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After countless tries of saving lives, competing in competitions and doing exceptionally well on her tests (granted she did use her powers to cheat for the last one), Anya Forger had finally made it. In just under 5 months, 8 shiny Stella stars were pinned to her uniform, deeming her as an official member of the imperial scholars. While it had taken her an extra month to complete the task assigned by Operation Strix, Loid was elated to hear the news nonetheless, considering how impossible the task had initially felt.
It's as if she knows about the operation, with how cooperative she is, Loid had joked in his head, which Anya secretly beamed to. Anya helped papa with world peace!
While she was given immediate access to the special perks of being an imperial scholar, she was still missing the most important accessory: the cape. It has been a long-continued tradition in Eden Academy to host an official cape-receiving ceremony at the end of each term, awarding students across all years with the royalty and elegance of wearing the cape in front of the entire school. It was held in Eden's grand hall, filled with all 2500 students along with the proud, teary parents of those awarded.
Upon hearing about the ceremony, Loid practically jumped in his seat as he looked through the invitation list for the parents (which he stole a copy of by disguising himself as one of the year heads, though nobody has to know that). Up at the top, in italics, read "Damian Desmond - parents Donovan Desmond & Melinda Desmond".
Finally, after 6 hard months of taking on the identity of a father and a husband, he was given the golden opportunity of coming face to face with the Donovan Desmond. Today was finally the start of phase 2 of Operation Strix: bonding with the Desmonds.
Hopefully the parents have already forgotten about the punching incident, and things between Anya and Damian are better now… If not, plan C would be to go in as Loid Forger, before disguising as my other identity, the rich and affluent Henry Bridgestone, but that would come with complications and I would need to get Yor drunk so she wouldn't realise I've disappeared, but not too drunk that she'll blurt out our secrets-
Just listening to her father that morning almost gave Anya a headache. She already had the ceremony itself to worry about — she hated to admit it, but stage fright was one of her weaknesses. Having to worry about drunk Mama and a missing Papa on top of that?
Anya knew from having read Damian’s mind that he didn’t go into details about the punching incident other than what Henderson had told his parents, partially because he was embarrassed to admit that a tiny, stubby-legged girl had somehow sent him flying across the corridor, and partially because he knew talking about it to them would do no good other than to be met with further disappointment. So other than on the day itself, and the day Loid had come face to face with Donovan to apologise for Anya, that incident was never brought up again in the Desmond household, which was a relief.
That didn’t mean things would be safe, however. If his parents caught even a second of them bickering about and fighting, they would probably never, ever get close to papa and mama, and world peace would be doomed. Anya has to be nice to Sy-on boy! Anya will avoid Sy-on boy and make sure he does not get annoyed!
“Are you nervous, Ms Anya?” Yor’s voice cut through her thoughts as she poked her head through the door. Anya had just changed into her uniform, standing in front of the mirror and staring into blank space as her fingers traced over the eight stars pinned to her chest in circles.
She must be worried about her appearance, since she would be standing in front of the entire school today, Yor thought.
Anya nodded. “Does Anya look cute?”
“Of course Ms Anya! As always! Would you like me to do your hair today? I could do something special.” Yor took it upon herself to do anything to help her daughter, real or fake, to feel at ease. She walked over to kneel behind Anya, brushing her fingers along the soft, pink hair. A gentle touch only a mother could provide.
In times like these, Anya appreciated Yor more than ever. While it may have started because of a spy mission, and the food she cooked may all taste atrocious, she was still a great mother, and Anya wouldn’t trade her with anyone else.
“Anya wants two braids! Wait, no, two buns! Actually, uuhh…” Anya trialled, pondering hard. What hairstyle would make her stand out? To catch everyone’s attention, to catch his attention?
Yor laughed at Anya’s adorable indecisiveness. “What if i did 2 french braids, and put buns at the end of them?”
At that suggestion, Anya’s eyes glistened in excitement. “Anya can have both?”
“Of course,” Yor smiled back. “You’ll be the cutest imperial scholar in the crowd!”
“Anya is the cutest imperial scholar!” she echoed Yor’s words back, dancing in joy.
Maybe the ceremony wouldn’t be as bad as she thought.
*****
By the time the Forger family had made it into the ceremonial hall, the venue was already bustling with activity. While the classical music that played in the background did no good to ease Anya’s nerves, it still added a nice touch of elegance to it all. The seats were already filled with at least half of the student population, with the rest still trickling in, rumours being whispered amongst them about who the scholars-to-be were. With a crowd like this, the thoughts in voices were inescapable as they practically engulfed Anya.
I can’t believe that pink-haired year 1 kid is receiving a cape.
Isn’t she the one that punched Damian Demond?
And he’s getting one too! Isn’t it ironic?
Why do I have to attend the ceremony? I just want to go to sleep-
I can’t believe she of all people actually got 8 stars. In just under 5 months? No way, she’s got to be cheating-
La la la~ la la la la~
Who even are the Forgers? They’re a bunch of nobodies-
Great, now i can’t finish my homework in time-
Fact: Anya hated crowds.
Another fact: Nerves made her lose control over her powers.
Everybody’s thoughts crammed into Anya’s head, a pang of dizziness almost knocking her down. Just then, a familiar cheery voice called out her name from within the sea of students, Anya’s eye glinting as she spotted the purple-brunette hair making its way over.
“Becky! You’re here!” Anya exclaimed, the thoughts of the crowd slowly fading away. Becky had that effect on her. Just her presence helped calm Anya down, and she couldn’t ask for a better friend. Without Becky, Anya probably would have been carrying her 8th tonitrus by now instead of her stellas.
“Of course I’m here silly, this is a mandatory assembly!” Becky giggled. She can be quite the airhead sometimes .
“Is Anya a head air?” Sometimes Becky’s thoughts weren’t the nicest, but Anya knew it was never with bad intentions. She was just brutally honest, which was a blessing more than anything since she was constantly surrounded by fake, attention-seeking students.
“You mean an airhead?” Becky giggles once more. “Sure, but the best kind. The kind to win the first imperial scholar cape from our year!” She squealed, grabbing Anya’s hand while jumping up and down.
“With Sy-on boy,” Anya pointed out.
At that, Becky left a sigh of disgust. “Ugh, i can’t believe Damian of all people has to be up there with you. What a mood killer.”
“It’s okay. Anya won’t disturb Sy-on boy today. Anya will do it for world peace.” Anya threw a big thumbs up as a sign of assurance.
“You mean school life peace?” Becky shook her head. She never understood why Anya kept referring to everything as ‘world peace’. If anything it was just peace from avoiding the dumb stupid boys their age, who were nothing like the swooning gentleman on Berlint in Love. Calling it world peace was a little (a lot) dramatic, but Becky learnt to just chalk it up as one of the other silly phrases Anya uses to describe things. Just then, an announcement echoed through the hall, informing the students and fellow guests to take their seats as the ceremony was about to begin.
“Well, good for you. Hope everything goes well!” Becky gave one last hug before dashing off towards the rest of the classmates. As if on cue, the soon-to-be imperial scholars and their families were ushered towards a different room near the side of the stage. Anya dashed towards the crowd, joining her parents as they made their way to the room.
“When it is about to be your child’s turn, we will be calling out your names such that you can stand by at the side of the stage. Until then, please relax in here, take a seat on the sofas if you’d like to, as it may take a while until your turn is up.” One of the teachers Anya didn’t recognise instructed to the crowd of about-to-be scholars and their families.
“The event will start with the high school winners, slowly going down the grades until the elementary winners.” He continued. “If you have any further questions, feel free to come forward and approach me. That would be all, thank you.” These snobby parents better not start complaining about the wait or something, he shook his head. With the nerves building up again now that Becky was gone, Anya couldn’t help but overhear the teacher’s thoughts. Mr teacher is such a 2 face, Anya giggled to herself.
Since Anya would be the last to be up, Loid suggested that they sit on one of the sofas in the corner of the room. From this angle, I can observe every one of these imperial scholar parents, which would be useful for the operation. Now, where the hell are the Desmonds?
Anya decided to help her father out by looking for the Bad Guy. While Anya had no idea what Sy-on boy’s father looked like, she was sure that he probably looked and sounded as annoying as Sy-on boy. Like father like second son, they say. At least that was what Anya thought.
Thanks to the nerves, she made full use of her heightened sense of hearing to look for Damian’s thoughts.
My daughter! An imperial scholar! I would have to award her with an island vacation tonight.
About time my son got his cape, he should’ve gotten one 3 years ago if it wasn’t for stupid Henderson.
I can’t wait for the after-party, if my husband gets drunk enough, i could probably flirt with all the hot young millionaires here.
It’s okay. I’m okay. I’m bringing pride to the Desmond name.
Ah-hah! It only took a couple of seconds for Anya to spot Damian’s voice, something she got quite good at over the past few months. She was confident that if given the chance, she could spot his thoughts in a room filled with a million, no, a billion-trillion people. The trick was to close her eyes and picture that day in the cave, when they got lost and the thunder grumbled in the gloomy rain. His hand wrapped around hers, despite Sy-on boy being scared of the thunder too. The warmth of his touch that made her fears dissipate away. The brief look they shared before he immediately turned away, face red as usual.
And just like that, she could tune out all the other voices and focus on Damian’s. It was that easy.
She opened her eyes towards the source of the voice, spotting him in the opposite corner of the room. He sat alone, feet dangling off the sofa and hands clenched into tight fists. His parents were nowhere to be seen.
I’m Damian Desmond, I don't need my parents for people to recognise me. It’s enough that I’m getting that stupid cape. But…
His string of thoughts turned into a memory that splayed in his head. He was in the ceremonial hall during a cape ceremony just like today’s, except he was in the audience sitting on Jeeve’s lap.
“Demetrius Desmond, year 2!” someone announced, followed by an eruption of applause as a boy who looked just like Damian walked up the stage, his parents by his sides. As much as the elder son looked like the younger, he was missing the same warm glow that Anya felt from Damian. Instead, he was cold and sharp, and a thousand times more arrogant than her Sy-on boy as he stuck his nose up the moment the cape was draped around him. His parents stood by his sides, hands on his shoulders as a photograph was taken to capture the moment.
The memory blurred before flashing forward to the night of the ceremony, after the family had made it back home.
“We are so proud of you, son.” The ugly old man, or Damian’s father, Anya had deduced by then, patted Demetrius on the head. “You have lived up to the family name. Look at the wall, we even got the picture from today hung up. This is a reminder to you that you have done the family proud. Whenever you feel like giving up, I want you to look at this picture again, and remember the pride and joy you feel today, understand?”
Demetrius nodded in response. “Yes father! I will continue to make you proud! And mother, thank you for supporting me in my journey as well.” He turned to the woman beside Mr Ugly Bad Guy.
Melinda Desmond, mama’s volleyball friend looking as elegant as ever, returned a soft smile. “You’ve done well, son. I am proud of you too.”
Away from the family of three, peaking through the crack of the door was a tiny Damian, eyes glistening in inspiration. As the three started to walk towards the door, however, Damian immediately leaped off from his spying spot and ran up to his room, shutting the door behind him. I will be like Demetrius one day. I will make my family proud! Young Damian claimed as the flashback ended, bringing Anya back into reality and to the thoughts in his head.
It’s enough that I’m getting that stupid cape. But…
But…
His grip tightened, clenching the hem of his uniform. If he gripped it any longer, the gold-threaded cloth would be creased by the time it was his turn to receive the cape.
Why aren’t they here? When they were so proud of Demetrius? What about me? I even got my cape an entire year before him, they should be proud of me!
Anya had promised papa this morning that she would avoid Sy-on boy at all cost, for world peace (though Loid obviously had no clue about said promise). She had made that promise to prevent the Desmond parents from seeing them fight.
But his parents weren’t here.
So Anya was going to break that promise.
For world peace.
Determined, Anya hopped off the sofa as a surprised Loid called after her. “Anya! Where are you going, it’s not our turn yet!”
She disappeared into the crowd as she marched her way over to the dark-haired boy, who looked up upon feeling her presence.
What the hell does she want from me??
With that, Anya held out a hand for him, eyes glistening courageously.
W- What???? Damian’s face heated up in- in anger. Is she serious right now? What is this, some kind of prank?
“Anya will lend you parents.” Anya simply stated, nodding to herself proudly.
….Huh?
“Sy-on boy should not go up there alone. Everyone here is going with their parents. So, Sy-on boy will go up with me.” Her face lit up in eagerness, and time felt like it stopped as Damian felt his heart beat louder than ever. He was taken back to the first day of school, when Anya had cried her eyes out to apologise to him. His stomach had fluttered and he felt a knot in his heart almost untangle. Her apology was impossible to refuse, had Emil and Erwen not pestered him.
But Emile and Erwen weren’t here now. This was between him, and- and the rose petals that floated around Anya as she looked at him with those intense, emerald eyes he could swim in. His cheeks burned under the intense stare that Starlight Anya’s glistening eyes had him under.
Anya cocked her head. Did..did Anya break Sy-on boy? He had not reacted at all since she had proposed her offer. His thoughts were suddenly incoherent and in a mess as well, and she couldn’t tell what he thought of it. Was this a bad idea? Maybe his silence was his way of completely ignoring and rejecting her. Anya’s face fell, as she retracted her arm back and dropped her head down.
“Sorry,” she barely managed a whisper. “Anya won’t disturb you.”
Her plan had failed. With this, Sy-on boy would be sad, and he will quit Eden Academy, and world peace would be doomed, all because Anya couldn’t make him happy during his cape-ceremony. Tears were starting to form in the corners of her eyes and she quickly turned away before Sy-on boy could laugh at her. She should make her way back to her father. She’d disappointed him again.
“Wait!”
The voice stopped her tracks as her face shot up and she spun around.
… Sy-on boy?
His face was red and his teeth were clenched as he looked to the side, like he was actively trying to avoid her eye contact, but he addressed her nonetheless. “I- I didn’t say no, you idiot.”
Anya’s face lit up again. Is Sy-on boy saying yes?
“Is Sy-on boy saying yes?” She repeated her thoughts aloud.
“I- well- I mean-” the boy stuttered. “Not that it has anything to do with you or your family,” He turned his head slowly to face her. To his surprise, Anya Forger, eyes wide in anticipation, was suddenly inches away from his face as she listened to him in eagerness. When the hell did she get so close? He cursed himself for deciding to actually look at her, for his brain could no longer form a coherent sentence. Her sparking eyes that beamed at him, and the cute hairstyle she wore today, with the little buns that were adorable, it was all so overwhelming. Her face is so close, so so close, so-
“I- you- it’s-” He managed to spit out as he tried to think of a valid reason for him to have accepted her invitation. In all honesty, after seeing her teary eyes, he had panicked and given in, but there was no way he could admit that out loud. Never.
“I, you, it’s?” Anya echoed back, obviously confused. Is Sy-on boy okay? He’s so weird.
Damian closed his eyes for a second to steady his breathing, before replying in the calmest voice he could manage. “I’m only agreeing because it’s unprofessional to go up alone, and because we earned that last stella together anyways.” He scoffed nonchalantly, acting as if this was not that big of a deal. Except it was all a very big deal, his mind screaming a million thoughts which Anya found hilarious. “This doesn’t mean I like you or anything though, Forger.”
“Sy-on boy still hates Anya?”
“I never said that I hated you! I mean- it’s not- UGH! I’m just going up on that stage with you, that’s all. Now shut up!” He folded his arms, still looking away.
Regardless of his odd behaviour, Anya cheered in celebration. Her plans had worked! Sy-on boy wouldn't be sad anymore!
Anya grabbed one of his hands and yanked him up, as she dragged him along across the room.
"What! What the hell, Forger! Slow down!"
While the rest of the parents were too self-absorbed to notice the two kids, Loid immediately perked his head up as he found the pink blob of hair running back towards him, pulling along… THE DESMONDS' SECOND SON?!
"Papa! Sy-on boy is coming with me!" Anya raised her free hand up as she exclaimed. "Sy-on boy's parents aren't here, so he's going to join us!"
Oh, the Desmonds aren't here. Loid pondered in disappointment. Was it his mistake to assume that Damian’s parents would come to their son's cape ceremony? What kind of parent would miss a huge day like this? Loid glanced towards the small boy, who was looking away in embarrassment. Poor kid, he thought, as he reevaluated the situation.
Now that Donovan wasn’t here and plan A couldn’t proceed, he might as well work on plan B. Besides, despite him being the second son of his literal enemy, he pitied the boy.
“Alright, you can come along,” Loid gave him a soft smile as he ruffled Damian’s hair, before noticing the hand that was wrapped around Anya’s, giving him a bigger reason to smile. “Oh? I see you’ve gotten along,” he beamed.
SHIT. Damian internally gasped as his face steamed up. THIS ISN’T WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE, I DON’T- WHY ARE WE STILL HOLDING-
“I’m glad you’ve forgiven Anya, I'm sure it wasn’t easy.” Loid continued, oblivious to Damian’s internal panic. “The fact that you did shows how mature you are, you must be a wonderful son to have. I’m sorry your parents couldn’t make it tonight, and I understand it wouldn’t be the same, but i hope you’ll let us walk you up as if you were a part of our family.”
All of the embarrassment immediately lifted off Damian’s shoulders at the words of Loid. Family. The word almost sounded foreign to him. Is this what a family is supposed to be like? Why couldn’t my father do this? Why can’t he be here? Why are the Forgers so nice to me, when all I’ve done is annoy Anya day and day?
His vision blurred as his eyes watered. Just then, he felt Anya's small hands squeeze his as she flashed her signature smile. It's as if… she knew. To his surprise, he felt his face light up as fell, just a little, but enough for Anya to tell that he was smiling.
Sy-on boy was smiling.
She has never seen him smile. Ever. She thought it was something he was physically incapable of doing, like asking her mother to cook something edible that wasn't her stew.
A smile on Sy-on boy… it looks good on him.
The moment didn't last long as his face flushed red and he immediately looked away, as usual, but before Anya could worry if she'd upset him again, Damian squeezed her hand back. She didn't have to read his mind to understand what it meant.
Thank you .
His hand was warm, like that time in the tunnel, and her face flushed in response. If there's one thing Anya had learnt from the unusual situation she's in, it's that everyone has a different side to them, a side only shown to those they trust. Her father acts tough on the outside, reasoning everything with the fact that he's a spy, but deep down, he had a soft spot for both women in his life. Her mother was the same, claiming that the family was only to avoid suspicions about her real job, when in reality, she liked the little family they have formed. Sy-on boy was no different. He may act like a snobbish, arrogant, annoying boy, and while some of it was still true, deep down he cared. He cared about what others thought of him as a person, not who he was known to be. He cared about the effect his reputation would have on his family. And most importantly, he cared for others when no one else was looking.
Sy-on boy is actually a nice guy.
It wasn't long before her name was announced to the school.
"And now for the record breaker as the fastest student to ever receive the royalty and elegance of being an imperial scholar: in year 1, we have Anya Forger!" Henderson beamed from the stage as he held out a hand of invitation to the family of three. No, four? He squinted his eyes through the monocle to see Anya Forger, holding hands with the Desmond's child as they got up the stage together.
Anya, starting the year off with a fight, only to set their differences aside when she realised that the Desmond parents were absent? The Forger parents, willingly going up the stage with someone else's child, when it was their own child’s moment? Damian, putting down his stubbornness aside for once to go up with the person he achieved the last Stella with?
ELEGANCE. IT WAS THE HIGHEST FORM OF ELEGANCE! Henderson had to dab his eye with a handkerchief as he watched the four walk towards him.
“And it looks like our other record breaker has decided to join the stage together, Damian Desmond! Let it be known that these two used the power of teamwork to earn their last stellas together, when it easily could have become a competition between them. A true form of elegance!” Henderson cried in joy.
From the audience, Becky squealed as her eyes widened in glee. Her best friend finally made a move on her crush! Just like Berlint in Love when Amilia confessed her love to Johnson and they fell madly in love! Emile and Ewen gasped as well, in awe of their beloved boss. Of course their Bossman would brave his hate aside for the sake of elegance in front of the school! They gawked in admiration as they watched Damian hold his enemy's hand without hesitation or uneasiness, and handled the situation like a pro.
A round of applause erupted within the hall, and while the attention could have easily scared her, the warm hand that still lingered against her palm calmed Anya down. She could shut down any negative thoughts that were aimed at her, and instead enjoy the moment for what it was.
Similarly, all the sadness and anger that boiled inside Damian flowed away upon being showered with the applause, standing on the stage not alone, but with people who were kind enough to consider him family. He looked over to Anya, eyes glistening once more, melting his heart as his cheeks flushed.
Their capes joined them on stage as they were draped onto their shoulders by Henderson, the soft fabric brushing against them. Henderson smiled upon seeing the two, now fully dressed as imperial scholars.
“Congratulations, you two,” he beamed, away from the mic so that only the two could hear them. “I am so proud of you both.”
Proud.
Someone was proud of him. It may not have been his father to say those words to him today, but someone had still told him anyways, and it was enough to fill his heart with pride and joy for the rest of the day.
The two kids dashed off the stage as elegantly as they could once their part was over, Loid and Yor chuckling behind them.
“We did it Sy-on boy! We did it!” Anya jumped, finally letting go of his hand, leaving him confused over why he missed the touch so much. They were back in the small room, which was now deserted as the ceremony had ended and there was no reason for the parents to be back there again. Loid had come back to retrieve the listening devices that he had somehow managed to plaster all over the room, so Anya and Damian were free to celebrate at the entrance, posing as a great distraction for Yor.
“I’m so glad you agreed to go up with us!” Anya continued celebrating. “I thought if you went up alone, you’ll be sad and you’ll quit school and I won’t see you anymore! But you’re happy! Yay!”
Damian’s heart almost stopped at those words. Anya had been worried about him? About missing him if he left? Why? When all he does is humiliate her?
“If not who else would be here to humiliate me?” She simply answered as if reading his thoughts straight off of his mind. Before he had time to react, the annoyingly bubbly girl waved goodbye to him before grabbing both of her parents’ hands and skipping away.
He was left alone, confused over his hammering heart and his racing thoughts.