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1 - At The Opening Ceremony
Starting it was easy—all Floyd had to do was call him short and the redhead was off, face blown up and red as he shot back angry rebukes and various spells, all of which the mer easily deflected. That was, until one slipped past his guard, nailing him right in the neck, a metal collar slapping against his skin, rendering him unable to perform any spells he might’ve cast just seconds earlier. In the end, he was a grumbling mess, annoyed by his sudden lack of ability but so so intrigued, based on the eerie grin practically pasted to his face as he inched closer to the redhead, flexing his arms.
It was all very amusing. Jade had always enjoyed watching his brother rile up the crowd, cause trouble, or do anything, really. Everything ended up with his cravings satisfied, his interest piqued, so much so that he couldn’t possibly bring himself to stop Floyd from doing any of the wild and unusual things he did. It was a pity Azul wasn’t there to enjoy the moment with him, busy mingling with the other students, trying to create connections.
Still, the excitement was quick to end. With the business side of him chiding about not getting into fights so soon after they’d arrived, Jade brushed away his pleasure, intervening and ending the whole of it.
…At least, he tried to. They were half-hearted attempts, indeed, yet he still tried. It wasn’t until a strange, green-haired individual came rushing toward them that the fun really did end, Jade thanking him graciously, the little white lies escaping his mouth as always.
The green-haired student turned to the troublemakers with a stern stare. “Riddle, please release your spell. It’s not gonna do you any good to start off school with a stained record
The redhead—Riddle—sighed, begrudgingly dismissing the spell with a wave of his hand, Floyd’s collar disintegrating as he massaged his long neck, a satisfied smirk washing over him, only to be replaced with a much more hungry one once he locked eyes with the shorter boy all over again.
“Let’s finish what we started, goldfish~”
“GOLDFISH!? Why you—!”
…and they were back at it. The green-haired second-year sucked in a breath, turning to Azul and Jade with an apologetic smile before muttering out another strange spell, overriding all the magic Floyd and Riddle were casting.
Jade’s eyes lit up. A spell that could negate the effects of others?
How interesting.
Riddle scowled, turning toward the second-year with fury. “Trey, don’t interfere with another’s conflict—”
“No, we should get going, Riddle. Don’t let your anger get to your head.” The green-haired boy—Trey—put a hand on Riddle’s shoulder, patting him lightly before pulling away. “Let’s go.”
“…Fine.” Riddle sheathed his magical pen, following the older boy away, shooting one last rotten glare at Floyd.
But Floyd wasn’t having it, grabbing the redhead’s hand and pulling him back. “Nope~! You don’t get to leave after all that! Let’s go somewhere else to finish~”
“Wha—wait, where are you taking me!?”
“Somewhere private~”
“AGH, let GO of me!” Riddle’s pleas went ignored by the eel as he slid away, weaving through the crowds of students, clad in black and violet robes, disappearing as soon in the blink of an eye.
Trey furrowed his brows, trying to give chase, only to pause, realizing it was too late. He cursed himself under his breath, Jade watching him intently, a small chuckle escaping his lips. The upperclassman turned to him with an odd look.
“This isn’t really a laughing matter. Aren’t you worried your brother will get hurt?”
“Hurt? Floyd? Why, what a ridiculous statement. Floyd is quite a fighter if you couldn’t already tell. It would take much more to pin him down.”
“Riddle’s an excellent mage. He’s capable of much more than you may think. Don’t underestimate him based on his physique.”
“Oh, I wasn’t underestimating him.” A smile curled onto Jade’s lips. “Each spell he cast was high-level, with equally high technical mastery. He seems like quite the genius.”
Trey laughed. “A genius? Maybe. But it’s his hard work that allowed him to pull it off.”
“Is that so… I think this will be an interesting year, don’t you agree, Trey?”
“Maybe. Though I don’t know if that’s a bad or a good thing.”
“I would consider it good until proven false.”
“Optimistic? I can respect that.” Trey turned back to where Riddle and Floyd had gone, an apologetic smile on his face. “Now, I’m enjoying this conversation of ours but can we save it for later? I’ve got to catch him before the ceremony is over, and I’d really appreciate your help.”
“My assistance…? Goodness, I do hope you’ve prepared a price to pay for it. Unless you’re naïve enough to believe that my help goes for free—”
“No, that’s fair. How about this: a free dessert of your choice from Heartslabyul’s star baker, yours truly. Does that sound about good to you?”
“Hm…” Jade smirked. “It’s a deal.”
Trey grinned. “Great! Now let’s go. Ah but, wait a moment.”
The green-haired student reached over toward the eel’s hair, Jade flinching backward in response, only to settle himself once he realized what the boy was doing.
“Trey…?”
“You’ve got something in your… yeah.” He held a small flower in his hand—it must’ve been a side-effect of some of the flora spells Riddle had cast to counter Floyd’s water spells.
“How embarrassing. It must have been from when I was in the fray with Riddle and Floyd…”
Trey smiled. “No worries. I think a flower suits you well.”
Jade didn’t get the chance to ask ‘in what way?’ or ‘how?’ before he too, like Riddle, was dragged away. He didn’t even get to wonder why Trey used his own hands to remove the flower, not telling Jade about it nor warning him beforehand, and not even using his magic to get it out…
But he didn’t mind his ignorance.
As naïve as it sounded, sometimes the most interesting things were better left unanswered.
2 - In the Corridor
Floyd had wanted to walk around the hallway that day, and Jade, seeing no reason to separate from his twin, had agreed to follow, wondering just what type of trouble he would get into today, if it would be as satisfying as he wanted it to be.
The appearance of a familiar pair of students—one with clover green hair and another crimson red—was as much of a surprise as it was a reward, as Jade hadn’t been graced with Trey’s presence ever since he’d received his payment.
Not to say that it had been boring without him. Jade was a busy man, with many things to do, whether it was things to do with his brother, things to do with Azul, or things to do with himself, he knew just how to occupy himself for the time being. To say that he was completely uninterested in the boy, however, would’ve been a blatant lie. Nobody had piqued his interest quite like Trey had done, for some strange reason he couldn’t quite pinpoint, and Jade was quite excited to satisfy that craving he’d had ever since the day of the ceremony.
But of course, Floyd had to have his own way first. It was tradition.
“Goldfishie~! Haven’t seen ya in ages~”
Riddle immediately stiffened at the voice, craning his neck in the twins’ direction ever so slightly, face filling with horror as he realized it really was who he’d thought it was. “F-Floyd!? What are you doing here?!”
“Back for more fun, of course~” Floyd knelt in front of Riddle with a lopsided smile. “Wanna have some fun?”
“NO. I am NOT getting taken away like last time. I have better things to do with my time.”
“Booooo. I was gonna have so much fun~!”
“I’m not your personal plaything. Get out of the way.”
“Now, now, Riddle. Don’t mind him and just keep walking.” Trey pushed the shorter boy forward, looking at Floyd with a small smile. “Sorry, Floyd. We have a few papers to turn in, with the new dorm leadership transfer and everything.”
“Dorm leadership—ah, yes.” Jade recalled the rumors of a new freshman housewarden coming into power, though he hadn’t thought the student in question to be Riddle. “Congratulations on your victory, Riddle. It’s quite a feat to seize such a position at such an early time in the year, especially considering you’re merely a freshman.”
“Thank you, Jade. At least someone here can appreciate things for what they are.” He gave Floyd a pointed look at the last part. “Regardless, Trey is right. We should be going now.”
“Ehhh? But why’s Sea Turtle going with you? Aren’t you the only one that got promoted?”
“About that.” Trey rubbed the back of his neck. “Riddle proposed I be vice housewarden. I know, I know, it sounds a bit unfitting and I tried reasoning against it, but—”
“Goodness, no. You suit the role perfectly, Trey. I imagine you’ll be an amazing asset to Heartslabyul.”
“Wait, seriously? I’m really not that capable of a person.”
“Oh, but you are. The way you handle conflicts, the way you act toward others, the way you’re so observant of a situation… All of these traits are befitting of a vice housewarden, so I assure you, you’ll do perfectly.”
Trey flushed, coughing into his hand at the praise. “Gosh, I really don’t know what to say—”
“Meh, this is boring. Let’s go goldfishie~”
“W-wait, WHAT? I thought I told you—”
“No questions!” Floyd lifted the redhead onto his shoulders with ease, the new housewarden’s eyes widening in surprise at the action, clutching onto Floyd’s shoulders to avoid losing his balance.
“Floyd, let me down right now!”
“Nope~”
And they were off, just like last time, disappearing into the distance, Trey stretching a hand toward them in hopes of catching up, before pulling back, sighing as he glazed at Jade, who only continued to smile at him.
“So I guess it’s just us?”
“It appears so.”
“Hah…” Trey shook his head, putting a finger to his temple and rubbing. “I’m really sorry you had to be caught up in this—was it 2 times, now? Your brother sure runs you pretty ragged.”
“Indeed.” Jade sighed. “He’s quite a troublesome person.”
“I bet you’re tired of his crap. Why don’t you speak up more often? Tell him to pick up his own messes?”
Jade found himself at a loss, struggling to comprehend what exactly was going on in the human’s mind. Did Trey seriously think that Floyd was the one in control? That Jade was being used and shoved around by his brother? Was that how Jade appeared to others?
How terribly interesting… Perhaps he had to show him what he truly was like.
Later, that was. For now, he should continue observing.
“Thank you, Trey. I shall talk to him about it when he returns to the dorm.”
3 - At Heartslabyul
Floyd was terrible at apologizing. That’s why when Riddle yelled at him for all his actions, storming out the room, he didn’t even bother chasing after him, didn’t even bother to explain himself, and didn’t even bother to, well, say sorry.
Jade took it upon himself to mend their relationship. He wasn’t usually a meddler, but in this situation, where Azul was practically begging him to find a solution to Floyd’s mood, he had no choice but to oblige. After all, he too wished for his brother’s happiness. Well, maybe he did find a bit of amusement in Floyd’s current suffering, but in his brother’s words, it ‘got boring real quick.’
So he devised a plan. Dragging Floyd to Heartslabyul, he walked past various gazes and stares, smiling whenever Floyd whined about not wanting to talk to Riddle, knowing full well that the eel really did wish to apologize.
Almost as soon as they’d set foot in the building, they spotted a familiar duo, green and red hair standing out easily amongst the other colors of the dorm members. Jade bowed a small greeting, pushing Floyd roughly in front of him with a pleasant smile.
“Good afternoon, Riddle, Trey. I bring you good news.”
Riddle scowled. “ Good news? You invade our property, bringing him of all people, and say that you have good news?”
Trey placed a hand on the prefect’s shoulder. “Chill, Riddle. He’s just trying to talk.”
“Indeed. Floyd here wanted to apologize to you.”
The eel in question gasped. “What—! I never said that—”
Jade put a hand over Floyd’s mouth, his smile never fading. “I hope you two will be done discussing your issues by curfew. Azul hasn’t been very happy with Floyd’s recent behavior.”
“I never said I would agree to talk with him—”
“Riddle, just give it a go. Please.”
The housewarden looked up at Trey’s pleading eyes, worry lining his expression, and sighed, biting his lip but giving a curt nod. Turning to Floyd, he immediately collared him, as to make sure he was only going to talk (though Floyd did have the capability of physically fighting back, which was an oversight on Riddle’s part. Hadn’t the boy learned enough from their first squabble?).
“Let’s go, Floyd.”
Floyd crinkled his eyebrows, but obliged, shooting a dirty glare at his brother before he disappeared, along with Riddle.
And that left just Trey and Jade.
“Alone again? We’ve been in quite a number of coincidental encounters.”
Trey chuckled. “Coincidental? I wouldn’t exactly call it that. Weren’t you the one trying to get Floyd to apologize? As far as I’m aware, that’s a deliberate action.”
“You’re as perceptive as I thought you’d be.”
“You flatter me.”
“Would it be unusual to say I’m getting used to it? Being left behind with you.”
“No, not really. I feel the same, actually.” Trey shrugged his shoulders. “You’re honestly quite fun to talk to.”
“Oya? You don’t even know the half of me.”
“I know enough to judge whether you’re a friend or a foe.”
“Is that so…?”
Trey smiled. “I mean, you took my suggestions into account. That should count for at least something. ”
“Hm? Do remind me of your suggestions one more time.”
“You know, that thing about not letting Floyd drag you around… that kinda thing.”
Realization hit Jade and he glanced at Trey in surprise. Somehow, the vice housewarden remembered even a small moment from the very beginning of the year, even when it was now nearing the end. His wide eyes quickly narrowed, however, pressing tight along with a small smile as he drew closer to Trey. Perhaps now would be the best time to take Trey by surprise, to take back the flow of the conversation. He could already see the vice’s intrigued expression.
“It seems that you misunderstood. Floyd was never in control to begin with.” Jade towered over Trey. “And if you thought you could control me, that I wasn’t dangerous at all, just a feeble friend you’ve made… I urge you to reconsider.”
Trey didn’t say anything, only looking up at the eel, an unreadable expression crossing his face. Jade couldn’t help but smile wider, expectancy rising, wondering whether the Heartslabyul student’s next move would be out of fear and petrification; out of betrayal and anger; or out of disgust and disappointment.
He wasn’t however, expecting what came next, what words flowed out of Trey’s mouth.
“Your teeth…” Trey’s eyes were lit up, excited. “They’re amazing.”
“…Pardon?”
Trey seemed to catch himself, backing away suddenly in surprise, the reaction that Jade had originally expected. But the satisfaction didn’t come with it, the only feeling being the shock of such an unexpected reaction, the words still sinking into the eel’s mind, still resonating within him.
“Ah, um, sorry if that was weird. I just have a small interest in dentistry.”
“Dentistry?”
“Yeah! You see, my parents taught me and my siblings how to properly maintain our teeth since they ran a bakery and found it important to keep their own teeth healthy…”
The green-haired man started to go on a small tangent about teeth, how he had multiple different brushes for each tooth, how he’d experimented with different types of toothpaste and mouthwashes to see which ones were the most effective. Jade’s shock died down, turning into deep intrigue, the same that he’d felt the day he met the third-year, and he listened intently to each and every word. In the end, Trey stopped, catching himself once more with an embarrassed shake of his head.
“I’m so sorry, I just couldn’t stop myself. You must think I’m pretty weird, right?”
Jade chuckled, leaning forward and pulling Trey’s chin upward, smiling. “On the contrary, you’re quite an interesting person. I look forward to our continued acquaintanceship.”
“Aren’t we pretty much already friends?”
“You… consider me a friend?”
“Do you not?”
“…No, now that I think about it, you do fit the definition.” Jade pulled away, stroking his chin. “You really are quite interesting.”
“You as well.”
“Shall we check on the two troublemakers?”
Trey smirked. “I like the sound of that. Let’s go.”
Jade followed the third-year down the hallway, staring at Trey’s back with a twinkle in his eye. This vice housewarden, who obsessed over teeth, who didn’t seem scared of him, who hadn’t even seemed shocked to figure out his true nature… what other secrets were he hiding?
He would have to figure it out.
4 - In Front of the Infirmary
The news of Riddle’s overblot shook the school, especially the second years and housewardens. Floyd was one of those who’d been affected the most, pain achingly etched on his face at every moment as he parkoured, jumped, and ran around the whole school, trying to get to the infirmary.
Jade, of course, had to follow him. He took his time, however, unwilling to dirty his uniform with stains of sweat, not even for Riddle. He was sure the housewarden would agree with his decision anyway. Turning the corner of the hospital wing, Jade was met with another feeling of déjà vu, familiar clover-green hair and amber eyes awaiting him, standing right outside the infirmary door, clutching an opaque container tightly, fedora dipped below his head.
Perhaps—no, it was unmistakably true—Trey, too, had been one of the most affected. He didn’t seem to be skipping class, but most likely had permission not to attend, as he wore his dorm uniform, dark bags under his usually lively eyes, now lined with worry, hurt, and confusion.
Jade found it odd. He’d seen the expression many times, the fear and concern that many students had, the sleep loss they gained when a deadline was near, and their progress so far from the goal. In all cases, he didn’t think much of it, apathetic of any empathy for such pathetic souls. Still, as he stood watching Trey, there was an ache in his chest, a twinge of guilt and pain, pain from watching the vice housewarden come undone, all the stress of the overblot finally catching up to the eel, gnawing at his ankles. Perhaps it was selfish of him, or perhaps only self-absorbed, to only realize his growing discomfort from someone that wasn’t the victim, someone that he should’ve been worrying for less than Riddle.
He couldn’t bring himself not to care, however, his body moving of its own volition, stepping up to Trey, a small breeze passing the both of them. Trey looked his way.
“Jade…? What are you doing here?”
“The same reason you’re here. Because of Riddle.”
The life drained out of Trey’s face as he heard the name, but he kept on smiling, as he always did. “Ah. Well, feel free to go before me.”
“Oh, I really couldn’t. Floyd is currently… having a talk with him. At least I presume he is.”
“Is that so…”
Jade smiled. “That and I couldn’t possibly bear the thought of leaving you here with how you look right now.”
Trey raised an eyebrow. “And how do I look right now?”
“Quite frankly, a mess.”
“Ah. Well, I’ll try to pick myself back up if it’s bothering you.”
“Fufufu, and what if I enjoyed seeing you like this?”
Trey put a hand to his forehead, turning away from Jade. “I’m gonna be honest, I’m really not in the mood for your tricks today.”
“My, this really must be something important, to change you so drastically. I’m quite curious to find out…”
“And I’m not going to tell you. Not when you’re just trying to do this for your enjoyment.”
“What if I’m not?” Jade countered, face closing in, causing Trey to withdraw, backing up against the door. “What if I truly was worried for you? What would you say; what would you do?”
For a moment, Trey said nothing, eyes meeting Jade’s in the silence. Then, he burst out laughing, surprising the eel.
“Trey? Is there something funny about this situation?”
Trey put a hand up as the other clutched his chest, still shaking from the laughter. “I—I’m sorry, I just—you’re so funny, Jade.”
“Funny…? What about me…”
“No, it’s nothing, really. I just found myself in a bad mood until you showed up…”
“Am I really that impactful of a source on your mood?”
“Maybe?”
“…Odd.”
“Hah! You say that as if you aren’t odd yourself.”
“You wound me. I have done nothing ‘odd’ at all.”
“Sure, sure.” Trey moved his back off the door, instead leaning against the wall right next to it, a small sigh escaping him. “Thanks, Jade.”
“Oh? What for?”
“Cheering me up, I guess.”
“You’re very welcome. It wasn’t my intention, but I’m glad you’ve gotten something out of this. Although…” Jade smirked. “You do understand that means you owe me something, yes?”
Trey sighed. “What is it you want?”
“Information. Why are you so upset? It can’t only be because of Riddle’s overblot, can it? Tell me, what is it that’s got you so bothered?”
“…You do know this is very personal information, right?”
“Yes.”
Trey made an expression that seemed to be saying ‘Why do I even bother?’ followed by another long sigh, continuing in a quieter voice. “Riddle and I… met when we were kids. Then he disappeared. We got back into contact when he came to NRC, and well, this happened. And I wasn’t able to prevent it. And Ace was talking about how I was the one that caused it all, and I started to believe him, and I…”
The third-year trailed off, deep in thought, no longer paying attention to Jade’s presence as the container in his hands shook with the force of his strong grip. Jade put a finger to his lips, still observing Trey. Did he seriously think he was the one that caused it?
“Trey.”
Trey snapped out of his daze. “Ah. Yeah?”
“Conflict is usually the result of multiple different causes.” Jade chose his words slowly and carefully, still watching Trey the whole time. “If Ace had said it was completely your fault, he was wrong. Though perhaps you are partly to blame, there are other things that led to it, and in the end, you cannot change what you did, so there is no need to cry over spilled milk. Additionally, there is this thing called forgiveness… You and Riddle are friends, correct?”
“…I’d like to think so.”
Jade offered his most reassuring smile. “If he feels the same way, there’s no doubt you can figure things out together.”
“Yeah…” Trey began nodding, slowly at first, but then speeding up. “Yeah, that’s true. Maybe I’ll… maybe I’ll have a talk with him.”
“After Floyd finishes, of course.”
“Yeah.”
They sat for a moment in silence, Jade glancing at the door with slight curiosity, wondering what it was that Riddle and Floyd were talking about. His mind quickly wandered back, however, to the conversation that just arose moments ago. He turned his head back to Trey, his smile still pasted on his face as he watched Trey stare at the door, smiling similarly, a relieved expression on his face. All the weight removed itself from Jade, a feeling so greatly rewarding washing over him as he relished the result of their conversation, Trey’s eyes much clearer than before, his face back to the iron calmness of a vice housewarden.
“Thank you, Jade,” Trey said after a moment. “I really do appreciate what you said.”
Jade chuckled, the hint of softness disappearing as he switched back to his regular persona. “No, thank you, Trey. This information… it’s quite valuable, isn’t it?”
“…You’re despicable.”
5 - At the Unbirthday Party
Riddle’s recovery was (luckily) a speedy one, and he returned to his dorm, who held open their arms for him, welcoming him back eagerly. His return did wonders for both Floyd and Trey, and by extension, did wonders for those around the two, including Azul, Cater, and, of course, Jade himself.
That day, they’d been invited to an unbirthday party, one invitation coming from Riddle himself and another coming from Trey. Floyd and Jade were the invitations’ respective recipients, leaving Azul out, much to his disappointment. There was, however, a sneaky row of fine print included in Trey’s invitation, about inviting whoever else Jade wished to invite, which meant Azul would most definitely be able to attend, much to Riddle’s chagrin and Azul’s pleasant amusement. Jade would have to thank Trey later for including such a clause in his writing.
And thank Trey he did, as once they arrived at the dorm, Floyd bolted toward Riddle with unmatched enthusiasm, while Azul mingled with the other Heartslabyul students, trying to convince them of a new deal at the Mostro Lounge.
Which left Jade alone with Trey, like always.
“Funny how we keep getting left behind,” Trey pointed out, humorously, walking up to the eel. “Not that I’m complaining.”
Jade took a bow, glancing up at Trey with a smile slick with sarcasm. “Indeed, it is quite a coincidence to see you here. It’s not like a particular someone sent me an invitation that I so graciously accepted—”
Trey coughed. “The details aren’t important.”
“Ah, well said, member of the dormitory of the Queen of Hearts—”
“ Jade. ” Trey pressed his hand firmly against Jade’s shoulder with a smile. “Why don’t we go enjoy the festivities? Unless you’d like to taste conger eel for the whole day.”
“If I recall correctly, your unique magic only lasts for a few minutes at a time.”
“Oh, shut up. I can easily keep recasting the spell. Now come on.”
Trey took him around the dorm, to an area set up with tables draped in reds, whites, blacks, and golds. Many students crowded the area, each with teas, cakes, or cookies in their hands, chatting with each other and playing games—whatever it is that they desired to do.
It was far too relaxed for Riddle’s usual style. Perhaps his overblot really did change him? No, there was a much more viable answer to the question: Floyd. Even at this very moment, the eel was glued to Riddle’s side, annoying him to no end as he shoved a mouthful of strawberry shortcake into the prefect’s mouth, despite all the protesting sounds the shorter boy made. Jade chuckled at the interaction, unable to resist spying on them from afar. It was just a small habit of his, a habit that he never managed to get rid of.
Trey glanced at him, putting an assortment of foods in front of him, readily arranged on a plate. “What are you looking at?”
“Riddle and Floyd. They seem to be having a joyous time.”
“Floyd? Sure. But Riddle? We can’t possibly be watching the same thing.”
“Are you sure about that, Trey? Have you looked closer? Seen how Riddle’s pouts are always followed by a small smile, then a blush?”
“Hm…”
“Of course, it always fades quickly. Riddle isn’t the type to allow himself to indulge in such moments.”
“Yeah, that does sound right…” Trey’s eyes were narrowed as he observed the duo, widening only as he turned back to Jade. “You’re right, they do seem to be immersed.”
“I told you. Would you happen to have any proper compensation for my troubles?”
“Ahaha, here it is.” Trey tapped the plate in front of Jade. “Hopefully, getting you your food is enough compensation.”
“It shall suffice.”
“Heh.”
Jade took a bite of the slice of mont blanc, recalling the story Trey had told him about the first years and what caused the overblot. He glanced at Riddle. The redhead was next to Floyd, as expected. But… he was smiling. Smiling at Floyd. Jade swallowed, the sweetness in his throat disappearing, replaced with bitterness, from the lack of the tart and the growing lump forming, a lump of… an unfamiliar emotion.
It wasn’t that Jade hadn’t expected Riddle and Floyd to get along. He was the one that pushed them to continue spending time with each other, that even meddled with their conflicts just to get them to make up. He was glad. Glad that Floyd found someone that he seemed to care about, just as much as himself, being Floyd’s twin, and Azul, being a close friend of the both of them.
Still, it was this very thought that disturbed him. The very thought that Riddle was now… replacing him. That Riddle would take Floyd away…
“Jade. Jade, are you okay? You’ve been spacing out for the past few minutes.”
Jade blinked. “Ah. Trey.”
“Are you okay?” Trey repeated. “Do you need a glass of water? Are you perhaps feeling ill? Should I take you to the infirmary—”
“No, no, there’s nothing wrong.”
“Then…?”
“Nothing.”
“Liar.” Trey shifted closer to Jade, sliding his chair along the grass. “What’s wrong? Is it Floyd and Riddle again?”
A slight twitch in Jade’s eyebrows. “…I assure you, it’s not them.”
Trey didn’t seem to believe him. “Mm well, if you don’t want to tell me, that’s fine. But just…” Trey rubbed his neck. “I’m here if you need me, ‘kay?”
“…Alright.”
“And if you’re worried about your brother… don’t be. He’s not leaving you any time soon.”
How cruel of you, Trey… Always knowing exactly what to say. Jade looked away, smiling lightly. “…Thank you, Trey.”
“No problem. You… wanna go check out the croquet match? If you’re getting bored just sitting around, that is.”
“Oh? That sounds like a lovely idea. It would be my pleasure.”
Jade moved to stand up, putting his hand against the back of the seat, only to feel it yanked from its position, as Trey grabbed it with his own hand, yanking Jade upward with a playful smirk.
“T-Trey…?”
“C’mon, let’s go.”
“Ah, wait just a moment—!”
But Trey didn’t wait, instead dragging Jade along with him, the second-year eventually giving up, watching the sun peek through the tips of Trey’s green hair, taking in the scene to its fullest as he caught up with the crowd, the pleasant hum of conversation growing into a full-on chatter. They slowed to a halt, Trey slowly removing his hand from Jade’s, the loss of contact achingly evident in Jade’s empty hand. The third-year glanced back at Jade, still smirking.
“I hope you enjoy the game.”
Jade sucked in a breath, realizing at that moment one truth, the fears and doubts he’d had just a moment ago fading away, replaced by a fluttering sensation, and a pounding in his chest. There was no doubt about it now. He closed his eyes.
He’d fallen for Trey.
A small, resounding smile fell upon his lips. “Trey, I will most definitely enjoy it.”
Bonus
Riddle wasn’t in class that day.
Floyd had come to check on the boy, dipping out of his class as usual, only to be scolded by another teacher for interrupting the lecture. Jade had managed to bail him out, with minor consequences, smiling softly as he listened to his brother’s complaints, Floyd insisting on following him to his next class.
“Beakfish-sensei’s super meannnnn~! Can’t believe he made me do extra homework even though I’m not in your class…”
“Fufufu, we all take the same courses, so despite being in different classes, he’s well in his right to assign you, his student from another class, extra work.”
Floyd gave him a glare. “Shuddup.”
“Only if you ask nicely.”
Just as Floyd opened his mouth to fire off another retort, they heard a commotion nearby, loud voices ringing through the air.
“HEY! Watch where you’re going!”
Jade glanced at the scene, thinking it was just another case of idiots being idiots, only for his eyes to widen once he realized who the other person was. Red hair and stormy gray eyes—it was Riddle Rosehearts.
“My apologies, but I really must be off!” Riddle seemed in a rush, darting past the taller students, heading in their direction, only to pale when he saw who it was in front of him.
“Goldfishie~” Floyd called out, a dopey smile on his face.
Riddle frowned. “Excuse me, Floyd, but I have to—”
“Nope~! You’re stayin’ with us.”
“But— mph, Floyd! ”
The eel crushed Riddle in a bone-crushing hug, as always. Jade chuckled.
“Riddle, what seems to be the problem?”
“I’m not sure I should be telling you…”
“Please, I insist.”
The redhead twisted his brows. “…Fine. Trey is…”
“Trey is…?”
“…injured.”
Jade paused. Trey was… injured? The words swam in his mind, his smile ripping off his face as he raced off, body moving on his own, heart pulsing with concern.
“The fuck!? Jade where are you—!”
But Jade didn’t listen, Floyd’s cursing slipping past him as he rushed past fearful students and angry teachers. He didn’t even know where he was going, what he was doing, or why he was doing it—he just knew that he needed to make sure Trey was okay, to make sure that everything was alright.
Slamming open the dormitory door, he faintly recalled seeing Cater, asking him where Trey’s room was, waiting for just a second to hear the reply before rushing off once more, taking the steps two at a time. And then…
“Trey—!”
The green-haired boy whipped his head in Jade’s direction, his eyes wide as he processed what the eel was doing there. “Jade…?”
“Trey…” Jade closed the door gently, approaching the vice prefect with a relieved sigh. “Ah, Trey, I’m glad you’re alright.”
Trey laughed, confused. “What do you mean? Of course I’m alright. Just a twisted ankle. How’d you know I was injured?”
“Riddle told me.”
“Did he, now?”
“Yes…” Are you okay? I was very worried. Please, tell me you’re alright. A barrage of responses and questions danced on the tip of his tongue, begging to be asked, but Jade only pushed them away, glancing at the door and around the room sheepishly, settling into the situation. “Should I… leave now?”
“So soon?”
“I thought you had to recover—”
“Please, talking to you wouldn’t do anything to stunt my recovery.” Trey leaned back in his bed. “In fact, maybe it’ll speed it up even more…”
Jade’s heart almost jumped out of its chest. “…What exactly do you mean?”
Trey caught himself, a small smile curling on his face. “Oh, nothing much. Just thought you were good company.”
“Truly? You do know who I am, yes? Have you perhaps lost your vision along with your injury—”
“No way!” Trey laughed. “And even if I had, I’d recognize your voice anywhere.”
“My, is my voice that much of an interest to you?”
“I mean, it’s pretty hot.”
“…Pardon?”
“Hm? What’s wrong?”
Jade felt his face burning up, turning away from the vice prefect and covering his pink-tinged cheeks, hoping Trey wouldn’t notice his embarrassment. Just a moment ago, he’d been fine. Just a moment ago, he hadn’t felt like a fish out of water, drying up by the second, dying from the heat. But now…
“Trey, what are you… how do you… why…? ”
“Wha—Jade! Are you alright?”
“No,” Jade breathed, sinking to his feet. “How can you say it so easily like that…?”
Silence. Then a loud, honey-sweet laugh. “Jade… You really think I didn’t pick up on it?”
“I had hoped you didn’t.”
“Hah…!” Trey wiped a tear from his eye. “You thought I was that oblivious?”
“No… But how…?”
“You’re so cute when you’re blushing, Jade… How could I ever forget that face you made? Though I do hope you forgive me for teasing you a little.”
“A little…? ” Jade rose to his feet, embarrassment flickering to mild irritation as he leaned toward Trey, eyes calm now. “I don’t quite enjoy being made fun of, you know.”
“I know.”
Jade smiled. “Then why don’t you take responsibility for what you’ve done, playing around with me like that?”
Trey smirked. “Oh, I will.”
He leaned forward, crashing his lips against Jade in a long kiss, pulling the mer toward him in a symphony of tastes and emotions, both of their faces hot and flushed as they enjoyed their first kiss together.
Extra Bonus
“JADE , don’t fuckin’ run off like that next time— oh shit. ”
Jade pulled away, glancing at his brother with annoyance. “Floyd. Riddle. You couldn’t have come at a better time?”
Riddle coughed. “Perhaps… we should’ve knocked.”
Trey laughed sheepishly. “Yeah, maybe that would’ve been a good idea.”