Falling for Snow | OC x Coriolanus Snow

Chapter 4

The mundane corridors of the school echoed with the monotony of another uneventful day. We lingered in our final class, a weariness settling into our bones as we awaited the arrival of Mr. Highbottom. Slouched in my chair, I observed my classmates, all mirroring my unenergetic posture, their faces painted with the dullness of routine.

Yet, amidst the sea of disinterested faces, a subtle energy stirred. A peculiar sensation crawled up my spine, a feeling that someone's eyes were delving into the very core of my being. Gazing around, my eyes locked with Coriolanus, his penetrating stare an unexpected jolt to my otherwise lackluster day. Caught in the crossfire of his gaze, he hastily averted his eyes, leaving me bewildered.

A silent question echoed within me—what was the cause of this sudden attention? Memories of him defending me from Mr. Highbottom surfaced, but doubt crept in. Was it all just a facade? His lingering gaze and subsequent retreat left me questioning the dynamics between us. As the clock ticked away, the mystery of Coriolanus unraveled in the quiet confines of the classroom, casting a shadow on the simplicity of my otherwise unremarkable day.

As I sat there, lost in the labyrinth of my thoughts, Mr. Highbottom strolled into the room, his customary chill demeanor preceding him. A shiver ran down my spine as he took center stage, his presence dominating the atmosphere. With an air of authority, he declared, "I'll be assigning you again with a piece of work."

A muted groan echoed within the confines of my mind. Mr. Highbottom, the relentless taskmaster, never failed to burden us with many assignments. Despite my silent protests, I knew better than to voice my complaints aloud; after all, Mr. Highbottom was a teacher to be feared.

"Pairs again," he declared, his voice carrying a mysterious undertone that left me curious about the reasons behind his constant pairings. "Your partner is the person next to you," he concluded with a finality that sent a subtle thrill down my spine. Nervously, I swallowed, feeling a sudden acceleration of my heartbeat. The air around us crackled with an unexpected tension, and I couldn't resist stealing a glance at the person seated beside me.

My breath caught when I realized I would be working with Coriolanus, the one who seemed to harbor a disdain for me. How on earth was this going to work? Turning to my left, I met Coryo's gaze, and to my surprise, he didn't look away this time. Why should he, though? Mr. Highbottom had, in his infinite wisdom, bound us together with this schoolwork. At that moment, Coryo gave me a subtle nod, his eyes lingering with mine, and then, almost reluctantly, he redirected his focus to our teacher. The simple gesture of that nod released a breath I hadn't realized I was holding. It was a silent agreement, a bridge between us in this unexpected partnership. Relief washed over me like a gentle wave; at least, there was no sign of remorse in Coryo's demeanor.

As Mr. Highbottom announced our assignment—a compelling essay on the significance of the Capitol to Panem and its diverse Districts from one to twelve—a newfound tension hung in the air. The challenge was set, a deadline looming just a week away. "Amaze me with your work," he declared, his words lingering like a challenge in the classroom.

Yet, as the weight of the assignment settled, my thoughts turned to Coryo. How were we going to go off on this academic journey together? Where would our teamwork end up? The certainty that our paths would wind through each other's houses loomed, and an unsettling idea crept into my mind—I couldn't fathom Coryo witnessing the reality of my living quarters. The fear of judgment gnawed at me, yet that wasn't my paramount concern.

The true dilemma lay in the prospect of collaborating with him. Contemplating the shared intellectual journey ahead, a cascade of awkwardness enveloped my thoughts. How would our minds work together, handling the complex web of ideas and avoiding uncomfortable situations? The impending collaboration with Coryo held an unspoken promise of academic discovery and personal vulnerability, setting the stage for a narrative yet to unfold.

➶ 𓆉｡˚ ✧ ༉‧₊˚.

As the final bell chimed, signaling the end of the class, a lingering dilemma clouded my thoughts. The decision to approach Coryo and inquire about our joint project weighed on my mind like a gentle but insistent tug. With each passing second, I found myself standing at the crossroads of curiosity and restraint. Yet, there was a spark within me, the flame of an academic overachiever, urging that now was the opportune moment to delve into the collaboration.

The cold air bit at my cheeks as I stepped into the pristine winter wonderland that awaited just beyond the door. The snow, a soft blanket of purity, fell gently from the heavens, creating a peaceful symphony around me. Each delicate snowflake, like a hesitant brush stroke, painted a scene of contemplation in the air. As I trudged through the snowy path toward the welcoming glow of home, a realization dawned on me like a tender breeze. I had forgotten to approach Coryo after class, to delve into the shared endeavors that lingered unspoken between us, and the weight of my neglect settled on my shoulders.

The contrast between the snug embrace of home and the swirling snowflakes outside mirrored the intricate dance of emotions within me. Lost in my thoughts, I entered the comforting covering of home, only to be met by the concerned gaze of my mother, who noticed the telltale expression etched across my face.

"Honey, what's wrong?" she inquired, her voice a soothing melody that cut through the quiet unease in the air.

Blushing, I confessed to my mother, "I'm supposed to head over to my classmate's place for our pair assignment, but the thing is, I completely forgot to ask him where he lives." Her eyes twinkled with amusement, and she couldn't help but chuckle at my forgetfulness.

My mother's gentle laughter filled the room like a melody, and she affectionately responded, "Oh, Bea, sweetheart. Didn't you two discuss the details?" Her smile was warm, a knowing glimmer in her eyes as if she held a secret to the dance of emotions unfolding within me.

My cheeks flushed with a rosy hue, and I fumbled to explain, "Actually, we didn't. I just decided myself that I would be working at his house, and I'm pretty sure that would be no problem for him." My fingers traced delicate patterns on my arm, a subconscious gesture betraying a hint of embarrassment.

Curiosity sparkled in my mother's gaze as she inquired, "Who is the classmate anyway?" Her hand rubbed my shoulder soothingly as if coaxing the details from me. At that moment, the room seemed to hold its breath.

With a hushed breath, I uttered the name, "Coriolanus Snow." Recognition ignited in my mother's eyes, a fleeting dance of understanding that painted a knowing expression on her face. A subtle nod and the warmth of a smile passed between us.

"Oh, the Snow family resides just a few blocks away," she disclosed, casting a revelation that sent ripples of surprise through my thoughts.

The Snow family's residence, a mere few blocks from my doorstep, became a beacon of intrigue and mystery. My neighbor? The realization unfurled within me like the delicate opening of a long-hidden secret, sending a cascade of questions through my thoughts. How had his presence dodged my notice until now? Why had he chosen to call our humble neighborhood home when his wealth could have easily whisked him away to more opulent houses? Lost in contemplation, I shook off the whirlwind of thoughts that enveloped me.

With a quick farewell to my mother and a gentle kiss on her cheek, I collected my coat and bag. "Alright, Mom, thank you. I'll be back later," I murmured as she graciously opened the door for me. Stepping out into the chilly evening, I began my journey towards Coriolanus Snow's house.

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A/N: This is a slow-burn story so bear with me :)