Yawn
Vicius stretched lazily, the drowsiness struggling to shake off even after his morning training.
Students littered the paths toward the academy, each chatting in their own little world.
Still, it was a pleasant sight for him. Comparing to the more tense atmosphere at his old public academy, this was calm.
Calm enough for him to relax his face and let the smile he suppressed to show a little.
"Ghh-"
Vicius nearly tumbled forward. Before swiping at the person who slapped his back, he noticed it was just Rowan.
"Hey man, what's up? Been a bit since I saw you."
Rowan frowned in a joking manner, slapping his shoulder.
"Just been working on honing my skills and learning some spells. A little bit of studying too, even got myself a top class tutor."
He wasn't exactly lying. Delilah was the top of their grade.
"Oh shit really? Who are they?" Rowan seemed genuinely surprised. Vicius had always followed his own route, never asking for help unless absolutely necessary.
He stepped forward a few feet and turned to face Rowan, a cheeky smirk on his face.
"Sec-ret."
And he sped off.
"That damn punk!"
Rowan kicked off the ground and chased after his best friend, leaving student to giggle and laugh at the top in their wake.
======
The first class came by. Core refinement.
"-so as you concentrate on the mana in your core-"
The only thing that took longer than core refinement was listening to an old teacher preach with a monotone voice about how to refine your core.
Several whispers ring in the background. Ears perking up as curses laced themselves along with his name.
Insults and jeers seemed to linger in the air. Dozens of eyes, both annoyed and prideful glared at Vicius. The one who has gotten a little too close to the noble Luminary.
As hard as he tried to pay them no mind, they were practically being broadcasted to the whole class. It was a miracle the teacher hadn't heard any of their voices. But then again, hair grew wildly from his old ears.
Vicius sighed, turning around to find some of the sources, but all noise ceased the second his head swivelled around.
Instead, Delilah turned away from his gaze. Pretending to take notes despite already having written everything down.
'Great…first she steals my first kiss and now avoids me.'
He shook his head in disappointment.
Instead he turned to Evie who had kept her eyes glued to him the entire time. A smile that could melt tundras plastered on her face.
"Aren't you going to pay attention to the lesson?"
"I could, but your expressions are more precious than any word the teacher has to say."
He sighed again.
'She seems to have ditched the stoic mask completely. I do prefer the warmer side, but even this might too much…'
He jotted down the last notes and finished packing his bag for the next class.
The corridors were long and spacious. It was hard to bump into someone on accident.
And yet…
'Why are there so many people shoving their shoulders into me?!'
He grumbled under his breath as he meandered through the hallway.
The next class was still empty. Vicius grabbed the seat closest to the front row and unpacked.
Evie was the next to arrive. Then Delilah who chose to sit in the back.
"Psst! Delilah!"
Her ears perked up, her brown hair swaying as she turned to face the back wall.
'Damned brat!'
He lowered his head, disappointed with her behaviour.
After several more students arrived, the teacher who had been waiting by the door started teaching. She was among the more popular teachers among the boys of their year.
A kind, older woman in her mid forties. A golden ring wrapped itself around her finger and several photo frames of three children littered her desk.
Her voice was a lot nicer than the geezer's. Enough to at least captivate most of the nobles, reducing the incoming insults.
======
Alas, after the class ended. And several more passed. Vicius was getting fed up with Delilah's behaviour.
He gripped her shoulder, yanking her gaze to meet his.
A hazy blush coloured her cheeks, instantly ripping away from him.
Her feet glided across the floor. Wind magic propelling her body forward. She was like a missle through the halls.
'Damn it!'
He leapt into the shadow and sprang up at the end of the hallway. Barely missing her as she dove through the second story window, cushioning her fall with a bubble of air.
Vicius stared wide-eyed as she made her getaway. Honestly a little impressed by her dedication to not being caught.
Still, Vicius jumped down, sinking into the shadows to cushion his own fall.
"Fire, heed my call and bring your humble host to its target."
A spark turned into an ember and finally blossomed into fire. His soles burned away the space between himself and Delilah. Without so much as a second of struggling, he pinned her against the wall.
"Wha-"
Her eyes widened, staring at him with surprise and a hint of admiration.
Vicius leaned in close, his lips brushing against her ear.
"Why have you been avoiding me?"
A deep shiver ran down her spine. Her feet struggled to keep her standing, but she willed herself to regardless.
A weak hand came to his chest, pushing him back slightly. With two burning cheeks and an intense gaze, she looked at him.
"Yo-You can't just…do this Vicius…" She cast her eyes down, but she did not pull away.
"You forced my hand. I don't like being avoided."
A warmth coiled through her chest. It was unusual for her to hear such a thing…refreshing even.
"Still! Girls are delicate, being rough might put some of them off…"
Vicius cocked his head to the side, staring at her confused.
"-not that I mind…" She mumbled, low enough for him to not hear.
A few seconds passed of silence. He chose to unhand her, instead, letting the silence marinate the atmosphere.
"I-"
"Leave our Luminary alone! Get your filthy peasant hands off her!!"
"Yeah! You are nothing but dirt beneath her feet!!"
"It would be best for her to spend time with those who understand her! US NOBLES!"
The three huffed and puffed, still trying to put on the air superiority despite being out of breath.
Vicius simply stared at the three.
'Nobles? I guess they did place rather high. In the thirties I think. Not bad.'
Just as Vicius moved to respond, Delilah stepped forward.
"Who are you to dictate who I can and cannot talk to?"
She stepped forward once more.
"Noble or not. Vicius placed third, while you guys failed to reach the top ten. In my eyes-"
Her hand thrust forward, willing the wind to knock the three down.
"-you three are the real peasants."