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Azul Ashengrotto and Jamil Viper.
The housewarden of Octavinelle and the vice housewarden of Scarabia. Both are 17 and in their sophomore years.
Both of them are classmates but won't consider themselves friends.
... Or at least what Jamil believes in. He had never thought of Azul as a friend. No way, not a single chance. He'd rather not be friends with Azul.
That's what he said to himself at least.
And as for the other... Azul does want to be friends with Jamil.
At first it's because he can use Jamil for whatever he's scheming. But the more he thought about it, the more he sees Jamil and interact with him from time to time, he wants to be friends without all those scheming parts.
He wants to be friends with Jamil because he wants to.
Even if Jamil has been keeping himself lowkey or masquerade as someone who is "incapable" of things, it won't fool Azul. The white haired merman knows Jamil is hiding something. Something that he can't lay a finger on.
Then Jamil's overblot happened.
That's when Azul started acknowledging his admiration for the fellow teen. He was right, Jamil is very talented, skilled. Considered one of the top mages in their school. Well at least from what he's witnessed during Jamil's overblot.
Azul finally accepted the fact he's got admiration for the fellow sophomore. Not a recent discovery, but something that rose up during their freshman years. It was as if he's been hit by the snake's charm.
"... He's handsome too.." Azul murmured to himself and chuckled foolishly, Remembering the time he was admiring Jamil's overblot or his usual appearance.
Azul closes his eyes, remembering Jamil in his head. He keeps admiring and admiring the tanned teen's abilities and facial features. It's a shame that Jamil wont give him any chance to at least prove himself.
"Not in your life!" Jamil's annoyed voice echoed.
Azul opens his eyes, gawking at the ceiling. He wonders if there'll still be a glimpse of chance that he can be friends with the other.
Throughout the times they're together, people have always thought they're close. They were LITERALLY close on most parts especially when Jamil is teaching him how to use the broom or Jamil has to make Azul sit behind him on the broom to understand the feeling of flying. They're even seatmates. People even thought they're a couple because of it.
Though Azul is kind of delusional, he'd want to hear that assumption any time of the day.
---------------------------------
Azul was heading to his class as usual and saw the tanned teen beside his seat. Jamil seems to be out of it, he's been resting his head on the desk for who knows how long.
Azul blinked from what he's seeing right now. It felt like Jamil was restless with whatever he's thinking about. Azul silently went to his seat, just staring at the teen who's still resting.
"Jamil-san?" Azul called out of curiosity but the other didn't flinch or move.
Azul lightly tapped Jamil's shoulder and the other looked at him with tiredness, still resting his head on his own arms. Azul examined Jamil whose brows are furrowed, skin flushed and seems to be heavily breathing.
"My, what happened to you?" Azul didn't expect what he's seeing. He leaned his forehead closer to Jamil. It's hot, really hot . Azul gave him a serious look. "Jamil-san, you're running a fever. You should go rest in the infirmary."
"..You could've used your hand to check if I'm warm." Jamil said, ignoring what Azul said.
"My apologies, just a childhood habit." Azul lied, he actually wants to look at those beautiful dilated eyes, as if a snake charmed him to stare at them, lure him and trap him from staring at them.
"But please do not change the topic, it's important to get rest." Azul said with hinted concern.
"I can't. We have an upcoming exam." And the other protests. "And since when does Azul Ashengrotto cares for someone without having something in exchange?"
Jamil said it an annoyed but weak tone. That might've hurt Azul internally because he's genuinely concerned for him.
"Dear me, I am aware I tend to do that, but trust me when I say I wont ask anything for a change."
The other just gave him an 'Oh really?' look.
"The more you try to justify, the more you sound shady." Jamil said slowly.
"I'm not justifying. It is the truth." Azul said with a flat serious tone.
Jamil just rolled his eyes. He can't argue anymore, his head hurts.
---------------------------------
Time passes and they're taking the exam with Trein supervising the class. Azul already finished his exam, Jamil on the other hand...
His left hand was holding the side of his head and his right hand holding his pen. Azul squinted his eyes to see what was Jamil's progress...
He barely made any progress on his test.
Azul sighed, closed his eyes, thinking what he should do.
He raises his hand.
"Sir."
It got Professor Trein's attention. "What is the matter, Ashengrotto?"
Azul stood and walked towards Trein.
"I'd like to bring Jamil to the infirmary." Azul said quietly. "Earlier before class started, I checked on him and he isn't feeling well. He has a fever."
"He's not doing well with his exam right now, he barely had progress and his handwriting on the paper is sloppy." Azul added. Professor Trein hummed, understanding the situation.
"Viper." Trein called and everyone in the class looked at Jamil resting his head on the desk. Jamil slightly looked at his professor with hazy eyes, ignoring whoever was looking at him.
"...yes, professor..?" Jamil weakly responded.
"You can answer your exam when you feel better. For now, Ashengrotto will escort you to the infirmary." said Trein.
"If you're not feeling well, please refrain from keeping it to yourself. Do not hesitate to speak a word." Trein added and the class responded in agreement.
Did Jamil hear that right? Azul? Escorting him to the infirmary? He's also the one who told the situation. Oh he wonders what Azul wants in exchange; more flight lesson private sessions? his ancient magic notes? Or worse, want to team up with him with some shady business? He can't think whatever this man wants.
Whatever, for now he'll be escorted. He's honestly relieved about this. Maybe he'll thank Azul for it.
... As long as he doesn't ask for something in exchange.
---------------------------------
There is silence while Azul is escorting Jamil to the infirmary. They're walking quite slow, Jamil refusing to lean on the slightly taller teen as he wants to avoid getting more indebted with him. The long haired's steps are really wobbly, he could drop any moment now.
"Jamil-san, stop resisting. You obviously need someone to lean on." Azul said with hinted annoyance and concern, Jamil just ignored him then soon dropped. Azul fortunately catched him.
"See? You don't feel good, I've been observing you since earlier. If your reason why you're not taking my help is because you'll be indebted to me, you're incorrect. I'm doing this because I'm genuinely concerned about you." Azul put Jamil's arm over his shoulder and assisted him to walk.
Jamil would argue about what the other said but he just cant anymore.
There was silence again until Jamil decided to speak.
"...What do you want?"
Azul sighed. "Nothing. I don't want anything right now except to bring you to the infirmary and have you rest there."
Jamil gritted his teeth. "Cut that nonsense, Azul... You don't do anything with the goodness of your heart."
"Unless it's you, I can make an exception." Azul argued in a serious flat tone, Jamil didn't say anything after that.
......
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As they arrived in the infirmary, Azul explained to the nurse what happened and let them in. Azul helped Jamil to remove his shoes before laying him down on the bed. The one with glasses sat on the seat beside his bed, looking and examining Jamil once again.
"If you keep staring I'd literally melt." Azul came back to his senses and looked away with a hinted blush on his face.
He shouldn't feel these things but he somehow finds an ill Jamil... attractive? Especially those dilated dark grey eyes. Those eyes won't stop bothering him because of how insanely attractive they are when dilated.
"You've been acting strange ever since you knew I’m sick." Jamil tiredly said. "There's no way you're doing all this without anything for a change. Even if you keep insisting it's all the goodness of your heart." Jamil added, closing eyes.
Of course, Jamil wouldn't believe him because of how he's acted to everyone. No matter how much he insists, his crush, his acquaintance, his classmate... he won't believe him. At this point, Azul gave up trying to convince him that it's the truth.
He won't listen so, what's the point? Azul sighed heavily.
"I won't force you to believe me, Jamil-san. If you believe that's the truth, then fine." Azul expressed roughly.
.......
"You should go back to the classroom.. I'll be fine on my own."
Azul shook his head. "I've finished my exam and the next period is our break time, I can keep you company."
"Just what do you really want, Azul?" Jamil expressed with annoyance in his tone. "It bothers me that you're acting like this, it doesn't feel like I'm talking to the Azul I usually come across in the school."
"I would say something, but you won't believe me so it's pointless." Azul said in a seemingly defeated tone and Jamil looked at him to examine him.
It feels so weird for Jamil. This doesn't resemble the Azul he remembers in his mind. Why is he caring? No use of asking him if he wants something because Azul would repeatedly respond that he needs nothing. Is he really telling the truth? It makes Jamil's head slightly hurtful and confused.
Would anyone believe him if he says Azul acted "genuine" with him today without asking anything for a change? No way. No way they would believe that.
Though to be fair, it seems like Azul has been acting like this for a few months now. Not to anyone and everyone but to him exclusively. But it wasn't as obvious as it is today. Sometimes, he can and can't read Azul.
"Do you need more guides for flight lessons?" Jamil talked but Azul didn't respond.
"My notes?" He didn't respond either.
"...You want me to help you with some shady business?"
Azul looked at him. A very serious look was written on his face.
"Do you want to know what I want?" Azul finally spoke.
"So you do want somethi-" before Jamil could finish his sentence Azul cut him off.
"What I want is for you to feel better and get some nice rest."
That shut off Jamil.
"There. Are you satisfied with my answer? If not, here's more: I don't want anything for a change." Azul said in a serious manner.
With how serious Azul was it was enough for Jamil to finally believe that Azul isn't doing this to get something. But why though? Why is he that caring? They're not even friends, or at least what he thought. They're just classmates, either acquaintances or strangers. So why does Azul care?
.....
"Thank you." Jamil said softly. Azul eyed Jamil at that.
"I don't know what got in your head and acted like this, but… I really appreciate it." He added and Azul hummed with a small hinted smile forming on his lips.
"Please give me a moment." Azul stood and went to the nurse to ask something.
Jamil's vision began to turn hazy, he couldn't make sense of what Azul was doing. But he seems to be writing something on something.
Azul came back, holding a small piece of paper and handed it to Jamil. The dark haired analyzed what's written in it.
Numbers.... Is this Azul's phone number? Jamil looked at Azul.
"It's for in case of emergency. I know for sure you'll be out for a few days with how bad your fever is. If you need me, please don't hesitate to contact me." Azul said and Jamil looked back at the paper.
"You can either text or call me." He added.
Well that was a start... Azul told himself. He doesn’t give his phone number just for emergencies. Only people who he strongly cares for can get his number for free. Well except of course for Jade and Floyd since he knew them way back and for any business related people.
Sneaky Azul.
.....
It was silent for a while. Azul was about to talk with Jamil but he saw him fast asleep. Azul smiled at the sight, he's slightly blushing too. He went to get an ice pack and placed it on the tanned teen's forehead.
He looked at the time, it's still early. But he should return first to get permission from Trein for him and Jamil to get dismissed early to his class. Azul’s quite concerned about how Jamil will hold up considering how high his fever is.
But there's Kalim!
Azul let his eyes roll at that statement.
Kalim can be incapable of himself. Azul can’t even begin to imagine if he tries to handle taking care of Jamil.
It might be a mess . Azul scratched that thought out of his head and will proceed with his plan.
---------------------------------
As he arrived in Professor Trein's classroom, Azul told him about how Jamil is holding up and requested if he can get dismissed to his class so he can take care of Jamil until breaktime and fortunately Trein gave Azul permission, also worried for Jamil’s condition. Azul was delighted with what he heard and thanked his professor.
He picked his and Jamil's things and bag, then decided to pass by Jade's class to inform him about his whereabouts before he goes to the infirmary.
.... And to at least inform Kalim through Jade. He doesn't know if it's a good or bad idea. But then again, Kalim IS the housewarden of Scarabia. He thinks he deserves to know.
......
Azul knocked at the door of Jade's class, apparently there's no professor supervising them right now as the classroom seems to be very lively.
"Jade!" Azul called, getting the taller man's attention and smiled.
Jade stood and went to Azul. "How may I help you, Azul?"
"I won't be joining you and Floyd at breaktime. To summarise, I need to take care of Jamil-san."
"What happened to him if I may ask?" Jade questioned.
"You see, he went to our class with a very high fever. He's currently in the infirmary resting. I'll be going there after I get him and I some food." Azul said smoothly and Jade hummed as a sign he understood what his housewarden told."Oh and, may you relay this situation to Kalim? I'm honestly hesitant to let him know, but he needs to as he is Scarabia's housewarden."
"Understood, Azul. I will make sure to relay the message."
Azul smiles. "Thank you, Jade. I will be heading off now."
"Take care."
With that Azul hurriedly went to the cafeteria.
......
As he arrives in the cafeteria, wondering what Jamil likes. Of course It's mandatory that he'll get him some hot soup, but that alone wouldn't be enough to fill up the stomach.
But then he remembers that Jamil likes curry.
He tried to check if there's curry and the most fortunate timing arrived; there was still some curry left so he took some with rice. He then grabbed some karaage chicken for himself, which is his favourite, and went to the infirmary at a hurried pace.
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Azul arrived at the infirmary and placed Jamil's food on the bedside table since he saw him still sleeping. He looked at the time for a quick moment and started eating his meal.
As Azul enjoys his karaage chicken, he heard a faint grunt and looked at Jamil who's awakened from his nap. Azul stopped eating for a moment.
"Good afternoon, Jamil-san." He greeted and observed the other.
"... You're still here?"
"Goodness, do you think I'll just let you be alone while you're still sick?"
"For sure you won't."
" Of course I wo-"
"... As long as you'll need something from me." Jamil said nonchalantly.
Azul clicked his tongue. "This again...? Jamil-san, I promise that I am not going to ask for any favours to you."
The white haired merman had a flat tone as he said that and Jamil.... Jamil seems to be not listening. Not on purpose though perhaps, the poor guy must be dealing with his headache or the heavy feeling from his fever.
"Azul... what time is it?"
"It's lunch time. Do not worry about getting your lunch. I already took some for you."
This made Jamil stare at Azul for a few moments.
"You did..?" Azul nodded to that question. "It's right beside you."
Azul pointed to the meal. Jamil formed a small smile at the sight of the meal. "They have curry this time..."
"I heard somewhere that you like curry." Azul adjusted his glasses.
Jamil is about to ask where he even got that information but he didn't bother. His head feels too heavy and he's hungry too.
"I also brought you some hot soup. Though, I believe it's gotten a bit cold now."
Jamil feels weird. It feels weird for him that Azul is very kind to him and has confirmed that he's not doing all this to get something from it. He still can't get a reason why Azul would do any of this. Is he being dense or Azul is just really difficult to read at times.
At the very least he enjoyed his curry and lukewarm soup.
.......
After both of them finished their meals,Azul placed the dishes properly on top of each other.
"I'll be returning this later. For now, I want to speak with you." The older one said smoothly. "Professor Trein has gave us permission to be excused in his class. I can take care of you until the end of lunch break."
Jamil just hummed in agreement.
"Do not worry about the next classes, I'll be taking notes for the both of us and will make sure it's the best study guide you'll have." Azul seems to say that in a smug tone. Jamil was going to say something about the smugness but he didn't bother.
Though he made a refusing statement. "It would be unnecessary... Your typical notes would be enough. You don't have to give your full effort."
"And if I refuse?"
....
What happens if he refuses? Of course, the usual. Arguments . Then it'll just make his head hurt. He’ll concede this one time, for his sake more than Azul’s..
"Do whatever you want, Azul. As if my protesting would do something to stop you.." he heard the merman chuckle at that.
"I'll also be returning here later after our remaining classes. Kalim might arrive later as I already instructed Jade to tell him about the situation. But..." Azul suddenly had a sour expression on his face.
"But..?"
"You get it, Jamil-san. Both you and I don't trust Kalim's capability in handling other people." Azul purposely adjusted his glasses and Jamil smirked.
"You don't trust him?" was all Jamil managed to ask.
Good heavens, do I??? He's a mess without you, so how do I trust him? Azul thought internally. He doesn't mind Kalim nor does he hate him. It's just... It's difficult for him to trust Kalim's independence when it comes to other people.
He noticed Kalim and Jade seem to be closer nowadays and it felt like Jade is taking care of him because of how reckless Kalim can be at times. No, scratch "at times", it's "always".
"Your face says you don't trust him." What a smug face Jamil is showing! Azul just rolled his eyes and shrugged.
Then it was silent after that.
.....
"I still can't believe you're actually looking out for me." Jamil started, getting Azul's attention. "Azul, why are you doing this exactly?"
"Oh? You're curious?" There was smugness hinted in Azul's tone. Azul thought it'll be easy to answer his question.
"I am. It feels weird that you're like this." Jamil just answered in a flat tone.
Weird? I'm being normal. Is it weird to care for someone I like? Azul thought to himself. Was it weird? Maybe it is weird because it's only for Jamil who he is willing to show this side of him. But then again, there's nothing weird when showing kindness, right??
"Just... Why exactly are you doing this?"
Because I like you.
Because I want to be closer to you.
Because I want us to be more than strangers or acquaintances.
…
No.
He can't.
He can't say those things. Jamil will flat out reject any of those answers.
"Not in your life!" Jamil's annoyed voice echoed in his head again as a reminder.
Azul frowns.
"Unfortunately, it's something I can't disclose." was what Azul came up with.
Jamil didn't say anything else about that as much as he wants to protest that it's definitely something Azul can share.
Lame. Very lame, Azul.
---------------------------------
Jamil ended up being alone for a couple of hours in the infirmary as Azul needed to attend their remaining classes. The tanned teen gawks at the ceiling, feeling the pain from his headache and heaviness from his fever.
And then his thoughts of Azul being weirdly kind added up to his mussings. He still wants to know why Azul is like this. The white haired left him hanging from his response.
"Unfortunately, it's something I can't disclose."
No, it's definitely something you can say. Jamil argued the echo in his mind. Jamil heard the smug tone when Azul noted that if he (Jamil) is curious. He knows he was supposed to answer his question. Why did he suddenly back out?
Was it going to be an embarrassing answer? Weird? Ruin his pride? What is it?
Jamil sighed heavily.
"Sometimes, I just can't understand you, Azul."
......
"So, Azul will take care of me for a few days.." He muttered
Approximately 2-3 days Azul will take care of him since anytime he gets ill, it usually takes 2-3 days for him to fully recover.
He wonders what will happen in the following days.