⚠︎ This chapter has no major triggers.
♬ Bleeding Out - Chance Peña ♬
''One can never choose their family, therefore, even if you run with all your power, family is the only thing you can't ever run away from. That is… If you still have any left to chase you to the depths of hell.''
It's uncommon to enter Milos Algeo's office and find the man actually awake and sitting properly at his desk, working. The sun rays reflecting all across the room makes Sevan Helge's eyes uncomfortable, yet he doesn't change his expression for even a second. The meeting scheduled every Thursday at the same time for Sevan's project started at the end of the last semester, it's not everyone that can manage having the best architect in the Academy as their advisor, that's exactly why when Milo asked Sevan to take care of his brother, he couldn't say no even if he was already swamped with classes and Student Council paperwork.
"Good afternoon, Mister Algeo", Sevan says, his cold white eyes behind his glasses don't show any emotion, inside he feels a bit worried, but not enough to be an overwhelming feeling. That's usually how his feelings go, fleeting, small, just like the prickle of a needle, not lasting even a second in his heart.
"Sevan", Milo says, contrary to how he usually behaves in front of his brothers he looks more professional and serious in front of students and colleagues, not that they never see the man asleep, he's not that professional. But he takes his job seriously enough for everyone to admire him, even if from afar. "I heard about Eryx", he continues not looking at the student, he can't, he would probably cry.
His soft curled red hair falls in front of his eyes as he continues to work on the papers in front of him, overseeing the Thesis proposals from the seniors. Milo was always a crybaby, especially when it comes to his baby brothers, his soft features and mellow expressions always made him look like an angel resting on a cloud, his eyes shining with an innocence that shouldn't belong to a man 200 years of age.
Milo indeed isn't innocent in the sense of not knowing the ways of the world, he does, he just chooses in not partaking in them. Sleeping is more fun, drawing buildings and teaching is more fun, even if his mother attempted once or twice in getting him into blind dates, he never goes to them due to his nap time making the woman give up.
Being attracted to anyone sounds like a bother to him, relationships apart from his family and work sound like a bother.
Consequently he also cannot understand why his brothers would choose to fall in love and have bothersome relationships. And he especially cannot understand why his baby brothers are so adamant in losing their innocence way too early.
Perhaps at the end, he'll be the last innocent Algeo left, and he doesn't really like that idea. But what can he do? Force Eryx to remain innocent? It would never work, and he cannot bear being hated even more than seeing his brother growing up.
"Sir, Eryx is a brilliant person", Sevan says, making Milo nod along, agreeing with his words. "And being his roommate was only a way to take care of his well-being as you requested. However I cannot hold him hostage and forbid him from doing as he wishes. Therefore instead of allowing him to seek a romantic relationship elsewhere I judged it to be more efficient to provide him with what he wanted myself." With those words Milo stops his hands, blinking slowly as he thinks, his eyelashes fluttering with the movement, he looks otherworldly, but his beauty is lost in the presence of his student.
"I understand and agree with your point of view", at last Milo says with a sigh. "But you shouldn't take his innocence".
Sevan takes a few seconds before replying: "It's understandable as an older brother that you wish to protect Eryx's innocence as much as possible, however if he wishes me to do so, wouldn't it be better for me to follow his wishes instead of pushing him away and forcing him to find someone else to do so?" Sevan's words are sensible and careful, as both he wishes to quell Milo's worries and convince him to allow Eryx to do as he wishes.
The reason why he's going this far for a boy he just recently met is a mystery to anyone that knows how Sevan usually works. But in the man's head, he is simply rationalizing his actions as the most obvious course of action to get what he wants in the end.
"I…" Milo pauses before sighing. "Yes, that makes sense. Just be sure to only do what he asks of you, and treat him with care and respect", Milo's words sound stifled as he holds back his tears.
"Thank you, Sir, I'll do as told", Sevan nods. "Now, on my project…"
It takes Sevan and Milo a full hour to discuss the details of Sevan's graduation project, and once they finish, the boy leaves the office.
Milo rests his head on his desk, a few tears leaving his eyes in silence as he allows himself to grief his brother's childhood that ended way too quickly. It's already the fourth time he had to grieve his brothers' loss of innocence, the first being Levi, which happened quicker than anyone else as he did so at 15 years of age. Mael's loss was around the same age as Luc and Eryx, but Milo only found out years later through Nicolas.
He shouldn't be so fixated on his brother's innocence, but deep down he just didn't want to be the only one that remained on this side of the world. He just didn't want to feel alone.
His phone vibrates, catching his attention, he wipes down his tears with the back of his hand before checking his messages.
Big Brother #3: Hello Milo, how are you feeling today? The weather is lovely, hope you had a few good naps under the warm sun.
Big Brother #3: Margaret made an orange cake for you, I'll drop it later on, so please make sure to set up an alarm around 6 p.m.
Tilting his head to feel more comfortable on the table, Milo reads Ezekiel's messages slowly, from all his older brothers, Ezekiel was always the closest to him, he always felt like his precious younger brother when speaking to him, and that wasn't lost even after the youngest ones were born.
Bringing him sweets, sometimes even gifting him special blankets and pillows, Ezekiel was the only one that never felt annoyed at his sleepiness.
To Milo, he was his favorite brother, the one he cries on the shoulders of and allows himself to be vulnerable to as well.
Milo: It was ok, I slept well.
Milo: Thank you Ez.
Big Brother #3: Are you interested in the meetings Azrael mentioned? I am inquiring about attending.
Milo: …I'm not sure.
Big Brother #3: Zacharie is also attending, although I ain't sure if he'll actually go.
Milo: I might attend at least once…
Milo: Sevan promised to cherish Eryx at least.
Milo: He is a trustworthy kid even if I still dislike Eryx being in a relationship either way.
Milo sent a Crying Sloth figurine.
Big Brother #3: All we can truly do is be there for him, so try not being too anxious about these changes.
Big Brother #3: If you need, you can sleep at my place tomorrow, I'll make the cheese pie you like.
Milo: Yeah.
Milo: Thank you Ez.
Milo: Love you.
Big Brother #3: Love you too Milo.
Big Brother #3: See you at 6 p.m.
Milo sighs as he sets up the alarm, closing his eyes. I'll finish the paperwork later after a small nap, he thinks, falling asleep right away.
✦
Secretary Theodore: Sev, did you finish checking the events' proposals? The sports department was asking for the answer about their mid-semester festival.
Sevan: Yes, it's at my desk, make sure the events' supervisor signs as well before sending it away.
Secretary Theodore: Thanks.
Secretary Theodore sent a Cheerful Panda figurine.
Sevan: Schedule a meeting between me and the Clubs Manager tomorrow morning and one with the Principal tomorrow afternoon.
Secretary Theodore: Ok.
Secretary Theodore: Btw, Sev, did you see Eryx today?
Sevan: Only at the meeting earlier, why?
Secretary Theodore: He was asking about you at the office, something on questions about the budget proposal.
Sevan: You could've gotten the message.
Secretary Theodore: He's your boyfriend.
Sevan: It was work related, Theodore.
Secretary Theodore: …Sev.
Sevan: ?
Secretary Theodore: Stop trying to separate private from professional, you already crossed that line when you told everyone he's your boyfriend.
Sevan: Only so there wouldn't be any rumors.
Secretary Theodore: Sure as if that stopped them.
Secretary Theodore: I'll just text him to leave the papers here then.
Secretary Theodore: Please be careful to not break his heart Sevan, I don't think you're scared of much, but I would be particularly scared of his brothers.
Sevan: You don't need to keep telling me that.
Secretary Theodore: Sure Sev, if you say so.
✦
Theodore Langa (SC's Secretary): Hello Eryx, Sevan asked you to leave the documents on his desk in the office that he'll check once he can.
Eryx: Sure, thank you Theodore.
Theodore Langa (SC's Secretary): How are you finding the work? I know it's been a day, but you did take on a difficult position. Sevan should've given you more assistants, especially considering you're a freshman.
Eryx: I appreciate his trust in me, thank you though, I'll try to do my best.
Theodore Langa (SC's Secretary): Good luck!
Theodore Langa (SC's Secretary) sent a Cheerful Panda figurine.
✦
Three Musketeers
Nero: Weren't there actually four in the Three Musketeers?
Heloise: We just need to find our fourth.
Heloise sent an Excited Monkey figurine.
Nero: I was content with two.
Heloise: Don't be like that Nero!!! We. Need. More. Friends.
Nero: No we don't.
Nero sent a Tired Tortoise figurine.
Eryx: Hi.
Eryx: I honestly appreciate you trying to befriend me and all, but you don't need to force yourselves.
Heloise: Nero was joking Eryx, we really wanted to be friends with you, you're the precious son of the Algeo family after all, we all have that in common…
Heloise: Being children in a family with influence. We should stick together.
Nero: To do what? Flaunt our privilege?
Heloise: It's not that Nero, it's because we can understand the weight we must bear.
Nero: Oh no, how heavy the weight of money and power, I'm crushed.
Nero sent a Bored Tortoise figurine.
Heloise: You're insufferable.
Heloise: You know quite well what weight we bear in order to please our parents and older siblings.
Nero: What parents? Mine are dead.
Heloise: Yes emo boy, we know.
Heloise: As if your older brother doesn't give you any issues.
Nero: Not as much as Dante and Lilith.
Heloise: Lilith I get it she's too much. But what has Dante done nowadays? Didn't he just have his second kid?
Nero: Well…
Nero: I'll tell you in priv.
Heloise: Don't be bothered if it's not a secret.
Nero: You seriously…
Nero: Fine.
Nero: He's getting a divorce.
Eryx: Your brother? I didn't hear anything from Mael, did he tell him?
Nero: Haha.
Nero: You should ask your own brother why.
Eryx: What's that supposed to mean?
Nero: Sis-in-law found out that the painting they have on their BEDROOM for YEARS was a gift of love from his ex.
Nero: Connect the dots.
Eryx: Oh.
Eryx: I figured as much.
Eryx: But considering it's been years, why get a divorce?
Nero: Maybe because it makes it look as if he wasn't over his past relationship?
Eryx: Then just compromise in taking it down and apologizing.
Eryx: If he didn't cheat and regrets his actions isn't divorce too extreme?
Heloise: I think they just never loved each other and she's tired of him.
Nero: I mean I don't know exactly what happened.
Nero sent a voice message:
"Lilith was the one that told me what happened… She said Dante fucked up by allowing the painting to be in their bedroom even if it was a gift…. She said that he claimed it was a harmless painting, but Viviane was quite livid".
Nero: So something else probably happened.
Heloise: Damn they just had another baby a few days ago ರ╭╮ರ.
Nero: Well, you reap what you sow, why would he put that painting in their BEDROOM and most of all, never tell Viviane about it??
Heloise: What's gonna happen if he gets a divorce? Will she get the kids? Considering he's more influential…
Nero: Doubt it, I mean, does he even care about the kids atp?
Eryx: Shouldn't you talk with him first? I mean he's family…
Nero: So what? I mean. Last time we talked was when the baby was born… I had more interactions with Viviane than him since I was born.
Nero: She's more my sister than him.
Heloise: Feel ya.
Eryx: But family is… family.
Nero: What kinda brainwashing shit is that? Just because they're family doesn't mean we must let anything they do pass.
Nero: Don't tell me you never went against your brothers?
Eryx: Of course I did, but never to the point of breaking our bond. I mean we're family.
Eryx: Family is all that matters in the end of it all.
Nero: Dude, are you guys srsly brainwashed?
Heloise: To be fair, the Algeos are known to be tight.
Nero: Bullshit family sucks, no one is that close.
Eryx: I'm not saying we're all close equally, but I would say we would all do anything for each other.
Nero: No way.
Heloise: That's a hell of a commitment. I mean I hate my brothers.
Nero: I wouldn't say I hate them, but I definitely ain't close to them.
Nero: Being the youngest in a family of century old guys is… something.
Eryx: All families are different I guess.
Eryx: But I'm sure your family loves you.
Nero: Nah.
Heloise: You're just lucky Eryx, normally families with the same level of power as yours wouldn't be… that lenient.
Eryx: I don't understand, sorry.
Heloise: What do you know about the history of Iris City?
Eryx: It's the most influent vampire city in the Republic although it isn't the vampire capital… and that the Link Academy is the center of it all.
Heloise: Yeah, but it's also the city where we have the oldest vampires and most influential families residing in. From those our families are certainly the most important ones…
Nero: Alongside the Fauchers too.
Eryx: I might not have been living as a vampire, but I am aware of vampire history.
Eryx: I don't understand what that has to do with our families.
Heloise: Dang Eryx, you sure live up to your reputation.
Eryx: What reputation?
Nero: Of a spoiled brat who knows nothing of the world because he's coddled by his brothers.
Heloise: That was a harsh way of putting… but yeah basically.
Eryx: I see, well, there's nothing I can do if that's how people see me.
Eryx: I never intended to change others' perspectives of me.
Heloise: Haha, I guess you're an Algeo through and through.
Heloise: What I meant before is that in the Republic there are only very few families that surpass the 1000 years mark.
Heloise: The Algeos, Dayas, Weises, Fauchers and… I guess the Uenos as well, but they're immigrants so I don't think they count.
Nero: Well, my family's primordial is dead so.
Eryx: Same with mine, though.
Heloise: I think the only primordials left in the Republic are the Mayor and the President.
Nero: Well THAT is a conspiracy theory if I ever heard one.
Eryx: I mean our parents all died in different circumstances so…
Heloise: And in my case my parents aren't primordials so…
Nero: Yeah.
Heloise: Woah that got heavy all of the sudden hehe.
Eryx: I'm sorry to hear about you guys' situation at home…
Eryx: I still can't wrap my head around the concept of not loving their family, but everyone has their circumstances.
Heloise: I guess that is true.
Nero: Sorry for being grumpy, Eryx, you're not that bad.
Nero: We all have circumstances.
Eryx: Haha, I think I'm not that good as well. I don't do well with relationships apart from my family. Truth be told, I never wanted to make new friends.
Heloise: Why? If we go by Luc, Algeos will always be popular, you can easily make friends.
Eryx: I'm not like my brothers.
Eryx: They're… special.
Nero: I can understand that, we all have older siblings that are… something.
Heloise: I mean, we are something ourselves. Let's not put ourselves down in comparison. Nero, you're a rare zooempath, and Eryx, you're impressive in your own right.
Nero: Having a rare genus doesn't make me special, Heloise, that only happens in novels.
Nero: You may be special for being your family's masterpiece I guess.
Heloise: …Nero don't go there.
Nero: Sure sure, just like you went and told Eryx about MY shameful past and made me disclose MY family situation.
Heloise: It's different… Your relationship with Cassius isn't a secret and your brother and his brother are best friends he would end up finding out anyway.
Eryx: If it makes you feel better, Nero, I don't intend to tell anyone.
Nero: It doesn't.
Heloise: C'mon Nero, stop sulking.
Heloise: I can see you're reading my texts.
Heloise: Nero…
Heloise: Damn.
Eryx chuckles, staring at his phone, he's sitting under a tree near the dorm building, the sun setting in the distance, the breeze feels comfortable in his skin as he closes his phone, putting it aside and closing his eyes to feel the wind embracing him.
He's more worried about choosing his major, and not only that but the missions… although he's progressing faster than usual, he still feels stifled, as if he should still move faster.
His phone rings, he turns the device to see the caller ID to be his mother, but he declines the call, he isn't sure how to talk with the woman after all that happened, more specially after he came out.
Even if he was nonchalant about it, he knows what his family truly thinks, he knows even Nicolas is worried he's being influenced or that he's just a child imitating his older brother.
Mother: Eryx, how are you my dear? Are you feeding properly, please call me when you can.
Eryx: Sorry mom, I'm busy at the moment.
Eryx: I'm doing ok, I am feeding properly don't worry, love ya.
Mother: I love you too my dear, take care please.
He winces, lowering his head touching the device with his forehead and sighing sadly. "I'm a terrible son", he whispers to himself.
The tightness in his chest doesn't seem to go away no matter how much he tries. The pain of lying to his family, of having to choose to do things out of his comfort zone for the sole objective of saving his family…
Another ring on his phone, this time it's Levi calling him so he picks up.
"Hi" he says softly with his eyes closed.
"How were your classes today?" Levi asks, his voice is always filled with concern for him, even if his brothers sometimes are stern and cold, they always cared about Eryx, perhaps that's why he can't understand the concept of brothers not caring for each other like Heloise and Nero told him.
Friends. Should he try? He thought about befriending one of the love interests in order to interrupt the Heroine's path, but making friends for the sake of it? Does he even deserve it? Especially after what happened with his past friends…
As if they can even be called that.
"Boring", he answers his brother. "I still can't figure out what I want to do… If I don't feel like having a proper life will you guys support me for the rest of my life?" He jokes.
But Levi answers with no hesitation: "Of course".
That takes Eryx by surprise, making him slightly emotional. Before he turned he always thought his family saw him as a burden, as a stone in their path. As if his brothers were seeing him as a nuisance, but now he knows better, he knows they love him much more than he ever acknowledged.
And he also loves them more than he loves himself, which might not be much, but in his heart it is a lot.
"Thank you", he whispers. "I'll try not getting to that point though."
"Don't stress over what to do in the future Eryx, you have all of eternity if you so much wish for ahead of you", Levi says and Eryx can hear the smile in his voice.
"That was not always the case, though… I guess I still feel mortal, I still feel…", he sighs. "Lost."
Back when Eryx was a human he wanted to be a vampire so badly and yet he had accepted his mortality, the fact he was going to die easily and before anyone else from his family. He didn't want it, but it was his reality.
Levi sighs on the other side. "Eryx, stop worrying about death and enjoy your youth, soon you'll blink and you'll be 100."
Eryx nods softly. "I'll try".
"And remember to wear condoms" Levi's comment makes Eryx's face burn with embarrassment.
"I won't need it, but I'll try to remember", he coughs. "See you Saturday Levi".
"See you Eryx, take care of yourself and don't worry so much, we're already proud of you", Levi says before turning off the call.
Are you really? He questions in his head, he can't truly believe his brother's words, but this feeling of sadness and self-loathing he'll shove it down for now.
He opens his status window, staring at it for a moment.
Status window
Name: Eryx Algeo
Age: 19
Species: Newborn Vampire
Affiliation: Algeo Family ; Link Academy
Title: Bastard of the Algeo Family ; Link Academy's freshman
Thirst: 33%
Chosen target: Sevan Helge
Progress: 29%
Heroine chosen target: Luc Algeo ; Sevan Helge ; Aster Faucher ; Kitsu Ueno ; Prometheus Onasis ; Nash Vega ; Cassius Felix
Heroine's progress: 28%
Active Missions:
Defeat the heroine! (In Progress/Complete Sub-quests rewards available/New Sub-quests available)
Attend the entrance ceremony of Link Academy (Complete: Rewards Available)
Halfway there (In Progress)
Your own path (In Progress)
Skills:
Thirst - (Inactive)
Heartbeat - (Inactive)
Algeo's Soul - (Available for use)
Newborn - (This skill will be deactivated once you consume enough blood)
Phoenix - (Available for use) (4/4)
Inventory:
1 Azrael Sofer's Genus Ticket
1 Temporary Freeze Ticket
Eryx jumps for a moment, startled.
My likeability went down 1%? How… Why? What did I do wrong? His hands shake as he grabs his phone again, not even caring about the missions he has yet to claim the rewards of, little do they matter in the face of losing the likeability with Sevan. He flinches as he opens the chat with Sevan, although he does have his number, they haven't exchanged any texts yet.
Will I appear clingy? He wonders biting the side of his thumb worried, staring at the screen of his phone. Shit. Shit. Shit.
Although it's just 1%, that is something that could potentially get worse. Before he can text Sevan, the man himself sends him a text, as if reading his mind.
Sevan ♡: Eryx, about the documents you left in the office, do you have time now to discuss them?
Eryx: Yes, I do.
Sevan ♡: Good, see you at the office in 10?
Eryx: Of course, perfect.
Sevan ♡: Ok.
He takes a deep breath, he needs to figure out how to cater to Sevan's tastes and make sure he appeals more to the man so his likeability increases. The problem is that I don't remember shit about his character from the game besides that he was indifferent to those he cares about. But he doesn't seem indifferent towards me… is it because he just doesn't care?
It doesn't matter, though, so he gets up from the grass and starts to walk towards the Student Council's office, wondering how to seduce his already boyfriend whom he met just three, almost four days ago.
✦
A faint knock on the door of his office startles Zacharie Algeo, the man is better kept than when he previously met Nicolas, he's still too scrawny, but his beard is trimmed and his wild hair is slicked back, his clothes are also in place, courtesy of his wife that gave him an earful for not going home for a week.
It is indeed a miracle how Zacharie managed to not only marry a woman like Elara, but also maintain a marriage with the woman for 200 years, they're complete opposites, yet they seem to match each other perfectly.
''C'mon in'', the man says, cleaning his throat.
His office is also cleaner than before, the scattered papers are now organized in a pile on his desk, and Cupcake, his beloved pet snake, is actually at his house at the moment due to a visit to the veterinarian that Elara is taking it later that day.
Entering his office is one of his younger brothers, Mael, the man is wearing unusual clothes for him, instead of the usual suit or police uniform, he's wearing a beige sweater and on top a light blue jeans shorts overall, his knees and forearms have paint spots, as if he cleaned himself in a hurry, clear by the small dot of yellow paint in his chin as well. His long hair is also unusually down, the waves a bit messy due to the wind outside.
''Mael? Why are you here?'' Zacharie asks with a frown, worried that something might've happened with his brother.
The younger man sits down in front of him, his eyes show fear as he purses his lips, looking anywhere but directly at his brother.
''You're scaring me'', the man says with a frown.
''I wanted to…'' Mael starts to speak, but he's scared, settling feelings he's been carrying since he was as young as 18 years of age is harder than he thought, especially after Levi rejected him so hard. He's worried his other brothers will do the same, Mael wants desperately to move on, to forget the past and heal himself, slowly confronting those whom he has resentment towards, yet doing so to his precious family will never not be hard. ''Ask if you…'', he takes a deep breath, he knows he sounds childish, and perhaps Levi is right and he's just making himself to be a victim he's not. But deep down he knows he needs this. ''Love me''.
Zacharie is taken aback by the question, even if he knows quite well that he's the brother who shows his feelings the least, he still thought his brothers knew that he loved them no matter what. Even Nicolas, when they had that time apart when Zacharie harmed him… Even when he didn't understand him, he still deeply loved him.
''Of course I love you Mael, I apologize if I ever made you feel otherwise'', Zacharie says with a soft frown, sadness clear in his gaze.
Mael shakes his head. ''That's not… exactly it Zacharie'', he sighs. ''Do you remember a few years after I graduated from the Academy? When I… left?''
''Yes, you went to live at your studio for a few years, why?''
''I…'' He takes a deep breath, hiding his trembling hands under his thighs, although he tries hard to hold his tears, he can't manage to. ''I tried to kill myself a few times during that time…''
His words take a while to hit Zacharie as the man stares at him in shock. Contrary to Levi, Zacharie does see himself as the substitute for their father, although he's neither managing the family's assets or that present in his brothers' lives. The responsibilities of holding everything together when everyone falls should be his, he saw himself as that, but it seems that he was always completely wrong.
Was it this when Elara told him that his devotion to his work would cost him more than what the war took from him?
The mere thought that he could've lost one of his brothers by his own negligence…
Seeing Zacharie's expression makes Mael's heart sink, a mix of emotions overwhelm him, a strong fear of being rejected again washes over his mind. ''N-No'', he stumbles, ''It's not your fault, brother, I…'' Mael swallows dry. ''I know I'm more sensitive than most, I know I keep trying to blame others for my… mistakes'', he repeats the words engrained in his brain after he met Levi, even if he slapped Levi for saying that, even if he disagreed at the moment. ''I just wanted to… talk with you, I wish to clean my past pains from my heart, and for that I decided to be more honest with you… and the others as well''.
After the other doesn't speak, Mael starts to ramble again.
''I realized I can't ask for understatement and care if I don't extend my hand as well, I don't wish to commit the same mistakes with Eryx, so I wanted to become a better brother and heal my traumas'', Mael says trying to sound more confident. ''Y'know, stop the pity party,'' he laughs awkwardly.
''Mael,'' Zacharie says carefully, clenching his fist on one of the papers on his desk. ''I'm sorry'', he continued, ''Nicolas told me, Elara told me, but I never changed, I kept neglecting my role in the family for my own sake''.
He can feel it, Mael can feel deep inside his chest that he made the wrong choice by coming here, why can't he do a single thing right? First Eryx, then Levi, and now Zacharie. Is his pain truly toxic to others? What about his other brothers? Are Nicolas and Ezekiel lying to him? His tears can't seem to stop falling.
Maybe Levi was right, he'll be better off… gone.
''I'm sorry, this was a mistake'', Mael says, getting up. ''I'm sorry Zacharie, you're not… you're not the problem here, I don't know what I am doing or saying, I should leave'', he turns to leave but his brother grabs his arm.
''You didn't want to tell me just that, Mael, say it all, free yourself from the burden'', his words are like a knife to Mael's heart, he feels as if Zacharie is telling him to dump all of his problems onto him, just passing the burden around, but that wasn't what he wanted.
Peace of mind, that's what he wanted.
And that's when his phone rings, the only person with a different ringtone, the only person he doesn't want to hear his muffled voice. The sound of a pop love song echoes in Zacharie's office as Mael pulls his arm from his brother's grasp and grabs his phone, looking at it with a panicked expression.
The face of his first lover, his past fiance and the person whom he's still deeply in love with.
Although he's busy, although he shouldn't, he picks up the call, not allowing it to ring for long, he can never manage to make the other wait.
''Mael Algeo speaking'', he says, cleaning his throat, pretending to not be crying his eyes out just moments ago.
A muffled chuckle makes his heart melt. ''You don't need to pretend you didn't see it was me calling, Mael'', Dante's voice makes Mael close his eyes, his heart beating crazily inside his chest, how could 40 years not be enough for him to stop being swayed by that man's voice? ''I need to meet you, if possible today, and even more, now''.
''I'm…'', Mael looks at Zacharie, who's tired red eyes are staring at him intensely, paying clear attention to his younger brother who just made a shocking declaration to him moments ago while bawling his eyes out. ''Busy''.
''I know you're prepping for the exhibition…'' Dante says, trailing off before speaking again: ''Viviane asked for a divorce''.
Mael freezes, his heart so loud that he can't hear anything else. ''What? Why? Reule was just born…'' He says, referring to the couple's youngest child, whom he's the godfather of, just like their other son, Benjamin. Of course, saying that he's the godfather of his ex's two children is crazy, but Mael never wished any harm to come to those children, he in fact adores them. ''Did you do something wrong? Did you cheat?'' Although Mael strongly dislikes Dante's wife, to the point of not even knowing her name, it was never the woman's fault that he was still in love with her husband. In fact, if there was someone to blame in this situation it would be Dante or Mael himself, as they're both still holding tight to their friendship that was never only a friendship.
''Cheat? Me? Why would I cheat on her? And if I were to consider such a ridiculous thing, do you think you wouldn't know about it?'' Dante scoffs, it's clear by his voice that he's not home, in the background Mael can hear chatter. ''She took down the painting to change the room's wallpaper… She knows about us''.
He laughs. There's no way of reacting in any different way, Mael laughs so much that his stomach hurts, and as he laughs, more and more tears stream down his face. Why is the world so cruel to him? Slowly he walks towards Zacharie, the man clearly confused but he doesn't move. ''So, you're saying it's because of… me?''
Wrapping one arm around his brother, Mael buries his head on the warm chest of the man he was never too close with but always admired from a distance, his tears staining his shirt as he hugs him back in silence.
''No, Mael, don't you understand? I could've…'', Dante sighs. ''I could've begged, but when she asked me to… Throw the painting away, I just couldn't'', a muffled sound makes Dante stop talking, but it doesn't take long for him to continue: ''Mael, let's meet please, we need to talk.''
In between the lines, Mael can understand what Dante means. He means that 40 years later, two kids and 22 years of marriage with a woman later, he's free, he now wants Mael. Now he's enough for him. Because he already fulfilled his duty as a son of the Daya family.
Because just like to Mael, to Dante his family's words and actions mean everything, and him getting a divorce it's not a problem, no, it's his shackles coming off. Shackles he chose to put on himself.
''Brother said I don't need to continue married if I don't wish to. After Nero came out, they've become more understanding…''
Mael wants to cry even harder but he swallows his sobs, he can't allow Dante to hear him crying, he tightens the hug and Zacharie pats his head in response. Their difference in height is only five centimeters, yet he feels tiny, back like a child being consoled by his older brother. A warmth he only felt as a kid back when Levi would still coddle him.
''I can't do this again Dante'', Mael finally says. ''I'm in a relationship'', he mumbles, of course it's a relationship based in the mutual need of warmth between him and the bartender from Nicolas' bar, yet it's the first time Mael allowed himself to be with someone after Dante, and the warmth of another body didn't feel wrong. But it's all for what? For when he finally moves on, he comes back again? Claiming that now he needs him?
''Is it a woman?'' His question makes Mael whimper, with how unfair, how cruel it is.
Contrary to Dante, or even Nicolas and Eryx, Mael isn't gay, he is actually bisexual, before dating Dante he had a few flings with women, in fact Dante was the first man he ever felt attracted to. But when he thinks about it he could always tell he wasn't exactly the norm of what his family expected him to be, but perhaps Nicolas' coming out traumatized him so much that he tried to hide, suppress his sexuality, that was until Dante entered his life.
They were friends at the Academy, roommates, and they hit it off so well that there was no other answer than falling in love, as if they were made for each other, everything made sense when they were together. Six years, that's how long they dated.
And when Dante proposed? At a gallery, talking about how Mael inspired him, how Mael was beautiful and his paintings were just as mesmerizing. His empty whispers of love brought him so much happiness. He was so fucking happy.
But then… It all came crashing down when they broke up, and then the announcement of the wedding, and the birth of his children.
A man who claimed to not even be able to get excited for a woman was able to have two children with one, and even asked Mael to continue being his close friend and godfather to said children, he ate at his house, played with his son, even accompanied his pregnant wife when she was having complications on her second pregnancy.
He was there, near the man he loved so much that losing him made him lose himself. Yet now he's saying that they can be together again? That all of this suffering was… what? Torture? With what purpose? Satisfying his parents? His family?
''This isn't fair'', Mael says, finally letting out his sobs, clenching his hand tight on Zacharie's shirt. ''I love you so much it hurts'', he says, almost yelling. ''I am finally able to start moving on and you… ask me if its a woman? Why? Would that make you feel better? If I replaced you with a woman? Because then we would be just the same?''
He closes his eyes, his heart hurts so much that he feels as if he's about to die.
''Mael, you know that's not it'', Dante's voice is pleading. ''I love you too, I always did''.
''You're so cruel to me'', Mael says. ''You're selfish, only thinking about yourself. What about me Dante? The pain you put me through?''
''I'm telling you it's all over now Mael, we can be together now'', Dante continues to plead, the sound of a bottle breaking on the other side of the phone startles Mael. ''I love you so fucking much Mael, don't you understand? I did what I had to do as my duty… I can't…'', silence ensues for a few seconds before he speaks again: ''I can't live without you''.
A warm hand touches his, Zacharie slowly grabs Mael's phone from him, and the man allows it, wrapping his now free arm also around his brother as he continues to cry, sobbing desperately like a child. Perhaps they were always right, being 68 years old as a vampire, he's still only a child compared to his other brothers, or perhaps even if he becomes older, growing up mentally is a separate matter, reserved for those who have the freedom to be simply happy and mature slowly and steadily.
''Sorry to interrupt your conversation'', Zacharie speaks, pausing for a moment, but Mael can't hear what Dante says. ''Yes, it's Zacharie Algeo speaking'', another pause. ''Doctor Daya, I understand you're going through a fragile moment of your life, however I suggest both you and Mael calm down before meeting to speak, having a conversation with heated emotions won't do any good, to both of you'', Zacharie's tone is stern, he almost sounds like a reliable adult, his other hand still patting Mael on the head as he silently cries on his chest. ''I couldn't care less about your situation, Doctor Daya…'', he pauses again, Mael can't see his face, but by his tone, he's getting annoyed. Sometimes it is easy to forget that Zacharie was both a soldier and the secretary of the Mayor for years, both positions in which he was highly regarded as a man to be feared. It's especially easy to forget since he's usually calm and passive near his brothers. ''Listen here, I may not know the extent of your history with my brother, and I couldn't care less about what you think our relationship is. The fact is that you're trying to push your desires onto my brother who already dealt with enough of your whims.''
Silence. A deafening silence as Zacharie's hand stops petting Mael for a few seconds, as if he was attentively listening to what the person on the other side is saying.
''...Although you are an important Doctor to the Hospital, you're not free to make empty threats like that'', Zacharie finally speaks, startling Mael. What does he mean threats? What did Dante say? Mael attempts to get off his brother but the older man holds him in place. ''I'll be turning it off now, please do not contact Mael again for a while, at least until both of you have calmed down''.
Zacharie turns off the call and gives the phone to Mael, allowing him to step away from his embrace and patting him in the head for a second.
''Mael, the faults of adults aren't yours to take'', he says.
''I'm an adult already'', he says blushing.
''...Yes, you are'', Zacharie nods, frowning. ''You're precious to me and to everyone else as well, I hope you'll stop thinking about hurting yourself''.
Mael nods, still unsure. ''What should I do? I'm…''
''Do whatever your heart tells you to, you don't need to continue down a path of pain just because it's more comfortable'', Zacharie opens his desk drawer, grabbing a small box, caressing it before opening it. He takes out a pile of pictures, giving it to Mael.
The pictures are a variation, some are of their other brothers and some are of Mael, from his childhood, when he graduated the Academy and even a few pictures of him working on the police taskforce. He frowns, confused before looking up at his brother. ''Since when do you have these?''
Zacharie shrugs.
''You should go home, rest a bit, Sunday we have Nicolas' lunch'', the older one says, sighing. ''Just believe me when I say it, Mael, you are loved, and the mistake of making you feel like this isn't yours, you don't need to carry the burden of the feelings of others inside your heart''.
He puts the pictures back on the box, Mael stares at him, sometimes Zacharie looks like their father, although most often he used to think that Zacharie was detached from their family, that he just didn't care, maybe he's wrong, maybe he was too trapped in his sadness to notice how much everyone else cares for him.
''Thank you, brother'', he mumbles, nodding and preceding to leave the office, but stops for a second when Zacharie speaks:
''Mael, you deserve more than someone that only comes back to you when they're in need of you''.
With those words echoing in his head, Mael finally leaves to go back to his studio.
✦
Mael: Good afternoon. I know you'll not be exactly happy to speak with me right now, but I would like to apologize for everything that happened. Believe me when I say I never wished for this. My relationship with Dante ended 42 years ago, we never had any sort of romantic interaction after that. To be honest it was really hard for me to continue being friends with him and I even saw you more like a threat than an actual person. So I would like to apologize for my childish behaviour, the reason why Dante put the painting in the bedroom was due to my request on a selfish whim. I can understand if you hate me, and even if you cut all contact with me whatsoever. I just really wanted to apologize for everything and ask if you require any sort of support, especially due to your difficult birth. If needed I can babysit Benjamin and Ruele for you to rest, if needed I am available, regardless of what happened, the children aren't to blame and I still care deeply about them as their godfather. Again, I'm sorry for my childish behaviour and for deceiving you in any shape or form, even if it wasn't ever my intention to do so.
Dante's Wife: Mael. It's not your fault to apologize for my divorce, the painting is beautiful, and reading what you wrote I can understand how much you were hurting to do such things. Your relationship with Dante was always more profound than what both of you allowed me to know.
Dante's Wife: I must admit I do feel betrayed by you, I thought we were even if superficially, friends.
Dante's Wife: You helped me so much during my last pregnancy… Was all of this some sort of game between the two of you? Were my children an expansion of him for you?
Dante's Wife: I can understand if your feelings for Dante never faded, but you entered my house, ate my food, played with my children, how could you?
Mael: I apologize, it was never about my lingering feelings, those never extended to the children, I promise.
Mael: I care for them as the children of a dear friend.
Mael: Regardless of how my heart behaved, I never even entertained the idea of breaking things off between you or harming the children.
Dante's Wife: Are you and Dante going to get back together?
Mael: No… I'm sorry.
Dante's Wife: Do you know what he said when I told him to throw the painting away? He said he couldn't do that to someone he loved.
Dante's Wife: Then he admitted, to all the lies, to the fact that our marriage of 22 years was a mere business decision for him..
Dante's Wife: He doesn't even like women, ha.
Dante's Wife: We had 2 children together for fuck's sake!
Mael: I'm so sorry, I… I never thought he would go that far, however I never told him we would go back together if he did that.
Mael: Quite the contrary, I asked him to leave me alone and he begged us to be friends, even after we broke up on terrible terms…
Dante's Wife: How could you remain his friend if he hurt you so badly? When I said I wanted a divorce he thanked me. When I asked him if he was going to go back to you he said that he never loved anyone else.
Dante's Wife: Do you know the pain of hearing the person you loved, you shared a bed, a life, for 22 years, telling you he never loved you?
Mael: I'm so sorry. I promise you we'll never go back together, the harm he did to you… to me… it can't be erased and it is his crux to carry.
Mael: It is not your fault, its his.
Dante's Wife: So now you want to clear the way with me so you can continue seeing the children? You can always see them with him, he still has weekend rights.
Dante's Wife: I'm lucky he has no care for the children besides his blood in their veins.
Mael: The children are innocent.
Mael: I don't want to regret, I took a responsibility when I accepted to be their godfather, even if it was Dante's selfishness, I never saw this responsibility as an extension of our relationship.
Mael: My relationship with Dante and my relationship with Benjamin and Ruele are separate.
Mael: I don't think I'll ever have children of my own, so perhaps I see them as my nephews of some sort.
Mael: However if you wish for me to never see the children again, I'll understand, as it is, in the end, a selfish request.
Dante's Wife: If the condition to meet them is to never see Dante again, would you be able to?
Mael: Yes. But I can do nothing if he seeks me.
Dante's Wife: You can come by tomorrow, Ben is asking about you after his father left… And I could use a hand while moving.
Mael: You're leaving the house? Why?
Dante's Wife: I'm going back to my family, he asked for the house back.
Mael: But you're caring for his children, even if you're divorcing this is…
Mael: I thought he cared about the kids, he was always smiling when talking about being a father!
Mael: This is unacceptable!
Mael: I feel ashamed.
Dante's Wife: Hahahah, I don't even have the strength to be outraged.
Mael: I…
Mael: I'll help you as much as I can.
Mael: I'm sorry, I never even… I don't know your name.
Dante's Wife: Wow, you're definitely an asshole, Mael Algeo.
Dante's Wife: Viviane, that's my name.
Mael: Thank you for allowing me to keep being a part of the life of the children, Viviane. If you need help moving furniture around, I could ask my partner to help as well, if you'd like.
Viviane: I would normally decline, but I am weak and my parents are too busy to help… so yeah, please.
Mael: I'm sorry again, Viviane, and I hope we can move past this pain.
Viviane: I hope for the same, Mael.
✦
Dante Daya: Mael.
Dante Daya: Pick the damn phone.
Dante Daya: Your brother who doesn't even care about you picking up the phone in your regard? Why are you doing this?
Dante Daya: I know you still love me. And I love you.
Dante Daya: Why can't we finally be free together?
Dante Daya: I love you so much.
Dante Daya: Please.
Dante Daya: I need you right now.
Dante Daya: You're the only one I have left.
Mael: Why are you making your wife and children leave the house?
Dante Daya: …You finally answer me for this? Can we meet? Please.
Mael: Dante, we broke up 42 years ago, didn't you see my bleeding heart for that long as well? You broke me in so many pieces and it took me so long to pick them all up, and when I finally start to fix my heart, you do this? Aren't you ashamed?
Dante Daya: I was going through it all as well! My parents were sick, then they died, Mael, I was just trying to make them proud, they wouldn't understand, didn't you tell me how much your own brother suffered? Did you wish for us to go down the same path?
Dante Daya: But now the world is more accepting, both our families already have children that took the hit and the first shock has passed. We can finally be together.
Dante Daya: Didn't you ever wish for this? Because I have wished for this every day since we broke things up.
Dante Daya: Mael.
Dante Daya: I love you.
Dante Daya: Please let's meet and talk.
Mael: At least try to be a proper father.
Mael: We will never go back together Dante, and if you continue with this we won't even be able to continue being friends.
Dante Daya: I don't understand Mael, why?
Dante Daya: We love each other, we can finally be together.
Mael: You're 42 years too late for this Dante.
Mael: No, even before the wedding I was willing to go back, but after you married? Dante, you chose this path.
Dante Daya: What about you? Do you think anyone else will love you like I do?
Dante Daya: Not even your brothers care about you, you know that.
Mael: Zacharie was right, we need to cool our heads. If you still want to be friends a month from now, we can meet and talk.
Mael: In a month I'll unblock you, take care.
Mael: And please don't punish the children for your mistakes.
Dante Daya: Mael, what the fuck are you talking about?
Dante Daya: Is it because of your new fling?
Dante Daya: They're just using you.
Dante Daya: Fuck this, I'll go to your studio if necessary.
Dante Daya: Stop being unreasonable, it took us 42 years to be able to be together, please, don't make our wait even more unbearable, I miss you Mael. I love you so much it hurts.
Mael: Goodbye Dante, congratulations for feeling the pain of your own choices and actions.
Dante Daya is attempting to send you more messages.
Would you like to unblock him to see more messages?
Yes, unblock Dante Daya | No, keep Dante Daya blocked.
✦
Eryx's hand lingers for a moment at the door of the Student Council's office before finally opening it, taking a deep breath he enters the room to find Sevan and Theodore talking, there are a few other people there as well, including Heloise.
"Eryx!" The woman says excitedly, walking towards him. "What are you doing here?" She smiles. "Here to see your boyfriend?"
How can she act like this when we barely just met? Is it the gift of extrovers? Eryx wonders, but simply nods.
"Have fun!" She answers with a giggle before returning to the table where she was working on some papers and chatting with other Student Council's members..
He walks towards Sevan's desk, the man looks tired, his white eyes looking as mysterious as usual, but the bags under it don't lie. Did he even sleep lately? He wonders.
"Hi", he mutters, hiding his hands behind his back due to their trembling.
"...Just make sure this doesn't happen again, the first semester of events can't be decided at the last minute", Sevan says to Theodore, who nods in response, then he turns to Eryx, his cold and serious gaze sends shivers down his spine. "Did you eat?"
His question makes Eryx confused, but he answers either way: "Not really, I fed in the morning and then just had water."
Sevan opens his drawer giving Eryx a few candy pieces. Caramels? Why?
"Thanks", he says simply, staring at the small pieces of candy on his hand.
"The proposal is well written, I got in contact with the club leaders and they're supposed to send their budget requests by the end of next week. For now we'll have to give them the same amount as last semester".
"Ok." Eryx nods, opening one of the sweets and putting it in his mouth. The sweet taste makes him sick, but his expression doesn't change, he swallowed much worse to be bothered by this. "Seren will go to the clubs next week to inspect them, see how they're faring before we make the whole budget proposal based on their requests".
"Good, do you have any other questions?" Sevan asks, staring straight into Eryx's orange eyes.
"Y-Yes", he says, stumbling his words. "I-I need the list of the p-previous years events and their e-expenditures."
"You could've asked Theodore", Sevan says coldly, making Eryx blush due to embarrassment.
He nods, looking at Theodore who's looking at him with pity in his eyes.
"I'll send it to you later on", the man says.
"Thank you. I-I'll be going then", he says, his whole face becoming beet red. What was I thinking? Will the likeability go down again? What should I do?
Did I make a mistake choosing him? I was pressed for time but.. Erxy feels a tug in his stomach and his head throbs.
He turns to leave but Sevan's voice stops him, that voice so melodical that feels like the wind is singing softly in his ear. "You don't need to leave now", he turns to look at Sevan, who's still staring at him. "Come here", he pushes his chair back, tapping his thigh.
Eryx's face surprisingly becomes the same tone as his hair, the redness spreading to his ears and neck. But Sevan's eyes are still cold, devoid of any sort of emotion whatsoever. Even if he feels like declining the offer, the idea of going against the man makes him shake, so he walks towards him and does as said, sitting on Sevan's leg awkwardly.
Sevan keeps staring at him before touching his hair softly and placing a kiss on his neck. Shivers travel all across Eryx's body.
Confused, that's how he feels, he chose a quite confusing man as his target. He doesn't dislike the touches and the coldness, even if Sevan's actions, words and expressions don't match, ever.
But what he does care about is the number, the likeability that goes up and down without a warning, and the worst part is that he doesn't even know why.
He barely touches me in the dorms, but outside he's more daring, Eryx thinks as Sevan hugs him with one arm and continues to work with the other. He can't bear to look at the others around him, so he looks down, grabbing his phone as a ruse to check the system.
Likeability Chart
Sevan Helge: 31% (Heroine's: 4%)
Now it went up 2%? What's the pattern? Is it because of the skinship? The location? The public? Eryx frowns, he can't help it, he needs to know how to increase the likeability as quickly as possible.
He remembers that in the game, the likeability had some sort of limitations. After you choose your target you cannot change it, and you have the three Academy years to get to 100% in order to get the perfect or good endings.
In the first year you can only increase likeability to the 50% threshold, and that's when you'll have the dating event. The second year you could only increase up to 80%. But the third year was the hardest, as every point was hard to get and getting to 100% was almost impossible. He did get to 100% but only because he chose an easy target, and he only got a good ending.
His sister commented that the hardest ones to get to 100% were Aster Faucher and Prometheus Onasis, while the easiest ones were Nash Vega and Kitsu Ueno. If she ever commented anything about Sevan Helge, he doesn't remember.
Well, we are dating before hitting 50%, so maybe the rules of the game won't be the same? But I can't guarantee it, so I should get to 50% as soon as possible.
Considering Sevan is in his second year, the longer it takes for Eryx to hit 100% the hardest it'll be to do it later on when they're apart in Eryx's senior year. I'm lucky that he doesn't seem to care much for the Heroine, hopefully that'll keep being the case.
"What's wrong?" Sevan asks in a whisper in his ear, startling Eryx who jumps slightly, his eyes turning to stare at the other.
"Nothing, I was just thinking about choosing my major", he answers quickly.
"Do you already have any in mind?" Sevan asks, his gaze going back to the papers.
"No, maybe, perhaps I could go for accounting or an engineering course, but I can't decide, they all look… dull", Eryx sighs.
"You have two more days to choose, don't worry so much, I'm sure you'll do well in whatever you pick", Sevan words feel honest.
"Thank you, I'll… try", he answers with a soft nod, Sevan doesn't speak again, but his thumb caresses Eryx's side softly as he still hugs him tightly.
It's both comforting and embarrassing.
He turns to the system again, trying not to focus on Sevan's touch otherwise he'll get an erection and embarrass himself further.
Mission Accomplished!
Congratulations for completing your mission (Attend the entrance ceremony of Link Academy).
Would you like to receive your rewards?
Y/N
He discreetly presses Y. The rewards weren't much, there wasn't even a likeability increase, only an extra use of his ability to see the future, which isn't much, to be honest as he still has 3 uses left. Since I feed a lot for being a newborn, I get new uses all the time.
Sub-quest Accomplished!
Congratulations for completing your sub-quest (Get your target's phone number).
Would you like to receive your rewards?
Y/N
This time the reward was a measly 1% of likeability. Well, it's something at least, he thinks slightly disappointed.
Sub-quests:
Introduce yourself to all of the targets (Completed)Choose your target (Completed)Get your target's phone number (Completed)Start a relationship of any nature with the target (New) (Completed)Introduce the target to your family (New) (In Progress)Be introduced to the target's family (New) (In Progress)
Any nature? So friendship would still be valid, although it would be harder to develop a friendship, longer as well. Eryx thinks, frowning. At least he already got part of that out of the way, receiving another 1% likeability as a reward again, but the other quests aren't things he can accomplish in their first week of dating. If I wait a month shouldn't it be ok? He wonders, worried. After all, the quicker he completes it all, the better, however he doesn't know if rushing things might backfire as well.
Am I overthinking everything? It took so many years for Nicolas to introduce Azrael to the family, well, he was coming out as well…
Eryx is snapped back to reality with his phone vibrating in his hand.
Heloise: Eryx!!!!!!!
Heloise: It's amazing!!!!!
Heloise: You're amazing!!!!!
Heloise sent a Excited Monkey figurine
Eryx: ??
Heloise: Dudeeeeee
Heloise: The robot was shining like a Christmas tree!!!!!
Heloise: It was sooooo quick so it's hard to have an accurate reading but it wasn't my imagination yesterday.
Heloise: I must ask, did you guys know each other before this week? It's insane how different the robot acts around you.
Heloise: Like, damn.
Eryx: What did you see?
She acts as if we're close for decades already and is questioning the progress of my relationship? Isn't she jumping the gun as well?
Maybe there is something in the water of the Academy that makes all students act rashly. Or maybe it's the fact that they're inside a game.
No, can even this be considered a game anymore? It's my reality, I'll continue living this life after the game ends so… Eryx sighs, there's no point in overthinking about things.
Eryx: No, we never met before, I was studying with humans, remember?
Heloise: That is true (☉｡☉)!
Heloise: I saw purple and red. But they all mean so many things, if I could see it for more than 1 second I would be able to tell which tone it was so that I could determine the emotion.
Heloise: This damn robot, even if he has emotions he gets over them so quickly it's insane.
Heloise: How is it possible that someone has feelings for one small freaking second?
Heloise sent a Freaking Out Monkey figurine.
Eryx: Well… It's not as if no one warned me.
Eryx: I wish I had known him during school as well.
Heloise: Hahahaha no you don't, he's still a robot, but he's wayyyy less uptight, during high school he was too fixated on studying istg.
Heloise: But since in the Academy achievements matter more than grades and you can get extra points for getting them, it's more lax.
Heloise: I wonder why he accepted to be with you.
Heloise: Not that I don't believe in your feelings.
Heloise: It's just out of character.
Eryx: He doesn't like me.
Eryx: It's because my brother asked him to take care of me in exchange for mentoring his Thesis.
Heloise: Oh. Makes sense.
Heloise: But doesn't explain why you're sitting on his lap in the middle of the office…
Heloise: I mean, not even a normal person would do that.
Can any of the game Male Leads be considered normal, though? Eryx thinks with a chuckle.
Eryx: My family doesn't exactly do normal relationships.
Heloise: Fair fair fair.
Heloise: Just be careful, you know, to not get your heart broken.
Heloise: You like him, no?
Eryx: There is no point in trying to hide from you, huh?
Heloise: Hahahah, I mean I do see it all.
Heloise: Feelings at least.
Heloise: It's my blessing and my curse.
Eryx: But don't worry Heloise, I don't expect anything from this relationship.
Heloise: …that is a bit sad.
Heloise: If you ever need a shoulder to cry on, let me know.
Heloise: We did just meet, but I do feel a sense of kinship with you… so don't hesitate ok? Friends for 1 day, 1 month or 10 years, it doesn't matter, I'll do my best to help you.
Heloise sent an Excited Monkey figurine.
Eryx: Thanks.
"Eryx", Sevan's voice in his ear startles him, making him automatically turn off his phone, his heart beating like a drum inside his chest. Did he read the texts? "I'm sorry, my leg is asleep", he says, making Eryx blush violently.
He was the one that asked me… He thinks getting up, he tries to back off a bit as well but Sevan holds his arm.
"It's almost night, go back to the dorm and don't wait up for me", he says, his white cold eyes make Eryx tremble.
There's just something in those two snow orbits staring at him, even if they don't carry an ounce of emotion, that still makes Eryx feel warm and fuzzy inside. Although he knows that this relationship is because of the game, and that Sevan is simply using him as much as he's using the man, he can't help but wish for it, deep down inside his chest, for his affection.
Perhaps he's starving for it, due to his past ruinous relationships apart from family, maybe because he always saw himself as a burden to others, as a bastard. He craves it, yet is scared of asking for it.
They've known each other for one week, his affection is artificially raised by the system, it's not real. Their relationship is based on mutual benefit not interest or attraction.
But there's still a voice at the back of his head crying, begging for love, for affection. Regardless of that voice, though, he knows best, that besides family, he won't ever be loved.
"Understood", he mumbles, trying to back off but Sevan pulls him down for a soft kiss.
He doesn't exaggerate this time, just touching their lips for a moment, although it is enough to make Eryx's face become red again. I can't understand his thought process, he thinks as the man finally releases his arm, allowing him to leave.
He can't bear to look at the others in the office as he hurriedly leaves, knowing that they're all staring at him like some performance clown again.