Chapter 22

Yoko

The rest of the day zipped by in a blur of lectures and forgettable conversations. But no amount of classroom noise could drown out my wandering thoughts. They kept drifting back to last night — every vivid detail replaying like a loop in my head. I was helpless against it.

Focus, Yoko. You'll need to properly revise this later at home... the lessons, not that.

When the final bell rang, I made my way towards Faye's classroom, the so-called "impending doom" she'd declared this morning hanging over me like an unfinished deadline.

But instead of dread, a grin tugged at the corners of my lips.

If it's a game she wants, a game she'll get.

I pushed the door open, stepping inside with slow, deliberate grace, like I had all the time in the world and not a single ounce of remorse for my "misbehaviour." The soft thud of the door shutting behind me echoed in the quiet room.

She was seated at her desk, her gaze already locked on me. Cool. Unbothered. Calculated.

Her eyes narrowed slightly as I strode in, arms folded like I owned the place. "What's up, Ms Peraya?" I drawled, deliberately emphasising her name in that playful, sing-song tone I knew she hated.

Her lips quirked, but I could tell it wasn't a smile — more like a grimace she was trying to mask. "I wanted to discuss your behaviour," she replied coolly, mirroring my stance as she folded her arms and leaned back in her chair, one leg crossing over the other.

Her whole aura screamed authority.

Oh, game on.

"Why weren't you paying attention in class?" she asked, her eyes flicking up and down like she was assessing my next move.

I tilted my head, lips curling into a slow, deliberate smirk. "What do you mean, Ms Peraya?" I feigned innocence, my tone honey-sweet but laced with mischief. "I was deep in thought during your lesson."

"Oh, I'm sure you were." Her grin grew sharper, eyes narrowing like a cat watching a mouse that's just realised it's been caught. "But you still didn't managed to answer my question."

Heat crept up my face. She knew. She knew.

And worse, she was enjoying it. I swallowed, keeping my cool, my grin unfaltering. "So?" I shrugged with an air of carelessness, tilting my chin up. "I just chose not to answer. What are you gonna do about it, Ms Peraya?"

Her eyes darkened, and her grin turned into a wide, wicked smirk. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the desk, fingers loosely intertwined like she was preparing to deliver a verdict.

"Seems like you've got a bit of a problem, huh, Ms Apasra?" she shot back, her voice low, smooth, and infuriatingly amused. Her gaze lingered on me, unwavering, the flicker of mischief unmistakable.

I felt the burn in my chest — not from embarrassment, but from the sheer thrill of it. The way she said my name, slow and deliberate, like she was daring me to react. My eyes locked on hers, unblinking, heartbeat quickening like I was on the edge of something dangerous.

Her arms stayed folded, and for some reason, my gaze flicked to how they pressed against her chest, accentuating her figure.

"Careful, Ms Peraya," I said, voice lower, a teasing lilt curling at the edge of my words. "Don't start a game you can't win."

Her eyes lit up with something I couldn't quite name — challenge, intrigue, maybe both.

"Oh, Yoko," she purred, leaning back in her chair with a lazy confidence that made my pulse quicken. "I never lose."

She stood up slowly, her gaze never leaving mine — sharp, steady, and filled with something I couldn't quite name. I knew that look. Danger.

Before I could react, she closed the distance in two strides, grabbing me by the front of my shirt and pulling me into a kiss so fierce it stole the air from my lungs.

Her lips crashed into mine with a hunger that sent a jolt through my chest. The shock of it melted into warmth almost instantly. My mind flickered with memories of last night, one after another, unravelling like an endless reel. My heart swelled, heat rushing to my face, to my neck — everywhere.

Her fingers threaded through my hair as she pressed me against the cool surface of the whiteboard. The cold bite of it on my back only made the warmth of her body against mine even more unbearable. My hands found her waist, fingers curling into the fabric of her clothes, pulling her closer as if we weren't already tangled together.

Her lips moved with mine, rough but deliberate, each movement more impatient than the last.

Her breath mingled with mine as she murmured between kisses, "You know I don't like it when you call me that." Her words were a warning, but her voice was laced with something far more dangerous.

I pulled back just slightly, enough to meet her gaze, eyes lit with mischief and victory.

Battle won.

But I wasn't about to back down now. Not when I was having this much fun.

"Oh?" I tilted my head, eyes narrowed in mock defiance. "Call you exactly what, Ms Peraya?" I let the words drip from my tongue, slow and deliberate, like I wanted to see just how far I could push her.

Her eyes darkened, sharp like the flash of a blade. Wrong move, Yoko.

She leaned in, her lips brushing mine, soft for a moment. I felt the shift just a second too late. Her teeth caught my bottom lip and bit — not hard enough to break me, but sharp enough to make me gasp, a soft sound escaping before I could catch it.

Pain. Pleasure. Both tangled together in a sharp, electric pulse. The taste of iron hit my tongue.

I pulled back slightly, eyes wide as I whispered, "Ow." My gaze met hers, caught between surprise, pain, and something else I wasn't ready to name.

Her smirk was a slow, wicked curve of her lips, like she'd just tasted victory and found it to her liking. She leaned in closer, eyes locked on mine, gaze so intense it felt like she could see right through me.

"You've been bad today, Yoko," she said, her voice as soft as silk but sharp as glass. Her tone was light, playful, but with that dangerous edge that made my breath catch. I knew exactly what she was talking about.

Her fingers slid up to run through her long, lush hair, slow and deliberate, as if she was giving me time to realise just how deep I was in. Her eyes flicked back to mine, steady as ever, as she began to count.

"First," she said, her tone so calm it sent a shiver down my spine, "you didn't pay attention in my class."

Her hand reached forward, fingers trailing along my jaw before gently gripping my chin, tilting my face up to meet her gaze.

"Second," she continued, her eyes narrowing like she was building up to something, "you rolled your eyes at me."

Her grip on my chin tightened ever so slightly. Not enough to hurt, but enough to keep me still. Her gaze was locked in, unwavering.

"And third," she tilted my face just a little more, her lips now inches from mine, her breath warm against my skin, "you didn't call me properly."

I swallowed, my heart pounding so loud I was sure she could hear it. Her eyes were steady, sharp with that predatory glint.

"Well," I blinked, trying to collect whatever composure I had left, refusing to let her see me crack. My smirk was shaky, but it was still there. "I can only blame the person responsible for..."

I let the words trail off, letting them hang in the air for just a second longer than necessary. I locked eyes with her, gaze unwavering. "Last night."

Her breath hitched, just for a second. Her eyes flickered, like I'd landed a hit.

Her grin returned, slower this time, a patient hunter watching her prey stumble. She took a deep breath, letting it out like she was reveling in it. Her presence felt bigger somehow, like she'd wrapped herself around the air between us.

"Too bad," she said, her voice a low, slow drawl that made every hair on my body stand on end. Her thumb brushed against my chin, tracing it with maddening softness. "You'll just have to live with it."

Her eyes burned with something that made my breath hitch. Her next words sent a shiver down my spine.

"You need to be punished."

My eyes darted to hers, and I let out a small, breathy laugh. Punished, huh?

I shrugged, trying to stay casual, even though my heart was threatening to burst out of my chest. My gaze met hers, steady and defiant.

"Try me."

I tilted my head, challenging her with a smirk that was too cocky for my own good. The same way someone walks into a lion's den with no plan, only bravado.

Her smile widened, slow and sharp.

Oh, Yoko, that look seemed to say. You have no idea what you've just done.

She raised an eyebrow, her gaze sharp as a blade. The sight of my defiance only seemed to amuse her. Slowly, she took a step back, tilting her head with measured calm.

"Bend over that desk," she commanded, her voice smooth but with an undeniable edge of authority.

A jolt of shock ran through me. Here? Now?

The audacity of it left my heart pounding against my ribcage. The door was unlocked, and anyone could walk in. But I wasn't about to back down. I raised an eyebrow in mock defiance, letting a smirk tug at the corner of my lips.

"Make me," I shot back, wagging my brows playfully as I pivoted and made a show of walking toward the exit. A hollow bluff.

But she called it.

Before I could take another step, a firm hand gripped the back of my collar, yanking me back with such controlled force that I barely had time to react. My chest met the hard surface of her desk with a thud, papers crumpling beneath me. My cheek pressed against the cool surface, her laptop barely missing my face.

Her hand flattened between my shoulder blades, pinning me firmly in place. My breath hitched, heart racing like I'd just sprinted a mile.

"You've crossed so many lines today," she murmured at my ear, her voice molten heat against my skin. Every syllable was deliberate, unhurried, and far too effective. Her breath tickled my earlobe, and I shuddered under the weight of it.

Her fingers traced a slow, deliberate line up the inside of my thigh. I sucked in a sharp breath, every nerve in my body crackling with electricity.

The denim of my shorts suddenly felt too tight, too thick, as her fingers hovered just below the hemline. She didn't move further. Just stayed there. Teasing. Waiting.

"Let me remind you," she breathed, fingers curling ever so slightly, "who's in charge here."

I clenched my jaw, biting back a sound that would've given her too much satisfaction.

But then — smack!

A gasp flew from my lips before I could stop it. The sting bloomed on my skin, sharp but not unbearable. My breath hitched, a warmth I refused to name pooling low in my abdomen.

Smack!

My fingers gripped the edge of the desk as I exhaled shakily.

Smack!

By the third, my eyes fluttered shut, heart thudding in a dizzying, uneven rhythm. My legs felt like jelly, my breaths coming short and shallow.

Her fingers slid under my arm, lifting me gently but firmly back onto my feet. My knees felt weak, but I didn't let it show. I met her gaze, and what I saw there made me feel seen in a way that was both thrilling and terrifying.

Her lips were on me before I could even catch my breath. No hesitation, no prelude. Just hunger.

Her kiss wasn't sweet; it was all sharp edges and stolen air. My resolve crumbled instantly. I melted into her, my hands finding their place on her waist as if they belonged there. The world around us disappeared. It was only her. Only this.

Her grip on me was firm, holding me exactly where she wanted me. If I was smart, I would've fought for control, but I didn't. I let her take it. For now.

When she pulled away, her eyes were wild but sharp, every bit the predator toying with her prey. Her breathing matched mine — fast, uneven, like we'd just run miles together. She brushed a thumb along the corner of her lips, her gaze never leaving mine.

"God, I want you right now, Yoko," she murmured, her eyes dark with intent.

I leaned in, breathless, emboldened, and whispered the only thing that could match her energy. "Then take me."

The corner of her mouth curled into a smirk so wicked it made my knees threaten to give out. Her eyes flickered with victory, like she'd just claimed a trophy she'd known was hers all along.

She tilted her head, gaze narrowing in faux consideration. "Go home, Yoko," she said, voice cool and clipped.

Her eyes flicked to the stack of papers on her desk as she sank into her chair with deliberate ease. "I have work to finish."

I blinked. What?

She didn't look at me again, her eyes already back on the screen as if I'd become irrelevant.

Heat flushed through me, sharp as a slap. I glanced at her, jaw tight, chest heaving, and fought to keep my cool. I wouldn't let her see me falter. Not now.

"Alright, then," I said, shrugging as though none of this had gotten to me. I shoved my hands into my pockets, turned on my heel, and walked to the door. "See you tomorrow."

She didn't reply, but I knew she heard me. Her silence was loud enough.

I didn't look back — not at first. But right before I stepped out, I allowed myself one last glance over my shoulder.

She was watching me. Arms crossed, eyes locked on mine like she'd been expecting me to look.

Her smirk widened.

Damn it.

When I reached home, Ham greeted me at the door like he'd been waiting all day, his tail wagging with unrestrained excitement.

"Hey, buddy. Missed me, huh?" I crouched down, scratching behind his ears and rubbing his soft coat as he pressed into me with happy little grunts.

After spoiling him with affection, I got to work on lunch — his and mine. Ham scarfed down his meal with gusto, while I opted for something simple. I sank onto the couch with my bowl, scrolling mindlessly through variety shows on YouTube. The lighthearted laughter on screen filled the room with an easy warmth, but my mind soon drifted to my assignments.

By mid-afternoon, I'd pulled out my notebooks and got to work. Mathematics was a breeze, thanks to Ms Catherine. She had this way of breaking down complex concepts so clearly that homework felt more like a quick warm-up than a challenge. English assignments were ticked off next — short, simple, done.

But Chemistry... oh, Chemistry. My pen hovered over the page as I wrestled with the day's lesson. I squinted at the notes, trying to make sense of the formulas, but they seemed to dance away from me. Still, I pushed on, determined not to let it win. No topic, no problem set, no confusing concept was going to get the better of me.

It was nearly evening when I flipped the last page of my notebook, letting out a long, satisfied sigh. Most of my homework was done. The only thing left was English Literature. I reached for the prose book and flipped to the assigned page, my eyes scanning the familiar words.

And that's when I thought of her.

Faye.

I don't know why, but just seeing the title of the story reminded me of her. Maybe it was because she always challenged me to think deeper when we studied literature together.

She had a way of making me see things I'd never notice on my own — like the layers of meaning in a single line, or how a character's unspoken thoughts could reveal more than their words. It wasn't just about academics with her. It was more than that.

A small smile tugged at my lips. Without realising it, I'd set my pen down and wandered into the kitchen to fetch a glass of water. On the way back, I paused to play with Ham, tossing his toy bone a few times just to see his little legs scramble across the floor. He didn't bug me for attention, but I knew he wanted it. I gave it to him gladly.

Then my phone buzzed on the table. A text from Ink.

Ink

Hey stranger, wanna hit the club this Friday?

I grinned, already picturing the energy of the dance floor, the thump of bass under my feet. It sounded like an awesome plan, but I remembered something. Dad's coming back that Friday too. I'd have to manage my time.

Yoko

Sure - Friday after school sounds good, I'm excited.

Her reply came instantly.

Ink

Sweet, let me check on the rest!

Her enthusiasm made me chuckle. I sent her a thumbs-up emoji before returning to my desk. My prose book lay open, the text waiting for me to finish. But my mind was somewhere else.

I sat back in my chair, letting my gaze drift out the window.

Final year of high school, I thought to myself. It's supposed to be the hardest, most stressful chapter of a student's life. But for some reason, I didn't feel that weight. Things felt... manageable. No, more than that — they felt good.

And I knew why.

It was because of Faye.

I don't know how she managed to fit into my life so seamlessly, but she did.

At first, I thought she was just another person passing through, like the faces you see for a moment before they vanish. But she stayed. She stayed, and she made everything feel lighter, like the air around me wasn't as heavy anymore.

She'd taught me that it was okay to be wrong. That it was okay to struggle and ask for help — not just with English Lit or Chemistry but with everything.

Before her, I was always so stubborn about carrying everything on my own. But Faye? She'd never once made me feel weak for leaning on her. If anything, she made me feel stronger for it.

Sometimes I catch myself wondering how I got so lucky. How did I end up with her? It still doesn't feel real, even now. But it is. It's real. She's real.

A breath of warmth spread through my chest. That kind of warmth that comes from realising you're not alone anymore.

I shook my head, breaking free from the thought before it got too sappy. I had work to do, after all. Picking up my pen, I flipped back to the first page of my English Lit notes.

One more assignment to go, I told myself.

The night moved on.

After my usual evening routine — washing up, brushing my teeth, and applying my night facial cream — I slipped into bed, sinking into the familiar comfort of my blanket. Ham had already claimed his usual corner, curled into a snug little ball like a croissant.

I scrolled through my phone, half-hoping to see something from Faye. A message. A photo. Anything. But there was nothing. I figured she'd probably gone to bed early. She'd been busy lately.

It's fine, I thought. We'll talk tomorrow.

The room was quiet, save for the soft hum of the air conditioning. I rolled onto my side, the glow of my phone screen dimming as I stared at it.

My mind was still replaying the scenes from this afternoon — the teasing, the playful glances, the heat between us that felt like it could ignite the whole room.

The way she looked at me... the way she saw me. It wasn't just attraction. It was something else entirely. I could feel it in the air between us, as thick and undeniable as gravity.

Nothing else really matters, I thought, my eyes growing heavy.

As long as I have her, I'll be fine. We'll be fine. We'll figure it out, no matter what comes our way. I believed that with every fibre of my being.

Because she's my mountain.

And I'm hers.