Chapter Text
Idia sighed in relief. (The day's finally over. Gotta get back to my room ASAP. That game's getting a new event patched in today! Between that and everything else, I swear, I barely have time to waste on classes. I've gotta grind the limited-time mats so I can craft that exclusive equipment, fully uncap the free event character, aaand... Oooh, yesss…) He was suddenly brought out of his thoughts when he felt himself walk into something, or rather, someone. “Owww... Sorry. I wasn't looking where I was... Gah!” Just Idia’s luck. “You should really pay attention to where—oh, Idia! My, you're looking as gloomy as ever, haha.” (It's Kalim Al-Asim, ranked first* among Night Raven College's most cheerful characters! *My Tier List*. He's about as opposite as it gets to me! Just why did I have to bump into him of all people?!)
Kalim casually brushed himself off before turning to Idia’s frozen form. “Uh-oh. You aren't hurt, are you?” Idia anxiously rubbed at his arm. “Uh…” He wasn’t sure how to respond. “It's so bad you can't even speak, huh? Let me take a look... How do your ankles feel? Anything else I should check?” Kalim took a step forward and Idia took a step backwards. Idia began to stutter. “Umm... I-I'm fine…” Kalim moved a little closer and leaned towards him. “Huh? Sorry. I didn't catch that.” Idia moved away once more before remembering his tablet. He pulled it out and opened his speech app. “i'm fine, i'm not hurt.”
Kalim let out a content sigh of relief. “Phew! That's a relief. You gave me a shock when you swung around outta nowhere the way you did.” Idia bowed his head a little as he typed. “sorry. i'm in a hurry todayyy” Kalim tilted his head as he watched Idia type. “Are you using that tablet to communicate 'cause your throat hurts or something?” Idia shook his head. Kalim gave him a bright grin. “You know, even if you’re not hurt, you should come have some of Jamil's food with me! It always cheers me up.” Idia’s eyes widened in surprise. (What flag did I trip to jump to hanging out?!) Kalim continued on when he hadn’t receive a response. “No one can beat Jamil's cooking. You'll be in top form in no time!” Idia internally groaned. (No. Nooononono. This is a bad eeend...I'm gonna be stuck making small talk over food with this ball of sunshine?! I'm gonna die! I just wanna go play the new event!) “What do you think? Great idea, right?” Kalim smiled at Idia in anticipation.
Idia took a small breath and mustered the courage to speak. “It's alright…thank you but no thank you because it'd probably be a real pain for Jamil if i just suddenly showed like that…” Idia hoped the dense boy would finally get his message, but he continued to persist. “It'll be fine! Trust me. He always makes food for me anyway, so adding one or two more people to the mix won't make that much of a difference.” Idia shook his head in exasperation. “No I’m actually 100% sure it mega bothers him like seriously.”
“Hey there! If it isn't Idia and Kalim! Talk about a surprise combo.” The cheerful voice made Idia shrink in on himself as he saw Cater Diamond pop into view. (No! Why is that party animal from class here now, too?!) Another person popped up next to him and he surpressed a groan. “Bonjour, messieurs. You look like you're enjoying yourself over here.” (And now the exuberant yet mysterious Rook Hunt! Extroverts everywhere!) Idia tried to tune out the conversation between the others. (Why did three of the biggest social butterflies in the school suddenly show? Is there gonna be some kinda boss battle over who's the most perky? I got it! Maybe I can sneak away while they're talking...)
Kalim suddenly slung an arm over Idia’s shoulder, in a manner that was WAY too casual. “...so we were just on our way to eat Jamil's food. You wanna come with?” Idia’s eyes widen in shock. How can someone be so persistent? “Wait! I-I said I wasn't gon—Idia's coming? I better keep my eyes peeled for flying pigs! You bet I'm coming! Can't pass this once-in-a-lifetime situation!” Idia sighed as Cater interrupted him. “Umm... Hold on-A chat with Idia, the roi de sa chambre , is a rare opportunity indeed.I will gladly join you.” He was beginning to get frustrated. (The extroverts' Triple Tech: Coercion! Be afraid, Idia. Be very afraid! Why do they keep acting like it's a done deal when I told Kalim no? It's like there's literally no way I can refuse!)
Kalim beams and begins to drag Idia by his arm. “What're you craving, Idia? Cooking your favorite would be the best way to get to know you!” Idia gently pulls his arm away. “I-It's cool. I really do have other plans, so…” Cater gives him a bright grin. “Oh c’mon, whatever Jamil makes is guaranteed to blow our mind!” Idia’s eyes begin to dart around as he tries to find a way out of this mess. “Good afternoon, I’m terribly sorry to pull him away, but Shroud and I have plans.” All eyes turn towards the new voice and everyone collectively is filled with a wave of confusion.
The one to come to Idia’s rescue was…Malleus Draconia? (THE crown prince of Briar Valley? What does a total SSR character want with me?) “Ah, roi des Dragons! What are you doing here?” Malleus smirked in amusement at Rook’s surprise. “As I said, I have plans with Shroud. It also appears as if he has been trying to say that we would be busy, or have I misheard him?” Malleus and Idia had made eye contact and Idia decided it would be best to just go along with him. “Yes, that’s what I’ve been saying.” Idia stepped away from the group and towards Malleus while awkwardly rubbing his arm.
Cater pouts then shrugs. “Awe, well more for the rest of us. Let’s get going.” Rook simply nods. “It would be quite rude to arrive late, yes. We'd best hurry.” Kalim pouts then smiles. “Oh well, it’d be great for you to come another time! Okay you two, follow me!” Idia let’s our a sigh of relief as they walk away. “Are you alright, Shroud? I apologize if I startled you. You seemed a bit…distressed.” Idia froze up a little before taking a breath and relaxing. “Ah, thank you Malleus-shi. I wish they’d just listened to me. I should probably get going, you’re probably busy-Wait. I wanted to apologize.” Idia’s mouth dropped open. (Huh?) “That night, when we were in the courtyard. I hadn’t realized it was the night of the ceremony, that’s why I was so perplexed at your ceremonial robes. I hadn’t meant to offend you.”
Idia moved his lips as if to speak, but shut his mouth. (So he really…wasn’t calling me a weirdo?) “Really?” Idia almost winced at how quiet his voice sounded and Malleus nodded. “I was hoping I could possibly treat you to a meal? As an apology?” Idia gently nibbled his lip. (That sounds nice, but my event…) “I don’t need an immediate answer, you seemed keen on getting some place earlier. Just, let me know if you’d like the offe-Yes! I mean, yes it sounds nice. Just like not today, I have a lot of grinding to do. Maybe this weekend?” (IDIA WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, AGREEING TO GO OUT WITH MALLEUS?! Like a-like a date! OH GOD WAIT IS THIS A DATE?!) Malleus nodded and smiled at Idia before walking away. Idia felt his face heat up as he watched the horned man walk away. Why did it feel so much sunnier, and what had he gotten himself into?
- One Week Later -
“Brother! Why hadn’t you told me you had a date sooner?!” Idia shushed Ortho and sighed. “It’s probably not even a date, just a hangout event. But if it is…AGH THE ONLY EXPERIENCE I HAVE ON DATES ARE OTOME GAMES!” Idia shoved his face into his pillow as Ortho tilted his head. “Well, my data says you should dress nicely tomorrow. You’d want to make a good impression on Malleus Draconia, right?” Idia sat up and rubbed the back of his neck at Ortho’s suggestion. “Can’t I just wear what I usually do?” Idia mumbled to himself as Ortho shook his head. “I’ll help you pick something out brother!” Ortho headed to Idia’s closet with the man behind him.
Ortho took a turtle neck off of a hook. “What about this? It’s comfortable but presentable.” Idia nibbled on his lip but nodded. Ortho continued to look through Idia’s clothing before finding a suitable pair of pants and a nice, but simple pair of sneakers. “So what exactly are your plans?” Ortho asked and Idia went silent. “OH MY GOD IDIA YOU NOOB, YOU DIDN'T EVEN ASK ABOUT PLANS?!” Idia screeched as he put his head in his hands. “Don’t worry brother, I’m sure you could just ask Malleus Draconia.” Idia groaned. He appreciated Ortho’s enthusiasm, but it wouldn’t help him get through this quest. “Why don’t you ask Lilia Vanrouge? Maybe he can relay a message.” Idia hummed and nodded. “Yeah that’s the best idea.” Ortho sat on his bed while Idia sat in his chair. He quickly got on his messages to text Lilia the situation. Lilia, oddly enough, called Idia.
Idia felt his brow furrow as he answered. “Hello?” Idia questioned. “Ah, so it was you? Hello Idia, Lilia told me someone wanted to speak with me but refused to tell me who.” Idia held in a breath when he realized it was Malleus on the phone. (Oh I’m gonna get Lilia back for this…) “Y-yeah, I was wondering about us hanging out? We never actually made plans so…” Idia tried his best not to stutter. He hasn’t even gotten the chance to mentally prepare himself! “Sorry, I felt so enthusiastic I had just walked off. Would you be available tomorrow?” Idia blinked. (Enthusiastic? And so soon? I mean, I don’t have any upcoming events…)
“Sure, that’s fine with me…uhm, can we meet up a bit later into the day, around 3?” Malleus hummed for a moment. “Yes, that works fine for me. Where would you like to go?” Idia saw the perfect opportunity to make this…hangout more enjoyable. “Why don’t we go to an arcade? It’s right near the campus, not too far or pricey. Plus they have games for pros and noobs.” Idia shook his hands for a moment after speaking. (Don’t nerd out man.) “I’m not sure what you mean by pros and noobs, but that sounds fine to me. We can grab dinner afterwards if you’d like.” Idia grinned. Yes! I’m gonna show this noob how good I am. Wait, when did I start thinking like that?
“It’s a date!” Idia paled as he heard Lilia chime in. “Apologies, please ignore Lilia. I’d hate to force you into a date you wouldn’t enjoy.” Malleus spoke in a voice with unfamiliar gentleness. “I mean I…wouldn’t mind if it was one.” Idia regret the words as soon as they came out of his mouth. (WHAT ARE YOU THINKING, ASKING OUT SOMEONE LIKE MALLEUS?! AGH GET IT TOGETHER IDIA!) There was a pause and Idia heard Lilia laughing. That’s it, he’s never going outside again. “Really? I’d like for it to be a date as well. As…as long as you were serious?” Malleus questioned. Idia gaped at his phone. “OF COURSE! I’d be lucky to go on a date with you, of course I’d want to!” Idia almost screeched into his phone. Idia heard Lilia’s laughter become louder in the background as he felt his face heat up, his hair turning pink. Malleus cleared his throat. “Well, I’d be happy to court you. I’ll pick you up tomorrow at three for our date.”
Idia agreed before swiftly hanging up the phone. Ortho gave him an expecting look. “I…have a date tomorrow.” Ortho beamed at him. “Brother, that’s great! Ah, your hair is all pink now.” Ortho pointed out while Idia fidgeted with the ends of his hair. It really was entirely pink now. What had he gotten himself into?