trying my best

“I didn’t mean to strike terror in your heart, mon trickster.” He gazes at them with apologetic eyes, but he can’t help but admire their figure, much like a connoisseur appreciating a fine piece of art, wishing to savor every intricate detail.

"Ah, je dois rester forte. You have a completely unfair effect on my heart rate right now." He strikes a dramatic pose, his hand lingering over his forehead, while the prefect just giggles at his antics.

“Shouldn’t I be the one to say that?” The smile they flash him warms his heart yet again within just a few minutes of their interaction. “You can’t be here just to surprise me, can you?” They lean casually against the window while gazing at the upperclassman.

For what he is known for, Rook has a deep fascination with uncovering the secrets of various individuals at Night Raven College. However, the one person who consistently intrigues him is the very individual standing before him. With their captivating eyes, enchanting smile, and otherworldly charm, he feels as though their secrets keep slipping away from him, despite his relentless efforts to uncover them. The fact that they are an outsider to this world complicates matters, limiting the resources available for his exploration. Yet, he finds endless joy in dedicating every moment to studying them, whether up close or from a distance, day and night. At this point, he won't deny that it has become his obsession.

"And what do you mean by what you said earlier?"

“Certainly, you possess the utmost beauty, whether it be on Sage's Island or at Night Raven College. It is only natural that many admire you.” The prefect smiles sheepishly at the compliment and is unsure how to respond.

"Don't say that when Vil is here." Rook remains unshaken with his declaration.

"Non! You possess a certain charm that no one in this world could hope to replicate, mon trickster."

He's aware that he is not the only one paying close attention to them. Numerous peers, including the fairest housewarden, also have their sights set on the prefect. Rook can only sigh at the thought of having rivals. But it no longer bothers him too much. Rook only smiles, a hint of something darker in his eyes, because he knows a secret—something precious about the prefect that no one else at school could ever uncover.

Today, he is prepared to investigate further into a particular individual who appears to hold great significance in their life. He dares to suggest that it might even be in a romantic context. The idea of someone else taking up space in their heart causes him more pain than being struck by an arrow. Yet, true to his nature as a hunter, he is determined to delve deeper to uncover the truth. Perhaps someday he would deal with that person in his own way.

"There seems to be someone that you pay attention to these days, mon trickster." Each word that came from his mouth felt heavy in their prefect's ears. With confusion etched across their face, they merely tilted their head in response. The hunter maintained an air of calm. This secret, it turns out, encompasses two matters. Though he's willing to take his time dissecting it. But the prefect is no stranger to his unique antics.

"You think so? I don't remember having favorites other than Grim in this school." They keep their casual composure while somewhat challenging Hunt to elaborate more on his assertion. “So, why don’t you tell me which student you believe I have a preference for?”

The prefect is keenly aware of Hunt's deep understanding of individuals... including details that are not meant to be disclosed. Even someone as unique as them isn't immune to his curiosity; in fact, they suspect it only piques his interest further. This is why they often strive to keep a low profile, even though they realize it rarely works. At times, they can't help but wonder what Rook might have discovered about them that they may have unintentionally revealed. They could only wish he remains unaware of their true knowledge of the world they unwillingly got into.

“Ah, there he is.” Both of them turn their attention to the scene on the ground floor, where a group of first-years is engaged in lively conversation. Rook gestures towards a student wearing a Scarabia vest—he has a warm, charming smile adorned with a dimple, and he comes across as thoughtful and diligent. Rook is not wrong. “He is a fine young man. However, I must confess, I believed you were worthy of someone even better, mon trickster.” Though he is mistaken about the reason behind it. The prefect's expression remains flat.

"There is nothing romantic, I assure you." Their eyes stay fixed on the young man from afar. Their heart clenches instead of the opposite. On the other hand, Hunt's focus is entirely on the prefect, a blend of admiration and a quest for concealed hints about their true feelings. If only their heart were solely his.

"May I ask what your heart desires? mon amour."

"He reminds me of someone in my past. Someone I once knew...” Their voice faded, carried away by the wind. The breeze grew louder, almost a song in its intensity. If it weren't for Rook facing them now, they might not have noticed the subtle sadness woven into their words. An idea creeps into Rook's mind. He stands silently behind the prefect, while their attention is occupied by the boy below.

Rook has seen everything and heard everything. During the quiet nights when everyone is asleep, he picks up on the faint cries emanating from the Ramshackle dorm. Occasionally, he hears unfamiliar names, yet one name resonates more frequently than the rest. When fortune smiles upon him, he might find a journal left open on a desk, featuring that same name accompanied by small illustrations. He has glimpsed them before. In theory, he has encountered that other person.

I hear the secrets that you keep, when you're talkin' in your sleep

“Could it be that the person is the same as…?” As the final syllable escaped his lips, time seemed to freeze for just a moment. The prefect turned to Hunt, eyes wide with disbelief. Memories flooded their mind, and a solitary tear rolled down their cheek. Hearing that name from another person felt strange, particularly from someone from a different world who knows nothing of their past. They quickly look away from the hunter and wipe away their tears. Lips quivering.

"I-it's not what it looks like." Soft sniffles escape from them as more tears continue to fall onto the floor. Rook gently wipes away some of the tears with a tissue he quickly retrieved, offering more to them.

"It's just strange." They struggle to articulate their feelings through the tears, but they persist. “It's not like we ever had a relationship, but their face continues to haunt me. It intensified after I encountered that boy who strikingly resembles them.” Turning once more to gaze out the arched window, the tears have finally ceased to flow.

"If only I could've been more direct with my feelings." Hunt gently encircles the prefect with his arms, careful and deliberate. They welcome the embrace, believing he is simply offering comfort. Unbeknownst to them, however, are the dark, piercing eyes he holds. Although his hat casts a shadow over half of his face, a sinister smile lingers.

“Ah, mon amour. Cast aside your worries, for your existence weaves a tapestry richer than you could ever imagine. You are a rare gem, a breeze that whispers life into our weary souls. This moment heralds the dawn of a new tale.” His embrace tightens as he gently brushes his cheek against theirs, followed by a tender kiss on their cheek. “In the dance of the stars, you are fated to find the one whose heart beats in harmony with yours, someone who will treasure you as the most precious of treasures. Trust in destiny’s gentle hand. You are meant to shine here.”

The prefect, enveloped by the warmth of his words, let themselves sink into the embrace, momentarily setting aside the unease that had settled in their heart. As for Rook, there was never a real obstacle in the way; he simply needed to convince the prefect to trust his words and ultimately release their attachment to that other person. However, there are still some people he must handle before he can whisk them away. And they are much more complex than simply cutting them off.

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