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I followed walking paths between ivy-covered buildings, admiring architecture and soaking up the atmosphere. By sheer luck, I happened upon a lively rally on the quad, with colorful banners and upbeat music pumping. Unable to resist, I drifted closer to observe.
A peppy brunette girl was speaking animatedly through a megaphone, riling up the crowd. "....and that's why the Murphy twins have got to go! Who's ready for a serious student council shake-up?"
The gathered students cheered rowdily in response, making me smile. Even just witnessing youthful spirit and grassroots resistance felt strangely thrilling after so much suppression and secrecy ruling my own life lately.
Lost in wistful observation, I didn't notice the athletic figure approaching until a teasing voice spoke up behind me. "Fancy seeing you here again. Are you sure you're not secretly a student?"
I turned to see Derek grinning down at me, looking casually windswept as ever in his rugby athletic gear. My pulse gave a tiny involuntary flutter, which I quickly brushed aside. I was simply caught off guard.
"Oh, hey! No, still just visiting," I replied breezily once I recovered. Derek raised one eyebrow, waiting for a real explanation.
I hesitated, but found myself admitting, "Okay fine, I just had to drop something off for Ashley. And I guess I got a little carried away exploring again." I couldn't bring myself to lie to those piercing eyes.
Derek looked more intrigued than suspicious. "Well, lucky me then! Here, come with me - I know the perfect little spot to continue your unsanctioned campus tour."
He offered his arm gallantly. After only a moment's hesitation, I took it, letting him guide us away from the pep rally crowds...
Derek led me along a winding path between campus buildings, making light conversation. But those sharp eyes missed nothing, and I sensed his interest was piqued by my unexplained reappearance.
We ended up in a secluded courtyard with leafy trees and artfully weathered stone benches. It reminded me of the oak grove where we had talked so easily before. Another of Derek's hidden refuges, perhaps.
He guided me to sit, then turned so our knees just lightly touched. "So, you going to tell me the real reason you keep finding excuses to come back here?" His tone stayed casual, but his gaze pierced through me. "You're not exactly the stereotypical prep school prospect."
I bit my lip, considering how to respond. Derek hadn't pressed very hard for details before when we first met. But something had clearly shifted, making him more intent on unraveling the mystery of me.
"Would you believe me if I said I was just really dedicated to researching the right academic options?" I joked weakly, trying to avoid a direct answer.
Derek let out a husky laugh. "Not a chance. But I admire you not caving easily." He tilted his head, regarding me thoughtfully. "How about this - a truth for a truth. I ask you something, you give an honest answer, then you get to ask me anything."
I furrowed my brow. It sounded risky, but also strangely intriguing. And fair, compared to one-sided digging. "And we both have to answer truthfully?" I verified. At Derek's nod, I took a steadying breath. "Okay then. Truth for a truth. You first."
Those piercing eyes glinted approvingly, but Derek didn't start with anything too probing. "Fine. Let's start simple - where are you actually from?"
"A little town upstate you've probably never heard of," I answered breezily. It wasn't a total lie. Now my turn...
I considered carefully. "Why rugby?" I asked finally. "You don't seem the typical meathead jock type."
Derek barked out a surprised laugh at my bold assessment. But he answered gamely, "Honestly? The aggression is a good outlet for me. Helps me stay balanced."
I nodded thoughtfully. His candor deserved the same in return. We continued back and forth, each round of truths unzipping another layer between us. I kept my answers vague but genuine, and was surprised at the depth Derek revealed in turn beneath his casual charm.
We both skirted around the most dangerous secrets. But I realized Derek was right - this was a peek behind the curtain, a chance to satisfy my own curiosity about him as he tried to unravel the mystery of me. An irresistible pull grew between us with each truth unveiled.
The air took on an amber glow as afternoon faded subtly towards evening. I was startled when a nearby clock tower chimed 3pm. I really had lost track of time in this little sanctuary with Derek.
"Crap, I need to get going," I said, standing abruptly. I still had to finish getting fully ready before Leonardo arrived to pick me up tonight.
"Hot date?" Derek guessed casually, though I detected a frown flicker across his face. When I didn't answer, he stood and grasped my hand lightly. "Well, whoever the lucky guy is, he clearly doesn't realize the prize he's getting."
Here's a continuation:
I felt my cheeks heat at Derek's words. Before I could respond, he lifted my hand and brushed his lips lightly over my knuckles. "Until next time, Natalia."
The feather-light contact sent sparks tingling across my skin. I knew I should pull my hand away, but instead found myself shifting minutely closer. Derek's eyes darkened, his expression turning hungry.
Slowly, giving me time to move if I wished, Derek drew me in until our faces were just inches apart. I felt his warm breath graze my lips, my own parting involuntarily. This was reckless, dangerous territory, but some magnetism kept me anchored in place, pulse racing.
"Natalia..." Derek murmured, his voice low and gravelly. I could no longer tell if it was a warning or a plea. But in the next moment, his mouth was on mine in a searing kiss that stole my breath and scattered all thoughts.
