Lin

Albedo himself feels there is something missing where his heart should be, a gaping hole of love with nowhere to go, his tears have been shed, and all that sits is your laugh, your smile, and the little ways you showed him how to live and breathe.

Who will swoon at his wit? Who will admire his work while asking a variety of questions that sometimes has even him stumped for an answer. You brought even more light to his world and suddenly—you're gone. His world dimmer and numb as he continues his work. Is it defying fate and the gods of Teyvat themselves if he wishes to bring you back?

Wanderer

How much sorrow could a puppet take? He has taken countless titles and names but being yours was the sweetest thing he'd been called. He usually detests sweets but you wormed your way in either way. Scara could only laugh in bitter sorrow, had he not learnt? How fragile and easy human life is to take? He should've protected you, he should've been fast enough, you shouldn't have been the one to die.

It should've been him instead—now he'll never hear your annoying voice in his ear telling him about your day, he'll never gaze over you—amused, whenever you ate something too sour, worst of all he'll have to live his life without you.

He knew with his lifespan that would've eventually happened but you still had years to be by each other's side. He thought he'd see you grow older, wiser, and still the most beautiful person he's ever loved. But fate is cruel and the gods have taken you from him leaving him in a state of numbness. Sometimes in the dead of night he calls out your name. Even though he knows you're not there to answer with his name on your lips.

He knows Lesser Lord Kusanali and Durin are worried but whenever his eyes close—he swears he can still feel you.

Kaeya

The Calvary captain has certainly had his fill at both Angel share and The Cat's Tail. He wobbles up to his usual seat by the bar expecting Charles but was unfortunately met with the pitying gaze of his older brother—Diluc. He dodges his look, he can't stand letting his brother see him in this sorry state. You've been gone for a few days—heh it wasn't a hard mission surely?

Then why did you come back cold? Was it him? His vision did lose control the moment he saw you. Nothing mattered except you, he remembers begging Barbara, Jean, Varka to do something—anything to bring you back to him.

The sinner himself even prayed to Barbatos himself to help him just this once to save you. Yet, he never answered and you were already buried with all the memories you two shared. Now all Kaeya has done is work, work, and work—recklessly throwing himself in work and alcohol. If he didn't he'd be restless. Kaeya sees his brother soften as he slides him a cool glass of water instead, he doesn't realize it himself but Kaeya was crying staring at the table.

He misses your voice, your anger, your frustrations, and your joy. He misses it all and wished he could keep you company just once more to see you.

Varka

Few have seen the grandmaster of the Knights of Favonius so downtrodden and silent. His usually boisterous laughter dimmed into a polite chuckle when the Knights tried to lift the master's spirits but even they can feel the lost of you. After all, the grandmaster always bragged about you, spoke about your achievements, and how lovely you were to him. He laughed loudly when the Knights complained about how much he kept taking about you.

Though, seeing him now was unnerving. He didn't run away from paperwork and did his duties to the letter. He went around Mondstadt but not with the same fearless bravado and charm.

On some nights, some could hear sobs coming from his office. Other nights, his broken laughter could be heard along a chorus of calling your name. Most likely looking through your photographs. The grandmaster doesn't waver much in his duties but there's always this air of melancholy in his words, his smile, and his actions. He mustn't break down. For you and for Mondstadt. 

Easier said than done honestly, he thinks to himself sitting by your gravestone with a bottle of wine and memories shared between you. The good, the bad, and everything in between. You were both supposed to live till you were wrinkly old people loving each other till your dying breath. Varka chuckles lovingly defeated as he pours you both a drink. To us.

Lohen

The peculiar vice captain of the fifth company had always been a mystery to most. He was thrilled in battle and moved as if he was the arrow itself—cold, sharp, and precise. So, it was terrifying seeing him sluggish a moment then switching up to his usual demeanor once there was an audience. Though only few could see the change in him—it wasn't unexpected when his reason to live each day the best he could passed away just a mere two weeks ago.

Lohen, pierced through the monsters like a bullet using his bow when it called for it while dealing the finishing blow with his pole arm. Hes been like this for a while, spacing out after every kill like he sees you off in the distance—waiting to treat his wounds if there were any. Sometimes he did it on purpose just to see you fret over him.If he were a regular knight that would've been an issue but even as the massive axe comes for him—he dodges like he expected it taking the metachurl down in under a minute.

After every battle, his eyes still search for you and when he doesn't see you a maniacal bitter laugh erupts as he walks away waving off people's mixed reactions of confusion, pity, and understanding. You held his heart, his name on your lips, and the smile on his. He doesn't know how long till the numbness reaches his soul without you as he walks off to visit your grave again tonight.

Baizhu

Immortality could have saved the both of you. He wouldn't have to loose you if you were immortal, wouldn't he? Baizhu muses to himself behind the counter of the Bubu Pharmacy where he continued the business. He didn't want to remain idle not when that idleness cost him you. 

He wishes he was stronger and more capable. Maybe then—you wouldn't have slipped from his fingers right into to deaths cold hard embrace.

He's spent days crying at night just wishing you were beside him, waiting for him, and just talking to him about nothing and anything in between. It's within those moments that Changseng becomes quiet looking at Baizhu breaking down at night while at day he remains composed and at the point of acceptance like he wasn't begging and clawing for the gods to bring you back to him while he coughs and sobs gripping your side of the bed—it still smelt like you and that brought forth another round of tears of both comfort and yearning.

To hold you again, to see you achieve your wildest dreams, and to be you. Just you. Qiqi sometimes remembers and asks Baizhu where you were and each time he patted her head gently, eyes softening, smile soft yet heavy as he answers, “Just on a trip.” And each time he wishes it were true.

a/n: written before Lohen release so might be a bit ooc

Riddle Rosehearts

it happens so casually that riddle almost doesn't process it at first. you're talking to him like usual, nothing out of place, until you drop a light, absentminded "thanks, buddy" at the end of a sentence. he pauses. just slightly. it's small enough that someone else might miss it, but you don't. his expression tightens in that thoughtful way he gets when something does not align properly. "...buddy?" he repeats, slower, like he's testing the word for errors. there is nothing technically wrong with it, and yet it feels completely incorrect in context. he watches you a little more closely after that, trying to determine if it was intentional. when you do it again, maybe with a "you're really helpful, pal," he sets his book down with a quiet but deliberate motion. "...i fail to see how those terms are appropriate in this context, my love" he says, tone controlled but clearly bothered. it's not anger, not quite, but something closer to discomfort at being... reclassified. what gives him away most is the way he lingers near you afterward, like he is subtly trying to correct the distance you just created without outright saying it. when you explain it was just a trend, and he exhales sharply, clearly relieved but trying to hide it behind a huff. "that was a highly unnecessary experiment." he says, though he stays a little closer to you than before.

Leona Kingscholar

leona reacts slower, mostly because he assumes you're joking at first. when you call him "pal" he barely even opens his eyes, just grunts like he can't be bothered. but then you do it again. and again. that's when he actually looks at you properly, one eye opening with clear suspicion. "...the hell was that?" he mutters, voice low, more confused than annoyed. he studies you for a second, like he's trying to figure out if you're messing with him on purpose. when it clicks that you probably are, he lets out a quiet huff. "you tryin' ta start somethin' babe?" there's no real anger, but there's a shift in how he carries himself, more attentive now, more focused on you. if you keep going, he gets a little more direct about it, tugging you closer with minimal effort. "i'm not your 'buddy,'" he says flatly, like it should be obvious. the way he doesn't let you drift too far after thqt says more than the words. after you admit it was a prank, and he just gives you a long, unimpressed look before scoffing. "you're lucky i didn't actually care," he mutters, even though he pulls you closer right after.

Azul Ashengrotto

azul notices immediately. of course he does. the first "pal" is enough to make his expression flicker for just a second before he smooths it over. "how... informal, my love." he says, tone light but clearly measured. he does not confront it right away, instead observing, waiting to see if it's a one-time slip or something intentional. when you repeat it, he adjusts his glasses, gaze sharpening just slightly. "...i was under the impression our relationship operated on more... specific terms, hm?" he says carefully. there's something almost analytical in the way he approaches it, like he'd trying to understand the motive behind the shift rather than just reacting emotionally. but the longer it continues, the more it starts to bother him in a way he cannot quite hide. it's not just the word, it's what it implies—a distancing, a redefinition he did not agree to. eventually, he leans in just slightly, voice quieter. "if this is some sort of joke, i would appreciate being informed," he says, and there is a hint of something more genuine underneath the composure. once you explain, he adjusts his glasses with a small sigh, composure slipping for just a second. "i would prefer you not test our relationship stability for entertainment." he says, though there's clear relief in his tone.

Jamil Viper

jamil notices immediately, but unlike some of the others, he does not react outwardly right away. when you call him "buddy," he just gives you a look—brief, sharp, assessing. "...that's new," he says, tone neutral. he does not question it directly at first, choosing instead to observe, to see if it's intentional. when you repeat it, his patience thins just slightly. "if you're trying to make a point, you might as well say it directly," he says, more blunt this time. he doesn't like indirect changes like that, especially when it involves something as specific as how you address him. there's a quiet tension in the way he interacts with you afterward, like he's waiting for you to clarify. if you keep going, he eventually steps in, more direct now. "i'm not just your 'pal.' i'm your boyfriend." he says, low and firm, not angry, but not amused either. he wants clarity, and he is not going to let it slide without getting it. you admit it was a prank, and jamil gives you a flat look before exhaling quietly. "next time, choose something less ambiguous." he says, though the tension in his posture finally eases.

Kalim Al-Asim

kalim does not get it at first. when you call him "buddy," he just smiles like you said something nice. "yeah! i'm your buddy!" he says, completely unbothered, even a little happy about it. but then you keep doing it. and slowly, very slowly, something shifts. he pauses a little longer before responding, smile still there but softer, more uncertain. "...wait," he says eventually, tilting his head. "aren't i... more than that?" there is no accusation in it, just genuine confusion. he doesn't get upset, but he does start sticking closer to you, more affectionate than usual without realizing it, like he's trying to naturally re-establish what he thinks is already there. if you call him "pal" again, he laughs, but there is a small, quiet "hey..." under it, like he's not entirely convinced anymore. when you tell him it was a joke, he immediately brightens, laughing in relief. "oh! okay, good!! i thought i did something wrong, aha!" he admits, hugging you a little tighter than usual.

Vil Schoenheit

vil notices instantly, and unlike some of the others, he does not let it slide even once. the moment you call him "buddy," his expression sharpens, gaze narrowing ever so slightly. "...excuse me?" he says, voice calm but edged. he doesn't raise his voice, doesn't overreact, but the disapproval is immediate and clear. he studies you like you have just done something deeply out of place. when you repeat it, he exhales slowly, clearly unimpressed. "if you are attempting humor, it is not landing, sweet potato." he says flatly. to him, it's not just strange, it's a downgrade in tone, a shift that does not match the relationship he expects. he doesn't tolerate it for long, stepping closer, reclaiming the space with quiet confidence. "i am not your 'pal' i am your boyfriend. your significant other. nothing less." he corrects, voice firm but not harsh. there's a certain finality to it, like he has already decided this trend is not continuing. after hearing it was a prank, he looks at you with clear disapproval before sighing. "do not involve me in such tasteless trends again." he says, though he smooths your hair back into place right after.

Idia Shroud

idia short-circuits. completely. the moment you call him "buddy," he freezes mid-sentence, staring at you like you just triggered a secret bad ending or something. "..huh?" he says, very eloquently. at first, he assumes he misheard. then you do it again, and now he is spiraling. "wait, wait, what does that mean? did i miss a relationship flag?? are we like... downgraded?? d—did i pick the wrong romance route?!" he is overthinking immediately, trying to backtrack every interaction to figure out what caused this shift. it doesn't help that he already struggles with confidence, so this hits way harder than it should. he gets visibly more awkward, more unsure, hovering between asking directly and pretending it is fine. eventually, he just blurts it out. "i’m not just your buddy, right??" and the fact that he asks it so bluntly makes it very clear how much it got to him. you explain, and he just collapses back in his chair, groaning. "that was psychological damage for no reason! don't do that to me babe...!" he mutters, still visibly flustered but clearly relieved.

Malleus Draconia

your head hit the soft grass below and you involuntarily let out a little groan. "leona, that's not very n-"

"you're one to talk." he hissed out, nuzzling his face into your neck and deeply inhaling your scent. "where the hell did you go off to, huh?"

"it's a long story..." you laughed nervously, wrapping an arm around him as if it were second nature. it practically is, at this point.

"wouldn't be you if you weren't bein' cryptic all the time, huh." leona grumbled. he closed his eyes, reveling in the feeling of having you in his arms once more.

when you were gone, so was any semblance of leona's good mood. ruggie went from annoyed at being unable to """borrow""" leona's money to being genuinely concerned, that's just how bad it got. he even lost the will to show up to spelldrive practice for a while and only started showing up again after lots of pestering from epel and the other members. and even then he only put in the bare minimum of effort.

hell, he even lost the ability to sleep well. he couldn't even run into his dreams to forget about you.

life just... stopped being invigorating after you were gone. leona hadn't even realised how much light you brought into his world until you were gone. and he'd be damned if he ever let you get away again.

"leona?" you asked, but got no reply.

"...leona?" you asked again, feeling uncomfortable by being crushed under him while laying on grass. but even when you poked him, he didn't budge.

then you heard a slight snore, and your facial features softened. you missed this. "missed you... don't leave... again, got it?" he mumbled sleepily.

"i'll try, but no promises." you whispered.

this is the first time in months he's fallen asleep within 3 seconds.

malleus draconia ⋅˚₊‧

"wooow, it sure is stormy." you commented upon entering the diasomnia dorm. every student you passed by stared at you wide-eyed but you simply ignored them, humming to yourself as you made your way to your boyfriend's room.

"is anyone home?" you asked in a singsong voice, knocking on the door rhythmically.

for a few seconds, all you could hear was silence.

after that, the door was swiftly swung open and you found yourself staring at a pair of crazed green eyes. a very very familiar pair of crazed green eyes.

"beloved," malleus sighed out. he couldn't believe his eyes.

"hiya, malleus." you gave him a quick hug and then just walked right on by him. "oooh, you've framed my photo." you say, looking up at the selfie you took with malleus that's hanging on his wall in a slightly misfitting luxurious frame gilded in silver.

you felt a pair of hands wrap themselves around you from behind.

"...you have returned. you really have returned." he let his chin rest in the crook of your neck, his horn awkwardly bumping against the side of your head in the process.

"yeah! but did you really have to pick that picture to frame?" you thought of that photo as slightly embarrassing since you had ice cream smeared all over your face in it.

"it was one of the happiest moments of my li... must we speak of such trivialities now?" he slid a hand up your side. he felt joyful for the first time in forever (a little dramatic considering his lifespan), and talking about the picture he had framed didn't sit right with him.

he needed to bask in the happiness of you being at arm's reach again. he felt like crying.

while you were gone, he would spend upwards of hours just staring at that photo longingly. you were the first person in this school to invite him, well, anywhere. to your birthday, to hang out, into your heart...

and losing you... it hit hard. no matter how many times lilia or any of the others tried to cheer him up, he was seemingly inconsolable. sam made bank selling umbrellas because it was raining practically ALL THE TIME.

he couldn't bring himself to visit your dorm anymore, even if he should've been overjoyed that it's abandoned again. even staring at your joyful smile in the picture made him want to strike something with lightning, angry at the unfairness of you being taken away from him.

"look at me, dear." he nearly begged. he needed to look you in the eyes again.

you turned around, smiling up at him. you missed that face.

for the next hour or so, he made you look into his eyes and would get very fussy if you dared to look away. that was the first time in months that the weather was sunny at NRC.

.

𝐕𝐈𝐋 𝐒𝐂𝐇𝐎𝐄𝐍𝐇𝐄𝐈𝐓 ✉︎

HE LOST COUNT WHEN SEEING YOU SLIDE THE FIFTY TOWARDS HIM. vil pauses, completely composed but there is a glint of confusion on his face.

he looks up at you and blinks once, eyes sharp and posture straight.

"my dear, what are you doing?"

you explain, in the sweetest tone, how you wanted to help him pay the bill.

he doesn't even let you finish, already sliding the bill back at you──shaking his head sternly.

"oh, nono please, put that away."

you forcefully pull the cash back towards you, blinking up at him as he finishes collecting the cash and placing it on the bill given.

"generosity is admirable, but let me treat my beloved whenever i please~ you deserve to be spoiled, and i intend on fulfilling it."

𝐀𝐙𝐔𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐄𝐍𝐆𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐓𝐎 ✉︎

HE DOESN'T EVEN LOOK UP AT YOU, azul just flicks the bill back toward you and you slide it back.

a smile forces its way to your lips when he finally grabs the bill and twiddles it between his index and middle finger.

"my pearl, are you trying to make me laugh?"

his eyes are narrowed, posture confident and a sly smirk on his face. you say you wanted to help pay the bill, and he chuckles.

his polite laughs just sounds like money is raining before him, and he slides the bill back in your direction on the table and pays for the dinner from his card.

he'll take your hand and kiss your skin gently, eyes glaring behind his glasses as he smiles fondly.

"what a lovely gesture, my dear, but you need not worry about money as long as im with you~"

𝐈𝐃𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐇𝐑𝐎𝐔𝐃 ✉︎

HE'S ALREADY HUNCHED OVER AT THE TABLE, hair styled to show his face, suit ironed and fitted, poking at his food unable to make eye contact with anyone other then you─he even had a hard time ordering his plate.

he's already awkward as is, so when idia sees you slide over a fifty he immediately flinched.

what are you doing? why are you handing him a fifty? do you think he's broke?

he blinks once and immediately drops his fork with a clank. "wh―what are you doing ?..." you explained softly, smiling so much he can feel it in his soul.

idia shook his head, immediately wiping out his wallet and fumbles for his cash while panic explaining, "but―but i asked you out, you can't pay ! this isn't how it was supposed to go, put that away and just let me pay... please?"

at the end of it, he ends up paying and secretly sliding a few extra hundreds in your purse when you excuse yourself to go to the bathroom―never will he let his woman pay for a meal.

𝐌𝐀𝐋𝐋𝐄𝐔𝐒 𝐃𝐑𝐀𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐈𝐀 ✉︎

WHEN YOU SLIDE THE FIFTY ACROSS THE TABLE CLOTH, malleus doesn't even bat an eye. he simply watches you retract your hand and smiling sweetly up at him.

"...what gesture is this?" he asks, curious as a child, tilting his head while he already planned to pay ahead.

you say you wanted to help with the bill, and malleus smiled. he's not offended, but more amused.

"your offering?"

little do you know, malleus already has the cash ready to hand over to the waiter.

as you nod your head, malleus already took the bills from his wallet and placed it into the billfold, taking another hundred and hands it to you back with the fifty.

"don't make me laugh, my love. it's said the man pays for the woman, yes? as future king and queen of briar valley, please, take the money, you deserve all the wealth in the world~"

𝐊𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐌 𝐀𝐋 𝐀𝐒𝐈𝐌 ✉︎

HE'S EXPECTING TO PAY FOR THE BILL, kalim doesn't register the fact you slide a fifty forward until he finally looks down.

he was mid-ramble, saying how good the food was―jamil having to be convinced multiple times─when he cuts himself off at the sight of your money.

he blinks, eventually understanding your intentions.

kalim gasps slightly, shakes his head and immediately pushes the cash back to you. "oh, no baby, you don't have to do that! it's my treat, don't worry!"

no matter how hard you try and say otherwise, kalim ends up paying for your meal and even sends you an extra two hundred for shopping<3

"let me treat you, okay? you deserve all the riches in the world ! besides, my mother wants you to shop at this store, she says you'll look beautiful in their clothes!"

“You— How dare you! Is this the thanks I get for rescuing you from sleeping on a bench while blackout drunk!?”

“I didn’t ask for your help. I would’ve been fine on that bench. Get off my case.” Apparently, alcohol turns you into Leona. 

“It’s going to rain in half an hour! You would have caught a cold without my help, you idiot.” He tosses his blanket over you and leaves you to groan in nausea for a while as he tries to get some studying done. He can’t focus, too pissed off by how rude and ungrateful you are. 

When it’s time for him to sleep, he realizes the issue with his plan; he has a drunk girl in his bed. He can’t make you sleep on the couch in the dorm lounge where anyone can get their hands on you, so he’ll have to take the couch for himself. “And after all I sacrifice for you, you still won’t thank me…”

“Where do ya think yer goin’,” you slur. “Get over here. Ya know how alcohol does that thing.”

“What thing?”

“The thing where it lowers yer body tempera…. Tempa… Heat.” 

“You have a perfectly good blanket to keep you warm. Get some rest, before you say something that really angers me.”

“I knew it. I’m nothing but a burden to you,” you bitterly scoff. “You never want anything to do with me. You won’t even give me the time of day unless I’m causing you some kinda problem.” You bury your head in his pillow.

“Y/n… We had dinner together last night,” he sighs. “I don’t know where you’re getting this idea that I won’t spend time with you.” You don’t respond, keeping your back to him. He walks over and sits beside you, somehow feeling bad for a fantasy your intoxicated brain created on its own. He squeezes your shoulder. “I’m sorry if you feel I don’t give you the attention you deserve.”

You place your hand over his. “Then, stay with me. Let me pretend that you love me as much as I love you, even if I won’t remember it tomorrow,” you plead. 

“WHAT!?” He pulls his hand away from you so fast that he almost falls off his bed. You whine at the loss of contact, then quickly fall asleep. “Y/n! Wake up at once!” No matter how hard he shakes you, you don’t budge. “Why would you say something like that if you were just going to fall asleep!?”

Your hand reaches for his and grabs it. He buries his red face in his free hand. Your grip is too hard for him to escape. He resigns himself to sleeping next to your drunk self, though his elevated heart rate makes sleep difficult for him. 

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR

Leona thought inviting you over for a few glasses of brandy would get his mind off his troubles. Looking at your slumped body curled up on the floor, he realizes how wrong he was. Since when did you get so depressed when drunk? Usually, he can look forward to watching you make a fool of yourself when you’ve had one too many. 

“Y/n, get up. This is pathetic.” He hooks his hands under your armpits and tosses you onto his bed. You fall into the mattress like a big sack of potatoes. 

“Like you even care,” you grumble. 

“I care if you spend all night moping on my floor and makin’ it impossible for me to sleep,” he gripes. “You can stay in my bed, but I’m sleeping there too, so you better not kick me in your sleep.”

“No. I can’t stand another second with you. ‘M goin’ home.” Missing the subtle look of hurt on Leona’s face, you stumble to your feet and lurch towards the door. You don’t get far before he grabs you by the waist and drops you back in bed.

“You’re not goin’ out in your state.” He pulls the blanket over you and tucks it into the mattress so tight that you can’t get out. “What’s got you so pissed at me? Usually, I can’t get rid of your annoying ass.”

“That’s the problem right there, Leona. Always stringin’ me along, saying you want me to leave you alone and then inviting me over at night.” Your voice slowly goes up in volume. “Tell me right now; do you have feelings for me or not? Be blunt so I can stop loving you right now if it’s hopeless!” You end with a scream. 

“This… Isn’t funny, Y/n. Don’t joke about things like that.” It has to be a joke, because there’s no way he would believe you just said that.

“Do I look like I’m fucking joking…” With that, you pass out, anger painted on your unconscious face. 

“Oi, don’t fall asleep on me like that!” He’s unable to shake you awake, the only response he gets from you being an annoyed grunt. He scoffs and turns away from you, trying his hardest to sleep. Your words run through his head on repeat. There’s no way you love him. It was a cruel joke. 

He keeps looking over his shoulder at you until he can’t take it anymore and flips to face you. His hand reaches for your face. If you hadn’t stressed him out so much with your ridiculous confession, he would find your furrowed eyebrows funny. His fingers barely brush your cheek before he pulls them back. 

“Y/n… I’ll never let you forget that you ruined my sleep. You better spend the rest of your life trying to make it up to me.” He gazes at you through the night, counting the minutes until you wake up so he can give you a serious talking to. 

AZUL ASHENGROTTO

Watching you stare at the coral in Octavinelle’s aquarium is endearing enough to make Azul actually take a break from his work. You look like a mindless fish with nothing behind your eyes. It’s kind of cute, if not a little concerning. You stare for a really long time. He should probably make sure you’re okay. 

“Y/n, do you need help?” He puts a hand on your shoulder. You turn to look at him with dead eyes. 

“I’m good.” Is that vodka he smells on your breath? So, you drank too much and wandered into his restaurant, didn’t you? He thought he might be able to offer you some assistance if you were troubled, but a contract made with someone not in their right mind would be null and void. Plus, he genuinely doesn’t want anything bad to happen to you. 

“My, Y/n, what is it that made you drink yourself into a trance? I’ll take you to my room, where you can stay for the night. When you sober up, we can discuss anything that might be bothering you.” 

“‘Kay.” You let him take your hand and lead you to his room, where he gently lays you down in bed. He goes as far as fluffing up a pillow for you. “How much do I owe you for this? Don’t try asking for anything physical.” His breath catches in his throat. 

“Y/n! I would never ask something like that of you!” He sputters. Clearing his throat, he gets back to fussing over you to distract himself from your comment. “If anything, the best way to repay me is to never do this again.”

“Right. I shouldn’t have assumed you would even want that. Why would you even look at a girl like me?” You sigh. He can’t distract himself from this one. 

“Where is this coming from, Y/n!? I don’t understand!”

“Why did I have to fall in love with an octopus who doesn’t return my feelings…” You mumble, drifting off on Azul’s perfectly fluffed pillow. 

“This is… Not good.” He’s too scared to try waking you up. Instead, he paces around the room, biting his nails, rubbing his temples, smoothing his hair back, anything that can help him stay calm while he takes stock of the situation. You’re passed out drunk, in his bed, with a confession of love heavy in the air. 

Grabbing a spare blanket and pillow, Azul gets as comfortable as he can on the floor. He doesn’t want you to wake up next to him and have you feel like he violated your trust. In the quiet of night, he can hear your peaceful breathing. 

“Y/n, how will I ever begin to tell you what I want to say? What I’ve wanted to tell you for so long?” Azul laments. “This is such an undignified start to our story, my dearest Y/n.” Azul knows he has a silver tongue. When morning comes, he’ll figure out what to say to you. 

JAMIL VIPER

The last thing Jamil wants to deal with after a long day is a drunk woman lying under his desk. Still, seeing your face smushed into one of his floor pillows is pretty amusing, so he might be able to let it slide this time. His footsteps fall closer and closer to your head until you finally look up, greeted by sandal-clad feet.

“Toes.” That’s all you have to say. The childlike simplicity of it earns you a fond chuckle from him. 

“You reek of gin, Y/n. I know a meal that will sober you up quick, but if you want me to make it when I’m off the clock, you’ll need to compensate me.” His attempt to get a favor out of you doesn’t work. Everything he says is in one ear and out the other for you. You simply reach out your hand and pinch his big toe. 

“Life’s a party. You’re a boy. Get turnt with me.” You magically produce a single shot bottle of gin and place it atop his foot. 

“Fine, one won’t hurt.” He bends down and takes the bottle, popping the top and downing it in one go. The bitter taste makes him cringe, but it leaves him feeling a little more relaxed than usual. 

“Shots, shots, shots!” You chant. You drop a few more tiny bottles on his foot. 

“No. Somebody needs to be clearheaded. I indulged you with one. Now, get in bed.” He drags you into his bed.

“Now it’s a party! C’mere, Jamil.” You try to tug him in with you. “Let’s make tonight real… real fun…”

“You’re even more wasted than I thought. I’ll make you that meal after all.” He tries to leave, but you grab his wrist. 

“No. I was jokin’. Stay with me…” You beg. 

“Okay. I’ll stay here until you feel better, but if this happens again, you owe me.” He crawls in next to you, staying close to the edge of the bed. You refuse to be so far from him and drape your limbs over his body like a sloth. 

“In another life, Jamil…” You mumble. 

“In another life what?” He asks. 

“I wouldn’t have to hide my love for you. You wouldn’t be so busy and we could be together. But I know you can never be with me in this life, so I’ll never tell you my feelings.” You fall asleep against his chest. Instant torrents of sweat pour down his forehead. 

“You just told me, dumbass!” He shrieks. You sleep right through the loud noise. He takes another shot of gin after all. It’s the only way to calm his heart enough to prevent a medical emergency. In his rapidly beating heart, he knows you’re right that you can’t be together, which leaves him with the terrible task of letting you know what you said in the morning. In this brief moment, he’ll savor the warmth of your body against his while he still can. 

VIL SCHOENHEIT

“Oh dear, this is not a good look on you.” Vil clicks his tongue in disapproval. He keeps trying to get you to lie down in his bed, but you keep popping back up, trying to convince him to go out on the town. 

“C’moooonn, let’s go to karaoke! It’s still early!”

“It is 11 PM on a Wednesday. You will go to bed, Y/n.” It’s bad enough that you’re ruining your skin by drinking. There’s no way he’s going to let you lose a night’s sleep on top of that. 

“But I feel so—” You cut yourself off with a gag.

“Okay, that’s enough.” Vil leads you to the nearest garbage can, one outside of his room so he won’t have to be the one to clean it. He pats your back while you lean over the trash can, keeping you there until you’re both absolutely sure that your stomach is empty. 

“I just wanted to hang out with you tonight,” you whine. 

“Lucky you, you have my full attention.” He drags you to the bathroom and cleans you up, making you brush your teeth. “I’ll have to use my best moisturizer on you.” He pulls out a small glass skincare container. “This is what I use in the worst skin emergencies.” You lean into his touch as he rubs the cream into your cheeks. 

“Sorry I’m being such a fuck up,” you say. 

“Hey, don’t use such ugly language,” he scolds. “It’s okay to have an off night, but learn from this and don’t do it again.”

“Okay. Thanks for taking care of me. Next time, you can get sloppy drunk so I can take care of you,” you offer. 

“That won’t be necessary. I would never let myself get to this state.” You’re taken back to his room, where you obediently settle into his bed. He wraps your hair in a silk headband and turns on a small aromatherapy machine. 

“Oh, Vil. You’re so good to me, yet make it so hard,” you sigh. 

“You made it hard for yourself. Drinking that much would be hard on anyone’s body.”

“No… I mean, you make it hard to accept that you can’t love me. I know you can have anyone you want, but I wish it was me…” He almost drops the aromatherapy machine when you say that. “I wish you loved me like I love you.”

“Y/n, I— No, you can’t fall asleep now!” Your soft breathing tells him he’s going to be stuck on your words until morning. He can’t wake you up after lecturing you about getting a full night’s sleep. “This is so unfair!”

He paces around the room for a few minutes, trying to calm himself before he accepts that he needs to sleep, too. He gets in bed next to you, wanting to pull you close but knowing he can’t until the two of you talk about what you said. He just hopes he won’t have bags under his eyes in the morning. 

IDIA SHROUD

Idia almost doesn’t let you in when you show up drunk at his door. You look horrible, leaning on the doorframe with a half empty bottle of whiskey hanging from your hand. You look pissed at him. He doesn’t remember doing anything that could have upset you. “Y-Y/n-shi, why are you here!?”

“You… I got shit I gotta say to you. And you’re—” You jab him in the chest. “—gonna listen to me.” Too afraid of what you’ll say to him if he tries to keep you out, he steps aside and lets you in. You flop on his bed and take another hit from the bottle. 

“Uh, you shouldn’t drink so much. Y-you might say something weird.” The list of possible things you might have to say to him runs through his head. This must be it, the moment you finally tell him you’re tired of wasting time with a gloomy shut in like him and that he shouldn’t talk to you ever again. He sits in his gaming chair, bracing himself for the ultimate hit to his heart you’re sure to deliver. 

“I can handle my liquor,” you grunt. You obviously can’t, considering how messed up your hair and clothes are. “This is important. Don’t lemme catch you collecting any login bonuses or checking any messages from Crimson Muscle when I’m talkin’.” He nods in agreement. His hands are too sweaty for that stuff, anyway. He would drop his phone if he tried to hold it right now. 

And yet, you allow silence to hang in the air for far too long. You take one more sip from the bottle before screwing the cap on and placing it on Idia’s floor. It falls to its side without breaking. “A-are you gonna say something?” He prods. 

“Right. That’s why I came here.” You stare into his eyes, something sharp in your gaze. “I’m sick of you—”

“I knew it,” he interrupts, dropping his head in his hands. “I won’t bother you anymore. Sorry I ever wasted any of your time. Idk why I thought a girl would be interested in me talking about anime and games all day.”

“What?” His interjection is so ridiculous that it nearly sobers you up. “Lemme finish, weirdo. I’m sick of you actin’ like ya don’t notice my feelings for you.” 

“FEELINGS!?!?” He screams. His hair burns pink, earning a fond smile from you. 

“I love your goofy otaku ass, Idia. But you’re too damn socially inept to…” You pass out mid sentence. In his bed. 

“Love? Love!? LOVE!?!? Y/n-shi, wake up and tell me this is a joke!” He plays a phone alarm right next to your ear. You swat the phone away without waking up. “This isn’t real! I-I’ll just pretend I didn’t hear that. We can go back to normal in the morning, right??” Like many nights, he falls asleep in his gaming chair, only this time it isn’t because he stayed up gaming. There’s no way he can sleep next to his drunk crush, even if she might have just confessed. 

MALLEUS DRACONIA

When Malleus invited you over for a few glasses of wine, he severely underestimated the limits of the human body. Half a bottle of his finest Cabernet has you dancing around his room with zero grace while you babble incoherent nonsense. 

“These curtains are like… Wooow!” You grip the curtains and hang on them. “Are these made of silk or something? This school is nuts!”

“Please be careful. You’re going to tear them down.” Malleus rushes over to you and pries you from his poor shades. They’re terribly crumpled where you manhandled them. “I think it’s time for you to go to bed. You need to sleep off the wine.”

“I’ll only sleep if you stay with me~” You tug him into bed with you.  

“If it stops you from destroying my room, then very well.” Shaking his head, he crawls into bed with you and pulls the covers over you. Your hand suddenly cups his cheek, making his breath hitch. 

“Your face feels warm. Malleus, are you blushing!?” You laugh. “I didn’t know you could do that!”

“D-don’t tease me, Y/n!” Malleus sputters. “This is just… My first time laying with a woman like this…”

“Really? But you’re so old!” Your insult makes him sit up in bed in disbelief.

“I am not old! 178 is young for my people!” He defends, his childish pout making you laugh harder. 

“So old and still embarrassed to be in bed with a girl… Ah, Malleus, you’re so much more adorable than you let on.” You pull him back down, resting his head on your chest. The sound of your heartbeat both calms him down and aggravates his blushing. 

“You’re such a strange creature,” he sighs. “Then again, that must be why I enjoy your company so much, Child of Man,” he chuckles. Your body heat against his cold blooded skin brings him comfort, like a lizard basking on a rock in the sun. 

“Aw, does that mean you love me too? Are we finally a couple? Just kidding, I know that’s only a dream of mine…” You snuggle close to him and drift off, not noticing the increase in his heart rate.

“Say that again. I must have misheard you,” he begs. “Y/n, I need to know what you said!” He tries to gently nudge you awake, but you’re out. “Do you have any idea how cruel it is to leave me with that!?” He’s trapped in your embrace for the night, his neck craning uncomfortably to rest on your collarbone. 

“Love me forever, Malleus…” You unconsciously whisper. He grips your shirt harder than you were gripping his curtains earlier. 

Riddle Rosehearts

Riddle was half asleep, face tucked against your shoulder, one arm draped over your waist.

The moment you carefully slide out from under his arm and swing your legs off the bed, his eyes flutter open. He blinks slowly, hair adorably mussed, looking like a confused strawberry.

“…Where are you going?” His voice is soft and sleepy. He slowly sits up, squinting at you in the dim light. “Did you… have something important to do?”

You hesitate, then nod. “Yeah, just something quick.”

Riddle immediately pushes himself up, already reaching for his robe like a responsible housewarden on duty.

“Then I shall assist you. Two pairs of hands are more efficient. We can finish faster and return to bed.Let me help”

You can’t help but smile as he starts neatly folding the blanket. He’s dead serious about helping with whatever “task” you have so the two of you can get back to cuddling as quickly as possible. When you finally admit you just needed to use the bathroom, his ears turn pink and he mutters something about “next time just say that…” but he still waits patiently outside the door.

Ruggie Bucchi

The second your warmth disappears from his chest, Ruggie lets out a long, dramatic groan into the pillow. His ears twitch, tail thumping in protest.

“Nnngh… why’d you gotta get up? It was perfect. Come baaack…”

You whisper that you’re hungry and going to grab a snack. His head pops up instantly, eyes sparkling with sudden interest.

“For real?” His grin is sleepy but greedy. “Then bring me something too, yeah? There’s snacks in the kitchen… or better!” He points lazily toward the shelf near his bed. “Leona’s credit card is right there. Use it. Get the good stuff. Shishishi, he’ll never notice.”

He flops back down but keeps one arm stretched out toward you like he expects you to return with offerings.

When you come back with snacks for both of you, he immediately pulls you down and hug you again, munching happily while mumbling, “Best cuddle tax ever.”

Azul Ashengrotto

Azul was perfectly comfortable, glasses off, hair slightly tousled, arms wrapped around you like a very clingy octopus. The moment you start to move away he freezes, then slowly opens his eyes and stares at you. He sits up, reaches for his glasses on the nightstand, and puts them on.

“…Why did you suddenly decide to leave?” His voice is calm, but there’s a clear note of betrayal. “We were both perfectly comfortable. Was there some dissatisfaction?”

You smirk and can’t resist teasing“You’re adorable when you’re needy, Azul.”

His face goes from pink to full scarlet. He adjusts his glasses again, looking anywhere but at you.

“I am not needy. This is simply… poor etiquette. If you insist on abandoning me, then please leave my room entirely.”

He’s clearly bluffing. When you laugh and climb back in, he huffs, pulls the blanket over both of you and mutters, “Next time at least give me thirty seconds’ notice before disrupting…”

Jade Leech

Jade had been sound asleep, breathing slow and even, one arm loosely around you. You carefully unwrap yourself from his arms because you’re just thirsty and you need a glass of water. You tiptoe out, get your water, drink it, and turn around, only to find Jade standing silently in the doorway like a polite horror movie ghost. No sound. No warning. Just… there…

You almost drop the glass and have a heart attack. “Jade! Seven, you scared me!”

He tilts his head, smiling that calm, eerie little smile even though his hair is messy from sleep. “Why did you leave the bed, my dear? Was something wrong?”

You explain you were only thirsty. He blinks once.

“Oh.”

That’s it. Just “oh.”

He steps aside so you can pass, then falls into step right beside you as you walk back to the bedroom. He doesn’t say another word the whole way, simply slides back into bed, opens his arms again, and waits for you to settle against him like nothing happened.

You’re pretty sure he was never actually fully asleep….

Floyd Leech

Floyd is a menace even when he’s sleepy and cuddly. The second you start to shift away he reacts instantly, long arms snake around your waist and yank you right back against his chest.

“Where do you think you’re going Shrimpy~?” he mumbles against your neck, voice whiny and dangerous at the same time. “I was comfy. Don’t move.”

You tell him you need to pee. He whines louder, squeezing you tighter.

“But I’m sooo comfortable right now… Can’t you hold it? Just five more minutes… or ten… or an hour…”

Eventually, after more dramatic complaining, he loosens his grip with a huge sigh. But the second you stand up he’s right behind you, following you all the way to the bathroom like a tall, pouty shadow. He leans against the doorframe the whole time, arms crossed, complaining under his breath.

When you come out he immediately scoops you up and carries you back to bed.

Kalim Al-Asim

You slip out quietly because you just need to pee. Kalim is a deep sleeper, so you figure he won’t even notice.

When you return a few minutes later, you’re greeted by the saddest sight…Kalim sitting in bed, hair fluffy and messy, eyes half lidded and glassy with sleep. He’s looking around the room like a lost puppy, blanket clutched in his hands.

“…Where did you go?” His voice is small and wobbly. “I woke up and you weren’t here… Did I do something? Why did you leave me?”

He looks so genuinely heartbroken that you immediately crawl back into bed and let him pull you into a tight hug.

He nuzzles into your neck, sighing in relief. “Don’t leave without telling me next time, okay?…I get worried…”

He falls back asleep almost instantly, but his arms stay locked around you like he’s afraid you’ll disappear again.

Jamil Viper

You try to sneak out because you suddenly feel like studying or at least that’s the excuse you mumble when he stirs. Jamil raises one eyebrow, looking thoroughly unimpressed even though he’s still drowsy.

“Studying?” he repeats flatly.

Before you can even swing your legs fully off the bed, he reaches out and gently but firmly pulls you back down by the waist. “That’s a terrible excuse. You never study. You hate it. Try again.”

You open your mouth. He gives you the look… the one that says he sees straight through every lie. When you finally admit you just wanted to stretch or get water or whatever the real reason was, he sighs, tugs the blanket back over both of you, and wraps an arm around you a little tighter than before.

“Go back to sleep. If you actually need to get up, tell me the real reason. I don’t appreciate being lied to, even for silly reasons.”

He doesn’t fully let go until you’re both settled again, and even then one hand stays resting on your hip.

Jamil warned everyone that the festival would attract visitors and tourists, and he especially warned Grim and Malleus to be careful not to get lost, but who would have thought you of all people would be the one lost amidst the crowds?

You bite your inner cheek and push yourself to your tippytoes, trying your best once again to spot your friends in the crowds—hoping and seeking to find Malleus’ familiar curved horns, or Cater’s sweet orange locks, or even Grimmy’s blue flames but nothing familiar catches your eyes. After a few more minutes of searching fruitlessly, you decided to seek shelter from the beating sun, fanning yourself with the fabrics of your headpiece.

Truly, the sun really is relentless in the country of the Scalding Sands. It’s different back in Night Raven College where the quiet sunlight would curl through the curtainless windows of Ramshackle, kissing gold on the thin dusts that float in the lobby or when it would bake softly on Grim’s grey fur that had you burying your nose and inhaling the sunburnt scent of it on his belly until your companion starts pushing his paw to your cheek and calling you weird. A pearl of sweat beads down your forehead and you retreat into what seems like a market tucked beneath a shade, away from the grueling heat and boisterous crowds of the bazaar.

You did not have time to worry, not when your eyes chased after the marketplace in wonderment. Splayed across vendor stalls were intricate furniture, golden potteries, carpets. You approached a table, leaning down to run your finger on the ceramics. You must've been distracted, because the next thing you felt was a warm presence by your side and laying a palm on your lower back—straightening you.

“Goodness, didn't your parents teach you to watch over your valuables carefully especially during throngs of festivals?”

You spin your head. Teal was the first thing that catches your eye, then chestnut brown hair that falls beneath the person’s headpiece.

Jamil…? Your mind staggers before you trace your gaze over his features. No, this is not Jamil. He’s wearing teal and blue, and his eyes are nothing like those familiar serpentine ones that belonged to your schoolmate. This person’s eyes are softer, but more tantalizing. Almonds like a feline.

“...Excuse me?” You say between your surprise, and the person beside you glances behind for a mere moment. You watch the way his peacock earring jingle as he turns his head.

“Someone was eyeing that wallet you had in your pockets.” Those rich-colored eyes return to you. “Zahab Market is known for pickpockets, be careful next time.”

You blink once, twice, then realization sinks into you. Your hand immediately pats your wallet, “Oh, thank you for letting me know...”

Instead of a response, the person gazes at you with quiet intensity. His eyes flicker to the curves of your face then down your attire, you try not to flush underneath his avid scrutiny, taking a couple of steps back. “May I help you, is something wrong?”

“You’re…not a local, are you?”

You tilt your head at his question before shaking your head. The handsome stranger hums softly, as if thinking. “So you're a tourist? How odd.”

Your brows furrow, “Yeah I am, why are you asking?”

“I would have recognized a pretty face like yours if you're one of the children from affluent families here in Silk City.”

“What, pretty face—?” Before you can sputter out your sentence, you feel him reach down to pinch the fabric of your attire, gently tugging on it for emphasis. “Silk clothes like these don't come by often, they're expensive and the ones you're wearing now feel like top-quality.” He takes a moment to eye the pattern on your sleeve, running his thumb on it—almost missing the dark pinch in his thick brows.

“This is the first time I've seen an embroidery like this…probably for this year’s Fireworks Festival, but the style is uncannily similar to the Asims.” he looks at you then, his brown eyes almost golden under the light if you stare at it long enough. “...Are you connected with them?”

A honeyed tension pours between the two of you despite the hustle and bustle that flurried around. He’s very sharp, you muse to yourself. And very well-versed, he sounds so cocksure but it’s muted beneath his elegant tone and warm voice…who is this?

You think carefully of how you wanted to answer him, “Kalim Al-Asim is my upperclassman. He invited me to his home city for the Fireworks festival. He allowed me to use these clothes as well. If that's what you're wondering, I didn't steal it.”

“Apologies, I didn't mean to sound accusing but…” The stranger sighs and the tension drops. “That definitely sounds like something he would do alright.”

“Pardon me, do you know Kalim?” You immediately shake your head, “No actually, better question, what's your name?”

The stranger is taken aback by your inquiry, then the softest quirk of his lips as he smiles at you.

“You don't know me.” His tone is more of a statement laced in amusement than a question, and you can see how your words piqued him.

You purse your lips, crossing your arms. “Should I be aware of someone high-handed like you?”

He lifts a brow then, a hearty laugh spilling down his mouth at your accusation. It's weird. Really, really weird because for some reason, you're reacting to his laugh. The way he almost had his shoulders fold over, the sound a mixture of breathy and something rich, it fits the rasp cradle of his tone. When he’s finished, he leans close to you but not close enough to disturb your bubble—or what remains of your tucked dignity.

Playfulness sparks in his eyes, “High-handed, me? I—”

You both tense when you hear voices. From behind you, the familiar cry and wail of Grim reaches your ears as he shouts for you. And in front of you were a series of panicked calls,

“Your highness? Are you here—?”

The stranger beside you clicks his tongue, it draws your attention back, watching a thin sheen of annoyance draw over the playfulness that once plagued his expression. Though his face distracts you, you try to also make sense of the situation; Familiarity in his tone when he talks about Kalim, proficient about the expensive silks and styles of the Asims, knowing families of the city, your highness…is he rich too?

But before you can arrive at a perfect conclusion, he turns towards you. “Hey, are you good at running away?”

The sudden question throws you off but you nod your head, “I guess? Why are you asking me that—”

He reaches out his hands towards you, all and every syllable piling on your tongue falls flat. You look at his outstretched hand, then let your eyes crawl up his arm, his teal capelet, neck then at his face where his hardened expression had loosen then into something genuine, something exciting with a hint of ribboned defiance.

“I still haven't answered you and well, I'm in a bit of a bind so we might have to run somewhere else in order for us to talk properly like this, are you in?”

You hesitate a second, and he notices. The mischief that flavored his brown eyes rich had softened into something sweet and ripe.

“Then, do you trust me?” He asked, a slight tilt to his head, his peacock earrings following the movement. You blink at him before laying your palm across his—you feel his callousness against your skin, the deftness of fingers as he curls it around your own and tugs you to your feet. You’re not quite sure what came over you when you took his hand, you should’ve returned to your companions than follow a stranger but seeing the way his smile stretches across his face is really contagious.

Ten minutes later after running through the markets’ corners, ducking into open doors and flying down and up stairs, climbing a ladder—the stranger finally releases your hand and you almost crumple to the floor in heaps of silk clothes and sweat and exhaustion, catching your breath heavily.

You shouldn’t have trusted him. That arrogant and haughty and handsome—no, cease the notion. You fell for his cocky little flattery so easily, Grimmy would be so—

You see his outstretched hand fall over your vision, once you catch your breath you look up at his face.

And instantly your eyes narrow. He doesn’t even look the least bit tired, he was the one that ran expertly through the crowds, tugging you close and hoisting you by the waist through narrow gaps. Just how athletic is he?

“You okay?” He asked, then an apologetic smile flashes on his face seeing you. “Sorry, I went a bit overboard there.”

“You think?” Instead of accepting his hand, you sat down. A momentary silence fills the room, all except for your labored breaths and distant chatters and music, it’s enough to ease the fracas in your heart.

Seconds bleed before you hear fabrics shuffling. Then, bending on one knee he presses something cold on your cheek. You open your eyes and he stretches out a piece of cut fruit on his palm. You catch his eye and he looks at you intently, “I bought some sliced silky melons from Camel Bazaar a few minutes ago as snacks. Here, take it. I’d feel bad if you passed out because of me.”

You take his offer, “How charming of you…”

“Minhaj.”

You intertwine your gaze with his.

“Minhaj, what’s that?”

He smiles, “well uh, just call me that for now.”

You try not to look at him sourly. You told him who you were, accepted his offer to run till your lungs are close to collapsing and he’s giving you a name that’s not even his?

“That’s not your real name, is it?”

He cocks his head over his shoulders, walks over to the edge and pats the space next to him. “Where’s the fun in that? Now come, I still have more fruits I can share with you.”

At this point, you decided not to argue with him. When you settled beside Minhaj, the view before you had stars dancing in your eyes. No wonder why it felt like you were climbing endless flights of stairs, the view before you is enough to span across the bazaar from here, with its colorful roofs and bustling people down below. Palm trees and canal roads and elephants with bits and bobs flurry the streets, making you smile at how beautiful Silk City truly is.

You were too busy looking at the scene and snacking on sliced fruits you almost missed the way Minhaj closely admired you from the corner of your eye, his palms on his cheek.

This time though, you feel your cheeks flushing hot. “Is something on my face?”

“Yeah.” He points at the edge of your lip. “Right there—no, a little bit more…yeah, there.”

You swipe away at the piece and try to fan away your embarrassment, heat furnacing your cheeks in red.

You hear Minhaj chuckle, “you’re a messy eater, huh?”

“Normally no…” you mentally blame Grimmy and his glutinous manners influencing you, but then turn back towards Minhaj and still see him smiling at you.

“Is there still fruit on my face?”

He shakes his head, “no but…” he eats a slice as well, his stare not leaving yours, as if challenging you on something you haven’t quite realized yet.

“Do you know the significance of silky melons in Silk City?”

You thought about it briefly; Jamil had explained about the melons with a story, then it hit you then, his words.

Over time, people started saying that if you shared one of these melons with someone, your friendship or romance would last forever…

Your head whipped to Minhaj so quickly he had to stifle his own laugh at your reactions.

You open your mouth, press your lips close then part it again, flustered. “Are you trying to imply something here?”

“Relax, I was just joking. You’re rather fun to tease, you know.” Minhaj shakes his head, “Besides, I’m your upperclassman too. Just not in the same school as you or Kalim.”

You perk up, “so I'm guessing your family’s also rich like Kalim?”

He turns to look at the view before him, “Something like that. I’ll tell you who I am though, or what my real name is when we meet again. So for now…”

His arm lays flat beside your thigh and he leans in close again, tapping a sliced fruit to your lips and grinning,

“Keep our first little meeting a secret till I see you again, yeah?”

You hold the fruit, watching as the warmth on his skin brushes your fingertips when he pulls away. You frown, “you’re rather sure we would meet again. I’m not from the Scalding Sands, so who knows when I'll ever have the chance to come back and see you if ever.”

Minhaj simply smiles at you, brown eyes crinkling in the corners. “The melons mean something, and well, we’ll just have to see.”

The promise floats between the two of you until you both finish the melons and bid each other farewell, he immediately spins around before your friends could catch a glimpse of him. The festival continues and you’re half disappointed you don’t see the familiar teal amongst the crowd during the Fireworks festival, and eventually you’d forgotten about the whimsical encounter with the playful stranger from the Scalding Sands, returning back to Night Raven College and its usual stubborn students and history classes and magic concepts and whiny Grimmy and life-altering overblot encounters.

That is until the Inter-school tournament between Night Raven and Royal sword came.

Ace was pressing down and poking at your still evident bed head and you try to swat his hand away from your hair. You feel Grim plop on your lap and shushing you all as they announced the one’s competing from the Royal Sword Academy,

Receiving the Radiant light of the true princess’ wisdom, Dunasmina Dorm!

You’ve huffed and wrapped your arms around Grim as he huddled close to your touch getting comfy, unknowingly furrowing your brows at the dorm being announced. After all, that color teal seemed rather familiar to you but you can’t quite put a finger on it yet…

“Minajael Tealrajah everyone!” The announcer cries and for a moment, the hum and roar of the studio goes dead silent.

The familiar teal, that smug smile, those rich brown eyes, dark hair…

“Minhaj?”

Grim cranes his head up to look at you quizzically, “huh? Whaddya say? Minja wha—hmph!”

Grim’s question ends in a choke and sputter as you accidentally squeezed him tight to your chest, the realization and familiarity of the player competing clicking in your brain.

That carefree boy from Silk City’s markets Minhaj is a Royal Sword Academy student, but not only that but a prince?!

He told himself to wait until after the exams, or to wait for summer break. But weeks turned into months, and by the time he finally found the courage to speak, you were gone.

The words at the tip of his tongue vanished as he repeated the same thought over and over.

You were gone, and you weren’t coming back.

Years go by. He finishes his studies as the strict student he had always been, with top grades. He focused entirely on his job, throwing himself into his work to keep his mind busy. He didn't care for romance anymore. Instead, he placed himself on a strict schedule.

But even with his perfect schedule, his mind would still wander. Sometimes, in the quiet moments between tasks or when he saw a stray petal on the ground, he would think about you. He would wonder where you went and if you ever thought about the boy who was always too busy with his rules to tell you how he felt.

He knows that even if he had told you how he felt, he could have done nothing to stop what happened, and that pains him. It pains him to know that he excels at everything he puts his heart into, but for some reason, no matter how talented he is, he can’t find a way to bring you back.

One afternoon, he was in the garden tending to the hedgehogs. Then, suddenly BUM!

Someone fell right on top of him, knocking him to the ground.

"How dare you!" he yells, face turning red with anger, but as he starts to stand up, ready to scold whoever was being so careless with the rules. He sees none other than you, and his voice dies in his throat.

He falls to his knees, eyes wide as he struggles to find the words to express how he is feeling. His hand reaches forward to touch your arm, trying to check if you are really there or if his mind is playing a trick on him. When he feels the warmth of your body, the tears finally begin to fall from his eyes.

"Is it really you?" he whispered, his voice trembling as he held onto you like you might disappear again if he let go. "I waited so long... I was so foolish to stay silent before. Please, don't leave again. I love you. I've loved you since the moment you left."

And then the kick to his feelings comes.

“Ah… I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

Riddle freezes. The world around him feels like it has stopped. His hand, which was just trembling with relief, now feels cold against your skin. He stares at you, waiting for a laugh or a smile, anything to show that you are just playing a trick on him.

But you don’t laugh. You stare at him with cold eyes, even slightly weirded out that a stranger had just confessed to you.

Riddle slowly pulls his hand back, his fingers curling into a fist as he realises the look in your eyes isn't a joke.

He feels a stinging pain in his chest, worse than any punishment he had ever received. He had spent years being perfect, thinking that if he followed every rule, he would finally get his happy ending. But there was no rule for this. There was no rule that could force you to remember the way he used to look at you.

Or the time the two of you spent together. The times he’d invite you to eat a strawberry tart with him, the days you’d spent playing with the hedgehogs, and the times he’d go out of his way to explain things you found difficult.

"I... I apologise." he says. "I must have mistaken you for someone else, someone I once knew very well."

He takes a deep breath, smoothing out his coat. Riddle isn't the type to give up. In his mind, if a problem exists, he must find the solution. He doesn't know if you ever felt the same way about him years ago, but he refuses to let you walk away a second time without at least trying.

If you don't remember the boy he used to be, he will simply make sure you never forget the man he is now.

"My name is Riddle Rosehearts." he says, giving a small, polite bow. "Since you seem to be lost, allow me to assist you. It would be quite improper to leave a visitor unguided."

He offers his hand to you, just like he wanted to do years ago. He knows he can’t force your memory back, but he can start over. This time, he won't let his schedule or his hesitation get in the way.

⋆⋅☆Leona

He always acted like he didn't care. To Leona, everything was a bother, and feelings were just another complication. He had started to get used to your presence, finding that the naps he took were better when you were sitting nearby. He didn't have to say much, he just liked that you were there.

When he realised he had fallen for you, his pride got in the way. He was a prince who was always second best, and he didn't want to feel vulnerable. He told himself there was no rush. He figured you’d always be around. He’d tell himself he would say something eventually, maybe when he was in a better mood or when the sun wasn't so bright.

But the eventually never came. One day, you were just gone.

He plays it off as not caring as he tries to go back to his normal daily routine, but Ruggie notices that he sleeps for longer and skips classes even more than normal. He never speaks about you, never mutters your name, and if someone does so around him, he gets annoyed.

As the years go by, he returns to the Sunset Savanna to take on his royal duties and lead the Sunset Warriors. To everyone else, it looks like everything went back to the way it was before you existed. But Leona knows better. It pains him to remember, but he knows his days were only better because you were in them.

Whenever someone tries to talk to him at the royal balls, or whenever Falena brings up the fact that Leona should find someone to marry, he simply ignores it all. He has no interest in romantic things.

So one day, as he is resting in the shade of a tree in the gardens, someone crashes into him.

"You've got a lot of nerve," He starts to sit up, ready to show whoever it is why they shouldn't mess with a lion. But then he catches your scent.

He stops. His heart skips a beat, but he doesn't move. He just stares at you, his green eyes widen. Yet he is quick to compose himself.

"Took your sweet time getting back here, didn't you?" He tries to sound annoyed, but his tail is twitching uncontrollably behind him. He’s spent years acting as if he forgot you, but seeing you now, all that effort falls apart.

And then the kick to his feelings comes.

“Ah… I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

All that crosses his mind is that if he didn't matter enough for you to remember him, then you don't matter to him either. He would use his anger as a shield to hide how much his heart is breaking. He’s terrified that even if he did make you remember, you’d just leave again, and he can’t survive that twice.

"Get lost." he’d say, his annoyance returning. "The palace gardens aren't for tourists. Go back to wherever you came from before I lose my patience."

Leona hates feeling pathetic. If he stays and tries to make you remember, he feels like he’s begging for your attention. To Leona, begging is the ultimate humiliation.

As you walk away, confused and a bit scared of the grumpy prince, he stays perfectly still. He doesn't look back. He just stands under the tree, smelling your scent in the air one last time, feeling more alone in his own kingdom than he ever has before.

⋆⋅☆Azul

He knew you were the person of his dreams, it didn’t take much for him to realise that. The problem was that whenever he looked at himself in the mirror, he could never see you by his side. He felt that someone as amazing as you should be with someone better, someone who wasn't just a dumb octopus.

So, he kept his feelings hidden behind business. He offered you constant discounts at the Mostro Lounge, and whenever you mentioned needing something, it would magically show up a few days later. He was content just to have you in his life. He let the days slip by, thinking this was enough.

Then, you are gone.

He regrets never telling you he loved you. He realises that even a rejection would have been better than this silence. It would have hurt, but at least he could have moved on.

He’d try to use contracts to bring you back, but no matter what he did, nothing seemed to reach the world you had come from.

Years go by. He returns to the Coral Sea, becoming a wealthy businessman. He gained attention from some who try to aproach him with romantic intent, but all he sees is your face, because he knows that you’d never try to get his attention just for his money.

So one day, when he opens the door of his office, he spots someone sprawled on the floor, his first instinct is to snap at the person who dared enter without an invitation.

"How incredibly rude!" He fumbles for his glasses. "Do you have any idea whose private quarters you've-"

He stops, slides his glasses onto the bridge of his nose, and his breath hitches. Your face looks up at him, and he goes pale. You can see his hands shaking, a pained expression on his face as he steps back towards the door.

"Is it... is…. is it really you?" he chokes out the words, losing that confident businessman persona he always puts up. His legs now move towards you as if in a trance. He reaches out, his gloved fingers trembling as they hover just inches from your face, looking like he’s seeing a miracle he doesn't think he deserves.

"I told myself I was waiting for the perfect moment. I thought if I became successful enough, powerful enough, maybe then I would be worthy of standing beside you. What a fool I was."

You start to shake your head with a weird expression, but he is faster to interrupt you.

"Please... don't go! I'll give it all up, the Lounge, the contracts, none of it matters. I won't be a dumb octopus this time. I love you." He is practically begging at this point.

“Ah… I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

And the light in his eyes vanishes, he laughs it out, a sad laugh that makes his heart clench. Then the humiliation starts to eat him alive, and with clenched teeth, he gulps and fixes his tie, trying to compose himself.

"I see…" he says, his voice suddenly professional again. "My apologies. It seems I’ve made a grave mistake." He turns away, walking back to his desk to hide the fact that he’s shaking. He can’t stand the way you’re looking at him, like he’s just a stranger. "However, you have trespassed into my private office without being allowed to, and that is a serious offence."

You explain to him your sittuation, that you don’t know where you are and that you were transported out of nowhere to this office.

"Since you have no memory and nowhere to go, I shall offer you a contract. I will provide you with housing and food. In exchange, you will remain here and assist with my job." He will show you what he has become, that he deserves your attention, that he is no longer the dumb octopus that he used to be and if you still don’t love him, then maybe he was never meant to be loved.

"Sign here." he whispers, "And we can begin our new acquaintance."

⋆⋅☆Jamil

You had placed Jamil in a difficult spot. He was aware that your charms had worked on him, but he had his own problems to deal with. He was constantly busy taking care of Kalim and reminding himself that once the school years were over, he’d go back to being a servant of the Asim family. He didn't have the luxury of a personal life, let alone a romance.

So, he had always tried to remain cold towards you. Even if he clearly enjoyed your presence and your antics, and even if you lit up his busy days, he knew this was best for you and him.

So when you vanished, it hit him that the only thing that had been keeping him sane was none other than you. He felt a clench in his heart, knowing that now, no matter what, he could no longer tell you how he felt.

Time goes by, and as he returns to the Scalding Sands, so does his duty as Kalim’s servant. He spends his days organising grand banquets and making sure Kalim doesn't get into any trouble. His life is once again a series of orders and chores, just as he always knew it would be.

While he prepares the spice trays, he finds himself missing his days as a student. He misses the quiet moments in the school hallways where he could almost pretend he was just a normal teenager. Most of all, he misses you. He thinks about how you used to bother him while he was cooking, or the way you’d try to make him laugh when he was clearly stressed.

He realises that even when he was being cold to you, he was doing it because he cared, and now, that care has nowhere to go.

Then one day, while he is walking around the market, he crashes right into someone. He bows his head and apologizes but when he lifts his face, he meets none other than you with a lost expression.

“You are back…?”

It comes as a question because not even he believes his own eyes, but his heart jolts even if it doesn’t show on his calm face. He immediately tries to connect the dots on why you would be so far away from Night Raven College. The first thought that crosses his mind is that you had been looking for him. The idea makes him secretly happy, but he quickly tries to dissuade himself, telling himself there must be another reason why you are here.

“Did you come to see Kalim?” he asks, his voice slightly softer than usual.

“Ah… I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

Jamil freezes, and the noisy market around him seems to go completely silent. He is still maintaining his calm composure, but he feels beyond mad. He had worked so hard to be forgettable to the world, and he succeeded with the only person he wanted to remember him.

When you explain to him that you are completely lost and don’t know where you are, he understands that you seem to have completely lost your memories in this world.

“I see.” He nods his head. "It seems you are in quite a predicament. However, you are in luck. Kalim was a very close friend of yours back at school, if anyone can help you find your way again, it is him. I am simply his attendant. I will escort you.”

He doesn’t even state his name, reminding himself that some things are just not meant to be, and if by any chance, even after he places himself again behind Kalim, you do seek him out, then maybe, just maybe, he will believe that you are worth fighting for.

⋆⋅☆Vil

Vil never settled for anything less than perfection.

During your time at school, he was your harshest critic and your most devoted protector. He spent hours helping you refine yourself because he believed you were capable of being breathtaking. He loved the way you stayed late in the lab with him, or the quiet moments in the garden when he could finally let his shoulders drop.

Also, the hatred you two shared for Neige made your friendship grow stronger.

There was no doubt that Vil was planning to confess, he was simply making extra sure that every detail was perfect. On the day you vanished, he had been walking toward your meeting spot, only for Rook to interrupt him and deliver the news that changed everything.

He tries to remain composed, but deep down, he misses you. He remembers all the time the two of you shared together and keeps a picture of you both in his vanity mirror, something that no one ever finds out.

As he returns to the Shaftlands and continues his acting career, he slowly tries to let go of the past while finding himself extremely busy. But whenever he sees someone with the same hair colour as yours, or when someone mentions one of your favourite hobbies, he can’t help but feel sad that you are no longer there with him.

One day, while he is inside his dressing room finishing getting dressed for a set, he hears someone crashing against a mannequin in the back of the room. He spins around, furious at the thought of an intruder, likely a creepy fan wanting an autograph, but when he spots you, his eyes widen.

“You!”

He reaches out, his gloved fingers shaking as he tilts your chin up, inspecting your face with an intensity that hides the desperation he is feeling.

"You're a mess. Your skin is dehydrated, your hair is a disaster, and you're five years late for our meeting." He looks at you sternly but then lets out a shaky laugh. “Oh, ____. Don’t you ever dare leave me again.”

“Ah… I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

He repeats those words inside his head, feeling the sudden distance between the two of you, but he is quick to compose himself as he spots the lost and even scared expression of yours, as you look around the room.

“Steady now. Do you know where you are, or how you landed here?” You shake your head, and he realises that you are truly at a loss.” He reaches for a blanket on a nearby chair and gently settles it over your shoulders to stop your shivering.

"It’s alright, you're safe here." he says, his gloved hand moving from your chin to rest briefly on your shoulder. "I am... I am someone who has known you for a very long time. I will help you remember. For now, let me get you some water, and then we can talk properly.”

As he turns away, he makes a silent vow to himself. No matter how long it takes, he will ensure that your friendship returns to exactly what it once was. And this time, he won't hesitate, he will finally ask you out, just as he should have done all those years ago.

⋆⋅☆Idia

Idia never felt like the main character in his own life, and certainly, he didn’t see himself as your main love interest, he was probably just an NPC to you. So no matter how much you interacted with him, or when he got the courage to interact with you, he was just the gloomy guy.

He’d spend most of his time behind the screen, sending messages and playing games with you. Sometimes he’d catch you talking about something you liked, and days after, you’d find a box with such a thing inside.

Hearing your happy voice on the other side of the screen or getting a text message from you was all he needed to be happy. So when you vanished, he felt like he had lost something again.

And he can’t accept that.

Idia never forgets you. He locks himself in his room, and he does what he does best. He sketches what seems like a portal and builds it, time after time, in hopes that one of them will actually connect to your world, but it never works.

Years go by. He is now the Acting Director of S.T.Y.X., surrounded by the most advanced technology in the world. He still keeps the prototype of that portal in the corner of his private lab.

Then, one night, the lab monitors start screaming. The portal, the one that had been dead for years, suddenly flares to life with a blinding white light. Someone falls through it, crashing onto the cold floor.

Idia’s heart stops as he fumbles for his floating tablet, his hands shaking so hard he almost drops it. He looks at the screen, then at the person on the floor, and his pale face goes even whiter.

“__-____??” His voice cracks as he slowly walks towards your fallen body, hoping you hadn’t come back dead, he’d curse himself forever if that was the case. “Ple-please say something!”

As you sit up on the floor, hand on your forehead as if you had just fallen face-first on the floor, you look up at him. His flame hair makes you awe, and he feels like the scene where you two meet for the first time is repeating itself.

“Ah… I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

He lets out a shaky, jagged breath that sounds like a sob he’s trying to swallow.

"I... I'm a nobody," he whispers, his voice barely audible. He pulls his hood up, hiding his face as he retreats toward his monitors, his shoulders hunched. "You shouldn't... You shouldn't be here. I must have messed up the coordinates."

He’s ready to alt-f4 out of his own life, but then Ortho is there to save the day.

"Big Brother, stop!"

Ortho flies into the room. He looks at you, his eyes scanning your vitals in a millisecond, and then he looks at his brother, who is currently trying to phase through the floor out of pure social humiliation.

"The coordinates weren't wrong!" Ortho turns to you. "Hello! I’m Ortho Shroud, and this is my big brother, Idia. He’s been working for 2,190 days straight just to bring you back to this world! He’s actually a super genius, even if he’s acting like a level 1 slime right now!"

And the next weeks are spent with a cheerful Ortho trying to set the two of you together.

⋆⋅☆Malleus

Malleus didn’t want to rush things with you, he believed that certain aspects of life are better if you let them play out on their own time. He’d invite you on walks at night around Ramshackle, where it was just the two of you

You had even gone out of your way to join his Gargoyle Research Society, showing a genuine interest in the stone figures he loved so dearly. Seeing you stand beside him, with a notebook in hand, made his heart jolt in pure happiness. For a being who had lived for centuries in isolation, those quiet moments of shared hobby were precious to him.

Then you vanish.

He is heartbroken, casting spell after spell, trying to find a way to bring you back or to transport himself into your world. But he, the all-powerful magical being, cannot find a way for you to return to him.

When he returns to Briar Valley and steps up as the successor, he keeps an empty seat next to his throne, one kept just for you, for when you come back.

Lilia watches him with sadness, knowing all too well the weight of living through centuries of loss. He tries to offer words of encouragement, to pull Malleus back to the present, but Malleus only looks through him. Silver and Sebek find themselves serving a King who is physically there but mentally light-years away

One day, as he is taking a walk outside the castle, someone tumbles through the magical thorns, tripping over a root and crashing right into his chest. Malleus doesn't move, especially when he finds none other than you in his arms after all these years.

"Child of Man...?"

His voice is low, trembling with a shock he hasn't felt in centuries. He reaches out, his clawed fingers grazing your cheek with a gentleness that contradicts his terrifying stature.

"I have walked these woods every night praying to the Great Seven that you hadn't simply been a dream." he whispers. "If I must spend every remaining century proving my devotion, I will. I love you. Please tell me the wait is finally over."

And then the kick to his feelings comes.

“Ah… I’m sorry, but… who are you?”

It is such a strange question. Most would know exactly who he was from just a single glance at his imposing figure. However, the fact that the question comes from you, the person he cherished most, the one he had spent years waiting for. It pains him.

But he isn’t going to give up on you so easily. A dragon does not simply let go of its most precious treasure once it has been recovered.

∘˙🐍

the market of foothill town was bustling with people.

jamil let out a sigh at the swimming crowd. he expected it to be busy, but not this busy. in the end, he was the one who chose to go on a saturday..

sam’s shop had run out of the only detergent that didn’t make kalim’s skin break out in hives, so this was an emergency run he had to make right away. he didn’t expect you to want to tag along, but he didn’t see the harm in doing so til now.

he turns to you, a slightly apologetic look on his face before he lets out another sigh. “i apologize, prefect. i didn’t realize how large the crowd would be today,” jamil murmured, clutching the bag on his arm.

“it’s fine, believe me. we just can’t get separated, right?” you smile, giving jamil’s heart that same flutter he never dared mention aloud. he coughs into his hand, hiding a smile of his own before mumbling words to himself.

“just.. stay close and try not to be swept away.”

˙∘✧

just as expected, the marketplace was chaotic.. and just as jamil thought, you were swept away. he’s normally so careful while watching kalim, so why did he have to lose you?! clutching the bag of detergent tightly in his hands, he massaged his temple with furrowed brows.

“curses.. i should’ve told them to stay put somewhere..” he muttered, knowing you’d at least try to remain in the same place unlike kalim. he squeezed his way through, searching for the face he knows and loves amidst the faceless crowd. luckily he was already used to navigating through busy streets, considering his home in the scalding sands.

while jamil searched for you, you on the other hand had your own dilemma. oranges rolled across the ground as the angry shopkeeper glared at you. you had been pushed into his fruit stand by other bystanders, and to your dismay, fruit flew everywhere.

“sevens, why me..” you grumbled, hastily picking up the fruits before they got squished. jamil was nowhere to be seen. you really should’ve watched where you were going, because you just lost the one guy who actually knew where he was going.

just as you reached out for another orange, another hand beat you to it. at first you thought it was jamil, hoping it’d be just like all the shojou manga you’ve read.

to your dismay, it was not jamil, but a man almost nearly as stunning. his outfit was a bright teal, with gold adorning almost every part of his stature. his hair was glamorous, as was his makeup. he was radiant, you felt nearly blinded.

“need help with that?” he finally broke the silence as he met your eyes. there was a smirk to his face as he stood upright, tossing the orange in the air and catching it with grace. he saw the handful of oranges in your arms and must’ve took pity on you.

“uh, thanks!” you managed to breath out, breaking from your momentary awe. he must’ve noticed your staring, because all he did was chuckle. the boy collected the rest of the oranges from the ground, handing them back to the shopkeeper and smoothing things over with ease.

“thank you again, i appreciate it!” you reply once again, giving him a slight bow.

his eyes narrowed slightly, but his smile didn’t waver. “no need to be so formal. out here, im just another student like you.” the mystery boy said, waving you off.

“out.. here?” you raise your brow, not exactly picking up what he’s putting down. you try looking at him again, trying to identify any familiar faces that seem alike. none exactly come to mind.. “im sorry, i don’t quite follow..” you laughed awkwardly, noticing his eyes widen a bit.

“..do you not recognize me?” now where have you had a similar interaction before? you simply shake your head, seeing his smile grow a size bigger.

“is that bad?” you ask in a moment of panic, only to hear him laugh loudly in response.

“no, no, not at all.” he assures you, nodding his head. he eyes you up and down, almost observantly. his brow furrowed in thought. “if i may ask, where are you from?” he asked with a smile.

you hesitate for a moment. “i, uh.. i don’t think you’d know!” you say, scratching the back of your neck. he seemed to have took it as a challenge, because all he did was smirk.

“oh? wish to bet?” he asks playfully, catching you a moment off guard. is it a twisted wonderland thing for people being so direct and pushy?

“well, im from..” as you tell him of your place of origin, the smugness is wiped off his face.

he crosses his arms. “well, i suppose you’re right. i’ve never heard of such a place before..” he hums, thinking to himself.

“yeah, im not surprised.” you murmur, already used to this routine. before you could part ways with the mystery boy, he spoke once more.

“ah.. now i remember,” he says, a newfound gleam in his eye. “yes, you’re the magicless prefect i’ve heard so much about then.” he smiles, throwing you for a loop.

“you— you know who i am?” you swallowed thickly, feeling weird for being recognized. how does he know about you? are you outlawed? are you in trouble?

“of course, you’re famous at our school.” he chuckles, resting a hand on his hip. does he attend night raven college as well? you would’ve sworn you saw such a glamorous face before.. “yes, che’nya spoke of you before.”

so rsa..? “i had no idea i was known outside of nrc,” you mumble, feeling a bit embarrassed now. you were already too big of a name at nrc (for all the wrong reasons), you really didn’t need to be known because of that chaos..

jamil stood from afar, his hands forming fists by his side. no.. say it isn’t so. you met another man he had despised, as if kalim wasn’t horrible enough already. maybe he was a bit harsh in his head, but just the thought of you running away with another made his blood boil.

your smiling and laughing.. please don’t tell him you like that sickening prince, he can’t bear it. with a smile as forced as it could be, he approaches you two by the stand.

“[MC], there you are. i thought i had lost you.” jamil says, standing beside you with a hand on your shoulder. you nearly jump at his sudden presence, though feel relieved to know he found you. his gaze was soft, yet an underlying motive hiding beneath the surface. jamil’s eyes flicker to the boy across of you, his soft gaze turning dark.

he still smiled, but that smile didn’t meet his eyes. “oh my, prince minhaj, it’s been quite some time since we’ve last spoke. the weather is quite pleasant, wouldn’t you agree?” jamil mused, giving who you now know is a prince a polite nod.

“..prince?” you murmur, staring at minhaj. he simply let out a hefty sigh, realizing the fun of being an unknown had been cut short.

“enough with the humble tone, jamil. i don’t want to be called ‘prince’ outside the castle..” minhaj retorts, playing with the braided bandana by his side. now it all the gold made sense, but to be fair there were pretty flashy people that weren’t royalty.

“ah, but i’d have no ground to stand on if i were arrested in the scalding sands for speaking disrespectfully to you.” jamil sighs wistfully, a false look of worry in his face. there was a hidden venom in every word coming out of his mouth, and you could tell minhaj had noticed it.

“so you’re.. royalty?” you mumble, realizing how informal you must’ve been. “i guess i should’ve known, huh? sorry about the lack of formality.” you laugh awkwardly, feeling a small sweat dripping from your brow.

minhaj shrugged his shoulders, not offended by your informality in the slightest. “don’t be, it was quite refreshing,” he smiled at you before his eyes slowly trailed back to jamil. the poor boy was barely holding it together, her brows knit together and his smile twitching slightly at the corners.

jamil thinks he’s well composed right now, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth.

“has night raven college been serving you well? i’d imagine attending a magic school while magicless is a bit contradictory.” minhaj asks, still willing to make conversation.

“ahem,” jamil clears his throat before you could reveal the truth of your sad excuse for a dorm. “apologies, minhaj, but we’re in quite a hurry. [MC], we better get going.” jamil kept the hand on your shoulder but squeezed quite firmly, a silent ask of you to get going.

you glance at him, seeing the silent plead in his eyes. with a nod of acknowledgment, you turn back to the prince and bow ever so slightly. “sorry, i guess we’ve gotta go. it was nice meeting you!” you smile, giving him a wave.

“ah, i suppose i shouldn’t keep you then. let’s meet again soon, [MC].” minhaj smirks, taking your hand and giving it a shake. he looks over to jamil, his smirk turning into a cocky grin that you wouldn’t catch if you blinked. “jamil, it was nice seeing you as well. tell kalim of the asim’s i wish him well.”

“..of course. well, if you excuse us.” jamil replied with a strain in his voice, grabbing your hand out of the other boys grasp and whisking you away. you let out a slight yelp as you followed close behind.

˙∘✧

jamil held a tight grip on your hand, not seeming to let go anytime soon. you don’t even think he noticed because all that was written on his face was annoyance and irritation.

the mask he barely held together had long melted the minute he turned around and strung you along. not including the voices of the crowd, the silence between you two was loud.

he was about to lose his marbles. that spoiled prince, chatting with you as if you knew him since forever. if jamil hadn’t intervened, he would’ve probably swept you away and convince you to join royal sword academy. always getting everything he asked.. why wouldn’t he? while jamil fought tooth and nail to get what he desired, all minhaj had to do was ask.

jamil had worked too hard to get you to even glance at him, to make you think he’s worth something.. but even so, he doesn’t know if that’s even the truth. he—

“jamil?” you say his name, breaking the silence between you two. he froze in his tracks, glancing back at you with a neutral expression.

“yes, prefect?” jamil replied before you suddenly squeezed his hand and began to run. it was sudden, it was chaotic, you were running like someone was chasing you. “prefect?! where in the world are you going?!” he shouts, though all you did was laugh at him in response. his heart pounded in his chest, almost all the surfacing anger being lifted at the sight of your smile.

the smile meant for him, he hoped.

you finally stopped by a bench, allowing jamil to catch his breath before glancing up at you. “by the seven, what was that for?” he manages to breath out, resting his hand on the bench.

“to get your mind off your doubts.” you stated simply, letting go of his hand with a proud look on your face. jamil simply tilted his head to the right with a confused look on his face.

“excuse me?” he asks almost offendedly before you get closer to him. his gaze went from your face to the ground below him, holding his tongue and biting the inside of his cheek. he could feel the heat rushing to his face at the close proximity, but he is not trying to let that show.

“don’t lie to me, jamil viper,” you start, pressing a finger to his chest. “we all saw it on your face.” you frowned, though it wasn’t serious. if anything, you looked a bit smug. “a jealous scowl on your face doesn’t suit you.”

jamil lets out an exasperated sigh. “jealous? prefect i—”

“aha, see! evidence.” you grin, throwing him off guard. “in front of minhaj, you actually said my name! you don’t do that.” you laugh, watching his eyes widen. jamil grumbled something under his breath before you took his face in your hands.

“jamil, you know i’m not going anywhere, right?” you ask, tempting him to look at you. “right now, my home is at night raven college. and right now, my heart is too full of you to leave.” your statement was bold, even for him. he slowly put a hand over your own, looking you in the eyes.

because of his unique magic, nobody likes to look him in the eyes whenever they speak. they look everywhere but his face, everywhere but him. to them he is nobody, to them he is a threat.

but you? you look him in the eyes without a second thought. there is no fear, no hesitance, no second guessing. you look him right in the eyes without a doubt in your mind that you can put your full trust in him.

the words on his tongue were lost, his mouth hanging slightly agape. you chuckled before letting go of his face and letting him take a moment to let out the breath he was holding. he pulls the hoodie of his sweater over his eyes, trying desperately to hide the blush that inevitably took over his entire face.

“let’s.. let’s just get going.” he grumbled, walking ahead of you with quick steps. how did he even meet someone as unpredictable as you?

as you trailed behind, you’re about to approach the large crowd you two once got separated in. he stopped walking and turned back to you.

“hm?” you hum, watching jamil come closer. he grabs your hand and held it tightly. “oh? feeling like a gentleman?” you chuckled, teasing him a little.

not wanting to be the only flustered one, jamil raised your knuckles to his lips and brushed against them softly. you felt yourself eat your words as it was your turn to feel your pupils blow wide open.

“now we can’t get lost, right [MC]?” jamil murmured, unable to hide the smug grin creeping up on his face.

you two walked back to nrc hand in hand, a comfortable silence hanging between you two as you weaved through a crowd.

if this is what his jealousy entailed, then maybe it wasn’t so bad after all.

A/N: seeing how jamil acts with the new rsa student is so funny i had to write something asap i am in love with you jamil viper

date published: 03/28/26

It wasn't actually intentional when you called him your husband, more of a spur of the moment thing.

During a (n unwilling) adventure to Sam's, a guy had come up to you. Of course, being the mysterious transfer from another world had garnered you some popularity. One such consequence were people like him.

"Hey. You're that transfer girl, right?" The boy asked. He looked like a badly designed sleazeball from a basic anime; dyed hair, quite a few piercings, and a look on his face that just screamed incel.

"Uh. Yeah." You looked between the milk you had in your hand, the guy, and Leona, who was out of earshot, eyeing a selection of meat Sam had on display. "Why?" You could practically feel the dread in your gut. He obviously wasn't trying to be friends. Or, at least, not the good kind of friends.

"I was just wondering..." Smirking, he took a few steps to close the gap between the two of you, "Some of my friends and I were going to have a little party down in the woods behind the school. We could use some entertainment."

"Er...." Your head tilted downwards in fluster. This guy didn't seem like the type to take no for an answer. Even if you tried to pull the 'I have a boyfriend', he probably wouldn't listen, "My.... husband and I had plans." You blurted out. It was a split second decision, but there was no way this guy would go after a married woman. Right?

"Oh, husband." You shot Leona a look; one that begged for help. He turned from where he had been very focused, and noticed the sleazy guy pestering you. His ears flattened against his head, and his expression shifted from curiosity to irritation. "Come over here."

The nameless guy looked very close to pissing himself when he saw just who you were referring to. The Leona Kingscholar. But he had a wife? Since when?!

"Oh. Uh. Him?" The guy asked, almost unbelieving. There was no way someone like him would be tied down. He could barely go to class, much less commit to someone!

But, as if by fate, the lazy lion gave a smug smirk and rested his hand over your shoulder. "What's up, wife?" He leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to the crown of your head. "This guy buggin' ya?"

You smiled knowingly, "I don't know. Are you?" Your tone wasn't one to be underestimated. All three of you knew what was going down. The only difference between You and Leona, and the guy was that the guy couldn't do anything to refute your claim.

"N-No, ma'am!" The guy stiffened, which made Leona let out a huff of amusement, "I'll be on my way now!" He announced, running off with his tail between his legs.

You and Leona were left in silence for the next few moments, both of you not wanting or having anything to say. It was Leona, though, who broke the silence.

"Husband?"

"I don't wanna talk about it." You faced your lover with redder cheeks than before, "He was getting on my nerves, and it was the quickest way for him to leave me alone." You sighed, your eyes trailing from Leonas emerald ones to the wooden floor of the shop, "I know we haven't talked about it. Sorry..."

Leona rolled his eyes at your change in demeanor. You went from confident to bashful in only the span of a minute or two. "Whaddya talking about? I never said I wouldn't mind getting married, so don't apologize." He stated, keeping his arm around your shoulders.

"Wha...?" You gazed back up at him with shock, your mouth slightly ajar. You would accept him not wanting to get married, and it was a real possibility you had prepared for in the past. Now he's stating he might want to?

He didn't explain further, and opted to (surprisingly gently) lead you out of the store. "Let's go." He said, "I'll get Ruggie to finish the trip."

------------

"Sam. What is this?"

"It's a wedding present, my little imp!" Sam presented you with a large purple box. It had a glittery black ribbon tied into a perfect bow at its plateau. "Don't think I didn't see what you and the Savanaclaw housewarden were doing in my shop a few days ago!"

You took the box carefully. Knowing Sam, just about anything could be inside. It could be the best thing you could ever receive, but it also could be a load of crap you'd never use.

"Look here!" Sam lifted up two items from inside the box. One was an iridescent stone, while the other looked like a black ticket with gold accents. He held out the stone, "This one is a lucky charm! Perfect for newlyweds, right?" Then, he held out the ticket, "And this gets you a 1% discount at any Sam's Mystery Shop locations in all of Twisted Wonderland! Terms and Conditions apply."

You smiled, but felt the irritation in your body growing. You and Leona weren't actually getting married. It was just a topic of discussion now. But, the items might come in handy around Ramshackle, and you'd take all the help you could get. It wasn't like everything would be useless, right?

You decided to grit your teeth and bear it, "Thank you, Sam. Really." You let him place the two items back in the box, "We'll be sure to use all of this." You quickly turned on your heel to escape.

"Oh, and tell the kitty I said hi!" He called out as you left. Once you were gone, he placed a hand on his cheek with a sigh.

"Ah, young love."

Azul has a lot of business partners.

With all of those partners comes lots of exhausting meetings. His only escape from all of it is you.

Though, that doesn't mean your opposed to playing a prank or two on him to lift his spirits.

Azul dropped down onto his (your shared at this point) bed, and you couldn't help the snicker that you let out at this rare side of him.

"Rough day?" You asked. One of your hands dropped from your book to find purchase in his hair. He let out a relaxed groan, slowly moving his way from the side of the bed to lay on top of you.

"You wouldn't believe. Dozens of grown men and not even one can solve a simple problem." He sighed, remembering the horrid, stale meeting he had to endure, "They're leading me to believe most landers are like this."

You closed your book with a crisp clap, setting it on the safe right by his bed. Instead, you devoted your time to messing with his well-kept hair. "Not all of them. I'm an exception, right? As your wife?"

"That's true-" He paused, your words sinking on him like a heavy weight. His face exploded into a coral pink, and he inelegantly picked himself up onto all fours, looking into your eyes with confusion and maybe a little glee. "What...? Wife..? As in- Us?" One of his hands frantically pointed between the two of you.

"Unless you don't want to get married to a foolish lander." Pouting, you knew he'd take the bait. Hook, line, and sinker. "It's fine. I get it. Species racism, you know?"

Desperately, he shook his head. "No! That's not it at all!" He brought his face dangerously close to yours, "I just wasn't expecting it." As if realizing how close you were, he averted his eyes from yours, "...I was supposed to receive my grandmothers ring. After graduation."

After such an honest confession, you felt your resolve for the prank crumble into a million pieces. You wrapped your arms around him tightly, earning a surprised yelp from him. "Azul!" Is all you could manage to articulate.

"....Y-Yes, my love?" His voice was muffled from being so close to you, but you could still hear the worry in his tone. It didn't make you feel any more calm, though, and you squeezed him even harder.

"I think we need to get married right now."

"What?!"

-------------

The next morning was surprisingly uneventful. The only thing you could notice of slight difference was the weird looks you got from the twins, and the slightly softer way Azul treated you. It was only that evening that everything shifted on its axis.

You were waiting in Mostro for Azul to finish with some contracts. Not wanting to bother him, you waited in the main dining area, lone in a booth. Only lone for a while, though, as the aforementioned Leech twins came strolling up with knowing smirks.

"So..." Floyd started, "Miss Ashengrotto, huh?" He sat right next to you, "You apparently had a whole spectacle last night. Very romantic."

"Just make sure you both don't forget us as newlyweds." Jade engaged in the teasing too, but didn't sit nearly as close. "We'd be very lonely. Right, Floyd?"

"Yup. Anyway. Baby names."

"Huh?!"

"Floyd Junior has a nice ring to it."

"Or Jade Junior."

"What are you three talking about?"

"........"

"We should leave. Come on, Floyd." Jade stood up, taking Floyd by the arm and dragging him out of the booth.

"Yeah. Have fun, lovebirds."

"So..." You smiled sheepishly, "How is my fantastic husband doing?" You said, just loud enough for anyone in the immediate vicinity to whip their heads around and gawk.

"Please." Azul chuckled, "I'm good. How is my beautiful wife?"

"Ready to give you a baby." You whispered.

"Slow down!"

on one of the rare times idia actually went out of his room, it was for this limited deluxe edition of a game he had been waiting for for months.

problem was, it was an in-store only promo. if he wanted the game, he'd have to endure the stress of other people.

if only to make the trip a little less painful on his cortisol receptors, he decided to invite you to join him.

the store was packed. like the only reason the two of you got in was because you had waited there for at least five hours before it opened.

even then, it took another hour or two to actually get to the checkout with two copies of the game in hand.

it was at the checkout that the incident happened.

after being out and waiting for almost half your day, you had obviously gotten bored.

and what better cure for your boredom than to play a silly little prank on your unsuspecting boyfriend?

"You two excited for the release?" The clerk asked. He looked obviously exhausted, but kept a weary smile and his tone light. "I hear this ones better than the prequel. Bugs and cheeses have all been patched."

You nodded enthusiastically, deciding that now was the time to enact your totally thought-out plan, "Yup! My husband and I are going to have a little gaming date. Right, Id-" You turned to your boyfriend, stopping your sentence midway through. He looked like his entire brain shut off, hair lit up a bright pink and his face dusted with a blush to rival even the reddest tone. If he was a cartoon, he'd have steam coming out of his ears and the top of his skull would come up like a geyser.

"I- Um- My-" He couldn't even utter a single sentence. "My wife-" He gestured to you. Eventually, he gave up on even trying to articulate himself, slammed the required thaumark bills on the counter, and made his way out of there as quickly as he could. Unceremoniously, he shoved you (with surprising gentleness considering how clumsy he was being) into the passenger seat of his rarely used car, and quickly turned to book it into the drivers seat.

The two of you sat there in silence for a minute or two. His expression was unreadable, and you couldn't tell if it was upset, excitement, or anxiety.

He finally broke the silence with a mumble. ".... -married?"

"I couldn't hear you, hun. What'd you say?"

"I said.... -get married?"

"My love. Please speak up."

"I SAID, DO YOU REALLY WANT TO GET MARRIED?!"

"......."

"........"

"What...?"

"You know. Because I'm not very marriage material...?" His statement was more of a question, and he turned away from you in shame, "I mean, there are all of those princes at NRC. SS+ level otome MMC's."

"Idia."

"I was just thinking you'd rather them."

"Idia."

"I mean, there's, like, a million of them." He fiddled with the bottom hem of his hoodie in embarrassment. God, if he could just hide in a hole forever-

"IDIA!" You snapped, taking him by the shoulders and forcing him to look at you, "I don't want them. I want you." Putting on your best comforting smile, you leaned over the gearbox to press a chaste kiss to his cheek. "I woke up at five A.M. for this. If that doesn't make it clear that I'd want you and only you, then maybe me saying it to your face will."

If it was even possible his hair got even wilder and even pinker. It was a miracle it didn't set everything in the car on fire. "A-Are you sure...?" He half-whispered, half-squeaked.

You nodded, placing a hand on his cheek. Your other hand rested on the gearbox so you could lean closer to him. "Dead serious."

Idia's cheeks lit up pink, and all of the blue that had been slowly returning to his firey hair vanished, being replaced by the previous pink once more. "L-Let's just get back to NRC..." He managed to mumble out.

Malleus wasn't the most expressive person. When a simple upset could smite an entire family, the benefits of feeling anger or ecstasy paled in comparison to the concequences.

That wasn't to say he didn't have his moments, though.

Your plan was simple; when Malleus least expected it, you'd call him by the sweet nickname, and watch his head explode. Or, at least, show some more feeling than slightly pleased or slightly upset.

The two of you were walking the halls of NRC almost ritualistically. It had become a routine for Malleus to meet you outside of your classes and escort you to your next one. He was so dedicated that not even most urgencies could prevent him from seeing you. You had asked him a few weeks prior on why he was so devoted, but he only responded with a cryptic 'it's my duty'.

Arriving at your classroom, you leaned up and pressed a quick peck to his cheek. "Thank you, husband." You whispered. You expected him to react in a giddy manner, but quite the contrary, he only reciprocated your smile and leaned down to kiss your forehead.

"You're welcome, my wife." He smiled just a little more than he usually did. "I must get to my own class. I'll see you afterwards." And with that, he waved off a confused you.

He didn't even seem to be bothered by the nickname. What's more, is that he called you his wife! Last you checked, you weren't married! Was he just playing along? Or was he trying to retort your prank in his own way? You were supposed to be pranking him!

-----------

Your mind raced with possibilities for the entire time you were in class. It got so bad that Trein had to reprimand you in front of all of your peers. But, in your defense, how were you supposed to focus?! The only solace you got was the dismissal bell, knowing you'd be able to see your fae lover once more.

When you exited the class, Malleus was waiting in front of the door as per usual. He unconsciously and unintentionally was splitting the student body in half like a stone in a river. They avoided him as best they could, knowing full well he was here for you.

"My beloved." He strode his way up to you, the black current of people moving in reaction, "Was your class satisfactory?" He took your hand in his. The two of you had a little extra time now in your schedules due to your paired spare periods (courtesy of the oh-so generous Headmage Crowley. He was definitely not intimidated by a certain dragon fae into it. No sir, no ma'am).

"Mhm." You peered into his eyes thoughtfully, trying to read just what exactly had happened earlier. If it had been a prank on his part, surely there'd be some evidence of amusement, right? You stared like this all the way into the courtyard, where he finally noticed with a furrowed brow and slight pout.

"Something is troubling you."

Oops. You were caught, "It's nothing. Really." You tried to soothe his worries, but your attempts were in vain and only made him worry more.

"You're lying to me." He stopped in his tracks, causing you to turn to face him. He crossed his arms in an almost childlike fashion, "You shouldn't be trying to suffer alone. As your husband I have a duty to help you, do I not?"

With his final sentence, you couldn't help but sigh. You obviously wouldn't get answers from him by just staring. He was as straight faced as a stone cold killer.

"....Can I ask you a question...?" You requested hesitantly. Maybe it was just nothing. If the two of you were just in an unspoken prank war, it might be best to not bring it up.

"Yes." He answered instantaneously, almost before you got your question out. "Anything."

"Are you calling me your wife as a joke?" You blurted out the entire question at once. Luckily, the courtyard was mostly empty to protect you from your blunder, but it was nonetheless embarrassing, "I mean, I was doing it as a silly little prank. Then you did it too. You sounded so serious when you said it, too." You averted your gaze, wanting to look anywhere but at your lover. In your peripheral vision you saw him grow more confused than worried now. Rather than his brow being furrowed in concern, it was furrowed in thought.

It took a moment for him to speak. He tilted his head, as if it would help in deciphering the code you just tossed in his face, "We are betrothed, are we not? We haven't had a wedding yet, so we aren't in technical terms husband and wife. But, you have begun to call me your husband. In turn, I assumed you wanted me to refer to you as my wife."

You froze. He thought you were what? As far as you could remember, he didn't give you any indicator as to being engaged up until now!

"Hold on." You were so confused and shocked that your embarrassment ebbed away quickly. You looked him up and down. Were cameras going to pop out from behind a bench? A tree, perhaps? "I wasn't told anything about being engaged. When did this happen?"

His tone only grew more confused now, "A few weeks prior. You were accepting my courtship advances. The necklace you received was one of betrothal." He stated simply, "It was one from my personal collection, and you accepted it. Is that not a common proposal where you're from?"

"NO?! Malleus, where I'm from, people propose with a ring and ask if they will marry them!"

".....I see. This is quite the conundrum." He placed a hand on his chin, "Am I to cancel the wedding plans, then?" He looked almost sad at the prospect. You could tell immediately that this was something he had been planning since that night he gifted you that silver necklace.

You sighed again, this time bigger and heavier, "....I mean..." You didn't want to let him down, but it all felt too fast! "Maybe don't cancel them persay..." His mood drastically improved at your words. Optimism was a powerful tool, and he was using it right to his advantage.

"Maybe we can do things from my culture now?" You continued, "Once you propose in the human way, then we can start planning our wedding together." You thought this was a fair compromise. He already proposed with fae customs, but you weren't exactly ready to rush into a wedding dress. If things could be held off for at least a few more months, you'd have time to adequately settle into the reality.

Your words didn't come close to deterring Malleus. He nodded with more enthusiasm than ever. "I shall dedicate myself to the education and study of human ways. I will plan out a human proposal posthaste." He looked at you with a fire in his eyes. One you hadn't seen too often, but enough to recognize, you knew what it meant. He only got this look when he was so hellbent on succeeding that it'd take all of Twisted Wonderland to prevent him from reaching his goals.

You'd let out a monster, and you knew it. All you could do now was pray for your survival.

------------------------

A few days later, you were chatting casually with your regular quartet of Ace, Deuce, Grim in the cafeteria. But, your comfortable conversation was abruptly interrupted by a scream.

"HUMAN!!!!!!" You jumped at the sound, immediately recognizing it to be only one person.

"Sebek? Is something the matter?"

"MY LORD HAS DECIDED TO PROPOSE TO YOU ONCE MORE!!!!" He exclaimed, his volume far too high even in the large room. "YOU MUST LOOK THE PART WHEN HE APPROACHES YOU!" Without a second beat, he started dusting you off, nitpicking your appearance down to the lint on your shoulder.

Being friend with Sebek long enough had let you into his mind. You knew he was happy for you, and just expressing it in his own unique way. He had long since come to terms with your relationship, and had even come to support it (again, in his own way).

"Hold on..."

"No way..."

"Huh?!"

All three of your friends in front of you had gaping mouths, utterly shocked. They all yelled at the same time, their tones fearful and confused.

"My henchman..."

"You, of all people..."

"Prefect is...."

"GETTING MARRIED?!"

Leona kingscholar

Now this is a tough case, even though Leona doesn't like kids he would still take care and would protect them. Imagine him running towards NRC just to get away from Cheka and now he has to deal with grim who is more chaotic and unrestrained than any kid.

Every time he tried to have a romantic time with you, it was interrupted by grim because he wants attention from you. Leona was forced to not lock his bedroom door because grim would walk in during the middle of the night to sleep you as well as pushing Leona off from you.

Honestly he would spoil grim as long as he doesn't bother you and him, Leona would buy the tuna in the world if that's what it takes for him to leave the both of you on your date. Honestly grim doesn't mind him but the part that irks him is that Leona would steal your attention.

Azul Ashengrotto

YEAH NOPEEE! no matter how many times Azul tried to bribe and sweet talk with grim, he would ultimately go against your relationship with him– can't you remember he's the one that trap him in a contract as well as leaving both of you homeless, Azul pop in after hearing his excuse "actually, your the one that come to me" still this relationship goes against everything grim in.

Azul would absolutely try to bribe grim to leave you and him alone, giving him expensive tuna, free eating at Mostro lounge, answer sheets for exams and more but still– this little shit would not budge honestly how dare he for thinking grim would give away his henchman.

So he goes for another strategy, have jade and Floyd distract grim while he is busy loving you–what an absolute genius he is. But on occasion he would help grim out, or both of them working together to keep a secret from you.

Kalim Al-Asim

Instant approval towards kalim from grim, he would not literally bother you unlike the other first. Grim would approve of your marriage with him, if he ever offered it on the table. Honestly grim is shameless because he was too spoiled by kalim.

Kalim would act as the cool parent in the relationship, he would allow grim to have tuna as much as he wants. Heck, kalim would bring and give him many selections of fancy fish rather than that can tuna you would usually buy from Sam.

He would push the relationship to its max, grim and kalim would share a deep bond of them hiding their chaos from your eyes to avoid a scolding from you. He sees how much kalim loves you as well as how kalim makes you so happy, so grim would try his best to protect kalim.

Vil Schoenheit

Vil would take his role very seriously, he would put the same level of training towards epel to grim. He would drag grim to his photoshoots and treat this little fur ball as if it was his own son, many news articles pop up as well as making vil more viral.

Grim honestly unable to take the endless skin care as well as dressing up, he would try to bite his way out but that would always end up with vil putting grim in a time out corner.

Honestly I could see you and vil in each other night wear sitting with each other reading grim a story to put him to sleep and vil would carry him to his side of the bed.

Idia Shroud

This dude would try so hard yet it makes grim accept him the most. Idia is nervous about meeting his stepson, he would try so hard to give grim some space but also dying of cuteness on the inside due to grim cuteness.

Idia is fonding over you and grim at the same time, not to mention his parents would not stop teasing him about the wedding–of course it will happen after you graduate. He already has it planned out, and he already started discussing it with you–honestly he never expected a person like him would be the first to get laid.

He originally was worried since grim is known to cause trouble, and since his room is filled with rare merch and he's afraid that they will break them. But honestly, I feel like grim and idia would sneak out just to play Mario cart against each other at night.

Malleus Draconia

Another person who would take his role seriously as grim new "stepfather" or Guardia, he would always bring grim around wanting to get to know him as well as happy having someone being there outside of you to listen to his yapped about gargoyles.

If he found out about grim tripping or something due to his reckless behavior, malleus would call the best doctors in the entire nation acting as if grim has an incurable disease while you reassure him that grim is alive and is not dying.

Malleus would go to lilia to ask for some parenting advice and he swears seeing these old fae release a tear as well as murmuring how "they grow so fast" every time grim commit mischeif malleus would be there to punish him or keep watch on him.

Even though I'm on break, I simply could not resist uploading something the day before valentines day. Another day that reminds me that I'm lonely and nobody wants me 🥹

Anyway love and hate being single.

LEONA KINGSCHOLAR

he knew he smelled your scent upon entering the hall of mirrors―he didn't want to believe it. not because he didn't want to see you, but because he finally thought he was getting over you.

it's hard to get over what he knew cherished.

nothing else mattered. the voices around him fell deaf in his ears as his eyes found yours―he just stares. everyone leaves the room, leonas eyes shake but he holds himself steady a little bit longer.

he wants to remark on the fact your back, maybe a tch, took you long enough...but nothing comes out. his mouth gaps open, but he closes it again when you reach him. you have the audacity to say hello. with that stupid look on your face, like your trying not to cry.

his name out of your lips sounds soft and unreal. so, he takes your wrist―unsure what to expect, maybe his hand to fade through yours―but when his fingers curl around your wrist, he immediately pulls you in feeling a wave of relief hit his chest.

his arms lock around you, his face buried into the crook of your neck as he squeezes you gently―reassurance maybe? you don't question, you just softly cry into his uniform. when you move, he gets scared, pulling you back to his chest with a soft growl.

"don't move...stupid, herbivore. i hate what you do to me, giving all these damn heart attacks...you're not going anywhere, not again. mh? no, im not crying...just...don't pull a stunt like that' again."

AZUL ASHENGROTTO

many thoughts ran through his mind. staring down the hall he spots you, in the flesh. the same outfit, the same hair, same smile he adores. he's had many speeches prepared if you ever did come back, but they were all scrapped.

it would be impossible for you to come back, it take a miracle.

but staring back at you, eyes teary and wet, his dreams were coming true right in front of him. he calls your name, soft and hopeful. you call his name back, your own tears fell down your cheeks as his feet stumble toward you.

you smile softly, arms reaching out to hold him. to show him you're real because you know him. all the contracts, deals and research he's done has built up to this moment.

falling back into your arms, glasses hitting the floor and his hat loose upon his head as he holds you close.

his gloved fingers brush through your hair, hands tremble when you hold them to your face, eyes searching yours. for what, exactly? he's just missed you so much, he doesn't believe your real.

he won't let go for a while, always keeping you close, hand in hand―and when you're alone again, he's in your arms with his head in your chest.

"i calculated the odds of different ways to follow you, to find a way for you to come back...don't vanish again, my heart can't take another statistical miracle..."

KALIM AL-ASIM

is probably the only one out of all the housewardens to actually start crying immediately, running into your arms forgetting everyone and everything around him. you are, and have been, the only person on his mind...ever since your departure. his tears flew with him as he jumped into your arms, crying you name..

you both almost go tumbling backwards if you haven't grabbed onto the wall close and slide down to sit, his figure curled into yours, laying between your legs as he cries.

he thought you were gone, for good. he thought he would never hear your laughter, your breathing or your heartbeat ever again. it broke him into a million pieces, but now he sees you─in the flesh, feeling your skin to his and your tears falling down your cheeks...he knew you were you. you were real, back with him, in his arms.

he sniffles, laughing out your name like he's been holding it in for an eternity. his arms wrap tight around your waist, his head dug into your shirt, tears staining your clothes.

when he feels your arms hug him back, he scrambled to sit up. sitting on his knees he locked eyes with yours, wet and puffy―but had the biggest smile on his face. he brushes the tears from your cheeks as he just laughs.

he tells you everything you've missed, the new adventures he's been on and never leaves your side for a second. hands in yours, pinkies interlinked and cuddling you. he's missed you, so much!

"i've missed you so much, yuu! but your back! you're actually back! everyone told me to give up hope, that i would never see you again...but look! YOUR HERE, AHA!...do you know how quiet everything back at scarabia was without you?"

VIL SCHOENHEIT

his eyesight might not be as sharp as rooks, but he would be a fool if he didn't notice the same figure he would see everyday stand a few feet before him. the hall of mirrors suddenly went quiet, mummers left and right and eyes on the housewarden of pomefiore.

vil felt something in his chest lift, a sliver of hope? or maybe a boulder that was crushing him since your absence. is this an illusion? no, everyone else sees you.

there you are, standing before him down the path and smile at him―your hair swish as you speed walk toward him, arms to your side as a nervous wave washes over you. is he upset? has he fallen out of love with you? you wouldn't blame him, you left so suddenly. with these thoughts you slow down, eyes blinking back tears as you suddenly felt strong arms wrap around your shoulders and pull you into a tight hug.

your face smushes against vil's dorm uniform, his touch on your was gently, like he was holding some fragile. he pulls you back just enough to cup your face with his hand, his thumb brushing over your skin as if he's trying to figure out if you're real.

violet eyes search yours, teary and filled with warmth. you laugh out a cry when he whispers your name softly, missing the sound of his voice you hug him tight.

his firm is graceful yet tight, afraid you'll slip away from his embrace again.

"you reckless...do you know how many restless nights my skin had to endure because of you?...you owe me hours on facials...do not disappear from my life like that again, i won't allow it."

IDIA SHROUD

he wasn't there when you arrived, in fact he was in his room all the way at his dorm. the lights were dim and the sound of computers rang through the walls. he spent days figuring out ways to speak among worlds―despite it being inevitable...or so he thought.

he knew it was a fool for even trying, but he's not a quitter when it comes to something he's invested in. in this case, it was you. ortho was so excited to see idias' reaction―leading you to his dorm, the younger shroud brother left you alone to see idia.

you knock, only once. soft and careful.

"uh, c―come in?" who's knocking on his door? ortho is down at the hall of mirrors with the rest of the first years―as idia thought to himself, the sudden sound of his being called causes him to flinch.

that voice...?

he turned in his gaming chair, blue hair follows as he locks eyes with you. your standing in the middle of his room awkwardly, arms behind your back with a sheepish smile in your face.

he's hundred percent thinks he's hallucinating. just a few restless nights, he's missed you too much―he rambles under his breath as he closed his eyes. head buried in his hood, maybe you'll go away when he opens his eyes.

"...idia?"

his eyes snap open, this time your much closer then before. kneeling at his chair to look at him from below, a tear rolled down your cheeks before you could stop it.

he suddenly panics and grabs your shoulders, looking around for some sigh of hologram. "pulse...there... temperature?...normal...shadow casting..." his hand goes to your chest, but it doesn't phase through.

his breath hitched, his hair flickers and he's suddenly hugging you tight, practically knocking you both to the floor at his chair. burying your face in his shoulder, he takes a shakey deep breath.

he didn't have anything to say, he just stayed in your arms for hours on end. you'll get a word out of him in the morning, let him hold you. he needs to know your real."

MALLEUS DRACONIA

his emerald eyes locked onto you the moment you arrived, malleus stares at you. there you are―alive, breathing, in the same room you said goodbye too. his face drops into a look of shock and awe, his eyes scanning for a clear path to you until he took it.

when you see him, the dragon heir who usually never is around, appears in front of you with shaky eyes. you smile, tears already forming in your eyes as his hands hesitantly hover over your arms.

his hand gently brushes your shoulder, his other reaching to cup your cheek―confirming you are in fact not an illusion. this isn't a dream, this isn't the world playing a dirty trick on him.

his partner beside the throne was back, standing before him, smiling up at him. you anchor yourself by squeezing the sleeve of his dorm uniform, melting into his touch.

he breathed your name, breath warm against your skin as you nod slowly. your smile still on your face as you cried happy tears. malleus didn't cry, he did much of that while you were away from him. lilia held him, being the only one to be his sliver of hope seeing you again...even if he had no clue it that was true.

but here you were, proving all those who thought you were gone forever, wrong. his gloved fingers combs your hair back, pulling you into his embrace and holds you tight.

he doesn't let anyone else close to you without his supervision.

"i...have hoped for a miracle...i wished upon every star to see you again, my love...you vanished from this world, even the strongest of potions couldn't aid me....i believed i lost you forever, let me hold you...just a little longer."

end notes; i rly like idia guys im going insane.

𝗜𝗗𝗜𝗔𝗦𝗣𝗟𝗔𝗬𝗘𝗥𝗧𝗪𝗢 ݁ ˖Ი𐑼⋆ ― 2026

----------------------------Yuu----------------------------

Your life has taken a turn. For better or for worse, you're still deciding. But nevertheless being isekai'd into one of your favorite games has certainly been exciting! And it's allowed you to gain a new appreciation for all of these people you once believed to be merely characters. ...and one who was barely even that.

Yuu, the prefect of Ramshackle dorm, and the faceless main character of the game. Much like what's happened to you, they were brought to twisted wonderland from earth, and had to adjust to this strange world. ...though perhaps you had the one up on them, considering you knew what this world was via the game twisted wonderland.

...the story started over after you were isekai'd, back to the start with the mirror chamber, and the burnt statue of the Queen of hearts, and the mines monster. ...but you didn't take the place of Yuu, they've been there alongside you this entire time. Stepping out of their coffin after you fell out of it, and helping you up. And as the story passed like you remembered it, they helped you along through it with that wonderful smile on their face. Overall acting like the perfect main character, and the most lovely person. Were they... Always like this?

As time passed, and they stuck by you through think and thin and horrifying overblots, you slowly realized you liked this world. You liked Yuu. ...well, of course you liked it, but... You wanted to stay. That might sound strange, but since the beginning, you've felt like you couldn't. ...back home, they needed you.

...

For most of your life, you've been the 'hope' for your family. The one who'll succeed and fix the money problems your family has been struggling with. And you weren't against filling the role, so you dedicated your time to studying for a good profession. It may not be one you like, but it's one that would earn quite a bit should you be successful.

...but you just aren't. This profession doesn't suit you in the slightest, and that shows. It shows in everything. Studying and practical application of this just never clicked for you, you never once felt a spark of inspiration for it. And of course... Your peers at school, they would mock you behind your back for that shortcoming. It simply felt like this wasn't what your life was supposed to be, but... You need to do this, that's what your parents always said at least.

When you used to bring up problems to them, issues with your learning, they would shrug it off. Before pressuring you further to continue. They don't want you to miss out of this opportunity they've given you, and they don't want the money they spent on your schooling wasted. Besides, this is what's 'best for you' after all.

Things may not have worked out exactly how you hoped, but you still pushed on for this profession. Hoping to help your parents once your income is stable. Still though... It got stressful at times, those evenings spent studying just to catch up with your peers that seemed to understand it easily, the days your family would tell you to 'just be grateful for the opportunity'. And so much more. ..sometimes all you had to keep you going was your game, twisted wonderland.

Evenings spent relaxing and playing events, celebrating when you got a card you'd wanted for awhile, and getting attached to these characters within this wonderful world. Sometimes you would wish to be there with them, but you would always brush away those dreams when you remembered your responsibilities here. Besides, no sense lingering on what could never be...

...

That's what you had thought before one of those days, logging in greeted you with a swirling mist like withing the dark mirror, pulling you in like magic. Back during Night Raven college's orientation. It all felt like a dream, without your problems from the real world. And... You let yourself dream for a little while.

Months passed as you stayed in Ramshackle with Yuu and Grim, you didn't bother to change the story, you just wanted to experience these things you never got the chance to before. And Yuu? You've loved getting to know them. How they can struggle to assert themselves during arguments, unless it's about their friends, and especially when it's about you. Or how attentively they'll listen to your problems, clearly caring about every word.

You do worry about them however. With your appearance in this world, you fear you may have taken a few of their friends. You notice how nearly everyone would go to you before them, and they've definitely noticed this as well. But it's only seemed to make them hang out with you more. You don't mind that part of course, but you do feel bad for what you've accidentally took from them.

...they're so sweet to you as well, always trying to make you feel comfortable and at home. You appreciate it, even if it can feel a bit much at times. You understand they're probably clinging so much because they think you're someone like them, thrown into a strange world with nothing. And you don't want to ruin that for them.

But... As time passes, you get more and more conscious of how you need to return home soon. Your family needs you, you can't just leave them forever. Like with all dreams, you'll eventually need to wake up. ...and maybe it would be easier to leave sooner rather than later, before you get any more attached to this world-

Yuu: "hey there! What are you so deep in thought about~ you've just been staring out that window for awhile, everything okay?"

"Hm? Ah yeah, I guess I'm alright. Just thinking about stuff."

Yuu: "haha, how descriptive. Now c'mon, sit down, and don't dodge the question! I'm worried, y'know?"

You give them a small smile as you sit down next to them on the couch in Ramshackle. And while it's nice to be able to sit there comfortably, that only reminds you how long you've been here already. You're not sure how to explain this to Yuu, but maybe you should just tell them everything.

"...I was just thinking about how I need to go home soon."

Yuu: "oh, well... Why?"

"Huh? Oh I just- well don't you want to go home?"

Yuu: "...not without you..."

"Hm? What was that?"

Yuu: "nothing! Just, do you really want to leave everything in this world behind? Believe me, I understand better than anyone how confusing this all is. But... I'm glad it gave me the chance to meet you. And everyone else as well."

"I- I don't know. I definitely Should go back, I've got things I need to do at home, I can't just abandon everyone there! But at the same time... You're right, being in this world has given me the chance for so many new experiences I'd never could've dreamed of! And it let me get to know you. And... And I wish I could just stay, but..."

Yuu: "there's nothing holding you back, y'know? No one would blame you if you wanted to stay! Besides, Ramshackle would be pretty lonely Again with only me and Grim, haha..."

"That doesn't change my responsibility back home. ...what would they do without me? I can't just leave that all behind because it's easier. But I also don't want to leave this world behind either! If only my family was in a good position without me, then I wouldn't have to worry about that..."

Yuu: "...so what?..."

"Hm?"

Yuu: "I said, so what!? Back then, they didn't appreciate your effort enough! They didn't see how much you were struggling! I had to watch as time and again that pressure wore you down, the studying being too much, and all the while all that mattered was them! Why can't you just see it's better like this!?"

"What... What are you saying Yuu? Where is this even coming from!?"

Yuu: "haha... Hahahaha! C'mon, don't act like you don't remember! Back then, we were just a game to you. I was barely even a character, your choices were my only life, building my personality as you saw fit. Without you, there never would've been a me! But I guess... Without a real model, you never could've seen me. Not really. But now, now you can! Why would you want to go back to that? Back to that world away from me, and with THEM!? They could never care about you more than I could."

"...character? Wait, you knew this whole time!? Why didn't you say anything!?"

Yuu: "and freak you out? No way! Besides, I didn't wanna remind you of all that stress I watched you endure. But now, you're free! Things are better now, and there's nothing we can't face together, y'know?"

"Still though... Can I really leave it all behind? My entire life was there."

Yuu: "you were underappreciated there! I saw it, and I know first hand how much it hurts to have your issues overlooked. But I swear to you, I'll never let that happen here. You deserve better than that world. You deserve to be happy, and here with me. Right?"

"But-"

Yuu: "and if you're back there... We would never see each other again. I would be back to that faceless protagonist I was before, and you would be back to just an outside observer. ...like I said before, I was barely even a character in your game. And I'll just go back to that once you leave... I'll be alone again."

"I... You don't deserve that. I still don't know what's right, but..."

Yuu: "please, just stay a little longer. I swear you'll never again have to worry like you did back there. Just... Trust me this once, please?"

"...alright. for now, I guess I can stay for a while longer... If just for your sake."

Yuu: "thank you so much, I don't know what I could do without you-! Really... Thank you..."

As they speak, they wrap their arms around your shoulder, a smile on their face as small tears of relief roll down their cheeks and onto your shoulder. You're unsure what to do, so you end up awkwardly patting their back as you try your best to smile reassuringly. And maybe, they're correct.

You still don't like the idea of running away from it all, but you Do want to stay here. This world has been so much nicer to you than your old one, and you don't want to leave it behind. ...maybe your family can do alright on their own, just for a little bit. At least until the story is over. ...yeah, at least.

Maybe this can be okay until then, even as a small feeling of unease at Yuu's intensity twists in your mind, you convince yourself it will be alright. Just... Until then.

...

But Yuu could never accept something like that. ...they'll just need to make sure your life is too connected to theirs for you to ever consider going home again. For you to ever try to Abandon them again.

--------------------------Kalim---------------------------

It felt like life turned onto its head for you, when a few months ago you were thrown out of your world, and into the world of one of your favorite games. Twisted wonderland. Thrown back to the start of the story, you remember stepping out of the coffin/gate in utter confusion as an ever familiar scene played out in front of your very eyes. Orientation day, and the opening scene of the game you loved.

Being isekai'd was something you never could've expected, but it... Was nice. Despite the chaos that came with following the main story, which you did as best you could, it felt freeing. Like all the problems you had back home couldn't reach you here. ...the responsibilities still haunt your thoughts however, all the things you can't run away from forever.

Yet you've still been able to enjoy yourself here, and that's in no small part because of someone who was one of your favorites through the screen, and who's been nothing but wonderful during your time here. Kalim al-Asim, someone who quite literally shouldn't be at NRC, far too trusting and kind for this school. He... Wasn't meant to hang out with the MC this much, you're certain of that.

Remembering the story, you weren't meant to really meet him until you were going around and questioning people about the spelldrive incidents. But instead he bumped into you at the cafeteria one day, only a little after the heartslabyul story wrapped up, and insisted on joining you for lunch. He then chatted with you all throughout it, and even insisted on paying for the meal when you were done! You don't remember any scene like that happening during the story, but you're thankful nonetheless.

...what you couldn't expect was that not being a one-off situation. Since then Kalim has done nothing but shower you in attention, affection, and gifts. You would've thought Jamil would be against this, but he's oddly okay with you being there. Maybe he just doesn't think you can be a threat? You... Appreciate that...? Probably? Well in any case, it's been fun!

With Kalim you've been able to do all sorts of things you never could've in your world, and almost forgot your worries in this daze of extravagance and almost the smothering bond he's made between the two of you. He's become such a constant in your life here, that most of the time you can barely imagine going back home.

...except on days like today, when you remember all too vividly the life you Need to return to eventually. The people who depend on you, and the things you can't just abandon. ...even- even if your time here has been the most you've really enjoyed life in years. You can't just take the easy way out, right?

...

Back home, you were the one expected to make life better for your family. They put you through schooling for a good profession, and set you up for a good life that would help them as well. They just... Couldn't understand the stress that put on you. That's all.

The years of schooling, your difficulties picking up the skills needed, your peers mocking you for those difficulties. It wasn't all bad, but you would be lying if you said you wanted things to continue this way forever. And your parents, while not cruel, didn't understand your frustrations. And didn't have the time to spare worrying about it. Besides... They HAVE set you up for a good life. In their own words, you should be grateful life will be easier for you than it was for them.

So you no longer brought your frustrations there, instead you would turn to one of your favorite games, Twisted Wonderland. And the feel-good character Kalim al-Asim. Evenings spent playing, sometimes chatting out loud with him as though he could hear. Both quiet and loud moments that felt shared and understood, sometimes you would wish they truly were shared.

Then one day, your screen glitched out as Kalim stood smiling on your homescreen. And as your mind started getting fuzzy, you felt yourself getting pulled into that world you loved. The horror that you should've felt instead replaced with a feeling of freedom. The kind that only comes from avoiding everything, and indulging in fiction.

But with Kalim... It's easy to forget...

...

Today was another day you woke up in Scarabia dorm, Kalim often insisting on sleepovers after he once tried sleeping over at Ramshackle and decided you didn't deserve to sleep there all the time. You woke up earlier than usual, likely before Kalim was awake, and before you really needed to prepare for class. So you decided to take a walk around Scarabia. Your thoughts wandering back to the life you need to return to eventually. You don't often remember it, but when you do...

You pause your walk, you were mindless wandering around the dorm, and have somehow ended up outside the storage room that's basically a treasurey. And you breath in and out, your head spinning as you remember things you'd almost forgotten. ...it can't be more than a year now, before you'll need to return home in the story. And leaving everything here behind, and then-

Kalim: "heeeyyyy!!! Haha, I've been looking for you everywhere! You're up early today! ...hm? Something on your mind?"

"Ah, Kalim! It's... It's good to see you. Sorry, I was just thinking about stuff."

Kalim: "hm? What sorta stuff?"

"Just, thinking about when I'll have to go home."

Kalim: "oh... Well why not just stay? I promise I'll throw a party for you everyday if you want it! It'll be way better here than there!"

"I- what? No that's not an option... I have to go home, my family needs me there."

An emotion you haven't seen on Kalim flashes in his eyes, before he smiles again and clasps your hand, pulling you into the storeroom. He stops in the middle of it, surrounded by the piles of gold and treasures, and gestures to it all with a bright yet oddly tense expression.

Kalim: "all of it can be yours! A lack of money was the source of your problems back there, and that'll never happen here! So why go home?"

"...Kalim what in the world are you saying? How do you even know that!?"

Kalim: "ahaha, don't you remember? You used to vent to me about all your problems, of course I remembered them! And I've fixed them! Things should be perfect now, right?"

"Kalim... How do you know that?"

Kalim: "it was all a game to you back then, but that was alright, since I was able to see you basically every day! But I also had to see you upset or sad because of that world and all those issues... So I've fixed it! You'll never have to worry about a thing here :D isn't that great?"

"You remember that!? ...that explains so much... But, that doesn't change the fact my family still needs me. Even if I would want to stay here, I ca-"

Kalim: "but I need you too! I know family is important, but... Please don't leave! Don't you remember who it was that you went to when you were stressed? Or to celebrate something? I want to keep sharing those moments with you! Please? And not just through a screen anymore."

"Kalim, I..."

Kalim: "I promise I'll make things perfect for you! What do you need so you'll stay? You can have it!"

He takes a golden necklace from the pile of treasure, and clasps it around your neck, as tears start to roll down his face. He looks desperate, but he's still trying to smile for you.

Kalim: "anything! Just say the word, I'll even be your servant if that's what you want! I can be your very own genie!"

He goes and grabs two golden bracelets, placing them around your wrists quickly. They're a little heavier than would be comfortable, and you're starting to feel overwhelmed by everything.

"WAIT!"

Kalim: "h-huh? Oh... Right haha... Sorry! I know this must be a lot. I just wanted to show you I really meant it, and- I got carried away a little..."

"It's just..."

You aren't sure what the right answer is, whether to stay with him, who obviously cares about you so much, and live happily the rest of your life... While abandoning those at home. Or returning home, and continuing the life you were meant to live before getting isekai'd. ...then, as you look at Kalim's face, you decide something. It may or may not be the 'right choice' (if there even is one), but it's the only one you can make in the moment.

"...I suppose, I can't just leave you here. You've been so kind to me for months, and it's true, life has been like a dream since I came here. ...it feels selfish, but... I guess I can stay, at least for awhile longer."

Kalim: "...YOU WILL!? Yay!!!! C'mon then! This definitely calls for a celebration!!! I'll have all your favorites prepared!"

"Ah- wait Kalim, the bracelets and necklace?"

Kalim: "keep them! Consider it a proper welcome gift haha!"

"Ah, okay..."

As he rushes you along the hallways again, you think you've made if not the right choice, at least a good one. Otherwise he wouldn't be so happy, and you...? Well, as long as Kalim is happy with this, surely you will be too. In time. ...just as soon as you can forget what you've just left behind...

...

And Kalim will make sure that happens sooner rather than later, so you'll never have a reason to frown again! He much prefers when you're happy, especially when he's the one to put a smile on your face! So just forget everything else, he'll make sure your life from now on will be perfect!

----------------------------Vil-----------------------------

Throughout your life, there were things you could expect. Things like how you had to excel in your studies so you could get a good paying job after school, or things like finding comfort from the stress of life in video games. Specifically Twisted Wonderland. Which you'd grown to love over the time you played.

However life loves throwing things you could never expect at you, and that includes being isekai'd into said game! And it's been... Lovely. Genuinely, you never thought something like this could've been so wonderful! And it's all because of a single charac- person. Vil Schoenheit. You're still unsure why he is so... Insistent about everything, but you're grateful.

But to start from the beginning (which often the best place to start) when you were isekai'd, you were brought back to the beginning of the story. All the way back to orientation, as it was you stepping out of that coffin instead of Yuu. And it was you experiencing all those familiar events.

Grim demanding the robes, the chase to the library, being brought back by Crowley with all eyes on you, and... His eyes on you. Looking around, you had noticed Vil's eyes trained on you in a entirely unique way to the others, something in his eyes screamed he knew something more than the others, but you didn't have the time to learn more than that as you were dragged through the rest of the prologue.

During the following months, the story has strayed a little from its original course, but you aren't too worried. After all, it's a very pleasant alteration! You somehow got mixed up with Pomefiore much earlier in the story than intended, between book 1 and 2. Vil had randomly scouted you as a extra in a film, and said you had potential to be more than that should you want it. And ever since, you've basically been part of the film research club! (not on paper, since Grim didn't want to join it, but you still go to every meeting. An unofficial member so to say.)

Being a part of the club, has introduced you to Vil and Rook (he's also not part of the club, but he's around so often, he's basically another unofficial member) much earlier than you expected, and you've gotten along surprisingly well! Rook will wax poetic about the painted flowers on the set, you'll be smiling to yourself over his enthusiasm, and Vil... Will be smiling as well, his eyes fixed on you. ...you only caught him doing it once, but you swear you've been feeling eyes on you more often. ...eh, maybe it's paranoia. Or Rook. That's also a viable option considering... Rook.

Vil also has been complimenting and helping you grow during your time here, he even gave you a skincare routine since 'he won't have a unpolished gem on his set'. Though he might as well have not given you it, since he basically always says something isn't up to his standards, and he'll just do it himself this time. Leading to evenings spent in Pomefiore as he applies the skincare calmly, the sort of peaceful moments that make you wonder whether you could stay here forever.

...but you know you can't, not with your family relying on you back home. It's not a matter of If you'll go back, but When. ...yet, can you accept that after getting to experience something so glorious?

...

For most of your life, you've known what you had to do. You were to get into a good school, and then get a good job, and using that money you would be able to help your family out of their troubles. You've never seen anything wrong with this responsibility, after all, you Do want to help your family.

There's just been a few issues. The trade you wanted was difficult, and the lessons for it always made your head spin. Your peers would mock you for it, and the stress of it all would pile up quickly. ...and your family... They had their own issues. They did care, they just, couldn't understand. You don't blame them for that. Not after all their help.

So instead of your family, your would turn to your games. You would sit there some days, watching Vil stand on your homescreen, and you would vent your frustrations, and say all the things you could never say anywhere else, and just... Relax.

You'd had a difficult morning that day, so as usual you went to log into TWST. But this time, instead of your beautiful homescreen character, you were greeted by the image of the dark mirror, and a hand reaching out for you inside of it. And as soon as you touched it-

...

Life has been good in Twisted Wonderland, better than anything you experienced in your world. It feels selfish to say, but most days you wish you could just stay here without worrying about your family, or the life you accidentally left behind. You wish you could just focus on this new life here... With Vil.

And...

Rook: "we've arrived! And with that, I shall take my leave~ farewell!"

"Ah- goodbye! Thanks for walking with me to Pomefiore!"

Rook: "think nothing of it, the Roi du poison specifically requested your presence again, and am I nothing if not his loyal hunter!"

"Haha, well, thanks again. I'll see you later Rook."

Rook: "adieu! Till next we meet!"

You step into the dorm, already knowing where you're headed. You navigate the rooms and hallways easily, and make it to Vil's room. You reach to knock on his door, before hesitating for a second. Your mind is still occupied by thoughts of home, and Vil has always seemed irritated whenever you brought it up in the past...

Well, you don't hesitate for that long. You knock, and quickly you hear a voice from within.

Vil: "is that you prefect? Come in."

You step inside his room, he's already prepared the usual skincare, as well as a drink you couldn't have mentioned liking more than once. ...you're surprised he remembered something like that haha. He hands you the drink with that smile of his, which is too lovely a smile not to smile back.

Vil: "please, sit down. And here, I believe you like this, correct?"

"Yeah, thanks Vil. I appreciate it!"

Vil: "hm, it's nothing much, I just remembered you mentioning it. Now, shall we begin?"

"Ah, right. Of course!"

As you set the cup down, Vil starts applying your skincare. Then after a moment, once you're fully settled into it, he looks at you with a odd expression on his face. His voice calm yet colder than usual.

Vil: "you've been acting strange recently, has there been something on your mind?"

"What...? O-oh, it's nothing! I just... Was thinking about when I'd go home, y'know?"

Vil pauses in his application, a barely perceivable frown appearing on his face before he continues. His voice slightly strained as he speaks.

Vil: "you say it as though returning home is a certainty. But... Does it truly have to be?"

"Huh? Well, of course it does, right?"

Vil: "I believe you should deliberate over that choice a little longer. After all, you seem to be under the perspective it's already decided."

"Well, I've got things I need to do back home. ...and while I Really love the things I've gotten to experience here, I can't just abandon them..."

Vil: "you wouldn't be abandoning them, especially not if they never deserved you in the first place..."

"What was that?"

Vil: "hmph, I'm saying you deserve to be in a place where you can flourish, and that world could never match this one as far as that goes."

"Hahhh... You wouldn't be saying that if you really knew what it was like. It's not that bad!"

Vil: "...and who's to say I don't?"

"Huh? What do you mean by that...?"

Vil: "I- well, now's as good a time as any I suppose. Prefect- or rather, Player. ...don't get that look on your face, it's true. Back when it was just us, watching each other through that screen, and separated by it. I remember it all. And I remember how horridly that world treated you."

"Wait wait wait- so, you were self aware that whole time?! Not only that, but you only chose just now to reveal that to me!?!"

Vil: "not the whole time, it was only after some time that I was truly able to see you. And there was simply no good moment to bring it up. ...but in any case, don't avoid the issue here. That world only caused you stress! I saw first-hand how much it wore on you day in and day out. And I was never able to help you, despite how desperately I wished to!"

"I... But can I really leave it behind?"

Vil: "instead, ask yourself this. Can you leave Twisted Wonderland behind? ...can you leave me behind? And, would you?"

You pause at that, Vil's eyes have gone cold as he stares into yours so intensely, you doubt you could look away even if you wanted to. You don't know the answer to that. ...or, you don't want to accept the answer you would choose if given the opportunity.

After all, this world has treated you kinder than your old world ever did. ...All that world ever did was want more and more from you, asking more than you could give. And Vil... Vil has made your life so much better, he's done so much for you without asking for a thing in return. And... And the choice is obvious. If there ever even was a choice in the first place.

"...no, I- I would never. You're right, this world is much better... I'm sorry."

Vil: "it's alright, don't apologize. Just, do not bring this up again. That world is in the past, and you... You truly belong here. I'm glad you made the right decision in the end... Thank you."

He cups your face gently, his smile returning as he looks your your eyes with such kindness, such... Affection. You know, he's right. This was the right decision, in fact... How could you have ever thought there was more than one decision? This was the Only decision you could've made. ...yes. this is how it should be.

...

When you leave his room, he clutches his chest, his breath turning uneven as the stress of it all catches up to him. How could you EVER want to go home, after all he's done to make things so clearly better here?! ...it's clear he'll need to keep a closer eye on you from now. This was much too close for comfort...

---------------------------Idia-----------------------------

You never expected the course of your life to shift so dramatically, but you doubt anyone could've expected something like this. After all, isekai was always meant to be a thing of fantasy. And yet here you are, living it! And in one of your favorite games no less! Twisted Wonderland! It's been interesting to say the least... But truthfully you've been conflicted about how to feel over all this. What with everything back home...

You had stepped out of the coffin during the orientation ceremony, and saw the familiar direbeast casting fire and demanding you give him the ceremonial robes. You immediately recognized it as the beginning scene in twisted wonderland. ...the BEGINNING SCENE IN TWISTED WONDERLAND?!!

Amidst your panic over the sudden isekai, you ended up defaulting to going through the motions of the opening scene. Aka running to the library, and getting dragged back by Crowley. Only for all the students to be staring at you with a terrifying mixture of curiosity and annoyance. ...except for one. ...well, two. But one that really stood out to you.

...did Idia come to the orientation in the main game? For some reason, you remember it just being his tablet. But you see him clearly standing there, his hair flickering under his hood, which is pulled up as far as it can be. But underneath all of that, you spot his striking yellow eyes staring at you with something that you cannot quite place. It's not annoyance, curiosity, anger, or even a tired sort of 'why wouldn't this happen today...?'

And next to him, is Ortho with a smile on his face, giving you a small wave, and a encouraging thumbs up when you notice them. You hesitantly wave back, before you're pushed through the rest of orientation. And... Pushing seems to be becoming a trend since coming here. As once you leave the building, Ortho shows up and says he'll take over from the headmage, pushing you away from that whole mess with a smile.

Where does he push you to? Idia! Waiting (hiding) behind a tree, and he jumped when he noticed you. You're certain this wasn't part of the main story, but... It's not like much came of this. After all, your conversation ended very quickly, when your greetings fizzled out into awkward silence. And not even Ortho could nudge Idia into a conversation.

In the end, Ortho just gave a small apology for bothering you before going back with Idia to ignihyde. ...and leaving you without a guide to Ramshackle!? You're certain that part was an accident, but still!

Oh well, that night you had managed to find your own way there (only getting a little lost) (very lost, some ghosts took pity on you and ended up helping you in the end) and you don't hold it against him. Why would you? Especially when they were both some of your favorites! And since then, things have diverted from the main story by quite a bit!

Well, not so much diverted, as added onto. As while you've still been completing the main story as you're supposed to, Ortho joined the group much sooner than usual. And he's been very obviously trying to make you and Idia friends, always inviting you to the boardgame club during their meetups.

At first it absolutely threw Idia off his game, but after some time he managed to get used to you being there. And your presence seemed to strangely motivate him. Ortho has mentioned a few times that since you started going to the club meetings, he's been winning more games than ever!

You wouldn't have thought it was really because of you, if not for one day when he'd just beaten Azul. And instead of his usual gloating, he first turned to you proudly, as though making sure you saw his achievement. ...of course as soon as he realized what he did, he immediately turned away and looked embarrassed. But still you saw him smile brightly when you complimented his game.

Really by now you've both gotten comfortable in each other's presence, enough that you can just drop by Ignihyde casually for some gaming, or to borrow a manga, or to watch an anime he's recommended. Yet despite this becoming normal, you can't help but let your thoughts wander back to what used to be normal.

Your life back home, that you have to get back to at some point, and that you nearly let yourself forget during your time here.

...

As you grew up, you slowly learned more about the troubles your family was facing, and the expectations on you to help fix it. This meant your parents set you up for success as best they could, paying for your schooling so you could get a high paying job. And eventually you would make life easier for your family.

You knew this, you just... Had difficulty actually doing it. It was an uphill battle to learn things your peers seemed to pick up easily, and for that, they would make fun of you. And you don't bring these issues to your family anymore. ...they truly do care about you, they simply have too much to worry about already to worry about that as well. Besides, you should be grateful your life will be better than theirs ever was.

...so you didn't bring issues to them, and instead took your frustrations, and emotions, to twisted wonderland. And your homescreen character, Idia Shroud. You would cry, and complain, and forget about things for awhile as you talked to his as if he could hear you and respond. It became a stress reliever to log in after a bad day, and just see him standing there.

Until one day when you didn't see him there. Instead as you logged in, you saw the game auto navigate to the mirror tab, and something spent a key on a banner you'd never seen before, it looked completely blank. Then you saw the SSR sparkles, and the coffin with the special design. And... That was the last thing you saw before you stepped into the NRC orientation.

...

As you sat on the edge of Idia's bed, you watched Idia get annoyed at the ending of the anime you two were watching. He had recommended it, but it was a newer one, so he must not have actually seen it first. It ended with the protagonist waving goodbye to all their friends, before walking back through a portal to their world, presumably never to return.

Idia: "geez, I've never understood why isekai protagonists always wanna return to their old world, I mean, they get to live out their wildest dreams in what's basically a fantasy land! It's just so frustrating when a show treats 'going back home' as the ultimate best thing. Like, no it isn't???"

"I dunno... I mean, it felt pretty realistic, y'know? Maybe they have things they needed to do back home?"

Idia: " pfft- as if! They didn't have things they 'needed' to do. They had things they felt they had to do, but it literally wasn't their problem anymore. Why go back and make it their problem again?! Ugh, from now on, I'm going to read the reviews before I watch a show with you. This is ridiculous."

"I guess the ending Was pretty bittersweet, huh? I just, I feel bad for the characters left behind..."

Idia: "that too! They have people who genuinely care about them there, who've they've gone through the entire journey with, and they just- don't care??? Not only that, but the characters who love the protagonist just let them leave??? Hmph, talk about lacklustre writing. I'm absolutely leaving a bad review on this show, it had so much potential, and then ruined it all with the ending."

"...while I get you didn't like it, it makes sense for the protagonist to want to go home. And they did set it all up really well."

Idia: "and that's the worst of it! The characters already knew the protagonist was going to leave eventually, and still got close to them. It's just not fair!"

You watch him sit there in frustration for awhile longer, you know all the points he and you made in this argument, could apply to you as well. But that doesn't make the choice anything easier to decide. So why don't you...?

"Sorry, I don't mean to change the subject, but... Do you think, I should go home? Would you feel the same way even if you knew it was me, and if I really did have something I should get get back to?"

Idia pauses, staring at you for a moment. You may not understand how much that question is making his thoughts swirl out of control, but as he speaks, you can see his stance is clear.

Idia: "...why'd you wanna go home to That again? It's like willingly deciding 'hey, I know things were way way more stressful back home, but it's still HoMe. Even if that schooling made me so stressed, and the only place I could turn was a game! I still have a ReSpOnSiBiLiTy to the folks who didn't even understand how much it all hurt!' like- no??? Why go back there? You're literally living the dream! Like GGs, you've done it, all you need to do is Not Go Back, and you just win! Why would you-"

"...how do you know that? All of that, you shouldn't know it..."

Idia: "I- uh... Crap. I..."

"Wait- all of that... You were self aware, right? Through the game! Then it would make sense. But, why not tell me right away?"

Idia: "you think it's as simple as going up and saying 'hi there, remember me? Yeah, I was your homescreen character and I know things about your life you might not have wanted to share yet! That isn't absolutely horrifying at all!' ...see?"

"...it still would've been nice to know at some point."

Idia: "I was planning on it, there just never was a good chance! But now it doesn't even matter, because you're still planning to go back to that world, where I'm just a 2d anime sprite. Guess it makes sense, you took a look at me irl and decided there was no chance, no way, you would stay here."

"What? Wait, what are you saying now? That's no what happened at all-!"

Idia: "oh great, you already ripped my heart out, but at least you're still trying to spare my feelings! Look, I'm not good with sappy stuff at all, but I will say this. Being with you IRL was one of the first times I've enjoyed someone's company, and... The first time I've cared about someone the way I care about you. It felt, like maybe the fates were finally smiling on me. ...I can't believe I let myself believe that someone as wonderful as you, would stay with someone like me..."

"Idia, I..."

Idia: "if you were just planning to leave this whole time, why'd have to go and give me hope that you wouldn't!? Why did you even get close to me, if you were just going to tear it all away in the worst bad ending ever?!"

You stare at him for a moment, unsure what to say to his words. ...until you notice the tears. Idia normally protects himself from pain with a level of separation from nearly everything. ...so for him to cry like this, and say these things... He truly had let down his guard around you. And you... You cannot break that trust. You don't want to see him cry like this. Not over you.

Maybe you're abandoning it all, or taking the easy way out. But as you move towards him and cup his face in your hand, brushing away the tears. You decide you must've made the right choice. As he looks up at you with a small hope that must've been hard for him to have after all this.

"I won't leave. I'm sorry, I- you're right, what kind of isekai protagonist would willingly leave someone as wonderful as you behind?"

Idia: "y-you will? You're way too nice to be real right now, am I dreaming...?"

"No. I... I promise I won't leave you, okay?"

Idia can't seem to say anything to that, instead he leans into your shoulder and breaths a sigh of relief. A moment passing before-

Idia: "thank you..."

Yes, this must be a good ending. ... you're glad you made the right choice.

...