 

She had forgotten where she was, lost in a daydream. She tried to push those thoughts aside, to focus on the lecture.

“The first one is lust,” the professor continued. “Can someone give me a meaning of it?”

Kacy, Lea’s friend, raised her hand.

Lea had many classmates, but she didn’t consider them friends. She was a private person, guarded with her emotions. She only allowed Kacy into her inner circle because she was comfortable with her. Kacy was down-to-earth, reliable, and her vibes matched Lea’s precise and guarded nature.

“Lust is driven by the sex hormones,  testosterone,  and estrogen,” Kacy said, her voice brimming with a playful enthusiasm that made Lea wince.

Kacy was always a little too eager to talk about things of a sexual nature.   She seemed to thrive on the thrill of exploring those forbidden topics.

“Good,” our professor said, his voice approving.

Kacy flashed a triumphant smile, her eyes meeting Lea’s. She winked, her lips curved in a mischievous grin. Lea returned her look with a bored expression, her mind already racing ahead.

“Next to that is attraction,” the professor continued. “Now, can someone from any of you elaborate on the significant meaning of that one?”

Lea raised her hand. She always excelled in this professor’s class. She knew the material inside and out,  and she was always eager to participate.

“Attraction, or also known as a love-struck phase, involves neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin,” Lea said, her voice confident, her words flowing effortlessly.

“Very good, Miss Awsman,” the professor said, his smile genuine.

Lea smiled slightly, her heart warming at his praise.

“And the last stage is attachment,” the professor said. “Anyone?”

Lea clicked her tongue against her cheek, a habit she had when she was frustrated. She sighed, disappointment etched on her face.

No one wanted to answer the question about attachment. It was a fascinating topic, and Lea couldn’t believe that her classmates weren’t interested. It was a crucial stage in understanding the complexities of love and relationships.

“Perhaps I should just take over?” Lea thought, her eyes scanning the classroom.

She found herself standing, her voice clear and confident. “Attachment. It's a long-lasting commitment that was exchanged and may lead to raising a family. Oxytocin believes to promote intimacy; vasopressin promotes long-term relationships.”

Lea handed the stage back to the professor, a sense of relief washing over her. She hadn’t been reprimanded for her boldness.

Time flew by. The class ended, and it was time for a break. Lea grabbed her bag, adjusting the hem of her uniform. She had an hour before her next class, and she was eager to get a coffee.

The cafe downstairs was her go-to place. It was a cozy little spot with a warm atmosphere and delicious coffee. It was her sanctuary, her place to escape the chaos of school and the distractions of her personal life.

“Wait up!” Kacy called out, grabbing Lea’s arm as she was about to walk out.

Lea sighed, her cheeks puffing out in annoyance. She couldn’t help but wonder if Kacy was actually hungry, or if she just wanted to eat something sweet.

“I’d like to eat carborana and a coffee.” Lea said, her voice flat.

“My treat,” Kacy said, her eyes sparkling with eagerness.

Lea shook her head, refusing. “Nah. I don’t like someone paying for my expenses, Kacy. You know that."

Kacy pouted. “Just this one, okay? I know that your wallet has too much money, but I just want to pay for our meal today.”

Her voice held a hint of pleading, a desperate attempt to convince Lea.   She was trying to guilt-trip her.

"Okay." She said, sighing in defeat.

Kacy chuckled at her before paying for their order.

Lea was about to grab her order when a rough shove sent her tray flying. Her food scattered across the floor, a sad, messy heap of what was once a delicious meal.

Lea looked up, her eyes widening in shock.

“Oh? I’m sorry,  president,” Katrisha said, her voice dripping with feigned remorse.

Lea clenched her fists. She wanted to scream, to lash out, but she forced herself to stay calm. This woman had pushed her too far.

“Why did you do that?” Lea asked,  her voice controlled, her eyes unwavering.

“Because I just want to,” Katrisha said,  a smirk playing on her lips.

Lea's blood began to boil. How could she be so callous, so disrespectful?

“Look, Katrisha, I didn't do anything to you. Spill the beans, why did you do this?”

Katrisha’s eyes gleamed with malice.   “You’re dating my boyfriend!” she accused, her voice laced with venom.

Lea’s jaw dropped. She couldn’t believe her ears.

“How could she say those things?” she thought, her mind reeling.

Lea shot Katrisha an irritated glare.  She could feel the whispers starting.  The students were watching, their eyes glued to the scene unfolding before them.

“I’m not dating your boyfriend,” Lea said, her teeth gritted.

“Then why are you with him?!” Katrisha demanded, her voice rising.

Lea couldn’t believe the level of ignorance. Just because Lea had been seen with Lucian, she was now a suspect in some imagined love triangle?

“I’m with him because he’s my cousin!” Lea roared, her voice echoing through the cafeteria.

Katrisha was taken aback. She hadn’t known.

Lea was furious. “Can you broaden your mind for once and for all?  You’re spitting petty stuff, Katrisha.  Educate yourself, please. Stop being immature and grow up!”

Silence fell over the cafeteria. Lea had never raised her voice in school. She was known for her composure, her elegance.

What had she done?

Her composure, her carefully constructed image, had shattered. It was all Lucian’s fault, his reckless behavior, his disregard for the consequences and now she was implicated.

It's all his fault!