Page 46 of Missing

She laughed, a genuine sound that warmed me. "Thank you," she replied, releasing my hand and shaking off the residual heat. "I thought you were going to make me hold your hand the whole way."

The courtyard outside was a stark contrast to the stifling confines of the hallway—a breath of fresh air that seemed to cleanse the lingering fire still burning beneath my skin. The sun cast its golden glow on the vibrant green grass and the glistening surface of the water fountain as if nature itself was putting on a show just for us.

"Jessica," I muttered under my breath, my eyes drawn to the blonde figure seated at the edge of the fountain, her shoulders shaking with sobs as she clutched her mobile tightly in her hand. Despite everything, I couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for her—she had played the mean girl card one too many times, but it was obvious that her feelings for me and the others ran deep.

"Can't say I'm surprised," Harper scoffed, her eyes narrowing as she caught sight of Jessica. "I fucking hate that bitch, but I also feel bad. She clearly had a thing for you guys—one that wasn't returned, no matter how hard she hoped."

I nodded silently, and together we navigated our way across the courtyard, making sure to keep a safe distance between ourselves and Jessica. As we walked, I couldn't help but steal glances at Harper, admiring the way the sunlight danced in her dark hair.

The feeling classroom was a wild technicolour explosion of mismatched cushions and bean bags, like someone had taken my mum's eccentric living room and cranked it up to eleven. I pointed it out to Harper, who raised an eyebrow at the sight.

"Wow," she said, stepping inside and taking it all in. "I don't know whether to laugh or run away."

"Trust me, you'll get used to it," I replied, smirking as I led her over to a pair of bean bags that seemed to be relatively unblemished by whatever madness went on in there. We settled down, trying to find a comfortable position on the shifting masses beneath us.

Professor Moony breezed into the room, her purple dress trailing behind her like a cloud of lavender-scented air. She clapped her hands together, silencing the chatter that had filled the space. "Alright everyone, let's get started! Today's lesson is about making others feel different feelings."

Just as she was about to dive into her lecture, another professor burst into the room, looking frantic. "Professor Moony, you're needed in the second-year fire lesson! It's urgent!"

"Ah, well," Professor Moony said with a sigh, waving her hand dismissively. "Looks like you all get a free period today." And just like that, she transported us away, leaving us all blinking in surprise.

"Free period, huh?" I turned to Harper, who was already grinning mischievously. "What do you want to do?"

"Chill in my room?" Harper offered

"Alright then, your room it is," I said, as Harper and I left the bean bag-strewn classroom.

We made our way through the halls, heading towards Harper's room. As we turned the corner, we found a note stuck to her door that read: "Relocated to Room 9."

"Looks like Hunter kept his word about moving you," I said, pointing at the note.

"But what about all my stuff?" Harper asked, concern etching her features.

"Relax. They probably moved everything for you," I reassured her. Then, teasingly, I added, "Did you leave anything scandalous behind? A little BOB on the bed maybe?"

"Shut up, Griffin," she retorted, her cheeks flushing pink as she punched me in the arm. The fire sensation zapped through with the contact, making me wince. "No, Mr. Dickens wasn't out. But my underwear might have been hanging in the bathroom."

"First of all," I said, holding up my hands, "we need to address the fact that you named your vibrator Mr. Dickens. And second, why were your undies hanging out?"

Harper sighed, her eyes momentarily flickering with frustration. "No one explained how the washing got done around here," she said. "I only packed three pairs of underwear when I was brought here, so I hand-washed them and hung them out to dry."

"Only three pairs?" I asked, my mouth hanging open. "Why didn't you just buy more?"

Her cheeks flushed a deep shade of red as her voice rose in volume. "Well, not all of us are rich, Griffin! Some of us can't even afford to buy new underwear!" She spun on her heels and stalked down the hallway, determined to find her new room without my guidance.

"Shit," I muttered, realising I'd hit a nerve. I hurried after her, catching up quickly. As I reached for her arm, that familiar fire sensation burned up my palm, making me wince. "Hey, I'm sorry, little one," I said quickly, trying to make amends. "I didn't mean it that way."

She gave me a sidelong glance, her green eyes still blazing with anger, but she shrugged. "It's okay," she said, her voice softening. "Can you just show me where this damn room is?”

Chapter 41

Harper Hillstrom

As we made our way down the hallway, we passed Griffin, Dante, and Orlando's rooms. Finally coming to a stop at a door that I assumed was my new room.

I glanced at the fob in my hand and turned to Griffin. "Don't suppose my old keycard will work?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

Griffin's lips curved into a knowing smile, his piercing blue eyes never leaving mine. "More than likely," he said, the words dripping with a confidence that both intrigued and infuriated me.

---