what lies beyond the night

Waking up from the sounds of an Akasha Terminal ringing and flashing brightly at your eyes was not a good sign.

Realizing that the sun was already half way through the sky, indicating that it was way half past noon was a horrible sign.

You overslept, more than you'd usually do on a Sunday. Fortunately, you had no classes, and there was no need for you to go to your office, since you've already brought all the papers you needed to grade. You sank back onto your couch, your eyes fluttering to a close once more as the exhaustion seeped into your bones. What was left of your tasks was to create your finals lesson plan and the ex—

The kid you took in last night was still inside your home.

Jumping up from your couch, clothes disheveled and hair a mess, you ran towards your room, gently opening the door, mind reeling at the horrific realization that you had overslept until noon, and you had practically left Zandik starving— if he was even still in here.

When your eyes searched on your bed, for any signs that he remained there, asleep or perhaps reading his book, you feel your stomach drop when you realize he wasn't. You searched your home; the kitchen, the bathroom, your storage room, your living area— now where the hell was he? He couldn't have possibly left, right?

The last place you checked was your home office, where relief flooded your entire body when you finally found him, standing on his tippy-toes to reach a book from your shelf, far above his height. Sighing as you straightened yourself up, you approached him silently, eyeing the book he was trying to reach… An advanced topic of your class, it seems.

"Hey there," You say casually, head tilting to the side as you observed him.

The boy jolted from your sudden presence, a small, frightened gasp leaving his lips, eyes wide and the book in his hand is pulled back behind his head, ready to throw it at you if you even dare to move a muscle. You raise your brows questioningly, hands above your shoulders as a gesture of surrender.

When he saw it was just you, his body instantly relaxed, lowering his book and leaving you unharmed. Though, he remained on guard, with a narrowed gaze at your face, before scrutinizing your appearance. "You look… foul."

Frowning at his words, you cross your arms in defense, "I just woke up, okay?" You huff when you see him roll his eyes— this kid got some attitude in him, huh?

"I thought you've already died, given your age." Zandik turns away from you, not able to see the way you put your hand to your chest and express your shock, in disbelief at how easy it was for him to let insults roll from his tongue.

"Excuse me, I am quite young, thank you very much!" You say that without much conviction. Thinking back on the times you've looked at yourself at the mirror, you've lost count of the white strands of hair you've plucked out just this week alone. You shake your head, pursing your lips at the boy before you.

"Could've fooled me," He said with a lilt of condescension in his voice, and subtle aggression hiding beneath his breath, "People around your age tend to die in their sleep."

Quite morbid, you say to yourself, mild irritation spreading beneath your skin, as Zandik proceeded to busy himself by reading some books he had picked out of your bookshelf, though it was obvious to you that he wasn't really focused at it at all. He had his gaze stuck onto you, right on his peripheral vision, and you see him picking the edge of the pages, as if he was anxious about something.

About you.

That made you pause, mouth closing and refraining whatever reply you were about to say. Pursuing this sort of banter would be more damaging than anything else, you thought.

You do not want to think of him as ungrateful, despite how he is acting now. A brash judgment will go against your very morals as a professor at the Akademiya, especially when other professors tend to judge quickly of others, and their own students; so you look at him in a different perspective.

Perhaps he was merely vulnerable last night, which is why he had been more… soft— easier to get along with, compared to the boy at present.

That was fine, you think, considering you have no idea where he came from, who he truly was, or what he had experienced. If it were any other person, you'd imagine that they'd cast him away at this mere petty interaction, taking him as a brat— but you'd like to differ, allowing a gentle smile stretch your lips instead of letting your frustration win over you.

"I thought you'd be gone by now," You start again, hands on your hips as you gazed at him kinder eyes, despite the prominent exhaustion that continued to linger.

That made him grip on the book tight, and you see him bite his bottom lip— a nervous habit, you assume, before slowly turning his head towards you, brows furrowed. "…Should I have left earlier, then?" His eyes was downcast, not having the strength to properly look at you now, shuffling his feet, awaiting your reply.

Your heart clenched at this reaction, taking a few steps towards him and giving a soft pat on his shoulder. "No, I'm glad that you're still here. I was worried you already left when I woke up," You laugh at yourself, scratching your cheek sheepishly as the boy's tense posture visibly relaxed. "C'mon, I'll cook you some breakf— lunch, you must be hungry." The boy could only nod at you, hugging the book in his hands tightly against his chest, allowing you to lead him towards your kitchen.

Now, you weren't particularly sure what the boy liked to eat. He hasn't really spoken much about himself, and when you asked what he'd like for lunch, he just shrugged and continued reading the book. So, you were stuck staring at your available ingredients. Glancing back at Zandik, you could assume that he could handle his spice well, considering the amounts of spice you added to the rice on the Biryani you ate last night to satiate yourself.

After searching your cabinets and pantries, all the ingredients you had in hand clearly directed you to cook a curry dish… As for the meat, you currently have none. "Damn," You cursed under your breath as you rushed past Zandik, who eyed you curiously, but didn't question it. Grabbing the most decent clothing you have in your room, you threw on a less crumpled shirt and some pants— also fixing your hair, before grabbing your coin purse, "I'll be right back kid, just gonna go for a quick grocery run."

The boy only hummed in acknowledgement, turning the pages of the book he had laid on the dinner table, but you don't miss the way his leg nervously bounced as you closed the door shut.

Shrimp Curry. Easy to make, quite the popular homemade dish in Sumeru.

It it was no match to whatever wall it has around Zandik's heart. He was scarfing down all the food you prepared for him like it was nothing— quickly chewing, before gulping and shoving another spoonful of rice.

You could tell he wanted to keep his nonchalant act intact, but before him lies every mortal weakness: home cooked meals.

"Slow down, or you'll choke on yourself," You lightly scold him, already handing him a second serving of the Shrimp Curry. You were right to trust on your gut to put more shrimp than you'd usually do, especially when the kid you took in had a monstrous appetite.

He seemed to snapped out of whatever food-driven trance he was in, and decided to chew a little slower, taking the time to savor the spices on his tongue.

As you ate with Zandik, you couldn't help but be curious about his choice of books— a vast majority of your collection related most to your Darshan, which was Amurta. The most he'd find on your bookshelves are textbooks and documents on biology, ecology and medicine, leaning more on botany; which is why one section of your home looked similarly to a greenhouse.

Zandik seemed to be completely invested in it as well, following along every word etched on each page, navigating through the annotations you've carefully put onto your book throughout your entire career, finger sliding across every line as he chewed on his food. It was… intriguing, to say that least. "Are you in Amurta?" You decided to ask, head tilting when the boy didn't even spare you even a simple glance.

"No," He said simply at first, turning a page in silence. You wanted to huff at his one-worded response, but you just took it as a note that he probably didn't want to talk much, or to you, for that matter. Yet, it seemed like he couldn't bare to just say one word and finish the conversation just there, given the small, frantic glance and pursed lips. "…I'm in Vahumana."

You hum in response, now more curious than ever, "Oh? Then why are you reading a book about botany— advanced botany at that… I haven't even taught most of that to my 2nd year class yet, that's for the next semester." Despite being a professor in Amurta, your collection still had books that fit more in different Darshans; bought out of boredom or acquiring knowledge that was out of your comfort zone, it was always good to be curious of things that are not of your main profession. "I have quite the books on aetiology,"

"Why not?" Was his defensive answer, eyes narrowed at you as he pulls the book closer to him. "Why should I be limited to learning just aetiology? Am I not allowed to learn beyond it? To read other books?" Zandik poured more accusations faster than your mind could process, leaving you quite flustered and at a loss for a proper response.

"I… I wasn't saying any of that?" It was the only thing you could say in the midst of his fit, rubbing the back of your neck with a wavering smile on your lips. Unfortunately for you, it seemed to only further agitate Zandik, his whole posture tense, and he had began loudly tapping his foot.

He clicked his tongue, evidently irritated, or was he nervous? Nevertheless, he chose for his words with the intent to sting, "Then why say anything at all? You were clearly insinuating as such." Zandik spat with such venom that you couldn't wrap your head around it.

Who hurt this child? You've said nothing to provoke him, yet he had taken every word you spoke as if it was a personal offense to his entire being, choosing to be wary eternally wary of you.

But perhaps your befuddled expression had caused Zandik to soften— his hateful gaze faltered and his eyes trailed back down to his empty plate, the tapping of his foot growing louder, and the lines under his eyes seemed to grow more exaggerated. Perhaps, he doesn't even realize he was acting out, or why, for that matter.

You've caught yourself in a lot of trouble, huh?

"…I was just curious," You smile when he started once again, patiently listening to what he has to tell, "Searching for the causation of many things include biology, so as a student of Vahumana, I thought that I should explore other topics, as well."

"That's a rather good mentality to have," You praised, nodding approvingly, to which Zandik responded with an unsure look towards you, "Not a lot of shares the same sentiments towards their research, so it is quite rare to have someone with the same thoughts." You then chuckle nervously, scratching your cheek as you think of better words to say, "Well, a few of my, uhm, colleagues, encourage a more close-minded approach— not to undermine their methods, of course, it's just…" Faltering at the very end, Zandik merely scoffed.

Rolling his eyes at the notion, "I can tell… It reeks of unjust judgment and hypocrisy throughout the Akademiya. My experiences has all been so unpleasant; students and professors alike too absorbed in their own works, and they dare think they are truly befitting for title of 'scholar'? They're laughably pathetic," Zandik admits with a lilt of bitterness in his tone, fingers fiddling with the fork on his hand, lightly scraping it against his plate. But suddenly, he casts his sights onto you, narrowed once more, but less scrutinizing— more of an observation, this time. "Why are you so different, then?"

"We're all victims of the same system, I'm afraid; I was merely wise enough not to submit so easily to such unfairness." You cracked an amused grin as you thought back to your Akademiya days, chuckling to yourself, "Would you believe me if I told you that they were actually stricter in the previous years before yours?"

Zandik frowns at that, but he seemed to be delightfully interested, "Surely not— I could barely think at the Sage breathing down my neck whenever I try to submit papers that was 'unethical', in his words."

You couldn't help the way your shoulders shake as you laughed, covering your lips to remain polite, "It's true! Me and my peers did the impossible to put out our papers, even if our professors tried so hard to disapprove it!"

And so you talked,

and talked,

and talked.

About aetiology, his studies, and future projects that he has began drafting and needs your help for a peer review— about botany, and the plants that bloomed in the sand, a new discovery that you have been trying to write a paper on than you'd like to have his opinion on.

Rarely anything about yourselves as a person, but that was fine, you think. Zandik still doesn't know who you are, as much as you do not know him. It was a bridge you're willing to form slowly, letting the boy to willingly connect it with you.

Until there was nothing to talk about— voice rasping and dry, time flew by as if it was nonexistent, too absorbed in the knowledge given, and taken from each other. The sun was beginning to set by the time you've finished doing the dishes, while you've allowed Zandik to use your personal office to study and complete his homework, as well as reading whatever book that may find his interest.

You, on the other hand, finally bathed yourself, changing into more suitable and comfortably clothing, before finally settling at your kitchen table. And damn, you really got yourself carried away, you'd almost forgotten how much papers you actually had to grade and check, all needed to be returned by tomorrow.

First thing's first, you have to check on your Akasha Terminal, which you accidentally left on your couch, where you had slept for the night. You hadn't realized that it's been beeping and vibrating— probably a bunch of notifications that you've forgotten to check once ever since you've fallen asleep, and awoken in the middle of the day. Putting the terminal back on your left ear, you activated it and let the holographic visor engulf your vision, to which you were bombarded with various messages from your peers.

The most worrying one, though, was from the Grand Sage, with the title [URGENT] on his message. "This ought to be good," You murmur to yourself as you quickly opened his messages, only to see a massive block of text, practically exceeding the message limit. Okay, you were starting to get freaked out, sitting down on your couch just to be safe from whatever you are about to read. "What the—?"

You barely got through half of the message when the Grand Sage sent you another message.

[URGENT; Meet me at the House of Daena. Now.

Sweat dripped down the back of your neck, dread creeping at the back of your throat.

"Shit."

The Grand Sage of the Akademiya of your generation was not very fond of you.

You don't blame the old man, considering the fact that you, and a bunch of the previous students that has graduated since and made a name for themselves, gave him a fair share of trouble. What would be considered sins to the Akademiya, deemed as respectable research that challenged the very foundational belief of the entire system.

Instead of suffering in silence, you chose to fight for what you believe in. Unfortunately, this cost you the favorability of the Grand Sage towards you, which he tend to pile lots more responsibilities on your already swamped workload.

Though, it is quite worrying as to why the Grand Sage called you in now, of all times, especially on a Sunday. How important could this be for him to call you in personally? Just thinking about it sent chills down your spine. One could only assume that this was about Zandik, since he did send you his student files for you to read, although you did not have time to do so, since he urgently asked for your presence.

Taking slow, careful steps towards the library, you think about Zandik's reaction when you told him you had to leave again— only this time, with a much different, more important purpose.

"The Grand Sage?" He looked troubled as he watched you put on your uniform, straightening yourself up to look presentable. "Why would he ask for you now? It's like, 5 in the afternoon on a nonworking day…" You didn't miss the way he toyed with the ends of his sleeves, eyes darting nervously at his hands and to your figure.

"Something came up," Was what you had told him, and that did not help with easing whatever reason he was anxious about. "Don't worry, I won't take long." Giving him a comforting pat on the back, that was your last interaction with him after you left. You hoped he'd do well on his own, he seemed really agitated when you mentioned the Grand Sage, sharp teeth biting at his nails and pacing around your office for almost a minute.

Sighing deeply through your nose, your steps echoes as you traversed inside the library. An impending headache was about to come to you, you could feel it, and you rub your temples in an attempt to remedy it. Searching around the massive halls of books, your eyes scanned the area, finding whichever place the Grand Sage picked for your meeting.

Usually, House of Daena would be packed with students, especially with this upcoming finals in just two week's time. But at this moment, it was almost completely empty, only a few stragglers here and there, most of them are of on their last years of college.

Finally spotting the Grand Sage, who was sitting nearly at the very back of the library, brooding all by his lonesome, you grit your teeth. You stop yourself from letting out a disgruntled groan, kicking yourself to just walk over where he was and get this over with. Archons, may they lend you strength, you do not want to meet up with this man right now.

"There you are, professor," His wrinkly hand gestured you to sit across him, though hurriedly, you obliged to his command, nodding at him as a greeting. "I am glad you are able to come, though it is later than what I'd like." He glowered at you with that same, unimpressed stare, tossing your side of the table some documents. "You did not respond to any of my messages for the past 10 hours. Where is your urgency, professor?"

Immediately, you felt flustered. You'd always try to keep yourself in a good image for everyone, not because you were self-conscious, but it was to avoid situations like these.

The man already hates your guts, you can't give him another reason to make you suffer.

"I… apologize for my lack of professionalism, Grand Sage. I have no excuse for my behavior." You turned your head down, an act of easy defeat. While you might've been a headstrong student who fought against the system when you were younger— things were different now. You were an adult with a job, something you can't afford to lose. He was your superior, and you are expected to respect that, no matter how much you want to grind your teeth in seething rage.

He seemed satisfied at that, a smug smirk on his lips as he watched you practically wallow in your own mistakes, before urging you to open the document he handed you, to which you complied by scanning the files as much as you could.

Huh? That's odd— Zandik's student record is… not good.

Lots of complaints, not only from your colleagues, but also other students, and even staff at the Akademiya. Almost all of his proposals are rejected, or up for further discussion, but has not been appealed for more than 30 days. His grades are subpar at best but… He seemed so intelligent and wise from all the moments you've spoken to each other, and the fact that he could easily comprehend a topic that was way above his level; it just doesn't make sense to you.

No record of a family, or relatives to contact, either.

"You've got yourself a quite troublesome child, professor. Recently, his foster family contacted me that he was to be kicked out of their home."

That caught you by surprise, eyes flicking up to the Grand Sage, who looked back at you with a very serious expression. He was not joking about it at all. "What? Why?" Foster family? What happened to his biological family?

The Grand Sage sighs, turning his gaze to the bookshelves strewn across the halls, tapping his finger on his arm thoughtfully. "They were convinced he was cursed, or something the like. Nothing but damnation to their family, and was a massive brat. The knowledge he seeks is, by any means, forbidden, and the family could not handle him anymore." He explained carefully, as if he was trying to tie the words together for you to understand, and frankly, you are not making sense of anything at this point.

You opened your mouth to argue, that no, he's none of those things, and that they were wrong. He was obviously hurt, and he still is, and he needed a lot of patience, space and support to properly heal. Zandik is a brilliant kid, he was just… in the wrong environment to grow.

"If you had not picked up that child that night, then we probably wouldn't have to deal with him any further, considering his horrible records." The old man continued, but his choice was… odd, and you had this disgusting feeling, squeezing at your chest.

What's that supposed to mean?

Choosing not to mention it for the sake of your sanity, you peer over his files again with your lips pressed in a thin line. "Then why did you call me in here? Surely its not just to… talk badly about Zandik, right?"

Wildly enough, he smiled at you and laced his fingers together, placing them down gently on the wooden table. Uh oh, you don't like that face at all. "Since you graciously decided to help him, we decided that you would be fitting as his new foster family"

You blinked at his words.

"What?"

"You heard me professor, there's no need for me to repeat it." He says sternly, but your mind was reeling faster than you could process. "The boy stays with you, whether you like it or not." The finality in his tone was not something you liked at all, and your heart sank. This has already been decided from the start, and they are not giving you an option to refuse.

"Wait wait wait, why me? Who decided this? Why was I not informed!?" You were beginning to raise your voice, frantically trying to recollect yourself, but you couldn't. You can't raise a child!

Unimpressed, once again, the old man merely fixed his glasses, shaking his head disapprovingly at your reaction. "Since you did not reply to my messages, me and the other Sages have already decided for you. The responsibility now lies on your shoulders." The Grand Sage smiles sickeningly sweet at you, as if your situation was mere entertainment to him. "I'm sure you can handle it."

"…Just like that?" You mutter, unable to comprehend what just had happened. The Grand Sage nodded, the smile never leaving his lips.

No test to see if you were a capable provider? No welfare check? Your financial stability? Or anything to make sure your home was a stable shelter for a growing child? Do you even get subsidy for this? You're now his legal guardian, as stated by the new set of documents he tossed into your hands.

How insane and careless can the Akademiya be? Do they just not care about Zandik at all? What if you were incapable? What if you were someone else that could harm him? What then?

"Grand Sage I… I'm honored at this opportunity, but I can't be a parent!" You try to argue, hoping to be heard and get through him for once, but with the frown that was now on his lips, you know you've already lost him, "I can care for a bunch of cats, sure, but a human being? A growing child?"

You were going to have a heart attack just thinking about it.

"I'm sorry, but I am going to refuse this. I'm just… not capable of caring for another human being— especially when I am going to be alone in this, while I'm a professor at the Akademiya!" Yet your heart screamed at you, to just agree and take him in as your own. You can see his hurt, his struggle; every time you tried to talk about his family, he refused, face shifting into a scowl. You knew that it was a tough subject for him, and being kicked out by his foster family? It's almost ridiculous for you to even consider refusing this.

You want to see him grow, to have a better life to what he has now, because you know he deserves it after all the things he has been through, but you're just not sure if you could offer that stability. You've never been responsible for another person's life, and it's definitely a lot harder than caring for plants or cats.

"Hmph, I suppose I can't blame you for not wanting him either; I should have expected less of you, professor." Was his final statement, a blow to your already wavering will as you feel yourself seethe. Insulting your image was not something you cared about, especially if it came from his mouth, but Zandik?

"That's not what I said—"

You hear a loud thud behind you, right at the bookshelves. A breathless pause, and you see the Grand Sage smile again, only this time, the shine in his glasses almost blinded you. You slowly turned your head, heart racing in your chest as you feared for the worst; amidst the piles of books and papers scattered across the floor— there stood Zandik, fists clenched on his sides, trembling while his head was down.

It dawned to you far too slow, absolutely mortified, and before you know it, he was gone. Zandik's footsteps echoes across the empty halls of the House of Daena, and you stood from your seat, the wooden chair scraping against the floor as you spared the Grand Sage one last look.

He knew he was there all along, listening to your conversation and choosing the harshest words for Zandik to hear.

It was on purpose, he blindsided you.

You don't dwell on it— you don't have the time right now. All your thoughts were just about Zandik, and how must he have felt when you said those words. Rejection; you knew it was something that he was struggling to cope with, you could easily tell with how defensive he can be at any hint that you are rejecting him in any sort of way.

But you do want to care for him. It wasn't a case of whether you wanted to take him in or not, it was a matter of your own capabilities as a person responsible for another life. You are inexperienced, unprepared.

It doesn't stop you for searching for him, reaching out and calling his name in the sea of people, lost in the tides of the market. It was all a blur as you went out your way to seek Zandik; the loud voices in the market, chattering and hollering to attract customers, to the students that tried to get your attention, asking for your assistance or your thoughts on certain, irrelevant things.

It didn't matter at that moment, did it? All you wanted to see was Zandik.

That random kid at your door, the one you let into the warmth of your home. You don't know how, but you've found yourself more attached than you would have liked; perhaps it was you cannot bare to see him all on his own, or see how brilliant his ideas were, only for his eyes to be full of distrust and uncertainty. He had been pleasant company, despite his terrible attitude, and his curiosity was honest, pure.

You should've said yes at the start.

The fireflies lit up the night skies, alike the stars twinkling above. The moon stares down at your tired form, cool winds blowing along your skin, making the leaves dance from the tree that looms before you— yet you continued to scour on, not stopping your search until you've seen Zandik once again.

Sumeru City was does not have that big of an area, you should've seen him by now, unless he kept moving as you searched. Your Akasha Terminal has been beeping for what it felt like hours, irritating, yet ceaseless chiming in your left ear— the Grand Sage was probably spamming you messages again, and guessing by how well you've known him, he was growing angrier in your silence towards him, even if the sun has already left, he still wished for you to gather the documents you left.

Less people roamed around the Akademiya at this hour, retreating at the comforts of their home, and finally letting their head rest on their beds. You, on the other hand, remained outside, wondering where Zandik could be.

It's already so late, and you were starting to get worried. He wouldn't have left the city, right? At this point and time, as much as you liked living in Sumeru, it was lethally dangerous outside of the city, especially when the Withering was running rampant throughout the forest. If it comes to a point, you'll have to get in touch with the Corps of Thirty.

It cannot be helped, it was night and your stomach was rumbling. You walk back home in defeat, head in your hands as the cold finally became unbearable. It was quiet, eerie, the low chirping of crickets filling in the silence, but your mind remained restless. You just hoped that Zandik would turn up sooner or later, you were so worried for him, and your heart cannot take much more of this.

Until you heard soft sniffling, hiccuping and short gasps of breath, with a voice that sounded much too familiar, not to far away from you. Your eyes trailed onto your front porch and, surprisingly, there he was— hugging his knees, head down as he silently cried.

Has he been there the entire time? No, he couldn't have been, you checked the entire city, including your home. You've even asked people who may have seen him in passing, to which they'd all frown and shake their head. You suppose he decided to come back all by himself, on his own accord.

And for a fleeting moment, you hesitated; how are you supposed to approach this kid?

He has heard you say things that has caused this bitter misunderstanding, yet you do not want to outright say that he was wrong. Zandik's emotions are valid, he was allowed to cry over something, whether he had mistaken it or not.

You held back a sigh. This is one of the reasons why you think you won't be a good caretaker. You are not sure how to approach such delicate situations like these— you don't want to break someone further, one who is already so vulnerable and fragile.

So you sit beside him, right on your wooden porch, surrounded by the potted plants and flora you have surrounding your home, and letting him sob all to himself. You see him tense at your presence, alert, hiccuping and hugging himself tighter, yet he doesn't pull away from you.

And you wait for him in silence, staring up into the night sky and counting the stars. You map the constellations before you, naming them in your mind, all the while Zandik's cries slowly simmered down into soft sniffles, and trembling breaths. You did not rush, or force him, though you may have wanted to comfort him, to hold him in your arms and tell him it was okay— you just chose to be there for him.

Finally, as his cries was reduced into simple tears that threatened to still fall from his eyes, he spoke to you, with a low, raspy tone, "…You didn't want me." Zandik's voice cracks, muffled as his head remained down, gripping on his clothes, knuckles turning white. He muttered it so weakly, so fragile, that your heart can't help but break into pieces.

But this wasn't about you, even if your chest felt too heavy to bear, so you chose to be strong, just for his sake. "That's not true," You reasoned lightly, slowly turning your gaze towards him with a gentle gaze. "I did not say such things."

Zandik merely scoffs, biting back another sob as he rolled his eyes at that sheer ridiculousness. "Don't lie, I've known you hated me in the first place… Like everyone does. I shouldn't be surprised— I shouldn't have hoped for anything…" And he sounded so sure of it, as if everything what he believed as a mere fact, no matter how much it hurt for him to say.

"I don't hate you." It was quick to leave your lips, natural and honest. Zandik didn't like that.

"Well then, you should! Everyone already thinks I'm some kind of monster, a freak! So why shouldn't you!?" He finally raised his head; eyes puffy and red, snot dripping down his nose and, amidst the anger and hatred in his glare, you can see the faintest sliver of hope in his eyes, the genuine fear, the slightest belief that he could be wrong about you. "Why should you be different than everyone else!?"

"Because I've come to like spending time with you."

You watch Zandik visibly swallow at that, taken aback at your statement, and the mask he wears crumbles bit by bit. He searched your eyes again— for any lie that you may say to him, trying to reach that this was just a horrid joke.

And you take his silence as a chance to say your part, giving him a soft smile, like you always do, "I know this was very sudden, the whole foster family thing… I can't imagine how you feel about it, but I do know one thing; it's that I do care about you, Zandik." You watch him open his mouth, wanting to say something but he falters, brows furrowed, lips quivering. "We've only known each other for a few hours, sure, but I guess it's just natural for me to care about others… Be it a stray cat, a withering plant, or some random kid I let in at midnight, I all see them as something… precious."

It was as if he cannot fathom that concept, that what you say is true, even if he was hoping for it. "You said it yourself, we've only known each other for such a small time… How can you look at me and say I'm precious?" Zandik hiccups in between his words, eyes shimmering with tears all over again, "What if I'm not?" It was barely above a whisper, so uncertain.

"You are," You push, though you do not force it, you try to enforce that he is not beneath anything to be undeserving of love, "To me, you are one of the most precious beings out there."

It was sickening to hear, like thick honey pouring into Zandik's ears and drowning him in sweetness that he cannot begin to accept— not when he had only known bitterness. "But you don't even know me…!"

"Then let's get to know each other more."

The silence that followed was dense; atmosphere almost unbearable to breathe in. You aren't sure if you've said the right things to him, or if it was enough to get through the impenetrable walls that he has built around his heart over the years of his suffering, but you had hope, you do not let yourself falter in front of him.

So you continue, when he casts his eyes down to his palms, watching his fingers that was littered with tiny scars and bruises uncontrollably tremble, "I'm sorry for what you have heard from my conversation with the Grand Sage. The truth it… I wasn't ready." And you were wholeheartedly honest with it, sighing as you look back up into the night skies, towards the twinkling skies that did nothing to comfort you, "I wasn't sure if I could provide the life you deserve— I have lived alone for the entirety of my adulthood… For so long, I was unsure what it meant to have a family to come home to, aside from the plants and cats that rely on me for their sustenance. It was terrifying to think that a human being would need to rely on me, too."

At the corner of your eye, Zandik sucks in a breath, and shut his eyes to a close. His shoulders loose, and drooping, as if he was already accepting his impeding rejection, for the nth time of his life. "But now, the more I think about it… I'm sure I can sacrifice a bit more of myself, just to see you thrive." You smile at him again, turning your eyes back at him, "I may be uncertain of the future, but… As a fellow scholar, you should understand that it is both in our best interest to explore this new territory. I know that I can assure that I can, and will do my best to support you."

Zandik opens his eyes, his hands now at his chest, brows furrowed in confusion, yet you still see what remains of his hope, sparkling under the moon's light. You can't help but chuckle at his somberly expectant expression, "I'll take you in as part of my family, even if it'll only be just the two of us."

It happened slowly; the wind blowing was all you could hear, amidst your breaths. You watch as his face morphs— from something so disgusted, full of disbelief and anguish of what you just have said, extreme denial and repulsion… Slowly melting into this melancholic frown, with tears rolling down his round cheeks as he struggled to hold back his relieved sobs. He cannot stand the anger any longer, the hate, that never ending cycle of bringing himself down, just because it was what he was led to believe.

The mask shatters, and the pieces along with it was impossible to pick upon himself. Zandik breaks down, inconsolable wails wracking his entire form as he buries his face into his palms. For a while, you were speechless, you weren't sure if there was any words that he would want to hear anymore, and if you should just let him cry it all out.

In the end, you decided to spread your arms, opening them wide, merely offering him a side hug, if he even was comfortable with it— you didn't expect him to throw himself at you, completely wrapping his arms around your torso as he sobs onto your chest, wetting your shirt and smearing his snot.

You did not scold him for doing so, nor did you stop him. You only sighed contently as you hugged him back, squeezing him tightly in your arms as you gently patted his head, fingers carding through the strands of his hair and soothing his cries. "It's alright, Zandik, let it all out… I'm here for you, don't worry." You feel him nod against you, shaking within your hold and refusing to let go. "I've got you, okay? I won't leave you."

And gods, if there was any higher beings in the skies that was left to hear him, if he was not completely damned by his fate just yet— he prayed that what you were saying was true.

5:32 AM, Monday morning.

You barely got any sleep from the night before; your back was killing you, and a headache was stabbing at your brain, all across your damned cranium.

Yesterday felt extremely surreal, you had to check in on Zandik multiple times when you woke up every hour, your sleep repetitively disturbed by your anxious mind. All the while Zandik slept comfortably, who you let continue using your room to sleep, even though he tearfully forced your to sleep on your own bed instead and have him sleep on your couch.

Of course, you didn't allow that at all. The moment his eyes closed, body melting against the tough cushions of your couch as the exhaustion finally hit him all at once, soft snores emitting from his lips— you carried him into your arms, and tucked him into your bed.

Now, you stood at your kitchen counter, cooking breakfast for the two of you, sipping the most bitter tasting coffee you've ever drank in your life, in hopes that you'll wake up. Eyes heavy, refusing to cooperate as you almost burnt vegetables in your pan.

You were grueling the miserable fact that you have to go to work today, given the fact you haven't updated your lesson plan, or checked any of your students' papers. It didn't help that you're still practically ghosting your boss, who've been bombing your inbox since yesterday.

Ugh, you just want to crawl under your blanket and pass out for another 10 hours. Although, it seemed that you are in no perfect condition to teach your classes. You promised your pupils high quality lessons, so you are not coming in with such a frazzled state of mind.

In the mean time, you'll have to announce beforehand that they won't be having classes today…

Whilst you tapped into your Akasha Terminal, you hear a small yawn coming from behind, small, slow footsteps dragging across the wooden floors as you were suddenly rejuvenated at Zandik's sudden appearance, looking at him with wide eyes as the visor disappeared from your sight. "Oh, good morning kiddo, you're up early." You state, grabbing yourselves two sets of plates and splitting the meal you cooked for the both of you evenly.

The boy just yawned in response, though he seemed to have a dissatisfied look on his face when you finally sat across him. "You put me on your bed." Though, try as he might, his glare came off more of an adorable pout as he grabbed his spoon and fork, "I said I could sleep on the couch last night."

"Hmm, yes, I did hear you." Was all you could reply with a smile, as you stuff your mouth with rice, humming contently to yourself. Zandik continued to frown at that, now more awake than he had previously been, narrowing his eyes at you.

"You did not respect my wishes." He quickly countered your statement, pointing his fork at you, clearly unimpressed.

"I wanted you to be comfortable."

"I wanted you to be comfortable, too!"

You grin at that, raising your brows at his choice of words. "Oh? Really now? That's very thoughtful of you, Zandik." There was a lilt of teasing in your tone, unable to help yourself as finally caught onto what you meant.

Only then did he realize what he had said, freezing in embarrassment as his face turned red, cheeks flushed, his eyes now fully glaring at you. "I-it's not because it means anything, okay! This is your house, so it just makes sense!" You giggle lightly at the way he tries to deny it, fighting against what is already so obvious. "Don't misconstrue my intentions!"

"Alright alright, whatever you say…" You covered your lips to hide the last of your laughter, yet you cannot hide the way your shoulders shake as you do, watching him chew angrily on his food.

As the tension finally simmered down into something calmer, you decided to tell him your plans for the day. "I won't be at the Akademiya for today to teach, I have some extra things to do so you can properly integrate yourself here from now on." You rub the back of your neck as you gave yourself a sip of your coffee, trying to make your fatigue not evident to Zandik, but he was always so intuitive when it comes to your reactions.

"I forgot to do a bunch of stuff yesterday, so I can't really show my face to my students just yet." You waved it off, though you were slightly bothered by yesterdays fiasco, it was for a good reason, anyways. But Zandik thought otherwise, recalling the massive piles of papers you had on the dinner table before you left to meet up with the Grand Sage, all left forgotten because he distracted you.

"…M'sorry for the trouble." Zandik meekly muttered in between his bites of his breakfast, and you hear his foot lightly tapping on the floor. "It's my fault you—"

You shook your head in dismissal, reaching out for his hand into yours to reassure him, "No no, it's alright, there's no need for you to apologize." You soothed him, your thumb rubbing circles on the back of his hand, and soon, he calmed down, "Its all worth it, so it's all good."

Zandik stared at you for a moment, fighting back a smile that was emerging from his lips, but you see a sparkle in his eyes. "You're weird, you know?"

Snorting at that, you lightly roll your eyes. "Yeah yeah whatever, just eat up and take a bath."

As soon as Zandik left to attend his classes, you immediately got to work. Firstly, you had to meet up with the Grand Sage once again— this time, in his office on top of House of Daena, where he made you sign multiple pages of a contract you thoroughly read.

And of course, after regaining the last embers of the fire that has long died back when you were still a student, you fought for your rights to get a raise, now that you were managing your life with a child. The Grand Sage eventually had to begrudgingly give in, since you made it clear that you won't leave until he gave you what you were asking for.

Well, by law, he was required to, anyways.

Your next agenda, making sure Zandik is comfortable in your home.

Zandik's foster parents were not pleasant to be around, and that was a lot coming from you, considering that you are a professor. While you've mostly handled classes for the 1st to 4th year college students, where most of them are young adults, you've also taken the job as a highschool professor when you first applied for a job at the Akademiya.

That meant you had to speak a lot of students' parents, regarding their grades and behavior if you ever needed to, so you have met all sorts of parents in your time as a professor.

But one could not have prepared for this couple right before you, who had rolled their eyes as soon as you've told them that you were there to pick up Zandik's old things that he never got the opportunity to take back from them.

You tried to speak with them, you really did, but they'd blow their cigars right at your face and make you almost cough out a lung, swatting away the smoke that you're desperately trying not to inhale, and then tossed a heavy box straight in your arms, before pushing you out of their home and almost making you trip over yourself.

They were… quite rude, to say the least, but it was certainly not the worst you have interacted with. You were more concerned over the clothes he had inside of the box.

Tattered and mostly dirtied, some even had small blood stains on them. That deeply concerned you, mostly for Zandik's well-being for the entire duration he has spent with his foster family, but also because you saw an infant's crib in one of the rooms you've managed to get a peek of.

You should probably contact the Corps of Thirty to do an investigation over them.

Aside from his clothes, the things he has on his person was very limited, it was less than a child should have. A plushie of what you recognized as an Aranara— a chubby, blue one with a wide hat and a curly leaf on top, along with a derpy smile on it's face, and a few books with various topics; Khaenri'an technology and history, the dragons residing in Natlan and their devolution, a few tales of the past, and a book of various anatomies of different living species in Teyvat.

A curious collection indeed, but you didn't question it. It was nice for a kid like him to be so curious of a lot of different things, exploring his options and learning far more than anyone would want to.

Since you were already outside, it wouldn't hurt to go to the market and surprise Zandik by buying him a couple of things.

And by a couple of things, you meant a lot, actually.

You had to call one of your friends to help you bring them all back to your home, with the promise of treating them out sometime in return.

It wasn't that much, since he is moving in, after all; just a new mattress, bed frame, a wardrobe that was imported from a well-known craftsman in Liyue, a few clothes that was probably his size, a handful of wooden miniature figurines of Aranaras that caught your attention (they were paintables… perhaps you and Zandik can paint them together in your free time), and a few more books that you were sure you didn't have in your own, personal collection just yet.

Some might say that you may have gotten out of hand buying things for Zandik, but surely this isn't enough for a kid.

It was quite an easy decision for you to give Zandik his own room. He seemed like a person who really valued his own privacy, since he was always so distant when it comes to things that are truly hard for him to open up to you, so this is probably the best choice for him.

The room you picked as a rather old library that the previous homeowner, who was also a scholar at the Akademiya, has left behind. It was mostly bookshelves full of books, a window to let in natural sunlight whilst you read, and a cushion for you to sit on. There was also a door that connected directly to your room, so if Zandik has urgent matters, he could probably just knock there, especially at night.

Rolling up your sleeves, you silently got to work. You moved some of the bookshelves into your office to give his room more space, but you left a few of them bigger ones for him to put his own collection in. You moved in the bed frame, put the mattress on it, as well as covered it with new, freshly cleaned sheets, then put his plushie in the middle of his pillows. Then, you moved his wardrobe in, filling it in with clothes you bought just for him.

You cleaned the room, to which you ended up covered in dust, replaced the curtains and placed the rest of his stuff into the bookshelves you let him have. Although you tried to make it as welcoming as possible, you aren't really sure what Zandik liked or his personal preferences, so for the most part, the room was left empty.

And with that, you were finished, wiping off the sweat off your forehead and drinking a cup of cold water for all of your hard work. It wasn't easy to do it alone, but you know it will all be worth it once Zandik sees this. You smile to yourself just thinking about it.

For the rest of the day, until the sun has began to set, you sit yourself in your office and began to do what you should have done days ago. You lined out your lesson plans for the next few days, accommodating it to the day you've lost due to your own carelessness, then went to go check on almost hundreds of pages of research from multiple classes, between different years and Darshans, and reading through them with clean precision and focus.

By the time you've finally leaned back and made your neck pop to relieve some stiffness, it was dark outside your window, and your hand was stained with red ink. Looking at the time in your Akasha terminal you saw that it was already 7 PM in the evening— there shouldn't be any classes left at that point.

Leaning back from your chair, you yawned as you stretched your entire body, legs buzzing from the numbness. You need to find Zandik before you could cook you both some dinner; a bit worried that he might've gotten into some trouble by other students, you went out in a rush.

Only to find him already at your front porch when you opened the door, arms full of small, mewling kittens, with a familiar looking cat rubbing against his legs. Oh, well, you found him faster than you thougt. You stared at each other for a short moment, both surprised at the sudden appearance, blinking dumbly, before Zandik grew flustered under your gaze. "Uhm…"

Choosing to not address the awkwardness, you decided to give attention to the cat between his ankles, "Ah, no wonder I haven't seen you yesterday, mama," You gently cooed as you got down to your knees to pet the cat, to which she aggressively bumped her head against your welcoming hands as she meowed at you loudly. "You gave birth! Without telling me!" You gently scold her as you rubbed her chin, feeling her purr on you.

"She couldn't have told you, anyways," Zandik grumbles to himself, slightly exasperated at the way your voice raised multiple pitches just to talk to the cat, but he doesn't really look quite intimidating when he has a litter of kittens in his arms. "Can I come in now? Their claws are digging in my skin…"

You gave the cat a few more loving cuddles, before you nodded at Zandik with a smile, standing up from the ground and opening the door wider for him and the cat to walk in. "Is there where you've been the entire time? Just playing with kittens?"

Zandik pursed his lips, eyes narrowed at you as he set down each kitten on the small cat bed you have in the living room, carefully laying them and letting the mama snuggle up on her kittens. "Of course not," He scoffs, petting the kittens and letting her lick his fingers, before he turned to you and crossing his arms, "I was studying." He says, yet his uniform was covered in cat fur.

Holding back a snort, you just nodded at him, trying to suppress a grin. "Sure, I'm just glad you're home safe." You reach out to give his head a gentle pat, but he visibly flinched away from your hand— and though it was the slightest of movement one could make that most would miss, you noticed the sudden freeze of his body.

You did not mention it, nor act like you saw it, you just pulled your hand away and offered him a kind smile instead, "You can go in my office and read something while I cook up some dinner for ourselves, okay?"

Only to find him already at your front porch when you opened the door, arms full of small, mewling kittens, with a familiar looking cat rubbing against his legs. Oh, well, you found him faster than you thougt. You stared at each other for a short moment, both surprised at the sudden appearance, blinking dumbly, before Zandik grew flustered under your gaze. "Uhm…"

Choosing to not address the awkwardness, you decided to give attention to the cat between his ankles, "Ah, no wonder I haven't seen you yesterday, mama," You gently cooed as you got down to your knees to pet the cat, to which she aggressively bumped her head against your welcoming hands as she meowed at you loudly. "You gave birth! Without telling me!" You gently scold her as you rubbed her chin, feeling her purr on you.

"She couldn't have told you, anyways," Zandik grumbles to himself, slightly exasperated at the way your voice raised multiple pitches just to talk to the cat, but he doesn't really look quite intimidating when he has a litter of kittens in his arms. "Can I come in now? Their claws are digging in my skin…"

You gave the cat a few more loving cuddles, before you nodded at Zandik with a smile, standing up from the ground and opening the door wider for him and the cat to walk in. "Is there where you've been the entire time? Just playing with kittens?"

Zandik pursed his lips, eyes narrowed at you as he set down each kitten on the small cat bed you have in the living room, carefully laying them and letting the mama snuggle up on her kittens. "Of course not," He scoffs, petting the kittens and letting her lick his fingers, before he turned to you and crossing his arms, "I was studying." He says, yet his uniform was covered in cat fur.

Holding back a snort, you just nodded at him, trying to suppress a grin. "Sure, I'm just glad you're home safe." You reach out to give his head a gentle pat, but he visibly flinched away from your hand— and though it was the slightest of movement one could make that most would miss, you noticed the sudden freeze of his body.

You did not mention it, nor act like you saw it, you just pulled your hand away and offered him a kind smile instead, "You can go in my office and read something while I cook up some dinner for ourselves, okay?"

It was an easy routine to fall to— cooking earlier than you would normally do, which would always be considered late by normal standards, just so you could prepare enough for both you and Zandik. All the while he'd do whatever he pleased, be it studying in your office, or sleeping on your bed (to which he still argues that he should sleep somewhere else).

The only difficult part was figuring out the portions for the both of you; you already know to yourself how much you'd regularly cook, but you aren't sure if Zandik actually has a big appetite, or was he just starved. Either way, cooking too much was probably a safe option— the rest could just be leftovers for a different meal.

And you share it, eating together, and talking about whatever that came to mind.

You asked about his day, and though he was evidently hesitant to start blabbering about it by answering questions with simple one worded answers, once you've struck on a particular subject that sparks his interests, he would start to ramble excessively about it in between his bites.

Of course, you listened intently to every word he had to say, nodding along and sharing your own thoughts whenever Zandik paused for you to have your brief turn.

Finally letting him do the dishes for a change (since he is a residence at your home, he has to help out with chores), you decided it was finally time.

"Hey Zandik," You call for him, standing right outside of your kitchen as Zandik wiped his wet hands on a towel, looking at you curiously, "There's something I want to show you."

"It better not be some kind of weird surprise," He huffs and crossed his arms, following your lead, walking across the hallway of your home, "I'm not too… fond of surprises." That made sweat bead at your forehead, hand stopping at the doorknob of the room you prepared just for him. Okay, well, should you still surprise him then?

Zandik, noticing your internal turmoil, blinking at the way you stared back at him dumbly while standing and doing nothing, he sighed as he jerked his head to the room. "…I can make this an exception."

With his permission, you smile again and opened the door wide, and let him step before you, watching him take in the view of his room.

"Ta-da!" You urge him inside, proudly puffing your chest as Zandik's eyes widened a small fraction, but to you, that meant a lot. "Your new room— kinda empty for now, but we can go shopping for things you wanna add in." You rub the back of your neck as you see him walking in, looking around then spots his bed, walking close to it to hold the Aranara plushie he had forgotten at his old foster home. "I also bought you some new clothes to wear; old ones are in a box though, in case you wanted to keep them."

Ultimately, Zandik doesn't say anything. He walked towards the bookshelves, eyeing the new ones you've bought and took great interest in them, touching the spines and humming to himself. You don't miss the small smile he tries to hide from you as his hands glide over the wooden Aranara mini figurines you bought.

It was hard to tell, but you're certain that he was grateful. A soft smile on his lips, shoulders drooped and relaxed, and bright eyes. He doesn't thank you, or has said a word to you— he doesn't even try to face you. You assumed that he'd have a hard time masking himself if he did, with the way his fingers trembled beside him.

His silence already spoke so loudly for you, enough to understand.

"If you ever need anything, I'm one knock away." Reminding him one last time as you point at the door that was connected to your room, "You can tell me anything, and I won't judge, okay?" It was a small nod, short and rigid, still not facing you, yet you smile.

You think he liked his room.

The next few days flew by in a blur.

While your routine didn't exactly change as much as you thought, it was still difficult to adjust to living with someone else in your own home, given that you've been all alone ever since you graduated from the Akademiya and stopped dorming.

You could tell that Zandik was trying to get used to it too— having someone easy to conversate with, not needing to tiptoe around the house and constantly walking on eggshells? It was… certainly different from his previous experiences, that much you could assume. There are times where he still reacts like how a frightened feral kitten would to a stranger, especially when you made sudden movements, but inevitably, he's been slowly accepting your presence on a day to day basis.

He's a good, obedient boy; doing chores without much of a complaint and studying very hard, even if you haven't even told him so. It was odd to see a child be more invested in his studies, rather than taking the time off for casual pleasantries, like socializing or playing.

It was worrying at first, so you tried to engaged him in a lot of activities that did not relate to his studies at all, like painting the Aranara figures you bought for him together (he made quite the mess on your dinner table, smearing prints of his hands on the surface— he was apologetic, but you honestly adored it), or going out on walks together.

Funnily enough, it became routine that Zandik would burst into your office without knocking, every 5 PM in the afternoon, hands on his hips as he urges you to stop whatever you're doing, just to go out for a walk together— no matter how much work you have left to do.

Of course, you can't just say no to that invitation, since it was rare for Zandik to leave your home unless it was to attend his classes, so you'd have no choice but to get up and let yourself be dragged by Zandik to your front door.

Usually, you'd stop at Razan Garden and just admire the view, breathing in the fresh air, then speak of various topics that interest you both. Or go to the market and shop together, which usually just ends up with you taking him to the cafe you used to always eat in back when you were a student.

Though, these are somewhat rare occurrences, even if you wanted to spend more time on him.

Most of your days were spent doing your job, and him being buried in his studies when you were far too busy. You feel quite guilty for not being able to balance your schedule completely; you could see it in his eyes that he wants to ask to do more things with you, but his own shyness, and still mistrustful self fights back, and the fact that you are responsible on handling a lot of classes this school year, it was just really hard to get by.

Of course, you don't often see him in the Akademiya as well— his classes are far from the college rooms that you use to teach your lessons in, and there were different cafeterias in various sections in the Akademiya.

Zandik was still distant, whether you liked it or not. You try to ask him about more personal things sometimes— though you never forced it, so he never really answered them himself, choosing silence among other things. He'd only ever speak about is his projects, ideas and topics in his class, or his research papers— or if its a necessary conversation.

You weren't even sure what foods he liked. You could assume that he likes most of the meals you cook… Though, mostly unsure of it since he eats whatever it is you give him, regardless if it was meat, seafood, or merely vegetables. He doesn't praise your cooking, nor insult it, but its more clearer when you gave him some homemade Baklava; to which he ate almost all of it, so close with leaving you none.

He also likes coffee? Not too bitter, of course, but he has mentioned in passing that he liked the smell. Awfully young for him to rely on coffee to stay awake, but alas, it is quite inevitable for an Akademiya student.

The attitude remained— talking back with snark, glaring and rolling his eyes— like you'd mostly expect from an angsty, moody teenager, but it was quite obvious to you that the mask that he has formed to protect himself was still in the process of shedding itself from him.

He was still unsure if he could bare himself raw and vulnerable to an adult, and that was fair, given that almost everyone has failed or has given up on him so soon.

Though, there was one thing that he could trust you on, and that was his studies. Even if you are from a different Darshan, Amurta, Zandik still valued your opinions since you were more open-minded and thoughtful than the rest.

So, working on personal projects that should be 3 years higher than the level he is currently in was fairly… intriguing, to say the least. It was fascinating for a kid this young to have the capabilities to best even your top students— you wonder what the things he is able to achieve if the system weren't so against him.

Ever since Zandik found out that, not only do you teach Advanced Biology, but also in Research Methods and Thesis Writing, Zandik really enjoyed placing his papers in between the massive piles of your students', so it was almost always too late before you realize it was his, which would already be graded based on your criteria, and he'd always proudly hold that paper close to his chest, knowing that he has gotten higher grades compared to your 4th year students.

Despite all the bumps in the roads regarding your new life with Zandi, including the trials and tribulations of balancing it all with your job, you've grown to absolutely adore Zandik. Perhaps you've already started seeing him as your own kin.

You could only hope that he'd feel the same way with you, in the long run.

Finals soon came after, and you'd often offer Zandik your assistance. Some of the professors he has in highschool were also yours, so you still recall a thing or two about the topics they taught. And every single time, though it started off with him accusing you of underestimating his skills and knowledge, to appreciating at the fact that you'd care enough to ask, he'd say no.

He was well capable on his own, and you know this.

You just hoped there was more you could do for him.

But you did make him an endless supply of warm, coffee milk, to which he absolutely loved to drink, muttering a thank you under his breath as he continued to read. You've already finished preparing test papers, so for the most part, you'd be reading books somewhere in the same room as he was in.

Its quite heartwarming to just spend time together, even without interacting with each other. Just doing your own business in the presence of the other; it was more calming, soothing, to know that you're not alone.

Then, you'd tell him it's time for bed whenever it gets too late. It was a difficult battle though, since he'd always call you a hypocrite and point at your own eye bags, saying you stay up late as well, doing work. "Why am I forced to sleep and you get to stay awake?" He'd argue with a smug smirk on his lips, knowing that he'd made an irrefutable counter.

So you'd huff and go to sleep early, just for his sake— in turn, Zandik would grumble under his breath as he tucks himself to bed. Not after forcing him to brush his teeth of course; he hates to do so because the toothbrush he'd always use doesn't always last from his sharp teeth, but you are quite adamant when it comes to his dental hygiene.

Of course, you weren't foolish enough to believe that Zandik would never dare to rebel against you. Encouraging independence and letting him have the confidence to stand up for himself, meant that he was bound to challenge the rules that you have set, even if you only had his well-being in mind.

A night before the finals, you practically had to (gently) wrestle him to bed, wrapping him in his blanket, telling him to finally sleep, and not pull an all-nighter just to study. Since he was trapped, there was nothing left for him to do but to begrudgingly follow through your demands.

But you were a teen back then as well.

So you sat in the living room, instead of going to your bedroom to finally turn in and rest, completely devoid of light. You waited, and waited— you'd almost fallen asleep on your couch, if it weren't from the sound of Zandik's door opening.

With the silent pitter-patters of his feet against the wood, walking towards the kitchen, rummaging through the cabinets to find a candle, you hear him hum quietly in victory as he finds one. As soon he lights it with a match, he lets out a strangled yelp when he saw you standing across him, right at the entrance of the kitchen; arms crossed and brows raised.

"You should be asleep," You take a step closer to him, and you see him suck in a breath. He couldn't see your face, your expressions unknown in the darkness, replaced with shadows that seemed to haunt him. The hand holding the candle began to tremble, and you frowned.

But he kept the snark in his tone, baring his teeth with a glare, red eyes bright into the night, "It's finals tomorrow," He simply growled, standing his ground, "My professors already hate me enough— imagine if I fail."

"You won't," You tried to reassure him, reaching out your hand towards him, but he was quick to swat it away, scoffing at you.

"And if I do?"

Sighing softly as you retract your hand away from him, you fell into a deep thought. What could you do for him? What would make him feel better? At east enough to finally let himself fall asleep?

"Fine, I'll let you study a bit more," Zandik blinks at you, shocked that you'd still let him, even though you were clearly strict on him getting sleep, "But I'm required to help you this time, okay?"

There was a long stretch of silence as Zandik look down at his feet, contemplating whether he should agree or not. His fingers fiddled with the ends of his sleeves, furrowing his brows, before he finally grunts in defeat, "Fine…" He agrees with your conditions, trailing behind you after he handed you the candle.

You tucked him in his bed, blanket under his chin, while his expectant eyes stared at you, awaiting what you'd do next. Sitting on the edge of his bed, you open the book he was previously studying with, and put the candle in an area where it lit up the text enough for your to read. "What page were you? Hmm, I see, I am quite familiar with this topic," You hum, fingers exploring the texture of the paper, before finding a line of text on the very first paragraph, "The origin of the…"

And so you read.

Every line, every word— you spoke in a way how you'd teach. Read a paragraph, and explain the deeper meaning of it all, in the most engaging way you could without projecting your voice. You only had one audience, after all, a small, sleepy boy who was struggling to keep his eyes open, as soft questions emerged from his lips from topics he didn't quite understand.

You'd answer them, understanding and ever-so-patient, you'd never turn his curiosity to learn away.

Most parents would grab a story book for their child to read, just to help them fall asleep whilst they are to dream in a realm of fantasy. If you'd tried, Zandik would probably hate that, claw at you and tell you that you're the worst. You understood how important this was for him, despite him not being so engaged to the Akademiya due to the people within it.

"My professors already hate me enough— imagine if I fail."

A truth that is too harsh for you to accept. You do not know what this child has done to garner such violent emotions from others. Was it merely his irrevocable fate? For people to see him as this monser that you cannot see for yourself? If it was, then what an awful one to befall on a kid such as Zandik.

You quite adore him, after all.

It didn't take long at all to hear him yawn, though he tried to hide it by muffling it with his palm. Holding back a laugh, you continued reading the text, flipping page after page, visualizing your interpretations the best you could with words, until you finally hear soft snores coming from your side.

Closing the book as quiet as you can, you smile to yourself. He always looked most peaceful when he was asleep, eyes closed and body completely calm. Nothing were to ever harm him in his slumber, and if there were anything that would cry, then they'd have to get through you first.

And you couldn't help it, your hand itching to reach for his head. With enough gentleness, you managed to press your palm against his head, feather light touch to not risk of waking him up.

Yet, to your own pleasant surprise, you feel him lean towards it, chasing the warm from your hands, smiling in his sleep.

It rained that night.

The faint pitter-patter of rain drops against your roof— what was left of the warmth from the forest lingered onto your skin as the cold wormed into the crevices of your home. Despite the loud shower from the skies, dripping through the leaves of the Divine Tree, you had a quiet meal; sitting alone on your dinner table, whilst you held a book in one hand, glasses sitting on the bridge of your nose.

Though it was a calm, soothing night, you remain restless, alike the rest of the Akademiya students. While you weren't a student yourself—you were a professor, and this upcoming week was their impending doom; finals exams. You weren't one to make things harder for your students, education is meant to nourish, not condition eager learners that their curiosity and passion will be punished with horrific grades that will not define who they want to be as they grow older… But alas, it is merely part of the curriculum, and you were not paid to make the test so simple that even those who struggled, passes.

Yes, your wonderful Sage has threatened you upfront that your job was on the line if you keep making exceptions to your dear students. As much as you wanted to fight it… You really needed the money to support your lifestyle and the family you have left behind in the desert. Teaching was the only job you'd ever find yourself doing, as well, given that you have only ever wanted to teach.

But you're backed up, and you're not sure if you are able to meet your students in the eye once their souls get crushed over failing an exam.

You sigh as you scratched your cheek, staring at the blocks of text on your book. Whatever, you'll just warn the students about their exams the next time you see them.

While you continued to read, you heard a silent thump outside of your door. Strange. It was still raining outside when you peeked through your window. It was not like they were knocking at your door either, since it was only one little noise— then silence overtook it's place once more.

Oh, was it the small, pregnant cat you've been feeding recently? She must be hungry, now you think about it. You've been so absorbed in your book that your food has gone cold on your plate, half finished, the rest still awaiting to be eaten. You sigh again, deeper and more tired this time, as you stood from your seat, the wood scraping loudly against the floor.

Grabbing a bowl from your shelves, you crack open a small container of prepared meals you've saved for the cat, spreading them out evenly on the bowl, before taking out some dried fish that bought from the store a few days ago. Finishing it with a few cups of water to balance out the dry food, you grab the bowl and made your way to the door. It was still raining pretty hard outside, so you grab a couple towels to help dry off her fur, in case she was wet.

Now, it was almost midnight by the time you started eating dinner, so you naturally assumed that no one would outside of their homes at these godless hours. What you hadn't expected when you opened the door, was to find a small kid with the cat you've been caring for, sitting at your front porch, water dripping from his hair. He was absolutely drenched, shivering lightly from the cold, but he held the cat in his hands, letting her lick at his face while she purred.

"Hey…"

The boy jolted from where he sat, head whipping straight at you with wide, bleary eyes. The first thing you noticed from him was his glaring, crimson eyes—brighter that shimmering rubies, and the big, defensive snarl on his lips, sharp teeth bared and ready to bite.

…Not much different from a feral kitten facing an unfamiliar scent.

"Woah woah, easy now!" You lowered the tone of your voice, getting down on your knee to get on his level, with the softest smile you could muster, "Hey, it's okay! Not here to hurt you or anything… Just, uh, curious as to why you're here, kiddo…" Glancing down at his soaked clothing, you surmised that he was a student of the Akademiya—but what was he doing out here so late? He looked fairly young too; where were his parents?

A cat mewling at you pulled you out of your thoughts, soft, slightly damp fur rubbing at your legs, tail tickling your skin. You chuckle lightly, your free hand reaching to scratch beneath her chin, "Sorry there, mama, I got too busy with work."

The child's eyes glanced between you and the cat rubbing against you, purring loudly and paws swatting at the hand that held her food. He seemed to have slightly relaxed at your sudden presence, tenseness on his shoulder simmer down, now eyeing you cautiously.

You look back at the boy, offering him a smile as you jerk your head towards your warm home, inviting him in. "You're drenched; let me get you all warmed up, if that's okay with you." He visibly hesitated at your words, unsure whether to trust a complete stranger for his well-being, but when he saw the cat walking inside your home as if she had owned the place, he bit his bottom lip, glancing back out in the rain. "Don't worry, you don't have to go back out there if you don't want to. It's pretty late now, anyways."

He knew that he couldn't fight it, not when it was still storming pretty hard outside, not when he looked absolutely pathetic—wet hair, dripping clothes, and puffy eyes. The boy sighed weakly as he stood from where he sat, grabbing the books and papers he had put beside him, laid on the dry area of your porch. You followed suit, opening the door wide for him to enter, and you watched him waddle into your house, huddling in himself with his head down.

"Here, dry yourself off with this towel, I'll see if I have some clothes you can wear…" You hum to yourself as you hand him the towel in your hand, before walking to the kitchen to place the bowl of food down for the cat to eat. Rushing towards your room, you rummage through your clothes, seeking for anything small enough to fit the small kid's stature. He was quite scrawny for his age, much more than an average kid, which was… concerning.

After spending a few minutes searching, you finally found something, "Hmm, this should be good enough…" Though it was two sizes bigger than him, it would suffice, as he was only staying temporarily—at least until the rain stops.

Walking outside of your room, you give the set of clothes to the kid and offered for him to use the bathroom, to wish he had graciously accepted without much complaints. He quickly snagged the clothes off your hands and rushed towards the bathroom, not after asking if you have any hot water for him to use.

It was quite the mystery why he was out there in the first place, especially in the rain. He was lucky that you found him outside your home, you weren't sure if anyone would be willing to take in some random kid into their home, especially it was so late at night. Taking your half eaten plate, you decided to heat it up once again, and cooking the left overs you had that you were planning to take as lunch for later.

The smell wafting from the kitchen must've gotten his attention, seeing him peek from the corners of your eyes and watching you cook. You smile to yourself as the cat meowed at him, curling around his toes, while the boy's guard remained high, eyeing you as if you were about to jump at him and hurt him. You didn't blame him, after all, you were an adult, while he seemed to be a young teenager.

"Have you eaten yet?" You ask in a gentle voice, your head turning to him slightly and still smiling as to not to alarm him, "I still have some left overs, if you'd like." But all you could hear was the boy huffing—turning his head away as if you had just offended him. "You don't have to eat if you don't want to, was just worried—"

Grroooammm…

You hold back a snort, "Are you sure you're not hungry?"

The boy clicked his tongue, stomping towards the dinner table and taking a seat, arms crossed and cheeks puffed out in a small pout. You didn't comment on it, though you were trying your best not to laugh at the poor boy's expense, and set him down a plate. "It's just some Biryani I made for myself; you can eat as much as you'd like." You smile as you take the seat across him, and start eating the rest of your heated up leftovers.

When you look back up at him, you saw him stuffing his face with food, chewing onto the meat with sparkling eyes, rice all over his cheeks. "Woah, kid, slow down! No one's taking it from you…" You laugh lightly as you hand him a glass of water, to which he grabbed and gulped down, panting a little to catch his breath.

But that did rise some concern from you, though. "Geez, it's like you haven't eaten in days."

That made the boy pause, swallowing down the food in his mouth, before setting his gaze at you with something unreadable, guarded, before pursing his lips in contemplation. "…It's been my first proper meal after a while." He says slowly, as if he was struggling to get the words out of his mouth.

"Can I have more…?" Sliding his cleaned out plate towards you, he didn't give you time to react to his statement; you could only nod and take the plate from him, piling more of the leftover Biryani just for him.

"I see…" You watch him stuff himself again, though at a much slower pace since you were eyeing him down, watching him eat carefully, silently. The boy didn't seem to mind it, mostly just enjoying the food he was given.

You feel the cat rub against your legs, purring and licking you fondly after she has finished all of her food. "I noticed you're a student from the Akademiya," You decided to strike up a conversation rather than asking a set of questions, getting his attention and letting him become comfortable should lead him to opening up to you.

He glanced down at you with an accusing stare, as if he was questioning why you were pointing that out, among all things. "I'm a professor at the Akademiya, and I can't help but be curious at the papers you had with you… I hope they weren't soaked from the rain."

"Why do you care?" Was his quick, defensive response, before pressing his lips down into a tight line, forgetting the fact that you were a professor, not just some random adult.

"Well, it is in our nature to be curious, is it not?" You smile at him fondly, "Students usually struggle with their proposals because they do not have anyone with more experience to confide in—other professors can be… a tad stricter when it comes to their policies." Rubbing the back of your neck, you remember the constant complaints of your students about your peers, and the worst of it all; the comparison that would always grinds your coworker's gears, saying you were a saint, compared to the demons they were. "Of course, I am not forcing you to show me, I am merely giving you an opportunity."

The boy looked conflicted, unsure whether to listen to you, or keep hiding whatever he had written on those papers. On one hand, he is more willing to talk about his findings and ideas to another person, especially his superiors, and make them believe his ideas are worth of notice, and deserving of praise. Yet he remained hesitant, nervous, as if he merely expected rejection from the start, no matter how brilliant his idea was.

In the end, he gave in. How could he not? It was such a good opportunity to pass up! And… If you weren't so quick to judge, then perhaps he could actually hear constructive criticism from you, rather than insults and harsh assumptions of his character.

He passed you his papers, fingers fiddling with each other as your hands got ahold of his slightly damp documents.

Zandik. That was his name, written on the very first page of the papers.

You immediately frown.

That was quite an odd name for a child. Why would they name their child an insult like that? You shake your head and regain your focus, deciding to avoid in your discussion. It was probably not something the boy wanted to talk about, anyways.

Thankfully, the ink hasn't been washed away, so you took your time to read through every single word carefully, finger tapping onto the wooden table, as you always would when it comes to grading your students' papers. You furrowed your brow and you absorbed every line with a sort of carefulness only professionals would have.

Zandik finds himself restless, bouncing his leg as he watched you intently read his research. You didn't show any emotion that Zandik could easily read—face blank, thoroughly focused and only nodding along to whatever part you were reading. He didn't want to show it, he really didn't, he wanted to appear strong, calm and nonchalant, but he couldn't help it, his heart was pounding so hard it was becoming sickening.

Then, you finally spoke, meeting Zandik's hopeful gaze with your soothing one's, holding his papers with such care and consideration. "I find this quite enlightening, Zandik. It is certainly something me and my peers have not considered about, especially your methods… I must say, this is something it'd want to conduct more research on." You truthfully admit, rechecking each page again and again, seeing if you've missed any vital information.

Zandik was practically breathless by the time you've finished speaking, a hand on his chest and heat rising to his cheeks, "R-really…?"

His voice—it sounded so weak, so fragile, it was almost regrettable with the words you were about to say.

"Unfortunately, I can't approve this."

And just like that, his heart breaks more than you could ever have known.

"B-but you just said—!" The chair scrapes against the floor, and it startles that cat sleeping on your feet, making her jump as Zandik casts an unforgiving gaze upon you, lips curled, teeth bared. He was furious, hurt, and aching. "Did you just say that to make fun of me!? To get my hopes up!? I knew I shouldn't—I never should've have! I'm so stu-"

"Not another word." You say sternly, setting your hands down onto the table with a very serious expression on your face; the kind of look every professor he's had would make when they're about to tell him that he has done something wrong.

He will not call himself stupid. Zandik is far from it.

The boy feels his eyes sting, fists clenched beside him as he sits back down.

"Zandik, your methods are out of reach, mostly by the Akademiya's standards. It is not something the we, as researchers of Sumeru, has explored just yet, therefore, it is a territory not many would try to understand." You speak to him softly, pouring not only the truth, but utter comfort to his obviously despairing heart. You should have probably considered to let him down a bit more gently, considering he was younger than your students… You are used to talking to your college students, rather than teenagers, "It is not within the Akademiya's rules, and I'm sure you know this."

"But it's something that could be a breakthrough if I am correct!" He angrily argues, slamming his palm onto the table and making your plates rattle. "Then what? By the time that the Akademiya changes their mind, someone else would make this discovery when I found it first!"

It was the harsh reality of the Akademiya—strict rules, close minded ways, and biased opinions; it was something you have suffered in this environment as well. What you once thought a place of nourishment for budding curiosities, merely squashed with hundreds of rules that only shackles those who remains with an imagination full of wonder. It favors those who are already well-known for their previous researches, while those who are unheard of suffers.

Although, it doesn't mean it was the end for Zandik. Not yet.

"I know it sounds a bit bleak, and I believe you must've been rejected multiple times now… But just because the system is flawed, doesn't mean you should give up."

Zandik blinks at you, a frown tugging at his lips as his eyes searched for yours, seeing if you were making him hope for nothing again, that you were just toying with him. "What… do you mean?"

"There are loop holes, ways for for you to achieve such greatness despite the restrictions," Tilting your head, you reach his papers back at him, only for him to see your signature at the bottom right corner, solid proof of your refutable acknowledgement. He sucked in a breath.

"And isn't that more thrilling? To challenge their beliefs to the point they can't do anything but change the system they have curated for so long?" You've got his full attention now, eyes wide as he stared at you, hugging his papers to his chest with a sparkle you haven't seen early in his eyes. "If you have to follow the rules for them to listen, then fine; show them what you could do, and how they are unjust they are."

It seems like you got through him, his fingers trembling as he chocked back a small sob, eyes cast down to the ground as he nodded. "I-I think I can do that…"

You smile at him, reaching out to him to lend him your hand. He stared at it for a moment, and decided to accept it, holding yours, squeezing your fingers as if it was his lifeline. "I'll be here to help you, if you'll ever need it."

The boy sniffled, nodding vigorously. "Okay." He says simply, before curling into himself more, still holding your hand and clinging onto the faint warmth. "…Thank you."

Laughing wholeheartedly at his response, you offer him a massive grin, "Don't mention it, kid. I have a soft spot for my students, even including those who doesn't attend my classes." You gently pat his shoulder as he looked up at you, your heart squeezing at how adorable he was. "I know how tough the Akademiya can be, and I try to ease the weight of it all as much as I can."

Standing from your seat, you see Zandik doing the same thing, grabbing his dirty dishes and rushing towards the sink and putting them at the kitchen counter top. It seems like he wanted to clean his own mess, but you wouldn't allow that, not with your guest! Though, when you told him to go rest in your bedroom (you'll be sleeping on your couch), while you finish cleaning up, he refused— sitting back down on his seat with a pout on his lips.

So, you decided to conversate.

You asked him why he was outside of his dorm so late.

He responded in a low, monotone voice, as if he was trying to not let it bother him. Zandik said that he was merely looking for his papers, ones that his classmates hid from him. Immediately, you felt a headache forming within your cranium— bullying is not uncommon within the walls of the Akademiya, but it's proving itself to be a growing, unresolved problem.

In exchange for every information Zandik tells you about himself, though as little as they may be, you share bits of yourself to the boy. How your researched changed the system, although only holding an effect so little than you'd like.

"…Do you really think I can do that too?"

And you'd simply chuckle at him, "Of course you can, you have bright ideas. I think I may have heard you once or twice from other professors, and I'll say, your grades are outstanding. Don't let anyone let you believe otherwise."

And before you knew it, he his head was laid within his arms, softly snoring into the night, with his papers still in his arms. You take the papers away from him, making sure they remained neat and uncrumbled, and carried the small boy in your arms, walking as carefully and silently as you could to your bedroom. There, you laid him on your bed, letting the soft cushions engulf him into a deeper slumber.

Taking off the Akasha System from his ear and putting it on your side table, you tuck him in with your blankets, watching the boy fade into a peaceful sleep. You have no idea what this kid has been through, or what he did to deserve all of these things— you've noticed long before, the bruises on his skin that he tries to cover, the faint scars that tells stories unbeknownst to you.

But that wasn't your concern for now; what you needed to do was be there until he feels better, and as a professor for the Akademiya, you are cheering him on, and awaiting for the time he will become your pupil. Though, you probably won't see him much in the Akademiya, seeing that he is not in the same Darshan as you are— as you are in Amurta.

The cat you've been caring for hopped onto your best, much to your surprise, and settling onto Zandik's stomach. He looked disturbed by this, face scrunching as the cat purred on him—she was quite heavy. But he didn't move to push her away, only putting a hand on top of her as they slept.

You sigh as you walked out of the room, and tapped into your Akasha System. You have to message your superiors about your situation, and perhaps looking for Zandik's student files for... family emergencies, you suppose. Tomorrow was an off day for both you and the kid, so you are quite relieved at that fact.

You'll do what you could to help the kid out, as little as it can be.

It felt like the right thing to do.

It rained that night.

The faint pitter-patter of rain drops against your roof— what was left of the warmth from the forest lingered onto your skin as the cold wormed into the crevices of your home. Despite the loud shower from the skies, dripping through the leaves of the Divine Tree, you had a quiet meal; sitting alone on your dinner table, whilst you held a book in one hand, glasses sitting on the bridge of your nose.

Though it was a calm, soothing night, you remain restless, alike the rest of the Akademiya students. While you weren't a student yourself—you were a professor, and this upcoming week was their impending doom; finals exams. You weren't one to make things harder for your students, education is meant to nourish, not condition eager learners that their curiosity and passion will be punished with horrific grades that will not define who they want to be as they grow older… But alas, it is merely part of the curriculum, and you were not paid to make the test so simple that even those who struggled, passes.

Yes, your wonderful Sage has threatened you upfront that your job was on the line if you keep making exceptions to your dear students. As much as you wanted to fight it… You really needed the money to support your lifestyle and the family you have left behind in the desert. Teaching was the only job you'd ever find yourself doing, as well, given that you have only ever wanted to teach.

But you're backed up, and you're not sure if you are able to meet your students in the eye once their souls get crushed over failing an exam.

You sigh as you scratched your cheek, staring at the blocks of text on your book. Whatever, you'll just warn the students about their exams the next time you see them.

While you continued to read, you heard a silent thump outside of your door. Strange. It was still raining outside when you peeked through your window. It was not like they were knocking at your door either, since it was only one little noise— then silence overtook it's place once more.

Oh, was it the small, pregnant cat you've been feeding recently? She must be hungry, now you think about it. You've been so absorbed in your book that your food has gone cold on your plate, half finished, the rest still awaiting to be eaten. You sigh again, deeper and more tired this time, as you stood from your seat, the wood scraping loudly against the floor.

Grabbing a bowl from your shelves, you crack open a small container of prepared meals you've saved for the cat, spreading them out evenly on the bowl, before taking out some dried fish that bought from the store a few days ago. Finishing it with a few cups of water to balance out the dry food, you grab the bowl and made your way to the door. It was still raining pretty hard outside, so you grab a couple towels to help dry off her fur, in case she was wet.

Now, it was almost midnight by the time you started eating dinner, so you naturally assumed that no one would outside of their homes at these godless hours. What you hadn't expected when you opened the door, was to find a small kid with the cat you've been caring for, sitting at your front porch, water dripping from his hair. He was absolutely drenched, shivering lightly from the cold, but he held the cat in his hands, letting her lick at his face while she purred.

"Hey…"

The boy jolted from where he sat, head whipping straight at you with wide, bleary eyes. The first thing you noticed from him was his glaring, crimson eyes—brighter that shimmering rubies, and the big, defensive snarl on his lips, sharp teeth bared and ready to bite.

…Not much different from a feral kitten facing an unfamiliar scent.

"Woah woah, easy now!" You lowered the tone of your voice, getting down on your knee to get on his level, with the softest smile you could muster, "Hey, it's okay! Not here to hurt you or anything… Just, uh, curious as to why you're here, kiddo…" Glancing down at his soaked clothing, you surmised that he was a student of the Akademiya—but what was he doing out here so late? He looked fairly young too; where were his parents?

A cat mewling at you pulled you out of your thoughts, soft, slightly damp fur rubbing at your legs, tail tickling your skin. You chuckle lightly, your free hand reaching to scratch beneath her chin, "Sorry there, mama, I got too busy with work."

The child's eyes glanced between you and the cat rubbing against you, purring loudly and paws swatting at the hand that held her food. He seemed to have slightly relaxed at your sudden presence, tenseness on his shoulder simmer down, now eyeing you cautiously.

You look back at the boy, offering him a smile as you jerk your head towards your warm home, inviting him in. "You're drenched; let me get you all warmed up, if that's okay with you." He visibly hesitated at your words, unsure whether to trust a complete stranger for his well-being, but when he saw the cat walking inside your home as if she had owned the place, he bit his bottom lip, glancing back out in the rain. "Don't worry, you don't have to go back out there if you don't want to. It's pretty late now, anyways."

He knew that he couldn't fight it, not when it was still storming pretty hard outside, not when he looked absolutely pathetic—wet hair, dripping clothes, and puffy eyes. The boy sighed weakly as he stood from where he sat, grabbing the books and papers he had put beside him, laid on the dry area of your porch. You followed suit, opening the door wide for him to enter, and you watched him waddle into your house, huddling in himself with his head down.

"Here, dry yourself off with this towel, I'll see if I have some clothes you can wear…" You hum to yourself as you hand him the towel in your hand, before walking to the kitchen to place the bowl of food down for the cat to eat. Rushing towards your room, you rummage through your clothes, seeking for anything small enough to fit the small kid's stature. He was quite scrawny for his age, much more than an average kid, which was… concerning.

After spending a few minutes searching, you finally found something, "Hmm, this should be good enough…" Though it was two sizes bigger than him, it would suffice, as he was only staying temporarily—at least until the rain stops.

Walking outside of your room, you give the set of clothes to the kid and offered for him to use the bathroom, to wish he had graciously accepted without much complaints. He quickly snagged the clothes off your hands and rushed towards the bathroom, not after asking if you have any hot water for him to use.

It was quite the mystery why he was out there in the first place, especially in the rain. He was lucky that you found him outside your home, you weren't sure if anyone would be willing to take in some random kid into their home, especially it was so late at night. Taking your half eaten plate, you decided to heat it up once again, and cooking the left overs you had that you were planning to take as lunch for later.

The smell wafting from the kitchen must've gotten his attention, seeing him peek from the corners of your eyes and watching you cook. You smile to yourself as the cat meowed at him, curling around his toes, while the boy's guard remained high, eyeing you as if you were about to jump at him and hurt him. You didn't blame him, after all, you were an adult, while he seemed to be a young teenager.

"Have you eaten yet?" You ask in a gentle voice, your head turning to him slightly and still smiling as to not to alarm him, "I still have some left overs, if you'd like." But all you could hear was the boy huffing—turning his head away as if you had just offended him. "You don't have to eat if you don't want to, was just worried—"

Grroooammm…

You hold back a snort, "Are you sure you're not hungry?"

The boy clicked his tongue, stomping towards the dinner table and taking a seat, arms crossed and cheeks puffed out in a small pout. You didn't comment on it, though you were trying your best not to laugh at the poor boy's expense, and set him down a plate. "It's just some Biryani I made for myself; you can eat as much as you'd like." You smile as you take the seat across him, and start eating the rest of your heated up leftovers.

When you look back up at him, you saw him stuffing his face with food, chewing onto the meat with sparkling eyes, rice all over his cheeks. "Woah, kid, slow down! No one's taking it from you…" You laugh lightly as you hand him a glass of water, to which he grabbed and gulped down, panting a little to catch his breath.

But that did rise some concern from you, though. "Geez, it's like you haven't eaten in days."

That made the boy pause, swallowing down the food in his mouth, before setting his gaze at you with something unreadable, guarded, before pursing his lips in contemplation. "…It's been my first proper meal after a while." He says slowly, as if he was struggling to get the words out of his mouth.

"Can I have more…?" Sliding his cleaned out plate towards you, he didn't give you time to react to his statement; you could only nod and take the plate from him, piling more of the leftover Biryani just for him.

"I see…" You watch him stuff himself again, though at a much slower pace since you were eyeing him down, watching him eat carefully, silently. The boy didn't seem to mind it, mostly just enjoying the food he was given.

You feel the cat rub against your legs, purring and licking you fondly after she has finished all of her food. "I noticed you're a student from the Akademiya," You decided to strike up a conversation rather than asking a set of questions, getting his attention and letting him become comfortable should lead him to opening up to you.

He glanced down at you with an accusing stare, as if he was questioning why you were pointing that out, among all things. "I'm a professor at the Akademiya, and I can't help but be curious at the papers you had with you… I hope they weren't soaked from the rain."

"Why do you care?" Was his quick, defensive response, before pressing his lips down into a tight line, forgetting the fact that you were a professor, not just some random adult.

"Well, it is in our nature to be curious, is it not?" You smile at him fondly, "Students usually struggle with their proposals because they do not have anyone with more experience to confide in—other professors can be… a tad stricter when it comes to their policies." Rubbing the back of your neck, you remember the constant complaints of your students about your peers, and the worst of it all; the comparison that would always grinds your coworker's gears, saying you were a saint, compared to the demons they were. "Of course, I am not forcing you to show me, I am merely giving you an opportunity."

The boy looked conflicted, unsure whether to listen to you, or keep hiding whatever he had written on those papers. On one hand, he is more willing to talk about his findings and ideas to another person, especially his superiors, and make them believe his ideas are worth of notice, and deserving of praise. Yet he remained hesitant, nervous, as if he merely expected rejection from the start, no matter how brilliant his idea was.

In the end, he gave in. How could he not? It was such a good opportunity to pass up! And… If you weren't so quick to judge, then perhaps he could actually hear constructive criticism from you, rather than insults and harsh assumptions of his character.

He passed you his papers, fingers fiddling with each other as your hands got ahold of his slightly damp documents.

Zandik. That was his name, written on the very first page of the papers.

You immediately frown.

That was quite an odd name for a child. Why would they name their child an insult like that? You shake your head and regain your focus, deciding to avoid in your discussion. It was probably not something the boy wanted to talk about, anyways.

Thankfully, the ink hasn't been washed away, so you took your time to read through every single word carefully, finger tapping onto the wooden table, as you always would when it comes to grading your students' papers. You furrowed your brow and you absorbed every line with a sort of carefulness only professionals would have.

Zandik finds himself restless, bouncing his leg as he watched you intently read his research. You didn't show any emotion that Zandik could easily read—face blank, thoroughly focused and only nodding along to whatever part you were reading. He didn't want to show it, he really didn't, he wanted to appear strong, calm and nonchalant, but he couldn't help it, his heart was pounding so hard it was becoming sickening.

Then, you finally spoke, meeting Zandik's hopeful gaze with your soothing one's, holding his papers with such care and consideration. "I find this quite enlightening, Zandik. It is certainly something me and my peers have not considered about, especially your methods… I must say, this is something it'd want to conduct more research on." You truthfully admit, rechecking each page again and again, seeing if you've missed any vital information.

Zandik was practically breathless by the time you've finished speaking, a hand on his chest and heat rising to his cheeks, "R-really…?"

His voice—it sounded so weak, so fragile, it was almost regrettable with the words you were about to say.

"Unfortunately, I can't approve this."

And just like that, his heart breaks more than you could ever have known.

"B-but you just said—!" The chair scrapes against the floor, and it startles that cat sleeping on your feet, making her jump as Zandik casts an unforgiving gaze upon you, lips curled, teeth bared. He was furious, hurt, and aching. "Did you just say that to make fun of me!? To get my hopes up!? I knew I shouldn't—I never should've have! I'm so stu-"

"Not another word." You say sternly, setting your hands down onto the table with a very serious expression on your face; the kind of look every professor he's had would make when they're about to tell him that he has done something wrong.

He will not call himself stupid. Zandik is far from it.

The boy feels his eyes sting, fists clenched beside him as he sits back down.

"Zandik, your methods are out of reach, mostly by the Akademiya's standards. It is not something the we, as researchers of Sumeru, has explored just yet, therefore, it is a territory not many would try to understand." You speak to him softly, pouring not only the truth, but utter comfort to his obviously despairing heart. You should have probably considered to let him down a bit more gently, considering he was younger than your students… You are used to talking to your college students, rather than teenagers, "It is not within the Akademiya's rules, and I'm sure you know this."

"But it's something that could be a breakthrough if I am correct!" He angrily argues, slamming his palm onto the table and making your plates rattle. "Then what? By the time that the Akademiya changes their mind, someone else would make this discovery when I found it first!"

It was the harsh reality of the Akademiya—strict rules, close minded ways, and biased opinions; it was something you have suffered in this environment as well. What you once thought a place of nourishment for budding curiosities, merely squashed with hundreds of rules that only shackles those who remains with an imagination full of wonder. It favors those who are already well-known for their previous researches, while those who are unheard of suffers.

Although, it doesn't mean it was the end for Zandik. Not yet.

"I know it sounds a bit bleak, and I believe you must've been rejected multiple times now… But just because the system is flawed, doesn't mean you should give up."

Zandik blinks at you, a frown tugging at his lips as his eyes searched for yours, seeing if you were making him hope for nothing again, that you were just toying with him. "What… do you mean?"

"There are loop holes, ways for for you to achieve such greatness despite the restrictions," Tilting your head, you reach his papers back at him, only for him to see your signature at the bottom right corner, solid proof of your refutable acknowledgement. He sucked in a breath.

"And isn't that more thrilling? To challenge their beliefs to the point they can't do anything but change the system they have curated for so long?" You've got his full attention now, eyes wide as he stared at you, hugging his papers to his chest with a sparkle you haven't seen early in his eyes. "If you have to follow the rules for them to listen, then fine; show them what you could do, and how they are unjust they are."

It seems like you got through him, his fingers trembling as he chocked back a small sob, eyes cast down to the ground as he nodded. "I-I think I can do that…"

You smile at him, reaching out to him to lend him your hand. He stared at it for a moment, and decided to accept it, holding yours, squeezing your fingers as if it was his lifeline. "I'll be here to help you, if you'll ever need it."

The boy sniffled, nodding vigorously. "Okay." He says simply, before curling into himself more, still holding your hand and clinging onto the faint warmth. "…Thank you."

Laughing wholeheartedly at his response, you offer him a massive grin, "Don't mention it, kid. I have a soft spot for my students, even including those who doesn't attend my classes." You gently pat his shoulder as he looked up at you, your heart squeezing at how adorable he was. "I know how tough the Akademiya can be, and I try to ease the weight of it all as much as I can."

Standing from your seat, you see Zandik doing the same thing, grabbing his dirty dishes and rushing towards the sink and putting them at the kitchen counter top. It seems like he wanted to clean his own mess, but you wouldn't allow that, not with your guest! Though, when you told him to go rest in your bedroom (you'll be sleeping on your couch), while you finish cleaning up, he refused— sitting back down on his seat with a pout on his lips.

So, you decided to conversate.

You asked him why he was outside of his dorm so late.

He responded in a low, monotone voice, as if he was trying to not let it bother him. Zandik said that he was merely looking for his papers, ones that his classmates hid from him. Immediately, you felt a headache forming within your cranium— bullying is not uncommon within the walls of the Akademiya, but it's proving itself to be a growing, unresolved problem.

In exchange for every information Zandik tells you about himself, though as little as they may be, you share bits of yourself to the boy. How your researched changed the system, although only holding an effect so little than you'd like.

"…Do you really think I can do that too?"

And you'd simply chuckle at him, "Of course you can, you have bright ideas. I think I may have heard you once or twice from other professors, and I'll say, your grades are outstanding. Don't let anyone let you believe otherwise."

And before you knew it, he his head was laid within his arms, softly snoring into the night, with his papers still in his arms. You take the papers away from him, making sure they remained neat and uncrumbled, and carried the small boy in your arms, walking as carefully and silently as you could to your bedroom. There, you laid him on your bed, letting the soft cushions engulf him into a deeper slumber.

Taking off the Akasha System from his ear and putting it on your side table, you tuck him in with your blankets, watching the boy fade into a peaceful sleep. You have no idea what this kid has been through, or what he did to deserve all of these things— you've noticed long before, the bruises on his skin that he tries to cover, the faint scars that tells stories unbeknownst to you.

But that wasn't your concern for now; what you needed to do was be there until he feels better, and as a professor for the Akademiya, you are cheering him on, and awaiting for the time he will become your pupil. After all, it seemed like he was in the same Darshan you mostly teach your classes on.

The cat you've been caring for hopped onto your best, much to your surprise, and settling onto Zandik's stomach. He looked disturbed by this, face scrunching as the cat purred on him—she was quite heavy. But he didn't move to push her away, only putting a hand on top of her as they slept.

You sigh as you walked out of the room, and tapped into your Akasha System. You have to message your superiors that you can't clock in tomorrow, stating you had… family emergencies, then excuse Zandik to his teachers.

You'll do what you could to help the kid out, as little as it can be.

It felt like the right thing to do.