Dissent and Daffodils

Lilith was delivering her lecture while Hazel sat at the last bench, fiddling with her pen. Lilith was aware that Hazel wasn't particularly interested in mathematics, but it was an important subject for her grades. Hazel had been lagging in this subject for the past few exams. As she scanned the classroom, Lilith noticed she was chatting and smiling with her benchmate. Lilith chose not to say anything initially, but it was clear that they were engaged in conversation for quite a while. Hazel seemed to find a way to skip the lecture.

Lilith placed her notes down and leaned against the table, resting her palms on its surface. Her sleeves were rolled up to her elbows, revealing her toned forearms.

"Mr. Sawyer and Ms. Ashford, do you have something to share with the class?" Lilith said in a scolding tone, narrowing her eyes at Sawyer. After several moments of silence, she added, "If you don't have anything more important than the lecture itself, I suggest you remain quiet for the duration of my lecture."

For the rest of the class, Hazel stayed silent. Once the lecture concluded, Hazel left with her friends. Throughout the day, Lilith texted her, hoping to meet up.

Lilith: Wanna grab a quick coffee after classes at the café down the street?

An hour passed without a reply, prompting Lilith to send another message.

Lilith: Text back. What happened?

Again, there was no response. The entire day went by without any text from Hazel, and Lilith's patience began to wear thin. Eventually, she decided to leave her office in search of Hazel.

She found Hazel walking down the empty corridor of the first year. Lilith pulled her into an unoccupied classroom and locked the door behind her, pinning Hazel against the wall, her hands on either side of Hazel's face, trapping her between the wall and her own body.

Astonished, Hazel almost screamed, but when she recognized Lilith, her shock quickly turned to frustration, prompting her to turn her face away.

Lilith, concerned, asked, "What happened? Why aren't you replying to my texts?"

Hazel didn't respond. Lilith gently held Hazel's chin between her thumb and forefinger, making her look up. "What happened, Hazel?" she repeated. Hearing Lilith say her name caused Hazel to melt inside. With their height difference, Hazel had to look upward, and a small pout formed on her lips. "You scolded me?" Hazel said, almost accusingly.

Lilith, puzzled, asked, "I did? When?"

"In the classroom," Hazel replied, looking down and fiddling with Lilith's tie. Lilith chuckled lightly next to Hazel's ear, causing her to close her eyes and lean her head back against the wall, allowing the sensation to wash over her.

"That was your punishment for trying to skip the lecture. Now, tell me why you were talking to him during my lecture?" Lilith asked, inhaling the calming scent of Hazel's hair, which smelled like lavender.

"Why, professor, are you jealous?" Hazel smirked, her eyes still closed.

"Maybe," Lilith replied, grabbing Hazel's waist. "Maybe I just don't like it when others try to take what's mine."

Hazel's breath hitched at Lilith's words. Lilith's fingers dug into her waist. The warmth of Lilith's breath against her neck made her heart race. "I think you understand my reasons," Lilith said softly.

Hazel gulped and attempted to gauge Lilith's reaction as she mischievously remarked, "He was good-looking, though."

Lilith's grip tightened on Hazel's waist. "Don't test me, darling. As I said before, you don't know me well, but know this: I'm not a good person. Who knows, tomorrow morning I might have one less student," Lilith whispered against Hazel's neck, her breath sending shivers down Hazel's spine.

"No. No, don't! I was just kidding. He was asking me something about the fresher's party," Hazel replied, her eyes flying open at the implication in Lilith's words.

Lilith smiled and gently kissed Hazel's cheek. "Good," she said, stepping back slightly. Though she was tempted to take things further right there against the wall, she wanted to ensure that Hazel didn't feel trapped in their relationship. Being physical would only complicate things.

Lilith adjusted her cufflinks, and Hazel straightened her t-shirt.

"Now, do you want to grab a cup of coffee, Ms. Ashford?" Lilith asked.

Hazel rolled her eyes at the formal title, especially after their previous encounter. "Sure, Prof.," she replied.