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"Vik, hurry up! We're already running late!" "Is this really necessary?"
Tonight they were to attend a fundraising gala, councilor Medarda had organized, celebrating the successful outcome of their first and recent HexTech experiment.
"We had a very big breakthrough, which will possibly change the lives of many citizens in Piltover AND Zaun forever! So yes, it is something to celebrate about!" Jayce dusted off Viktor's suit and patted his shoulder leaning down.
"Besidess... your favorite person will be there. You wouldn't want to miss that. Do you now?" Viktor shot him a look. "They're nothing more than a friend." "I didn't say otherwise." Jayce had a smug look on his face, Viktor would like to wipe off, but luckily he has self-control.
Viktor gazed in the mirror. His hair was slicked back and he was wearing a beige suit, with a bordeaux shirt and black, polished, leather shoes. He would've never thought he'd ever wear such expensive clothing. You don't get to have these luxuries in the Undercity.
Viktor let out a dramatic sigh. "Whatever. Let's get this over with, shall we?" "Let's go!" Jayce pumped his fist in the air. "Did someone ever tell you that you're incredibly enthusiastic?"
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They both stood in front of the grand entrance, taking in a deep, nervous breath. Who knows what will await them in there? Jayce looked down at the other man, waiting for confirmation. Viktor nodded, letting Jayce push open the heavy door.
As soon as they entered all eyes were fixated on them... well on Jayce to be exact. When he was at trial everyone thought he was just another crazy guy with an absurd vision, but now that they've seen what he's capable of they've grown quite an interest in him.
Immediately people swarmed him, which caused Viktor to shake his head. He didn't really mind Jayce receiving all the attention. Means fewer people to talk to.
Meanwhile, Viktor looked for a good spot to stay until this event was over. If he's being honest he wasn't fond of these types of things. So many people talking all over each other accompanied by the smell of alcohol and distracting music in the background. It was just too loud for his liking.
Eventually, he limped his way to a couch, he spotted in the very far corner, sitting down and gently placing his cane beside him.
He observed the people dancing and conversing for a good half an hour, before taking out the journal, he always had on him. It had seen better days, but Piltover is expensive and who would want to waste so much money on a small book when you can just fill every possible empty space.
"Viktor?" A familiar voice broke him out of his trance. He called your name and suddenly sat up straighter. "That's me! You look great!" "Thank you. You look... ravishing." He complimented. You were wearing a blue, satin attire, symbolizing the color of the Hex Crystals. "Oh, you're so sweet." You blushed.
"But maybe..." You led your hands to his head, ruffling his soft hair. "There you go." Viktor laughed, running his fingers through his auburn locks. "Feels much better, thanks."
"May I?" You gestured to the seat next to him. "Of course." Viktor scooted to his right to make some room for you.
"What are you doing here all alone? Shouldn't you be with Jayce?" "Eeh... I actually didn't want to come in the first place, but you know him.", he scoffed.
"He might be stubborn, but wouldn't it be weird if the co-founder of Hex-Tech didn't attend his celebration party?" "Yes.. but I don't think anyone here misses me." Viktor glanced in Jayce's direction. He was still crowded by people, laughing at his stories. "No one wants to talk to the cripple from the Undercity."
"Don't say that.. I'm talking to you right now." You punched his arm. Viktor smiled softly at you.
"I was about to get a drink actually, do you want me to get you something too?" You rose from your seat again. "No, thank you, I'm fine." You gave him one last smile before heading to the drinks table.
You got hold of a drink, taking a small sip before hearing someone shout your name. "Heyy, you enjoying the party?" Jayce flung an arm around your shoulder, taking a big drink from his fruity cocktail. It looked so comically small in his large hands. "Yeah, I am but I don't think Viktor's having much fun." You both looked in his direction. "You know him. It's just Viktor being Viktor, he'll get over it." He chortled.
"Sky's here too?" You suddenly stated as you watched her approach Viktor. "Oh yeah, she said she wanted to tell him something tonight, so she came." "Oh.", was all you could say. It's not that you don't like Sky. No, she's always so sweet and nice, you could never. But you knew Sky liked Viktor romantically and she had the guts to confess unlike you.
She was a lovely, young woman, with a cute, round face, covered in freckles, perfectly sitting, curly hair and beautiful, hazel eyes. You wouldn't blame Viktor if they started seeing each other. It's not like you can do anything about it anyway, but the thought of it still made you feel a pang in the chest.
"They're both nerds. I think they'd make a cute couple." Jayce joked. You hummed, pursing your lips.
It felt weird to just stare so you chugged down the rest of the alcohol in hope to numb these feelings. You crossed your arms on the cool, marble table and rested your head. Your thoughts were so loud and overbearing all of a sudden. Just tell him. Worthless. No wonder he doesn't like you.
"Hey, you good?" Jayce put a warm hand on your shoulder, making you flinch a bit but immediately relax after. "Yeah.. yeah, just feeling a bit drowsy that's all." You mumbled. "You should probably stop drinking, you'll be so hungover tomorrow." He rubbed gentle circles on your back.
Jayce was a good friend. It's nice talking to or even being around him, he always radiated that warm, positive energy and his small affections were so comforting. He was like the sun. Still, no matter how good Jayce was to you he wasn't Viktor.
"Jayce? I think I'll go back to my room. I'm not feeling too well." You peeked up at him. "Oh, yeah sure. Do you need me to get you there?"
"No, no I'll manage. Thank you."
You made your way towards the door, shoes clicking on the floor when you heard Viktor call your name. Please not now. You thought. You refused to look at him until his slender hands touched your shoulder. "Are you okay? You were taking a bit long so I began looking for you." His accent always managed to get to you, making you turn around.
"I'm... fine. Just tired." You smiled up at him. "You look.. pale. Are you headed to your room?" His hand still resting on your arm. "Yup."
Before you could process what he was doing you felt him drape his jacket over your frame. "You'll get cold on your way. Take this, please."
There was a small silence. When Viktor let go of you, you suddenly decided that now was a good time to tell him.
"Can I talk to you?" Viktor tilted his head. "About what?" "Listen I.. can we go somewhere more secluded?" Viktor blinked. "Of course." He put a hand on the small of your back and led you to the corner right beside the door.
"What do you want to talk about?" Viktor waited patiently for you to start talking. "Viktor.. . I- uhm.. where do I even start." Your hands began to tremble. Why is this so hard?
"Hey, it's alright." Viktor took your hands in his, making your heart swell. His voice was so soft you already felt your tears creeping up.
Taking in a deep, shaking breath you looked into his eyes. Gods his eyes. They always made you feel at peace. A beautiful golden color, like a warm pool of honey and marigold. They reminded you of the sunset.
"I think I love you." You blurted out, slightly squeezing his hands. "No, I know I love you. I have for some time now and I never had the courage to tell you but now I do and what's there to lose right?" You awkwardly chuckled.
"(y/n)... ." The long silence told you everything you needed to know, causing you to let go of his warm hands, yours already feeling much colder. "Uhm.. forget it. I didn't mean it that way. I must've had one too many drinks.." You frowned, balling your fists, trying to avoid any eye contact.
You looked down at the floor beneath you before turning your back towards Viktor and walking towards the door, hesitating for a moment as if you were waiting for him to say something. But when nothing came you let out a shaky exhale. "Good night, Viktor. Have a nice rest of the night."
It took a moment for Viktor to process things. "Please, wait!" Viktor reached out for you but you were already out the door. He would've followed you if he wasn't abruptly stopped by Professor Heimerdinger.
You walked as fast as possible to your academy dorm, trying to hold in your tears. Viktor's touch still lingered. What were you thinking?? It was so clear he just liked you as a friend. He will never look at you the same.
You fumbled a bit with your keys but managed to open the door to your apartment eventually. Shutting it quietly you slid down the wall right next to it. Everything crashed down on you all at once. You curled yourself up into a ball, hands gripping your hair in embarrassment. "...I'm such an idiot. Idiot!" you sobbed.
It went on for an hour before you calmed down a bit. All these emotions made you feel worn out so you got up on weak legs and dragged yourself to bed. You might've looked miserable but you couldn't care any less. You laid face-down on your soft pillow, hugging it tightly, letting your tears flow. Some minutes have passed and you remembered Viktor's jacket was still covering you.
You hesitantly grabbed it and pulled the fabric to your face. It still smelled like him. Coffee, old books and a hint of sweet milk.
You inhaled his scent, hugging the cloth closer to your chest, pretending it was him. Pretending he was right beside you, whispering sweet nothings in your ear to comfort you.
The tears began to fall again, wetting your pillow once more. It hurt so much. It would be selfish to steal him away from Sky when they clearly liked each other. Just like Jayce had said, they would be a cute couple. You felt helpless, heartbroken, pathetic. The pit in your stomach grew as every minute passed. All you could do was cry and cry.
Soon enough your puffy eyes started to shut close from exhaustion, drifting away into a restless sleep.
You saw him in your dreams that night, holding you close. It felt so warm and real. But you knew it never will be real nor would he ever be yours.