Wren walked to the local supermarket to get some new clothes.
In the academy, the rules were strict - no one could enter the bathhouse during the day, and food was strictly prohibited in the dormitories. So, she decided to take matters into her own hands.
After purchasing some casual clothing, she walked to the lake, a secluded spot where she could wash up without breaking any rules.
As she stood behind a tree near the lake, she felt a mix of excitement and nervousness. This was her first time bathing in public, and it was broad daylight.
But she knew it would be uncomfortable to walk around the whole day with the smell of food and sweat on her body.
She quickly changed into a swimsuit and jumped into the lake, the cool water enveloping her like a refreshing hug.
The water seeped into her skin, and she felt a sense of comfort and relaxation wash over her. She hurriedly bathed, scrubbing off the dirt and grime of the day. As she emerged from the lake, she felt a sense of pride and accomplishment, despite the embarrassment of bathing in public.
She changed back into her new clothes, feeling a sense of freshness and cleanliness. As she sat down to enjoy the scenery, her heart suddenly leaped in her chest. She saw Kai Blackwood, his face red as a tomato, sitting in a nearby tree.
The first thing that roamed her mind was, "He had seen her, he had seen her." Wren's face turned bright red with embarrassment, and she felt like sinking into the ground.
Kai's eyes were fixed on her, a mixture of surprise and amusement on his face. Wren's instincts told her to run, to hide, but her legs seemed rooted to the spot.
She felt like a deer caught in the headlights, frozen in place as Kai's gaze bore into her.
Meanwhile Kai's eyes remained fixed on the scene below, his heart racing like a wild drumbeat in his chest.
His mind betrayed him, replaying every curve of Wren's body as she swam in the lake – the way sunlight danced across her skin, the gentle sway of her hips beneath the water's surface.
He had never laid eyes on a girl's naked form before; the sight was both desirable and unnerving.
Kai's grip on the tree branch loosened, his fingers slipping as his mind wandered. Time slowed as he fell, the world spinning wildly before he crashed into the lake's cool waters.
Kai swam ashore, emerging from the lake like a dark specter – his black hair plastered to his forehead, water dripping down his chiseled face, and his piercing eyes fixed intently on Wren.
His clothes clung to his lean frame, accentuating every muscle as he moved out of the water.
Wren's cheeks burned with embarrassment and anger as she marched towards Kai, her eyes blazing.
She had forgotten the fear he instilled in her, forgotten everything except the humiliation of being seen.
And by Kai Blackwood, of all people – the last person she wanted witnessing her nakedness.
As Wren walked up to Kai, her anger and embarrassment boiled over. She landed him a slap, her hand connecting with his cheek with a loud smack. "Pervert," she spat, her eyes flashing with indignation.
Her hand connected with his cheek in a resounding slap. "Pervert!" she spat, her voice low and venomous.
Kai barely flinched, his neutral expression making Wren shiver.
Kai's eyes widened in surprise, but he quickly regained his composure. "What did I do?" he asked, staring at her with a neutral gaze, his voice calm and even.
Wren's anger only intensified. "You know exactly what you did," she said, her voice low and menacing. "You saw me, you perved on me. You're disgusting."
Kai's expression didn't change, but a hint of a smile played on his lips. "I wasn't doing anything," he said, his voice still calm. "I was just...appreciating the view."
Wren's eyes narrowed. "Appreciating the view?" she repeated, her voice incredulous. "You were ogling me, Kai. Don't try to deny it."
Kai shrugged, his smile growing slightly wider. "Maybe I was," he said, his voice still even. "But you're the one who decided to bathe in public. You can't blame me for looking."
Wren's face turned red with anger and embarrassment. She knew she had made a mistake by bathing in public, but she hadn't expected Kai to be watching her. She felt vulnerable and exposed, and Kai's words only made her feel worse.