Yaaa!!

OFFICIAL TRACKLIST ⟢

✧ 01: NOT HIM | 7.7k words

one day, you're watching your favorite band all the way from the stands, and the next you're standing on stage with them. life is a little surreal like that.

✧ 02: ALL YOURS | 7.4k words

the last thing you expect for mydei to do is ask you to help write a song. it could have been out of pity, or a means to distract, but little do you know, those fragmented lyrics will pull you so much closer into each others' orbit.

✧ 03: MORE TIME | 8.2k words

the tour is in full swing, heavy with expectations and lingering doubts, and it comes with its own chaotic moments—both good and bad. you're still learning how to find your footing in the midst of it all.

✧ 04: GUILTY | 8.5k words

aidonia is in the rearview, and the future is yours to take. but as your connections with the band deepen further, you find yourself toeing across the boundaries of what should and shouldn't be.

✧ 05: INHERITANCE | 6.8k words

a tropical island getaway in the middle of the tour is just the thing everyone needs, but work will always come before play. at least, that's what you keep telling yourself.

✧ 06: STOLEN | 7.1k words

in a place that wants you to forget, you all cement yourselves into something worth remembering. but when a heated moment gets swiped from underneath your nose, you're rightfully terrified of its consequences.

✧ 07: GOLD AND DUSK | 7.9k words

you realize you have friends in unlikely places, as whatever is blooming between you and mydei unfurls. but you know better than to become complacent.

✧ 08: BLISTERING DENIAL | 8.9k words

to protect what you have is to sometimes deny its existence entirely. but to mydei, that protection is nothing short of betrayal.

✧ 09: GOOD NIGHT | 8.7k words

against all odds, you run into a familiar face—someone that could undoubtedly bridge the gap between you and the band, and you and mydei for good.

✧ 10: HEAVENSENT | 12k words

part of every journey is the end, and once the tour wraps up in its final stop, it unknowingly spells the start of something new. that being: defining whatever the hell is between you and mydei.

✧ BONUS TRACK: | TBA

Cha-cha was the last thing that popped on your mind, let alone dancing when you have been invited to a random party found by none other than your not-so trusty pal Cipher. You'd think she's lying but jokes on you, all of her lies somehow become the reality—like it's manifesting her own will or something.

"Awww c'mon y/n, there's no harm in coming with me to the party! I promise you, your time there will be worth it!"

"There's no way I'm going to attend that! Absolutely not!" you hissed, deflecting her pleas with your firm decision. You're definitely not going, not if he's not there.

A smirk flashed upon Cipher's mouth—she's up for no good, again.

"Unless he comes, riiiight??" licking her lips, she looks at you teasingly with her one brow raised.

"I-" you stammer as you fumble your own words. She definitely hit the spot right on.

'Knew it'.

"Who knows? Maybe he's playing cat and mouse this time~ Just come with me and we'll see!"

"This sounds so stupid... Cha-cha? At a random party? and it's a dance party too?? I thought they'd be into those trendy pop songs by now??" so many questions swirl your head as you ponder deeper.

Meanwhile, Cipher just mindlessly steers the wheel while jamming to some jazz tunes that randomly played after the last.

She smacks her lips in amusement, clearly enjoying the moment of confusion and utter despair from the thought of social interaction and you (of all people) being put together in the same sentence.

"Relaxx y/n~ Just show up there and be a good girl alright? I promise they won't bite,"

"And besides... I know you're eager to meet someone there, aren't you?"

ah shucks, here we go again with this topic.

"...And how am I supposed to properly dance once we get th- wait what?" you stop, covering your moment of surprise with a pretentious look of absent-mindedness. Cipher, being the absolute theater kid, plays along your antics (albeit she already knows that you've definitely heard her loud and clear).

To be clear, you don't have any ill intentions against the man—in fact, it's quite the opposite. While many stay away from his domineering presence, you, on the other hand, long for it—yearn for it so badly that you're not ashamed to admit it.

But only to Cipher though, you'd chicken out the moment someone else brings up the topic of crushes, specifically Mydei.

"Fools only blink once, and the prize's already gone. Forget what I said, and don't put your pretty head over the dance."

"Trust me, once you get there, you'll feel it naturally."

"I swear if I embarrass myself in front of many people later, I'm going to drag you along with me"

"Try your best to catch up to me then~ Speaking of which.." She stops, pressing her foot on the brakes mid-sentence.

Parking her car outside a large old villa, you could see many lights scattered around the place like stars above the night sky. It definitely looks (and feels) different from what you've imagined.

"We're here."

Sounds of endless chattering and the loud music playing in the venue clash against your ears rendering your hearing beyond repair. Not only that, but with Cipher immediately leaving your side the moment you both stepped out of the car makes the matter worse.

'...Have fun and see you around, y/n~' those were the only words you could decipher coming out of her mouth before she rushes off in such speeds. Now you're quite the one in a pickle, ain't it?

Leaving you with no choice, you decided to roam around the villa where the event is being hosted. Though nerve-wracking, you managed to slip your way past the party-drunken strangers 'til you reach the dancing hall. This place is really that big, huh?

Scanning your surroundings, you could see the room filled with fluorescent lights encased with antique-looking cases to the brim, illuminating the whole room as it is reflected by the marbled tiles beneath your feet. Not only that, you could also see the huge chandelier adorned in crystallized glass hung up in the ceiling full of paintings—ones that almost looked like Michelangelo's works of art.

But the best thing among these things, is that the room isn't fully enclosed, making you sigh a breath of relief. It's a good thing that such openings are there in case you get bored out of your mind—then you could just dip without anyone batting an eye.

Despite all these antiquities however, you are left wondering: Who's even in their right mind to rent this expensive villa with just their own college money? Must be someone really rich if you ask me.

That doesn't matter now, you've got a party to deal with and now's not the right time to question things either. Best savor the next few hours of your life doing nothing but dance through the rhythmic noise and drown in the blinding lights shining across the room.

Just as you were about to step foot even further inside, you felt a firm yet gentle grip on your shoulder stop your tracks.

"....y/n?"

"You're... here. You're actually here. I can't believe it.."

Your voice sounding that of surprise and concern took him aback (as much as he constantly looped the tone by now); If anything, he's just as confused as you. But aeons, how beautiful you look in that maroon colored dress—weaved out of cotton fabrics with such delicateness and precision, giving its alluring crinkled texture accompanied with frills at just the right place (on the slits of your dress in particular). As much as he enjoys the view of your exposed skin, it's such a shame you decided to wear that black shrug to cover your shoulders, you would've looked sexier.

Worse than that however, is the fact that he couldn't help but ogle at your view: long silver earrings dangling at your ears that compliment your medium length raven locks, that choker of yours with a red rose pinned at the side of your neck, your long dress with slits on both sides, granting access to the sight of your legs, and those heels? Oh how much has he alright folded just by looking at you...(Wait a minute, wasn't he here because of the party?)

'You look good in that outfit' Was what he wanted to say, if he wasn't that bemused at your look of bewilderment. Can't he just be here, dealing with the same dilemma you face as well?

"..Surprised? Yeah, me neither. I only came here because that idiot insisted on inviting me and his partner to this random party that he doesn't know much of." yeah he's definitely talking about Phainon now—and he has a partner too?? Well that's quite the news.

"Yikes...looks like we're on the same side of the coin huh.." you laughed nervously, fiddling your fingers while beads of sweat started creeping up your face. It doesn't help that your body heat and the almost cramped atmosphere of the flooding guests has started to combine together.

He could only let out a small chuckle in return at this situation you both got into. Oh aeons, his voice—the way it contrasts his usual cold demeanor, oh and let's not forget about his lips cause what the hell, he actually smiled?!? Oh you're a total goner now, that's for sure.

Now it's your turn to be absolutely smitten in his fit: White shirt with its buttons near the neck up to his pecks unclasped, leaving just the right amount of view for his collar and tattoo to peek through. Enveloping his muscular body is a black coat together with a gold necklace adorned in blue jewels wrapped in his neck, making his chest torso pop off. Not to mention, the gold earrings matching his necklace accentuates his prince-like vibes much higher.

Doesn't help that his black pants paired with that expensive looking belt and shoes makes him look more enticing, leaving your mind to wander off to...different scenarios, to say the least.

Focus y/n, focus! You can't be caught looking at another man like this. Not Mydei at least, you respect him so much you couldn't bear to see him in that light (not that you already do in the first place).

In the middle of your concurring thoughts, you and the audience's attention suddenly moved towards that of the party's host, Mr. Reca, as he enthusiastically greets everyone with elegance trailing behind his sultry voice. It's your first time seeing Mr. Reca, THE well-known movie director everyone has been applauding for the award-winning movies and films that he crafts, ever so passionately. In the corner near him also lies Miss Aglaea and... Miss Robin?!?! Seriously, is this party that big of a deal?!?!

You could hear Mydei huffing his chest out of relief the moment he sees Miss Aglaea. Seems like the deliverer is finally delivering something good for once.

"Greetings our dear guests! We are grateful for your attendance at Paperfold University's annual night-out! This year, both Paperfold University and Okhema University have collaborated to bring out a night full of unforgettable memories for students to create and cherish. Whether it's with your friends, or your lover, everyone is welcome to have fun and dance to their heart's content! But first, let's hear a word from our esteemed School Administrators, Miss Aglaea and Miss Robin!"

It was Miss Aglaea who first spoke to the audience. You won't lie, her radiating beauty had caught your attention more than her rousing speech could ever will. Many of the students seem to share your sentiment as they too have been captivated by her alluring presence, carrying her words with such dignity and grace.

After her was Miss Robin, who had received immediate cheers and praises from the crowd—being a pop star and Paperfold University's School Administrator truly does wonders to her popularity. Still, she delivered her grateful appreciation to the students who have done their best in pursuing their education and continuing their path towards the future-to which it was greeted by the same sentiments students feel about her efforts to keep the university flourishing, along with Miss Aglaea's tenacity and huge sense of responsibility.

Loud roars of applause clouded the room after both School Administrators had finished their speeches. You didn't fully remember what they said, only vague paraphrases of 'enjoying our campus lives despite all the troubles we went through and that, we should always live in the moment', or something like that.

"Thank you for your wonderful and inspiring messages dear Administrators. And with that, may your night be filled to the brim with such joy as bright as the stars in the night sky!"

And with that, tonight's annual night-out sets afoot.

Now Playing:

The background music clashing with the dazzling lights blaring throughout all the corners of the room left you in a daze as the crowd had dispersed to enjoy the night. You must admit, you're not used to this kind of setting—being cramped and left alone out of nowhere- wait a minute.. YOU TOTALLY FORGOT, MYDEI'S JUST BESIDES YOU. Oh gosh, now you're more embarrassed than ever.

Fortunately for you, Mydei clears out his throat, making you look towards his direction. His hand already stretched out whilst positioning himself to that of a courting bow, glances his eyes at you and speaks.

"Seems like we have no choice.. Care to join me in this dance, m'lady?"

"I.. uh, yes! certainly! of course," you could only let out an awkward chuckle, stretching your hands to reach his.

He guides you gently towards himself, firmly holding your waist with his free hand, his other not letting go of your already clasped hand. You find yourself awkwardly staring at his bare chest—and oh heavens, they were bigger, and plumper than you would've imagined. Seeing this, he temporarily lets go his hand on yours and lifts your chin to face his, before clamping them back to your hand again.

"Eyes up here, y/n." Oh the man that you are, Mydeimos. Just a few words and you're already weak to your knees like that. On the other hand, Mydei, who is usually composed and stern, finally starts slipping through the cracks of his own adoration for you.

Try as he might, but he couldn't help but admire your face. Your makeup looks perfectly fine, and not to mention—your lips look quite the delicacy he could devour after this party. Still, he kept his composure and steadied his body, waiting for your motion so that he could follow smoothly.

~♬♪~

And there it is, the music begins ever so slowly.

The intro took you both by surprise as it starts with a loud blare of the drums, soon followed by the snares and hi-hats beating ever so casually while the singers serenade its listeners.

It took you a short bit to adjust your movements to the music, and so did Mydei. You admit, both of you are not that good of a dancer, but that doesn't mean that you wouldn't try to initiate the action and guide his feet towards your direction; you weren't expecting yourself to be the one in the lead—let alone be bold with the man you harbor secret admiration for.

Mydei, being the gentleman that he is, lets you tug his hands and move his body around the dancefloor. It started with exchanging small steps between the opposite of your feet, followed by his arms twirling you around. With your back grazed in his chest, he moves you around slowly but surely, pacing everything through the flow of the song.

A bit of bumps and stepping onto each other's foot later now turned smooth as you both sway to the beat. His touch glides across all over your body the same way you make him spin around your own fingertips. There is a certain point where he had let go of your hand a tad bit too early, and yet you aced your landing with such grace, quickly steadying your balance as you both slowly march your way back to each other's arms.

You're quite proud of how great he's adjusting to the speed of your movements, the only problem though, is that his expressions say otherwise.

One look at him and you already tell, this man is feeling hella awkward throughout all of this (don't worry, you are too). You don't know if it's you or if it's him that he's all worked up about but that doesn't put you to the slightest of concerns for now. Best apologize to him later than never.

And just as the song finally halts to its end, he has his hand firmly holding you in your position as you arch your back lower, making your other leg raise up a little higher. By then, everyone had already been applauding the people who danced in the middle of the room (including you two), amused by their improvised performance.

Now should be the proper time to escort your way out of the room and properly apologize to him for your sudden boldness; heck, why not just check up on him and see how he feels? I'm sure he understands that it's out of concern and nothing else, right?

Amidst the beautiful chaos unraveling in the middle of the dancefloor, two figures loom over at a random corner of the room, giggling over themselves as they witness the events unfold.

"I'm definitely going to write a fanfic about this. Look how cute they are together!"

"I know right!? Totally worth the planning me and Cipher went through."

And just as they thought that they're all alone by themselves, a third person chimes in, much to their obliviousness.

"Don't forget to add me in the fun alright~?"

Now Playing:

Chocolat - Ft. Mariya Ise (PASWG OST)

'Chocolat chocolat so sweet and real'

Ever since dating Phainon, your life has never been the same. Those days once filled with serenity and idleness have been replaced with sounds of giggles and laughter echoing the walls of the very home that you two now share. You'd be lying if you said you didn't enjoy those days of pure sweet chaos with him the way he brightens up your mood on the daily one way or another.

That is until he pulls up the most out of this world stunts that even he himself doesn't know how he does in the first place. Of course, you both know that his endless yearning for you contributes to half of the reason why he gets so jittery whenever he's within your vicinity, acting like those clumsy anime high school girls or whatnot. As for the other half, who knows? Maybe he's just really good at playing his cards without him realizing it. Either way, you were happy that he was the one to flip your whole world upside down nonetheless.

It was a fine summer night when it all unraveled: The soothing blows of the wind setting things up just right, along with the music your beloved Phainon has been blasting off from your living room's speakers. You didn't take him as a guy who'd enjoy pop music, let alone those that give off girly vibes (not that you mind of course).

So when the time comes that he suddenly invited you on a picnic date out of the blue? Oh you know that something's bound to happen.

You were busy preparing for dinner while he was cleaning the dining table. Lost in thought, you didn't notice that Phainon was already done in his thing when you felt two strong arms wrap around your waist, his head planted on the crook of your neck. Inhaling your scent mixed with the savory smell of whatever it is that you're cooking for dinner, he can't help but squeeze you just a bit tighter; cuteness aggression or whatever, they say.

you let out a chuckle seeing him in his usual antics: him in his whole puppy attitude just to get your attention. It's a good thing he's not using his puppy eyes for you today (you didn't see).

"y/n..." he whines whilst snuggling you tenderly.

"You always say that whenever I ask you out.."

"What is it Phainon? Up to no good again?"

"So you were going to ask me out on a date?"

"....well, yeah. But it's not like I'm gonna take you somewhere far away again. Just a simple picnic date near the lake at the park. How does that sound?"

"Hmmm... sure.. BUT we're not going to feed the ducks this time. You remember what happened last time, right?"

".... Let's- let's not talk about that.. haha..."

"Ah.."

And just like that, his stomach grumbles. Perfect timing. Good thing you were done cooking by the time his body protests for him to eat (you'd do it too to be honest).

After a good while of sharing dinner together, he rests his chin on his hand looking at you endearingly. Gosh, he just can't help but gawk at you while you wash the dishes.

"Soooo... how was your day at work, y/n? Anything interesting happened?"

You snicker (lightly) at his attempt to fill the silence between the two of you. It's clingy, yes, but you humor him and his neediness anyways.

"I suppose I could tell you that for tomorrow, can't I? It'd make our day tomorrow very interesting" you smile, eyes staring gently at the shiny plates. You can't see it but you could definitely feel his imaginary ears and tail wag in excitement. Such a puppy..

"You're right.. I'll go help you with that my love. Can't see my dawnlight wasting seconds of their time cleaning the countertop when they could just sleep now can we?"

"Oh silly you!"

The next day arrives, and boy oh boy: when I tell you this man is already waiting for you at the door with all of your stuff prepared, I am NOT joking. This guy acts quick, especially when it comes to making sure that your day with him goes smoothly and without repercussions from his constant clumsiness.

So when Dr. Veritas Ratio’s curiosity peaks, he will seek out information regardless of what stands in his way. It just so happens that the rumor of a Genius Society member abandoning their ranking to join the Intelligence Guild not only piques his interest but puzzles him quite a bit. 

Everything Veritas Ratio has ever done—ever accomplished was with intent. That’s just what a needle does. 

And as he reads the passage before him in the worn textbook he fished out of the bookshelves at his university, he intends to figure out your perplexing nature. 

“…and discovered five different constellations that are now crucial to Intercosmic Space Travel, earning the name of the ‘Star Lit Genius’ just after finishing her Associates.”

- Excerpt from Exploring the Starlit Genius

A fool. 

Ratio closes the bulky biography with a booming thud. The echo can be heard bouncing off the walls of his office. 

That is what you were. That is your nature. 

A fool is the only description he can think of as he sharply brings his fingers to his lips. Questions bubble inside him, but the one that escapes himself is, “Why?” 

Why would anyone do such a thing? The mere thought that someone could leave the Genius Society was baffling. Sure, there probably were some that had left, but that had to be Amber Eras in the past. 

It wasn’t ignorance it was foolishness. Perhaps he was right about Genius Society members having a rock up their asses. There was truly nothing that separated them from the mundane, such as himself. They were just as equally subjected to idiocy. 

But could you do such a thing?

You. A scholar blessed by Nous! Given a chance—an opportunity. 

He scoffs, his head jerking to the side as if catching himself in an act. 

He shouldn’t care. 

He doesn’t care. 

He’s over that. 

Ratio sighs and shakes his head. He doesn’t care. You were foolish, that’s all. It was nothing more. 

But who might this fool be? 

Ratio’s cold finger travels around the textbook's hardcover. He quickly flips through the pages. Frustration is evident on his face as his brows furrow the more pages he turns. 

Yet, there’s nothing. 

There’s not one picture of you—the fool—that perplexes his mind. Of course, there wouldn’t be. The Genius Society's “holy” standing wouldn’t allow that. So, he’ll just have to wait for the day he meets the deluded “genius.” 

“Immediately after finishing her Associates, the Star Lit Genius earned funds from the IPC for her findings, causing the young brilliant mind to venture more deeply into the cosmos.”

- Excerpt form Exploring the Starlit Genius

Time had passed and life went on. It had been a month since Veritas’ initial read of your biography. He had learned much. Such as your main fields of anatomy, pathology, chemistry and of course astronomy. Little details of your past are stored neatly in the back of the Doctor’s mind, but he has had no use for it. The new semester had started and as time went on he too started to carry on. Students plagued his mind instead, yet a star glittered somewhere near. 

“Dr. Ratio.”

It’s no voice he’s familiar with. Or maybe one he’s just not accustomed to yet. Most likely a new student in one of his classes.  

He doesn’t even bother to look up. Instead he continues to shuffle through his papers with equations and calculations of the new curriculum that he would soon ignore altogether in his lessons. 

He sighs. “Students are to ask questions during the appointed time.” His voice lacks any interest whatsoever. 

He was tired of students who seemed to think they were special. If anything, the unfamiliar voice is probably a student coming to butter him up before the semester starts to get on his good side. 

“Oh, I’m not a student.” Your voice isn’t familiar, but the syllables that roll off your tongue are ever engraved into his mind. His inner consciousness has read the name so much that he can envision the letters.  

Before he looks up, a smug grin shows on his face. Finally, he could put the foolish mind to the face. It was a gift, really. You, coming straight to his door. You had done all the work for him. 

But then he takes his first look at you. 

Veritas Ratio isn’t one to be rendered speechless, but his surprise is evident. His grin drops at the sight of you. Before, he had imagined that he should have put on his mask of marble to forbid his eyes from the sight of such a foolish person. But now his frustrations were fueled even more by the undeniable fact that a fool could look like…you. 

“Professor Alvarez said you would be the person to go to regarding any Physics textbooks,” you say, and Ratio comes back to reality as your voice vibrates around the large space. You stand in the wide door frame, hands held together in front of you. 

“Ah,” he chokes out. “Our new professor.” He quickly gets up to walk to the bookshelf behind him to rid the sight of you. His steps are light but eager; however, his back stands straight, and his head is held high. This was it? This was the fool he had read about? What a pity, he thinks as he climbs a few steps up the ladder of the bookshelf. Looks wasted on a simpleton. 

Ratio tries to change the topic of conversation while trying not to show his evident surprise. “Say, what does an astronomer have that warrants the need for physics?” He questions. 

You're quick to answer. “Well, the two are connected, I’m sure you’re aware.” 

He is aware—he’s well aware. But he’s also aware of his unwelcomed knowledge of your hatred for anything purely mathematical in any sense, especially physics, which you loathe the most. He even remembers the page clearly in chapter twenty-six, section fou—but that's beside the point. His ever-growing facts about you are a card he cannot yet play. He has only gazed at you for a mere eight seconds. So for now, he will keep his mouth shut. 

“I am,” he says confidently, a slight hint of offense in his voice. “Professors here, however usually tend to their specific fields rather than branching off.” His fingers trace the spine of the dusty books before carefully selecting one and then another. 

“One of my students is infatuated by the correlation of the two. It’s something that I had no interest in during my years of studying.” The sound of you shuffling your feet bounces off the walls. “I’m forced to learn now I suppose.”

“Whatever for? You’re no physicist,” he scoffs.  His hand lingers around a book as he debates himself in his mind. 

“To answer my students' questions, of course,” you answer without a second thought. 

A genius interested in the pursuit of other’s knowledge. Ratio’s frustrations physically manifest in the form of a silent sigh.  An anomaly you were. An Irritating one at that. 

He picks up the book.  

He doesn’t say anything as he descends the ladder—or when he walks to where you stand with an uninterested look on his face. He simply plops the books in your hands with a quick “Here.” Their weight jolts you down briefly. 

“Some of these are limited or editor's copies.” His eyes meet yours for the first time since you came in. “Do try not to dirty them.”

He turns to walk back to his desk, but the sound of your voice stops him. 

“Which is your favorite?”

Ratio turns to walk back to you as he looks you up and down. His fingers fish between the books in your arms, and he pulls out one. It’s encased in golden leather. He lifts it up to hold it out in front of you. 

Your hand grazes the hardcover. You look at it, eying the author. ‘Professor Emeritus.’ You look up at him with a hint of playfulness in your eyes. It makes him uneasy—like the breath has been sucked out of his lungs. But then you have the nerve to smile at him, and he can feel himself getting hot. 

“Thank you,” you say, and you turn away. 

His mind races. His heart beats a bit faster. It’s only when the click of your heels are out of earshot and when the doctor is trying to recover in his desk chair that he realizes he’s forgotten to tell you when to bring them back. 

“...the only way to transcend the limitations of the individual is to have an academic network of mutual learning.”

- Intelligentsia Guild 

He ignores you. 

That’s not to say he doesn't see you. Of course, he does. How could one not see you? It has turned into a game over the past two weeks. He must spot you first to make sure you do not spot him. 

So he does just that. 

He has no use conversing with a Genius Society member turned idiot. He simply gave you those books to help the students you were teaching, nothing more. 

So he carries on with his usual routine of avoiding you. Until, there’s a pile of books with ribbon wrapped around them at his office door. But there’s only three of them. 

Ratio quickly picks up the stack of books and unlocks his office door. When at his desk, he finally notices the note placed neatly between the book and ribbon.  

Thank you for letting me borrow these. They were very insightful. I have saved your recommendation for last. I will bring it back once I have finished it.  

He examines your handwriting—your signature—and how the way you write your A’s and H’s differ from him. 

As Ratio revels in the fact that you took his word at face value, he examines the books. His fingers caress the covers and flip through the pages.  

You made sure not to dirty them. 

“To grow and excel as a Scholar is to reconsider. A Hypothesis that is drawn due to stubbornness and ignorance is a hypothesis from no mind worth listening to.” 

- Professor Emeritus in “Attentive Beings” 

“Come in,” Ratio replies to the three knocks on his study door. This time, he looks up from his reading as soon as he hears the heels click on the polished wooden floor. 

You smile at him—book held in hand. 

He greets you with another disinterested look as he turns his head back to the papers in front of him. “Did you enjoy it?” 

“I certainly did,” you call out. Although he doesn’t look at you, he can hear you walk slowly around his office. He lets out a sigh as he writes down something. 

But then your heels click too close to the round table by the window in the corner of his study, and his mouth grows dry. He looks up as he watches you eye the books he had left open on the table, and put the book you had borrowed down. Your fingernails graze the papers slowly, and you turn the page. 

“You read about me?”

Ratio’s throat closes up at your question as he scurries to organize the files and loose sheets of paper before him just to occupy his hands. He puts a fist to his lips and clears his throat. “I simply wanted to know more about the new Professor who would teach some of my former students,” he affirms boldly. 

“It’s okay.” your eyes lift up from the pages and turn to him with a smile. “I read about you too.” 

He’s not surprised. He shouldn’t be surprised. Any good scholar would do that. But something stirs inside him still. His stomach flips from…excitement. This odd feeling goes unnoticed by you as the doctor quickly covers himself with his swift response “Is that so?” 

“Mhm,” you hum. You grab the book and slowly make your way closer and closer to his desk—to him. “You’re quite the mathematician,” you smile. “…and philosopher.” 

His arms fold and his eyes trail your figure as you approach. 

“So tell me, after reading this thing.” You hold up the book. “What’s your ‘philosophy’ on me?” 

He sits there in silence looking at you. 

“Please, Doctor,” you smirk. “Tell us your verdict on the new professor.” 

He’s still hesitant. But the look you give him is like fire on his skin, and he wants to rid of it. So he speaks. “Fine, if you must know.” He lets out an exasperated sigh. 

“You’re a fool. Through and through.”

“Is that so?”

“The evidence is clear.”

“Do elaborate, Doctor.” 

 He sighs again. What has he gotten himself into? “You’re an astronomer.” 

“That I am,” you smirk. Oh, he hates that smirk of yours. That smile of yours. That face of yours. 

“You’re an astronomer that hates physics.” Ratio stand subtly and makes his was round his desk to you. “Quite absurd actually.” He crosses his arms and you shift your body to look him in the eye. “You have no interest in anything mathematical when math is the foundation of all that ever was and will ever be.” 

“Mhmm.” And there’s that smirk again as you look up at him. 

“You’ve done mounds of research, and any organization would want you.” His voice is booming and stern as if he were lecturing one of his students. “Yet, you pick the IPC of all things to give your work to.” 

You're a star, you blaze. Yet you choose to be mediocre like him. It's infuriating.

You nod, and he takes a step closer to you. His brows furrow in frustration, and his finger points down at you. 

“And the cherry on top is that you’ve chosen to stray from the Erudition and-“

“Leave the genius Society,” you finish. 

Your voice strikes him. He flinches backward and his back stiffens. You’re toying with him. He wonders if it is something he’s opposed to. 

“Is that why you dislike me, Veritas?”

He’s opposed to it, he concludes. He steps back, and his arms go to his chest once more. “Dislike?” He lets out an exclaimed scoff. “I barely know you, Professor.” He lets the last word roll off his tongue like an insult. 

You hold up the book in your hands and read the title to yourself. ‘Exploring the Starlit Genius’ 

“Barely?” You ask. 

“Nonsense,” is all he can claim as he returns to his desk. 

You lean over it, your spread out hands creating a mess of his once neatly placed papers. “You make a conscious effort not to meet my eyes around here.”

Ever the observant one you were. But he denies it. “Our paths must have never crossed,” he explains. 

You tilt your head with a knowing look as you cross your arms. “Don’t lie Veritas.” 

A shiver goes down his spine. He doesn’t know if it's because it’s the first time he’s ever been called a liar or because you’ve just said his first name. It’s been a while since someone called him something other than “Doctor” or “Professor.” At least that's the quick excuse he can come up with on the spot to ease his jittery mind. 

He’s caught. He’s finally caught. So he defends his hypothesis. 

“I don’t like fools,” he states matter-a-factly. “I tend to stay away from them.” 

“But not from me?” 

Oh your tongue is clever. Not as clever as his, he reassures himself. 

“You seem to know a lot about me.” 

He’s red. He knows it. But he cant seem to find something to throw back at you. His quick wit is anywhere but in the present. 

“Is it because deep down you know I’m right?” Your face softens. 

He stays silent. 

“Out of all the literature about me, you’ve chosen that which  is not written by me.” You run your hands across the book's cover and place it neatly before him. “You’ve been reading the books with my name on them but have never picked up the ones that I myself created. Why is that?” You smile, but your face shows genuine perplexity. 

If he has an answer, he doesn’t tell you. He keeps it to himself. However, the question he asks in response is an answer in itself.

“Why did you leave?” His voice is low—broken even. 

Your smile turns into an expression filled with a touch of sadness. “You ask questions you know the answer to?”

“Don't you dare mock me,” he snaps.

“What else are fools good for?”

He’s silent as his lips purse in anger. There are a few beats before he responds. “Teaching.”

Your face lightens in surprise, and your original charming smile returns. 

He wants to know. He yearns to know. But when you finally give him his answer, he knows it will burn like fire. He’ll finally have a reason why the thing he fought so much for was not all it was chopped up to be. The younger years of his life–wasted to appease THEM—all for nothing. Although he had reached a place of contentment, there was a little boy still in him who wanted to keep his former fantasy alive. 

“The Erudition is something that consumes people as do all Aeons. You know this, right Professor?” 

What you say is common sense. He gives you no answer or satisfaction. But he continues to listen attentively. 

“All intelligent minds are selfish to some extent. The genius society is filled with people who will pursue knowledge regardless of the people hurt. This includes themselves.In order to be a person of pure logic—a genius…” You pause for a second. “…you must lack empathy to some extent.”

You turn to meet him, and he swears he’s never seen any eyes more beautiful and full of honesty than yours. “And I have too much.”

And then, at your words, something clicks in his brain. 

Another smile takes over your lips as you face your body towards him. “And I believe you have more than you let on, Doctor.”

He’s in silence. 

He says nothing because he can’t say something. 

You walk around to the other side of his desk where he sits. His eyes follow your ever move while you do so. Your hand unlocks the clasp of your satchel and disappears inside. When it comes out, a book appears before him. 

He takes it in his hands tenderly and then looks at the title. ‘Philosophy of the Stars,’ he reads to himself. Then his eyes wander to the bottom of the cover, and there’s your name printed in gold. He looks up at you expectantly. 

Of course, when his eyes land on your face, your expression is full of glee. “If you wish to learn more about me, I hope you’ll do so through a book with all of my own words.”

You say nothing more as you turn on your heels and leave his office. Leaving Ratio with a feeling of shock and emptiness. 

His hand comes up to his face, and he lets out a breath he didn’t know he was holding. He sits there in silence and realizes…

You are none of what he had made you out to be…

Not a fool. Not an idiot. Not a genius. 

But a kind soul. 

He realizes that he was good enough. That he was not a fool either. Just a young boy who cared. 

His eyes linger on the book you left him— the book that his hands refuse to put down. He opens it to the very first page, and he finds your writing in it and a note that slips out on his lap. 

For the mediocre Dr. Veritas Ratio. 

Your name is signed as elegantly as before. He puts down the book on his desk and picks up the folded note on his lap. 

Feel free to dirty this. But keep it clean if you wish to auction it. It will be worth more with both our names on it, so don’t undersell. It is yours to do with as you please.   

One thing Veritas knows for sure is that this book won’t leave his possession in all his years to come. 

“THEIR silence was deafening.”

- Genius Society–Erudition, Astral Express Data Bank

Dr. Ratio is sharp, precise, and calculated. He considers himself to be all those things; he is a needle. 

But if Dr. Veritas Ratio is a needle, then you are a pin.