𝐂𝐡𝐩𝐭 𝟏𝟕

Allura's POV ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

"How did your tutoring session go, Lura?"

"It actually went pretty well. The new tutor really helped since I had no idea what I was doing," I said, taking out my textbook.

"I knew she could help you; you just needed a nudge," Riah said with a smirk.

The students began taking their seats, one by one. I haven't shared everything that's been going on with Riah, and I don't think I'll do so just yet.

The door creaked open slowly, and a wave of excitement rushed through me. Dressed in professional attire and wearing the most captivating smile I'd ever seen, she stepped inside. Our eyes met, and I found myself completely mesmerized by the woman standing before me.

She flashed a radiant smile that sent warmth coursing through my entire body.

"Good morning, everyone. I hope you all had a fantastic weekend—I know I did."

There was an unmistakable double meaning in her words, and I knew they were directed at me. My face grew warm, and I quickly turned my head, hoping she wouldn't notice the blush creeping up my cheeks.

Beside me, Riah chuckled softly before giving my leg a playful tap.

"Oh, I see what's happening here," she teased. "Lura, our professor has you blushing in every shade of pink."

I nudged Riah's shoulder playfully. "Whatever."

Before the class had even begun, a student raised their hand. Seriously? What could they possibly need to ask right now?

Kamala looked up, her expression calm as she gestured toward them. "You have a question?"

The student shifted in their seat, as if bracing themselves for whatever they were about to say.

"Who's got you smiling like that?"

A few quiet chuckles rippled through the room as all eyes turned toward Kamala. She paused for a moment, her pen tapping lightly against the desk as an amused smile played on her lips.

"Curiosity is a powerful thing," she mused, tilting her head slightly. "But not everything needs an answer."

Her response was smooth, effortless—almost teasing. The student smirked, clearly satisfied with stirring up a bit of intrigue, while I sat frozen in place, my heart pounding.

Was it just me, or did her gaze linger in my direction for a second too long?

I bit the inside of my cheek at his question, trying to keep my expression neutral. Kamala, ever the composed professor, let out a soft laugh as she turned to the board. But I knew her better than anyone in this room—I saw the slight hesitation, the way the question caught her off guard. And deep down, I felt a sense of pride knowing I was the reason.

"What makes you ask that, Mr. Scarver?" she asked smoothly, masking any surprise with her usual confidence.

He glanced around the room before continuing. "Well, with all due respect, Professor, you've never really smiled this much before. Lately, you've seemed happier than ever. I was just curious."

At his words, she smiled again, but this time, she stole a quick glance in my direction. It was fleeting—barely noticeable to anyone else—but to me, it spoke volumes.

"People will do that to you—come into your life and change it for the better. Now, let's get to work, shall we?"

With that, she turned back to her desk and seamlessly shifted into teaching mode, as if the moment had never happened. But I felt it.

My heart swelled at her words. I changed her life for the better. The thought sent warmth rushing through me. Kamala always had a way of making me feel cherished, like I truly mattered.

For the better, huh? Those words were going to stay with me—every single day.

The lesson carried on, but that didn't stop us from stealing glances whenever we could. Every time our eyes met, a quiet thrill ran through me. She was so effortlessly captivating—every movement, every expression, utterly mesmerizing.

As class wrapped up, students began packing their things, filing out the door one by one. Just as I slung my bag over my shoulder, her voice rang out, stopping me in my tracks.

"Ms. Wright, come here."

A shiver ran down my spine at the way she said my name. I swallowed hard, forcing myself to stay composed as I turned to face her.

I walked over to her quickly, a sense of excitement coursing through me. Once the room was empty, Kamala closed the distance between us, pulling me in by the waist and pressing her lips to mine. Her kiss was always so soft, so gentle, yet intense—every time, it felt like the world around us disappeared, leaving just the two of us in that moment.

We pulled back slightly, our foreheads resting together, and I couldn't help but smile.

"Who told you to come out looking this good today?" I teased, taking her hand and spinning her gently in the quiet of the empty room.

She gently bit her lip. "I had a feeling someone special would be sitting in that seat, so I made sure to look my best."

"Is that so?" I replied, brushing another kiss across her lips. She let out a soft sigh in response.

"Mm-hmm, exactly," she whispered, her lips hovering just above mine.

The bell rang, and we both pulled away. I glanced at my watch and realized I had some time before my next class. When I looked up, Kamala was pouting in that way she knew always got to me.

"Why the pout?" I asked, linking our fingers together.

"Because I wish you could stay with me all day, but I know you have other classes," she replied.

I pulled her into a hug and kissed her cheek. "I'll still see you after classes. It evens out. I'm heading to tutoring now to finish up my work for the day."

Kamala's POV ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

The thought of tutoring irritated me more than anything. I loved my sister, but I hated the idea of her being alone with Allura. It was obvious Maya was interested in her, and I couldn't blame her—Allura was... Allura.

"What's wrong?" Allura asked, gently cupping my cheek.

"Nothing, sweet pea," I replied, though I was anything but fine. "But you know I can help you study, right?"

"I know, but tutoring's just down the hall, and it would be easier for you," she said.

I forced a smile, even though inside, my frustration was growing by the second.

"I believe hard work pays off. Go study, but don't slack off. Finals are coming up, and I need you to stay focused."

She kissed me one last time. "I will, don't worry."

As she left, I stood there in silence, wishing I could be in that room to watch her get tutored. But I still had other classes to teach.

The end of the day ───── ⋆⋅☆⋅⋆ ─────

Once my last class ended, I hurried to the study hall, my heels clicking quickly on the floor. It was quiet, which only made my nerves worse.

When I entered, I found Maya and Allura sitting close together, studying. Maya was tracing circles on Allura's lower back while she seemed oblivious to it. A surge of heat rushed through me. Why the hell was she being so touchy with her?

It looked like Allura was trying to study, but Maya seemed distracted. I cleared my throat as I leaned against the doorframe. They both looked up at me, and I couldn't help but smile at Allura's wide grin. Even when I was upset, she was the calm to my storm.

"Hey, Kamala," Maya said cheerfully. "I'm staying a little longer to help tutor some other students, so you don't have to wait for me."

"You know her?" Allura asked, glancing between us.

"All my life," Maya replied with a laugh. "We're sisters. I don't think I mentioned that before." She stood and walked over to me, throwing her arm over my shoulder.

I leaned into her, but my mind was focused on Allura. I just wanted to take her home with me.

"That's crazy! I noticed the resemblance, but I didn't know you were related. Who's older?"

"That would be me," I said with a playful laugh, looking at Maya.

"Only by three years. But yes, Kamala's the older one," Maya teased.

I turned my attention back to Allura.

"Allura, it's time to go," I said firmly.

Maya looked at us, but said nothing. Allura grabbed her phone and bag, standing up.

"Thanks for the help, Maya. See you around."

"No problem, sweetheart." Maya's hand brushed against Allura's as she pulled her into a hug. "Be safe."

I tried to hold it together. Keep it together, Kamala.

After pulling away, Maya gave me a hug too.

"Be safe out there. I love you."

On our way to the car, Allura was in a good mood, which only frustrated me more.

"Kamala, how come you never told me you had a sister? She's just like you."

Allura's voice became background noise. I kept thinking about the hug, the touches, the smiles—it was getting under my skin.

"Allura, I'm only going to ask you this once."

She turned to me, sensing the shift in my tone.

"Uh—okay..."

"Why did you let my sister hug you?" I asked, keeping my eyes on the road.

"Well, um... I didn't know she was going to do that. She just did."

When we stopped at a light, I turned fully toward her.

"Is that your final answer, dear?"

She hesitated, unsure of my intent. But little did she know, I already had plans for her when we got home.

"Yes?" she said, her grip tightening on her seatbelt.

"Okay," I nodded, my mind made up.

Ooooo Kamala not liking how Maya is lowkey feeling her girl 👀 (she about to make sure she can't walk)