flowers and water

“Hm? No, no. I'm helping Elana move some boxes for the library. And I've seen you sitting here since twenty minutes ago. What got you so nervous, [name]? Did something happen?” His face turned from an eager expression, to a concerned one. You've known Gabriel for a year by now. You're partnered up with him during the first day at school with him as the leader of the pack of new students, which includes you.

Back then, you just recently moved to the town. You didn't know anyone and didn't have any friends. It is deeply unfortunate that you're awkward with new people too. Thankfully, Gabriel was there to introduce you to everyone, and you ended up getting acquainted with everyone. He's too extroverted in a nice way. He could befriend anything. Sometimes you think he can make friends with bugs if that's what he wanted, but maybe that's too dramatic.

And yes, his father, Mr. Rodriguez, is 180° of him. He's pretty quiet, yet is a famous counselor in the school. He's understanding but not in an overbearing way, and he always taught the students where to draw the line, which is what you're trying to do currently. But seeing his stern face makes you back out. You're afraid he'll ridicule you from your mistakes in the past, and even call the police on you.

“Uhh… I want to see Mr. Rodriguez, but I'm so nervous talking to him.” You mumbled quietly while rubbing your cold hands together. “I mean, he's nice! But it's easier talking to someone like you.” You continued, but your voice gets smaller with each sentence. (Un)Fortunately, Gabriel got a nice pair of ears, and he caught what you said. He got perky again, his eyes shimmered, and soon abruptly stood up. His hand shot towards you, as if offering his palm to be held.

“Well, why don't we talk on the rooftop then? For privacy!” He chirped. You can't help but sweat even more. He's way too excited for this quest, but maybe talking with him will lift some burden from your head. With a nod, you accepted his offer, you wiped your hands before engulfing it with his. You apologized that it's a little wet, but Gabriel doesn't seem to pay any mind. The two of you went up the stairs, while four eyes watched your backs.

In the second floor, Ludwig Kappel looked up at you and your senior’s fleeting shadows as you two bolted up the stairs. His left eyebrow couldn't help but twitch from curiosity and something akin to annoyance. He fixed his pristine school blazer, and the student council badge he attained just a few weeks ago.

“Tch… how many times have I told everyone not to run on the stairs just today?” He sighed and rubbed his temple out of frustration. Beside him is his vice president, Angeline. The girl could only giggle softly, while looking at the same empty spot.

“Just let them be. [Name] has Gabriel’s help if anything happens to her. He would absolutely help her if something happened.” She hummed and rubbed Ludwig’s shoulder in a calming manner. If she's concentrating on the taller male beside her, he'll see his ears getting redder. The man could only clear his throat.

“She's way too clumsy to be in a rush like that.” He mumbled, his voice too low and quiet for Angeline to hear. So the girl could only tilt her head in confusion. When the boy noticed her, he shook his head, insinuating that it's probably not important.

“Nothing. Let's continue the patrol.”

…

On the contrary, [name] and Gabriel has just arrived on the rooftop. You're taking deep breaths while clutching on your hoodie. The breeze whilst running is indeed nice, but you're not built for running anywhere, your stamina sucks when it comes to that. Gabriel pulled a small pocket tissue, and handed the whole thing to you. With a nod of thanks, your hand slowly pulled out a pristine white paper, and you wiped your sweat with it.

“You need to work out more, [name]... You're sweating too much.” He pouted his lips before grabbing a tissue to wipe your brows with. You noticed he always sticks out the tip of his tongue when he's concentrating. It's oddly funny yet endearing at the same time. You can't help but giggle.

“Eh? What's wrong?” He asked like a happy puppy. He's still smiling and the wind is making his wavy hair billow in the air. No wonder he's called ‘Mr. Smiles’. Now that you think about it, you've never seen him get sad or angry. He's just… way too optimistic for his own good.

“Did you know you stick out your tongue when you're engrossed in something?” You finally smiled back on him. He seemed surprised. He placed his thumb and index finger on his jaw as if he's in deep thought, before he giggled back at you.

“I actually didn't know! I think I used to have that habit when I was small. Mom used to scold me about it before she…” He stopped mid sentence and looked far in the distance of the city. You immediately took notice of his change of mood, and shook your hands.

“Oh no… I didn't mean to bring it up, I'm so sorry, senior.” You looked down in both fear and shame. But soon, a soft palm landed on your back. When you look back up, Gabriel is looking down at you with a worried glance.

“Don't worry about it, [name]. It's not your fault my mother is long dead and gone.” He tried to brighten up the mood and lead you towards the nearby bench. His head kept looking towards the staircase, left and right. He made sure no one was around before gesturing to you to take a seat first.

You thanked him and finally sat on the wooden bench. It groaned a little with your weight, and when he crashed beside you, it made a funny sound, like a loud, creaking door. It took you some minutes to actually prepare yourself for what you've been hiding for months by now.

“I… I have a confession to make.”

…

ONE YEAR AGO

Around one year ago, or more precisely, four hundred and thirty days ago, September 19th. Autumn, breezy day. You met Ludwig Kappel and fell in love. You're an orphan, your parents died in a bus crash while you're still at your grandparents’ home because of measles. You live with your aunt, who's been taking care of you ever since your parents' deaths.

You're late on your first day after your aunt decides to move into a new town to re-open her flower shop. You bolted out from the neighbourhood with a quick sandwich on your right hand, your hair is messy bed hair, you only managed to put moisturizer and sunscreen on your face, and yet you swore you put too much on because you looked so pale now in comparison to your regular skin color.

Then you bumped into your muse himself. Ludwig, Ludwig Kappel. A boy who grew up in the same neighborhood since childhood, couldn't live without a list of things he must finish, and is way too honest that he sounds like a jerk. Your face bounced back after running into his chest, and both of you obviously fell down on the streets. You slowly opened your eyes after the impact, but could only see two blue eyes glaring at you.

“Oh shoot!! Sorry, sorry! I didn't mean to bump into you!” You scrambled to help him grab his books and glasses. Thankfully it's not cracked, it seems a little expensive. When you handed them all back to him, he only huffed and pulled a cleaning cloth from his pockets to wipe it down. He looks disgusted, only squeezing the bridge of his glasses with his thumb and index finger.

“Are you a student at Brightsglow?” You tried to be nice and smiled. But he plainly ignored you. You saw the same logo on the blazer and came into that conclusion, but why is he so cold? Yet you feel warm inside for the first time. He's handsome… but why did he have to gel his hair up like that? He would absolutely look cuter with hair down. Thankfully, before you can get distracted by your own thoughts, you jogged at him.

“Not much of a talker?” You tried once again, still with the same goofy smile. Now he only rolled his eyes. At least that's a reaction! You followed him like an imprinting kitten, and when you reached the glowy gates of your new school, you couldn't help but gasp in awe. Apparently your parents had saved up money for you until high school, so your aunt signed you up to a nice school to make sure you have a smooth education.

“Shut your mouth. A fly might soar inside.” He sighed, while [name] is obviously excited. Finally, this interesting guy is answering her.

“I'm [name]! What's your name?” You peeped while offering your hand for a handshake. It is only proper to give a good impression to a gentleman. The taller student took one look at your hand and only crossed his hands in front of his chest.

“Ludwig Kappel. Don't get used to calling my name.” He grunted and scratched his elbow out of irritation. Why is this girl following him around, latching at him like a parasite? She looks so impatient and enthusiastic.

You only hummed and clasped your hands in front of your chest. Ludwig… that's a nice name. You followed him all through the corridor to the auditorium where all the new students are cooped at, and thankfully to you and unfortunate for him, you two are in the same class. You took a seat beside him, and smiled at him.

Ludwig meanwhile, looks like he had aged thirty years just from talking to you. He's a very quiet guy. He prefers to do things alone and in his own way because he's a perfectionist. His schedule? Perfect. His test scores? He wouldn't settle for anything lower than a 90. He got an 89 once and his left eye twitched nonstop for a whole week before the teacher decided to change it because he keeps glaring at her.

However, seeing from how you interact and talk with him, Ludwig has a feeling you'll be useful to him. He decided he'll let you be around.

For now.

…

It's been half a year now. You and Ludwig are close friends. At least according to you. If anyone asks Ludwig, he'll just shrug and say you're a scab. Something he wants to scratch off of his body, yet he decided to heal and be gone on his own. You gained other friends besides him because of the help of upperclassmen Gabriel. They've always disliked Ludwig and his harsh behaviour. They've always warned you about him. He doesn't do friends. He's been this way since elementary school.

Yet you're too blinded in the delusion that if you keep pleasing him, he'll finally bounce back to you. Reality decided to prove you wrong. Lunch in March. Spring is starting and you can see cherry blossoms slowly blooming and drifting their leaves apart. You're talking about a new game you'll be hunting on the game store, but Ludwig is looking far away.

“Hey! Are you listening to what I'm saying?” You shook his shoulder. Usually doing that will give you his attention again, except he didn't budge this time. You followed his sight and it settled on the student from the other class. Angeline Huang. A genius, straight A student, and most importantly, a beauty.

“Bro… why are you looking at her like that?” You asked with a furrowed brow. Ludwig’s gaze slowly falters back to his lunch, and he takes a bite of his lunch.

“She defeated me in the last science competition.” He stated. When you asked for clarification, Ludwig decided to keep his mouth shut and finish his food.

You came into the conclusion that he's crushing. He didn't understand the concept, and your heart breaks little by little. Yet you always keep the same smile you always gave him. When you confronted him about it, he looked equally as confused as you were.

“Are you saying that I'm in love with Miss Huang?” He enquired. You nodded. Obviously?? He kept eyeing her at the class, and every time she answers the teacher's questions, you can see him nodding a little, as if telling himself that she's correct.

“Yes??? Did you not hear how you talk with her?” You asked back. He's obviously softer around her. And he controlled his tone and vocabulary better. Like he's trying to butter her up. Not to mention the praises he gave to her. It's like a nail is digging on each of your fingers. It's painful seeing the man of your dreams, who you secretly wrote a diary on, and prayed to the skies to be your boyfriend like someone else.

But deep inside, you know you have nothing to offer. You're not that pretty. Not that smart, and certainly doesn't have the aura to charm him. You're just another passerby in Ludwig's life. So… you decided to help him get the love of his life.

You befriended Angeline easier than Ludwig does. The girl is extremely friendly in nature. And soon, you two became close friends. You're the one investigating what type of guy she likes, and discovering what things she likes and dislikes. All of the information? You willingly give to Ludwig, obviously.

It goes as far as helping the guy go on shopping. You recently found out that Angeline likes guys with round glasses and softer personality. So you obviously have to coach him personally regarding that matter.

“Okay… so what do we do when someone does something that bothers you, but you're around Angeline? For example… They accidentally poured a cup of cold tea on her?” You started the flash quiz with a clap of hands.

“You're a nuisance.” Ludwig answered.

You can only slap your hand over your forehead. The trial and error of teaching him what to or not to say around a woman is a hassle because he's too truthful.

“Nope. We offer Angeline our blazer… and if the guy is apologising, let her take the wheel. But if he's being a jerk, you must do something.” You shook an index finger in front of his face. He only nodded and started writing your words like it's a rule. At least he's going somewhere.

As time goes by, you and Ludwig spend more time together. Though it's strictly about Angeline more than anyone else. You taught him how to be more ‘normal’. And be attractive to the lady. You even helped him style his hair to experiment on which one Angeline likes best, though it seems she likes his regular hair better because she keeps giggling after seeing his hair down.

It was now July 24th, the last day of school. And for the first time, you saw Ludwig with an expression that is not his regular resting face. You just got into the class and he's already clenching his fists. You raised an eyebrow at his agitated expression. You crashed on the seat beside him, and saw Angeline laughing with a delinquent. You don't really understand what's happening, and when you ask him about it, he drops the literal bomb.

“He's been taking pictures of Angeline’s inner skirt.” He grumbled. You're obviously shocked. Ludwig doesn't lie. And he certainly wouldn't say something so outrageous if it's not correct. The delinquent's name is Francis. “Ugly ass name for an ugly guy”, you once said to Ludwig. He's been in and out of the school for causing ruckus, and it's just a month he's back, and he's been chasing Angeline around for a disgusting purpose. The two of you decided to follow them around, and what he said is right. You two were hiding behind a wall, and you saw the guy sneak his phone up to take pics of her panties. A gasp left your lips, but Ludwig pulled your hand back and slapped his hand in front of your mouth before the two of them got suspicious.

“What the hell? That's so weird and disgusting! We should've taken a video to report to the guidance counsellor!” You whisper-yelled to him, but Ludwig only grunts.

“I have the solution. Take this.” He handed you a key. Your eyes widened seeing the number on it. It's Francis’ locker key. You didn't even have time to ask how he gets it, because he's already walking towards the stairs.

“Meet me on the rooftop in fifteen minutes.” is the only sentence you heard from him. You then went to the locker room to open Francis’ you only see a few pictures of Francis taking advantage of the female student's kindness to manipulate and force them to get more pictures. What's crazy is there's a printed out screenshot of his messages. Did Ludwig send all of this? You know he's a smart cookie, but this is out of mind. You grabbed all the evidence and slammed the door shut. That's when you heard something fall out from the corner locker. It's Ludwig's locker. You jogged towards it, seeing a plainly beige book on the ground. Your hand grabbed it, and it's already opened to some page. You can see pictures of Angeline. Angeline and you conversing together, or it's just her.

You feel like puking. He's scrutinizing her. Every time she wears new accessories, he'll write it down, each of her interests and things that she hates. He's just like you in a way. Twisted, stuck with obsession and this realisation cracked your skull open. You threw the book inside, and ran to the rooftop.

Each breath you take, you can only hear the sound of your shoes against the polished floor. You're going too quickly, that you accidentally stepped higher on the stairs and fell. You hit your nose, and it quickly starts bleeding. Your leftmost area of lips slowly gets swollen, but you ignore the pain and persist. When you arrived, you saw Ludwig already cornering the delinquent.

“Ludwig!” You called out to him. The blond only spared one glance at you. He grunted at the blood running through your nose, clearly it disgusts him. You glared back at him, and threw all the paper and photos on the ground. Francis however, is trembling and laughing nervously.

“Look, Kappel. How much money do you want? I'll pay you hundreds and thousands of dollars if you just keep your mouth shut.” Francis offered. You can see he's trying to control himself. You know this is the wrong time to scream at him but this has gone too far.

“Ludwig. You're also stalking Angeline behind her back, aren't you?” You spat back and wiped your nose with your sleeves. Ludwig scowled at you, but you're not backing up, not this time. “What do you mean you have her missing hoodie on your locker? And planning to join the student council just to better stalk her?!” You raised your voice. Francis meanwhile, only darted his eyes back and forth between the two of you.

As if finding his way out of this problem, Francis turned his eyes to you. “[Last name]! I'll pay you however you want. This lunatic is just the same as me!” He voiced out and laughed. But now there's four eyes glaring at him. “You're just a creep, Kappel! A good-for -nothing, goody-two-shoes that's actually the freakiest of them all!” Francis taunted.

Then, everything happens slowly. You saw Ludwig grab Francis’ collar. Then he pinned the delinquent against the railings. “Do not… measure my love as the equal of your mistreatment of other ladies.” Ludwig smiled softly and raised the guy further in the air. And before you can pull him back, he pushes Francis off of the fifth floor rails, making you choke on the air.

Ludwig slowly looked back at you, while some tears of dread already brimmed on your eyes. You still remember the sound of Francis’ body hitting the ground. The SPLAT of bones cracking and blood rushing out, and people screaming on the ground floor. Your feet automatically start walking backwards little by little. Your whole body is trembling from the shock, and you stumbled because of the blood loss. You can see him crouching in front of you, and for once, you fear for your life. He has just ended one right in front of you.

“...and without you realising, you've just become my accomplice. In a way.” He muttered, but you can hear him just fine. “Thank you for creating an alibi for me. Having you bleed disgustingly like this actually makes everything easier.” He smiled softly, and tapped your cheek. “Do know I can do the same thing to you if you ever decided to be a loud mouth and tell anyone what happened today. You've always been a persistent worm.” It was the last words you heard from Ludwig Kappel. You didn't know when exactly, but you passed out. When you woke up, you're already in the infirmary. You expected the first person you saw beside your bed to be Ludwig, but it's actually Gabriel. He's holding your right hand with worry. And he didn't actually realise you've woken up because he's sleeping, presumably because he waited for you to finally open your eyes again.

…

“I know it's unbelievable. How can the school's ‘prided genius’ turn into a ‘cold-blooded killer’ in my story? But I need to get rid of this tugging feeling on my chest.” You rubbed your hands together, and Gabriel looks way too calm for someone who just heard a story about a murder. He looks more worried at you and your feelings than what happens to Francis.

Slowly, you felt a hand on your upper back. He patted it softly, and his other hand rummaged through his pocket to pull out your favourite brand chocolate bar. “Eat this first. Maybe you'll feel better, [name].” He calmly smiled. You nodded and thanked him for the snack. You bit through the bar quietly, and when you finished, you stood up and thanked him for listening to your story.

“Thank you for listening, senior… I understand if you'll go to the police and report me, b-but can you please do it during the school hours? At least let me be arrested on my own. I don't want to burden my aunt even more.” You looked down at your shoes like a scolded child, but Gabriel only snorted. He shook his head and laughed softly.

“[Name], why would I do that? If anything, I should report the student council president for murdering someone and dragging you in the process.” He whistled and patted your head. You shot your head up, clearly dumbfounded. Why is he acting so casual about this? You didn't have the time to ask him because the bell that indicates the lunch break is done slowly rang. Gabriel sighed at the sound, and he engulfed your hand with his again.

“Let's go, [name]. I'll walk you to your class. I don't want you to be late.” His voice shows how enthusiastic he is, shown by how an octave is raised whenever he's talking to you. You can only mindlessly follow him, walking down each step with him on your side.

…

Ludwig is currently on his way to class 2-C. It's not even his class, but he managed to ask for a class change from his former homeroom teacher. He used to be in class 2-A, a class for all the geniuses around. He actually has to rack his brain to look for an excuse to change to a lower leveled class.

So he settled by saying, “There's too much pressure in this class. I would like to move to the 2-C class, please.” The teachers inside the faculty room obviously didn't believe a single word he said. He's one of the brightest students the academy has. However, no one dares to question him when he's already looking this serious.

When he entered the room, every chatter died down. His sea-blue eyes eyed the familiar cat keychain [name] always puts on her bag, and once he found it, he placed all his books and belongings there.

Over the course of four months, he discovered new things about Angeline. He confessed to her a few weeks after the summer break and the death of the delinquent, only to find out that…

1. Angeline is apparently, a lesbian. She's not interested in boys, ever.

2. That [name] actually has a crush on him, which he never noticed, and will never do if Angeline never spilled the beans.

Talk about karmic justice. Heh.

“Oh come on, Ludwig. You're telling me you've never noticed how she looks at you?” Angeline laughed and nudged a cup of americano his way. He took a sip and hid his horrified expression. Now that he thinks about it, no one knows his drinking preference. Or how he likes tea more than coffee. Only [name] knows. But he hasn't received your messages since what happened.

“What do you mean?” He scrunched his nose and placed the cup back on the table. Angeline only hummed and tapped her fingers against the counter, and sighed from his aloofness.

“She looks at you like you hung the moon and stars, silly! Dare I say she looks at you with heart eyes everyday!” She sighed. These two silly people in her life are giving her a good kind of headache. Angeline first assumed [name] befriended her without any missions in mind. Now she knows that [name] only befriends her for Ludwig. But she's not really mad at the girl, she's always known there's something deeply concerning with Ludwig's way of thinking, however, as long as she gets the benefit, she wouldn't mind being around him.

Now it's Ludwig's turn to look deep in thought. He actually never knew that. He's never experienced interest or love with [name]. Love is complicated in his eyes. Angeline makes his heart rush with thrill. [Name] doesn't. She's just… there, always around him, always happy to help, and always smiling.

“Gimme your phone.” Angeline gestured her hand towards him. The blond boy handed it without question. She starts pressing the buttons on the flip phone, and reading each message [name] and Ludwig has.

“You haven't messaged her in four months?! I thought you two are close friends.” Angeline muttered, and pressed the ‘up’ button to see the old messages. As expected, it's almost all about her, or [name]’s interests.

“Now I have a feeling you're not really into this friendship, Ludwig.” She sighed and handed back his phone. She knows he's a stoic guy, but she didn't think it goes THIS far. “Friends message each other things they love and want to share. Yet from what I see it's only [name] who tries to message you first everytime.” She shrugged. While Ludwig is furrowing his brow.

He thought that's how things work. Letting her around him is already a privilege, right? Ludwig is stuck on his thoughts the whole time. Even when he goes home, he's still thinking about what Angeline said. “You should try to reciprocate. She's not a toy, she must've been your first real friend.” Rings in his eardrums even when it's his time to sleep.

The phone on the nightstand is snatched by his hand. He searched through his contact numbers, and finally pressed on [name]’s. He doesn't know why, but his heart is beating so hard against his ribcage. He slowly typed a message with both thumbs, yet the ringing made him uncomfortable.

[Ludwig] : [name], are you there?

Does asking that makes him clingy? He decided not to ponder about it too much, and just send it. He closed his eyelids and placed his flip phone in between his chest. He predicted she'll answer in three seconds. Just like Angeline said, he never messaged first. Seeing the message must've left you so elated and speechless. A second past… then a minute. He cracked one eye open and frowned. He checked his phone, and saw no notification.

…Maybe you're already asleep. He goes to bed with a confused mind, and wakes up with a bad mood. He keeps waking up every an hour or two to check if she has replied, and she hasn't. In the morning, he woke up at around 8. The first thing he's supposed to do is to go to the bathroom, brush his teeth and wash his face, then tidy up his bed. But for once, he breaks his routine and checks his phone first.

He's already having so much optimism. For once, a hopeful look graced his face. Though it quickly fades away after he sees the system’s message.

[THIS NUMBER IS NO LONGER ACTIVE]

Ludwig doesn't really understand. Did she change her number? If she did, she'll obviously tell him. He went through the break half stressed. And when he found out he's in a different class than hers, he's even more upset. He wants to visit [name]’s house, though now he realised that he doesn't really know where she lives. It's always [name] who visits him.

But at least now they'll be seat buddies again. It's November 23rd 2011. A month and a few weeks after the new school year starts. He genuinely thought you'll be searching for him. Except it seems like you're avoiding him. He feels a little hurt. But Ludwig understands where you're coming from. He's been so mean and rude to you. He'll try his best to fix it though. He corrected his tie and cleared his throat, waiting for you again.

When he saw your reflection through the class windows, he straightened up like an eager kitty. However, when he saw Gabriel beside you, holding your hand, he could feel something gnawing on his head. His eye twitched as he saw Gabriel smile and pet your hair with so much affection.

Who does he even think he is? Why is he touching you? Ludwig never even did that. Why is this upperclassman acting like he knows you inside out?

Ah, Ludwig has a feeling that it is going to be a rough school year.

…

You are receiving some head pats from Gabriel. He's always been touchy, but he technically asks you first, and you've given him consent to go on. He never passed any line though, just touching hands and petting your hair. He insists it's because your hair looks so pretty and soft. Unlike his, which is a little dry from running on the school field almost everyday.

“Don't worry about anything, [name]. I promise I'll keep my mouth shut. It's not your fault that incident happened. But if you need anything, just go to me or my father, okay?” He cooed like a mother hen. You only nodded and thanked him, even going as far to bowing your head to him. He shook his hands and smiled again.

“Oh! And do tell me if that weirdo decided to bother you again.” Gabriel grinned but when he spoke, he looked through the window, straight to Ludwig's blue eyes. His soft gaze turned into a wicked look. The student council president could only scoff. “And don't call me Senior Gabriel anymore. It makes me sound old, you know? Just call me Gabe!” You as always, obediently nodded. You're thankful that Gabriel is so understanding. He never judged you, or anyone, really. At least as far as you know.

After saying your goodbyes, you get inside the class. You're so lightheaded from crying and hugging your senior, that you didn't even see a certain blond headed guy beside you. Only when he clears his throat that you finally see who's beside you. When you see Ludwig, you recoil so hard and fast, and even scream a little from the shock.

“...did I scare you?” Ludwig asked with a furrowed brow. “My apologies.” He continued. It's actually the first time he's ever apologised to you. Your heart rate is through the roof though. Did he move classes? You're already throwing a happy party inside your brain when you found out you're placed in class 2-C. Class for the normal people. The average. The mediocre. Ordinary people.

“H-hey Ludwig. Long time no see.” You nervously laughed and coughed. Seeing him again after trying your best to hide and ignore him is actually nerve-racking. Ludwig nodded and rubbed the back of his neck. You noticed he does that A LOT around Angeline, mostly because he's nervous around her. But there's no way he's nervous around YOU out of all people.

“May I ask why you're with Gabriel?” Ludwig didn't even realise his expression is currently scaring you. Knitted brows, scrunched nose, and tight-lipped after saying his question. On the other hand, you're having a panic attack. Is he suspicious of you?? He must've been thinking you're snitching on him. He's going to kill you. God, the fear is actually making you about to pass out.

“N-nothing… I just… I almost passed out because of my low blood sugar level. And he gave me chocolate for it.” You lied, and to be honest it's a bad lie. You braced yourself to get ridiculed by him, but he looks concerned.

“You have low blood sugar? You've never told me that. You should've gone to the infirmary and rest. Not running everywhere with him.” He sighed. But it seems like he trusts your words. You took a deep breather and smiled again. Now the silence is awkward. Usually you're the one doing all the talking, and he's listening. Now the situation is flipped, and you don't know how to respond.

Thankfully the class is about to start. You can see your Biology teacher getting inside the class and the man is a little shocked seeing the golden student of the academy sitting beside ordinary [name]. But he decided to keep his mouth shut. Because after all, Ludwig is not really a student anyone should be trifling with. Your class once signed him up for a debate competition all around the class, and he obliterated everyone, even the teachers.

You could only hope time goes quickly now. You don't know why he's sitting in your ordinary class. And to be honest, you didn't want to know. This is your karma for being a matchmaker for a psychopath, it seems.

…

Gabriel is quietly tapping on his Geography book. He's thinking about what he should do after school. Usually he goes for a jog around the neighborhood, where he'll meet his favourite junior, aka [name] and walk her home every couple of days. Maybe he'll go to the market every Friday where he'll accidentally meet [name] and her aunt who's grocery shopping too. He rested his head against the table and smiled.

His father has been scolding him. He's getting sloppy. He's not hiding the coincidences well, but how can Gabriel do it? He's just so entranced by you since the first day he saw you and that annoying brute entering the school together. He actually has to rig the grouping after seeing one of his friends get your name after the introductions of all the students. You're just something he had to protect, especially because you've wasted a year with good-for-nothing Ludwig.

He decided to just cook curry for him and his dad. Sometimes the counselor is correct, seeing you too much might bore you. Giving some space for you will be better for the two of you.

…

Now, if you're thinking about why did you see Gabriel first after passing out on Ludwig's arms. Maybe it's time to think and rewind.

Perhaps it's not just you, Ludwig and Francis on the rooftop that day.

Maybe there's someone else?

Maybe that someone…

Is the same man you idolize?

Perchance, only Gabriel’s phone knows the truth, where it contains one material Ludwig and you would dread to discover.

A/N : hello my darlings!! This is a silly parody of cliche yandere stories, our dear [name] is on her way to redemption, but of course someone has to disturb her… anyways I had so much fun writing this zzz

If anyone wanted to be tagged lemme know.