Falling for Snow | OC x Coriolanus Snow

Chapter 6

Since that fateful assignment from Mr. Highbottom, Coryo and I found ourselves entwined in a connection that exceeded the boundaries of simple academic collaboration. There was an unspoken bond that wove its tendrils around us, a delicate thread that went beyond the words we penned for our paired essay. In those moments of shared words and intertwined ideas, a friendship blossomed, blooming like a tender bud in the garden of our hearts.

As we delved into the intricacies of our essay, Coryo's presence became more than just a means to complete an academic task; it became the soothing melody to the symphony of my days. Though I convinced myself that our closeness was merely a byproduct of the shared project, deep down, I couldn't deny the warmth that enveloped me when he was near. A silent understanding seemed to exist between us, a connection that stretched beyond the lines we composed on paper.

During one of our many essay sessions, Coryo's unexpected words pierced through the quiet concentration of our study. "You know, you're a genius, Bea," he exclaimed, his eyes scanning the first of the three pages we had crafted together. While I may have contributed to the majority of the paragraphs, his support and insights were the invisible threads that stitched our ideas into a seamless narrative. "The Capitol not only administers the various districts but also weaves a complex tapestry that interconnects the lives, struggles, and aspirations of the citizens from one to twelve. I love this line," he praised, and in that moment, a radiant smile graced my lips.

His compliment echoed in the air, resonating with a sweetness that went beyond the confines of our academic collaboration. In that simple sentence, I felt a warmth that transcended friendship.

In the quietude that followed, I endeavored to downplay his compliment, my lips curving into a modest smile as I took a casual bite of the bread that my mother had bestowed upon me. "Nah, we are a team on that project. Don't shower all the praise on me," I remarked truthfully. "You want some?" I then asked, offering him a piece of the bread, a simple gesture that held the promise of shared moments.

His eyes met mine, gratitude mirrored in their depths as he accepted the proffered offering. "Yes, please. Thank you," he uttered, and I watched as he savored the taste, his expression transforming into one of genuine bliss. "This is so good," he complimented with a laugh.

A gentle chuckle danced its way from my lips in harmony with his delight. "Glad you like it. My mom baked that," I confessed, a swell of pride accompanying my words, transforming a mere acknowledgment of my mother's culinary prowess into a heartfelt revelation.

Engrossed in savoring the delectable flavors, I remained oblivious to the approach of Clemensia and her group of friends. Unbeknownst to me, they ambled gracefully toward our table, a symphony of laughter and animated chatter trailing in their wake. Clemensia, adorned with an infectious smile, cast her gaze upon Coryo, her expression radiating warmth. However, when her eyes met mine, a subtle transformation occurred. The warmth dissipated, replaced by an enigmatic coolness that sent a tremor through my being. A nervous gulp betrayed my apprehension. What did I do now?

Honestly, ever since being paired with Coryo, I sensed a subtle shift in Clemensia's demeanor towards me. It left me with a heavy heart because it seemed like she might harbor feelings for Coryo. However, I found myself in a predicament as Coryo and I were tasked with collaborating on an essay together. I couldn't simply abandon him out of sympathy for Clemensia.

"Hi, Coryo," she greeted him with a sweet voice as they passed our table. Hoping for a shared moment, I wished for her eyes to meet mine, but she breezed past without a glance. She and her group continued on their way, leaving me with numerous unspoken questions lingering in the air.

Seated there, an overwhelming sense of unease wrapped around me like a cloak of worry. The idea of someone harboring silent hate towards me weighed heavily on my mind, casting shadows of doubt across my thoughts.