Chapter Text
Ivan’s a great student, but he’s very distant with his classmates.
That’s what the teacher’s note on Ivan’s report card said. That’s what the teacher’s notes on Ivan’s report cards had been saying for years now. That he was smart, even gifted, but that his social skills and lack of interest left a lot to be desired. It’s not that Ivan wasn’t interested in making friends, it’s just that everyone was the same, they all wanted something from him. There was something to gain from being friends with the smart kid. The other students seemed to adore Ivan. They saw him as mysterious and cool.
It was all ridiculously tedious.
Ivan sighed before glancing out the window, the sky a clear blue peppered with light clouds. Peace. The rest of his classmates were slowly coming into the classroom, chatting about mundane things and gossip filled his ears as he rested his chin on his hand. Ivan could name every single troupe in this room. The nerds, a small bunch of kids who were always seen studying. The popular kids, dressed impeccably and not a hair out of place. The delinquents, always looking scuffed up and were often just not in class. The gamers, probably on their phone or discussing a new game that came out. Everyone had their place.
Ivan took out a well used notebook and a pen as the bell rang. Their teacher finally walked into the room followed by a kid Ivan hadn’t seen before, effectively starting whispers between the students.
“We have a kid transferring into our class from a different school. Please treat him well.”
The new student, a boy, had light grey hair and shocking teal eyes. Although, his face was marred with slight bruising and scrapes, covered with bandaids. He fit easily into the ‘delinquent’ troupe. Just another face that will eventually fade into the background.
The kid was slouched slightly, the expression on his face seemed aggressive, saying, “stay away.” However, apparently their teacher couldn’t see that as she stepped to side and said, “Introduce yourself.”
“Till,” was the only words that were uttered. His voice was higher than Ivan assumed it was going to be. It was slightly rough, but it was nice to listen to, not that he was really interested.
After a pause of silence, waiting for something more, their teacher coughed awkwardly before saying, “Go sit by Ivan in the back.”
Without looking at Ivan, Till made his way to the back of the classroom and flopped down into the vacant chair. That was fine by Ivan. That was less effort for him.
Their teacher began droning on about their lesson for the day and Ivan turned his attention towards the board. Out of the corner of his eye he saw Till take out a very beat up notebook that was covered in small doodles and stickers. When Till opened it, he didn’t start taking notes, but rather, drawing.
Huh. That was unexpected. Ivan settled into his seat as his attention was drawn what Till was drawing. Till’s drawing strokes were soft compared to his rough looks. His gaze was intense, but it wasn’t aggressive and as he erased some of his markings his tongue flicked out between his lips. And for the rest of the boring lecture that Ivan already understood, his attention was for once on something, someone, else.
The bell rang again, indicating that it was finally lunch time. As soon as the bell rung Till stood up and tossed his bag over his shoulder, heading out the door. However, in his stead was a sketchbook left opened. Ivan leaned over, looking at the drawing that was left. It was a drawing of Ivan, looking out of the window with a rather lonely looking expression.
The amount of surprises that Till was springing on Ivan today was tallying up. The drawing itself was good, exceptionally good.
At that moment, Till rushed back into the classroom, eyes locking on the notebook that he left and grabbed it.
In a spur of unknown confidence, Ivan blurted, “The drawing is good. Really good actually.”
Till turned back towards him, their eyes meeting for the first time. He opened his mouth and then closed it again as a blush rose to his cheeks. He looked pretty. Opening his mouth again he said, “You don’t mind that I drew you?”
“No, not at all,” Ivan responded as the words seemed to fall from his mouth. “You can draw me as much as you want. I don’t mind.”
The flush remained on Till’s face, but he regained some of his composure and coughed, “Yeah sure. Whatever.”
And then in a softer voice, “Thank you though.”
“What was that?” Ivan teased, he himself unsure of where this new personality was coming from.
“Nothing!” Till almost yelled.
Ivan felt a smile creep its way onto his lips. For once an interaction with someone felt fun. It felt interesting and refreshing in a way that he had never felt before. He wanted more.
“You should stay,” he found himself saying. “Sit with me for the rest of lunch.”
Till hesitantly sat down before reopening his sketchbook. “Okay then, if you’re fine with me for company. Just don’t bother me too much.”
“Sure sure,” Ivan responded lazily. “Whatever you say.” Ivan continued eating his lunch as he leaned back into his chair and continued to watch Till draw.
This was the start of something. Something different.