Studiously Devious

The morning found Mallory still in a daze form the night before. Mallory just sat at her lonely breakfast table nudging her cereal while staring at the darkened screen of her phone hoping for any sort of reply but hours had passed and there was no reply. Stella's silence nurtured the slowly growing storm clouds above Mallory's head.

"I guess it is all over. All that effort for nothing. Ughh~"

Mallory mumbles were however interrupted by a gentle knock on her front door. It was rather unusual for her to have visitors let alone so early in the morning. With dragging feet Mallory made her way up to the door before pressing her eye up to the peephole.

To her surprise she found Stella dressed in a simple white blouse accompanied with a pleated skirt that fell at her knees. With each rap tap tap of Stella's knuckles against the door only caused Mallory's heart to skip a beat as her mind scrambled up a response.

"Hai hi. Who is it?"

"Mallory it is me Stella would you mind opening the door?"

"Umm give me a moment, I am currently getting ready for the academy."

"That's fine I can talk to you while you prepare."

"No no it is fine just give me a moment!"

Despite Mallory's word the door began to creep open as Valerie had overheard the conversation and unlocked the door while the pair were conversing. Seeing the door begin to swing open Mallory in her shirts and hoodie tried to stand straight looking perfectly unnaturally normal.

"Pleasure to meet you Stella! My name is Valerie. Come on in! It is rather cold outside isn't it?"

"Thank you for the invitation. It would be much appreciated. Oh! Hello Mallory."

"Hai Stella! Just umm come in. You can have a seat at the dining table. Can I get you anything?"

"I am fine. Is there anything I can help you with Mallory?"

"No no. I am just gonna go get ready so give me a moment."

Mallory pivoting to head back in gave Valerie the most serious glare she could muster before scrambling to her room. Valerie, playing hostess, led Stella into the apartment properly before idly chatting with her until her sister returned from the bedroom dressed in her usual outfit.

"Okay I will leave you to cuties to yourselves. I need to get me some more Zs." exclaimed Valerie before heading back into her room.

"So Stella, what is it you wanted to talk about?"

"Well first off I apologize for not replying to your message last night. I was a bit exhausted by the night's events and promptly entered the land of dreams as soon as possible. When I saw your message I thought it better to give you a response in person."

"Oh no need. I just was a bit heated after everything and just wanted to make sure we didn't breach our mutual agreement."

Stella couldn't stifle the giggle as she listened to Mallory words especially when coupled with the nervousness scrawled across her face. Recomposing herself she offered Mallory a warm smile to help soothe the girl's nerves.

"No Mallory you did no such thing. Honestly you did very well!"

"That is good to hear."

"Also this agreement was set via your terms. If I had my way there would be some amendments."

"I see~"

"Anyways I thought we should talk about a small bit of business since we are on that topic. Firstly please give me the necessary bank details and I will be paying you for every hour we spend together in public if that is fine with you?"

"Sounds in line with the agreement."

A quick exchange of information and confirmation the pair had established the necessary requirements for proper exchanging of funds.

"Secondly I know you would not allow it but I wish to offer you some form of hazard pay for last night's events. How about we go to a cafe together after your classes are finished?"

"I am free so that should not be an issue." said Mallory with a small smile as she tucked her unruly tresses behind her ear.

"Well it is a date then!'

"It indeed is Stella."

"Lastly I thought it would be advantageous to our ruse if we went to the academy together as it will help establish an appropriate backbone for public perception."

Mallory just looked at Stella before blinking a few times in rapid progression due to her request. Mallory had honestly forgotten that all of this would bleed into her normal daily life.

"Wait umm ... I guess that is fine but wouldn't that lead to more public awareness of our relationship?"

"Is that a problem Mallory? I did warn you."

"I mean your statement is not false but it just feels unusual."

"I mean if you want we could break up our engagement."

With a sharp cough Stella continued, "I meant agreement."

"No it is fine, just a lot to take in and adjust too."

"Well your comfort is my priority so if you would rather not then please let me know."

"Thanks Stella."

"Actually if you would rather I could just spend the day here with you. It would give us the opportunity to learn about each other on a more intimate level." said Stella leaning in close to Mallory to the point Mallory could feel each of Stella's warm breaths on her cheek.

"No no I think we should go to school. Missing class is definitely a bad thing."

"Well I can get you the notes of the sessions if that is all you are worried about."

At this point Mallory's confident demeanor was shattered by her cherry red cheeks let alone her squirming.

"What if I don't understand something or get a strike for attendance?"

"Well attendance isn't mandatory and if you think your grades will drop because of my actions then I will personally tutor you day and night to keep you performing at your best."