You'd been consistent in your performance, always somewhere within the top 10. And Ace was proven correct, your name was evidently present there: "#5 - [name]", he read. He was always impressed by your work to continuously achieve such things— simply just pure admiration.

He knew he didn't do well, otherwise he wouldn't have been doing tutoring with his housewarden. Yes, there are others far more impressive than you but his eyes always shined for your name. Other than your intelligence, Ace has found himself admiring more things to you.

You were kind, reliable, helpful. To Ace's eyes, you were akin to an angel. Yet despite such ardent praises, he knew none of his words would ever reach you. You were in a league far, far out of his reach. Despite it, he couldn't help the small joy he feels when he sees you get excited over your work.

—

Ace always saw you as someone unreachable, which is why he was taken aback when he sees your message on his screen. He feels giddy, even if your text was just greeting him in regards for a project. A project wherein the both of you were paired in.

Ace is quite obvious when it comes to having a crush. It's incredibly evident— especially to his friends.

"Tch, I don't have a crush. I don't care 'bout things like that." He rebutted from Deuce's claim. "Ah call bullshit. Yer obviously blushing whenever they pass by or some shit." Epel continued, donning his country accent to further press on Ace's denial.

"I fear I have to agree with Felmier! You, Trappola, is undeniably, obviously, in love with them. It's incredibly apparent!" Sebek said. While Deuce and Jack simply nodded in agreement.

"Yer as red as yer hair! Stop denyin' it!" Epel pointed out, his hand towards Ace who was infact, as red as his hair. It doesn't help that his friends were right; this was more than simple admiration.

He had a crush. Maybe even more than that.

But he couldn't drown in his thoughts yet, he still had class. A class with you.

—

Magical History had never really piqued his interest, majority of the class time he'd just stare at a window or sleep. Except this time— this time he surprisingly kept his full attention on the lecture. He needed to know atleast something about your lessons. He wanted to impress you during your partnered project— which to create a report regarding your current topic.

After Trein explained the criteria and guidelines for your project, he allotted time for the class to discuss about their respective projects. Which meant Ace was finally going to talk to you. A full conversation. With you.

You still sat on your chair, busy writing something when Ace approached you. "Hey, you're [name] right?" he questioned, (as if he didn't know who you are). You looked up, placing a soft smile on you face while you introduced yourself aswell. "Yes, that's right. I suppose your Ace Trappola? The one that's good in basketball?" You extended your hand out, presumably initiating a hand shake. But it seemed as if Ace was too focused on the small compliment. You thought he was great (good) at basketball!

Ace only caught notice of your hand when you were to draw it back. So then he quickly shaked your hand, very nonchalantly. You thought he seemed a bit closed off so you skipped the rest of the formalities— assuming he'd rather not.

Sitting back on your seat, you signaled for him to sit beside you. In which he absolutely did, masking his joy.

It's been a good 25 minutes of talking between the two of you realized that class time was over when you looked at the time and noticed people clearing out the room. You told Ace, wherein he also started to leave. Despite a short interaction you could tell you were going to grow fond of him.

It was only after he left the room was when you started packing your things away aswell. Alone in your thoughts, you'd thought to send him a small message of gratitude.

—

Back in the heartslabyul dorm, Ace immediately darted to, unfortunately, Riddle Rosehearts. Never in his life would he really think he was purposely to his housewarden for extra lessons.

Ace had talked to Riddle about his predicament, even mentioning the possible crush to persuade Riddle (even though Riddle was going to say yes to tutoring regardless of the reason). Although, as a housewarden he was willing to help Ace with both problems.

It was now nearing supper, 5:32 pm. Surprisingly, no lessons have been taught! Yet only a deep discussion with love entailed with Ace's time with Riddle. The housewarden is aware for the primary reason why Ace asked for his help— to study. But he did say he'd be willing to help with both problems.

"As far as I've heard, [name] is a bright student. Perhaps fit for Heartslabyul standards. I can tell why you like them. Yet why not just.. approach her?" Riddle questioned at the frazzled Ace. "Well- I don't know either! Because I might seem like a weirdo or something.." Ace replied.

"Oh Sevens! Just a small greeting will do." Riddle suggested. And by the grace of the sevens, Ace's phone dinged with a notification the same time as his housewarden's suggestion. Catching Ace's attention, he immediately snatched his phone, piquing Riddle's interest.

"Is that them?" The housewarden questioned. Yearning to know more, yet Riddle took note of the time and noticed that it was nearly supper. Not wanting to disturb Ace's possible conversation with you. He told him a small reminder to eat soon. Wherein he was greeted back with the thumbs up from Ace.

—

A few days had past after your interaction with Ace with the project. The both of you were at the library, writing and searching. Over the week, you've hung out more him; yet he still seemed so stiff. Perhaps you just weren't good to be around?

These doubts lingered in your mind, causing you to lose focus on your work. You didn't want to disturb Ace who seemed to be diligently reading something. You looked elsewhere instead, and you caught something that piqued your interest: Ace's notebook.

You knew better than to snoop in other's things but.. it wasn't really snooping when his notebook was left open. You sneakily pulled his notebook nearer to you, where you could see some text. "Iron Maiden concert soon at 23/10" messily written. Then there were also smaller writings under it; you assumed it was his friends. Written on it was: "no tickets lol" or really, anything else that teased Ace.

You didn't expect him to have the same music taste as you. But, nonetheless you were happy with the new information.

You knew about the soon-to-be concert, excited, even. Yet it's been a bother to you that you haven't found someone to come alongside you. And considering Ace also liked this band.. why not ask him? Never hurts to try.

You nudged Ace, catching his attention. He shot you a questioning look. "Do you.. perhaps like Iron Maiden?" You ask. You looked into Ace's eyes, and you could see the sparkles in it. "W-whoa, you listen to them too?!" He questioned. You giggle a bit before replying. "Yea, I've been loving them for quite a while. Feels nice to find someone else who knows them aswell."

Ace's face painted an expression of amazement and elation. For the both of you to like the same thing— he was ecstatic!

While Ace talked about the band, your hand was busy trying to find the tickets that were somewhere in your pocket: to finally offer Ace one. After spotting it, you gave one him. Ace's face quickly turned from being so joyful to being stunned.

"You got their tickets?!" Ace whisper-shouted, keeping in mind of the fact he was still in a library. You giggle once more at his reaction, "I got them from a promo. It was too good to pass up— but I've been having some trouble finding people to come with me." You extended your hand out further, signaling for him to take the ticket and come with you!

And thank the sevens he did. He took it, then of course, thanked you profusely. "It's fine! I'm excited to go with you." You replied while Ace examined the ticket before taking a picture of it. He looks adorable, were you starting to crush on him aswell, perchance? Nevertheless, you were sure on going with him to the concert.

you didn't realize how late it exactly was, (it was 3 am) but something you did know was that you were hungry. not having any energy to really look for any open shops, you opted for online delivery. doubting that you'd really have a chance for finding food so late in the night, it didn't hurt to try.

opening the app, you scrolled for any shop available. you found one, it served [desired food here] at a decent price point. it even surprised you that they were still serving food at this late of an hour. nonetheless, you weren't really complaining. choosing your desired meals, you pressed 'order' and patiently waited for your food.

after 35 minutes or so a notification popped up on your screen that your food was now there, right infront of your home. quickly fixing yourself, you immediately head out.

the dark yet alluring night sky hid majority of the other houses. yet you could clearly see a distinct man and the motorcycle, holding what seems to be your food. the man looks around, then he spots you. you walked towards him with groggy eyes due to the prolonged light exposure from your electronics.

despite the dimness of night, the streetlights provided some light. from which you were finally able to see who was delivering your food.

the man had black hair, quite lucious too. he wore a bandana of the company's color: green. and despite the usual get-up of delivery drivers, he had a compression (is that what you call it?) shirt on with loose sage sweatpants. even though it was simply the weak streetlight shining below the both of you, you were immediately encapsulated by his image. what the fuck your delivery driver had you entranced ????

his voice called out, breaking you from your thoughts. "This is yours, I presume? Its [place price here]." you immediately scurried to get and give your money, thinking that you've already embarrassed yourself by staring.

the fact that there was barely any light was irritating. you couldn't find the needed coins to finally pay your driver who's been observing you for the past minute or so. with even more pressure, you hurried to find it and alas, you did! finally being able to pay him, you hand him your money while he hands you your food.

"took a bit there." the man commented. you wanted to simply melt to the floor from embarassment, but you first needed to apologize for his time. the man looked at you with a stoic expression before saying that it was just a 'joke'. he had a weird sense of humore it seemed.

the delivery driver finally set off, and you were now headed back to your place. while walking, you checked the paper bag and noticed some writing on it: "xx-xxx-xxx - ur delivery driver, kinich. call me."

The boy dons a sly smile before answering your previous question, “ah, nothing really. I’m just admiring you. Did anyone tell you how charming you are?” Hanako knew all the right words to say. Your face heated up due to his answer, he just seemed to always know how to fluster you. Attempting to counter his compliment, you restated that you most definitely did not like him! 

Hanako’s face portrayed his dejection, before immediately looking somewhere else. “Awh, and i thought you cared for me like i do to you.” Hearing that made you feel a sharp pang of guilt, you just didn’t want to confess your feelings yet, not reject him!

Quickly finding a way to clear up the misunderstanding, you held on a small piece of fabric from his uniform, causing him to place his attention onto you once more. “Um.. it’s not like i hate you or anything but, i do.. I do care about you or something.” Hanako’s face lit up immediately, shining eyes and a big smile now present on his face. “So you do like me! Hahaha!” the boy cheered, yet you stood there, face burning up once more. No objection from you, considering it was true.

* ˚ ✦

— akane

Ignorance is bliss as most would say, yet to Akane, he simply couldn’t ignore all your wondrous and cute reactions when he teases you. He wasn’t mean, far from it. There’s just a certain type of delight your face exudes. Today was one of the particular days that akane would be tired from both supernatural and academic work, and he knew what person could remedy him; you.

Akane set out to look for you, and he’d found you at the school library. He could see from the look of your face that you were bored, spacing out on a book. He moved quietly, trying not to get you to notice him. Finally positioned behind you, he slowly slithered his arms around you, gaining a surprised look from you. “How are you doing, my dear?” he questioned, causing your face to heat up slightly; he knew how much those lovely nicknames riled you up.

You looked up to meet at eye level, taking a while to calm your mind before responding. “Oh! Akane, i didn’t notice you.” you retorted, placing a smile on your face. The boy looked at you, clearly studying your expression. “You seemed bored there, honey.” he said, pushing your buttons. Knowing how easily you fluster, you and akane were both well aware how you’d be embarrassed, stammering your words. “I-im not bored! Far from it, actually!” you said. Akane raised one of his brows, further questioning your expression. “Really? That’s nice to know, babe.” akane said, grinning. You ran out of anything else to say as your face heated up, mouth agape. “Cat’s got your tongue? You really are adorable, haha!” akane continued, still keeping that wide grin on his face.

* ˚ ✦

— kou

Soft footsteps echo throughout the corridors as you and kou walk alongside each other, heading home together now that your classes are done. No conversation was exchanged between the two of you, yet the silence was comforting. Not to mention, your hands were mere inches close together. Unfortunately, that comfort would be cut short when teru saw the both of you.

The tall boy walked towards the both of you, smiling and waving. Teru was aware of your feelings for kou, but he didn’t know if his brother reciprocated those feeling. Wanting to try and get his answer, a perfect idea popped into his head; to tease the both of you. 

Teru continued walking towards the both of you, placing on hand on his brother’s shoulder while his other hand was on your shoulder, which then presented a surprised look on the faces of you and kou. “Well what do we have here! I didn’t know that you two liked each other!” Teru said, with such a wide smile on his face. It was aggravating! You immediately knew he was teasing you. Your face still displayed a surprised look, but now paired with a longing look. 

Kou broke the silence between the three of you, “Ah.. brother. I didn’t expect to see you.” he said, now slightly flustered. “I was just accompanying [name], to protect them!” the young exorcist said. Teru took one last glance between the both of you before smiling, “ok then, i’ll let the two of you be.” he claimed. The tall boy finally let go.

Now left once more with silence, except now, the air felt unbearable. “You like me?” kou immediately questioned now that his doting brother was gone. Your face immediately heated up, mouth left agape as it seemed you weren’t able to respond; not sure whether to confess or deny. “I don’t… w-wait no, uh, i—” before finishing what you said, kou suddenly pulled you into a hug. Your face was really heating up, not knowing what to do. “You can say what you want to when you’re ready. I’ll wait.” he said, piercing an arrow through your heart. Oh how you truly did adore him..