Chapter Text
3rd of March, 2014
The first time you met him was when you were standing in front of the school’s bulletin board, where the exam rankings were posted. The hallway—smelled of freshly mopped floors, buzzed with chatter of students who scanned the list for names. You were worried, you had studied hard, stayed up late, and even missed a literary event to ensure a top score.
Then, everyone’s gaze landed on the first place slot—Veritas Ratio.
You placed second, “No way,” you muttered under your breath in shock, this has never happened before. At least before Veritas transferred here.
“Something wrong?” Veritas asked, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. He looked pleased with himself.
“Just wondering who you are,” You turned, narrowing your eyes.
“Veritas Ratio,” he said smoothly, his smirk widening.
“Enjoy the view at the top while it lasts,” You scoffed.
“You will never beat my score,” Veritas declared confidently.
“Is that a challenge?” You raised an eyebrow.
“Yes, indeed,” Veritas said, pushing off the wall. “A little competition like this is rather interesting.”
With that, he turned and walked away, leaving you standing there, determined to win this competition and prove him wrong.
20th of March, 2014
The bulletin board became you and Veritas’s battlefield. Every test and quiz was a chance for you to outscore Veritas. You pushed yourself harder to reclaim your spot.
The next exam results were posted, and it was not what you were expecting.
You shared the same exact score as Veritas—98.
“Huh,” Veritas suddenly appeared beside you, staring at the board, amused. “Didn't think you had it in you.”
“Maybe you’re just slowly losing,” you crossed your arms.
“I don’t lose,” Veritas scoffed.
“Then maybe I’m just as good as you,” You smirked.
“Maybe you are,” Veritas turned his head to look at you and laughed.
You blinked. He had just acknowledged you, it was unsettling, but it felt very nice.
That afternoon, the both of you were at the library. You reached out to the shelfs to take a book about advanced calculus, but Veritas does too, your hands brushed.
“Well, since we’re evenly matched, why don’t we study together, it might not be the worst idea,” Veritas suggested and arched an eyebrow.
You hesitated. He was your rival, but right then and there, you decided, not anymore.
“Fine, but don’t expect me to go easy on you.” You said, gripping the book.
“Sure.” Veritas smirked.
A new friendship of two geniuses was formed.
10th of April, 2014
The last exam of the year. The air in the classroom was thick with tension and the sounds of pens scribbling on paper echoed through the room.
Your heart pounded as you did the final question, you glanced at Veritas from the corner of your eye, he looked completely calm, as always. How annoying.
When the exam ended, Veritas stood up and walked towards you.
“That was almost too easy,” he muttered.
“We’ll see about that when the scores are posted,” you rolled your eyes.
Three days later, the results were finally up.
You rushed there immediately, scanning through the rankings.
First place : Veritas Ratio
Second place : You
“Guess I won this round,” Veritas said from behind, as smug as ever.
“You beat me by one point,” you clenched your fists.
“Still a win.” Veritas shrugged.
“I’m taking that spot next semester,” you smirked.
“I look forward to that,” Veritas grinned, holding out his hand.
A handshake.
5th of May, 2014
The hall was alive with sparkling fairy lights and soft music, students dressed in suits and dresses. It’s supposed to be a fun night, but Veritas was determined to avoid it.
“I’m not going,” Veritas stated flatly, adjusting his tie.
“Come on, it’s just a dance. It won’t kill you,” you rolled your eyes, glancing at the lively dance floor.
“I don’t dance, never will,” Veritas said, shaking his head.
“You have to dance, it’s the spring dance, you can’t just stand there like a statue, it’s not that hard,” you insisted, taking a step closer.
“I told you, I don’t dance,” Veritas persisted.
“Too bad, because you're about to,” you said, grabbing his wrist before he can retreat any further.
Before Veritas could protest, you had already dragged him on the dance floor, ignoring his grumbled protests.
“I hate you,” he muttered.
“Wow, you’re actually gonna start dancing. A miracle has occurred,” you shot him a playful grin.
“I’m not enjoying this,” Veritas said, gritting his teeth, clearly doing it to avoid further argument.
“Just follow my lead,” you smirked, taking a deep breath before placing a hand on his shoulder.
Veritas looked completely out of place, he begrudgingly placed one of his hands on your waist and took your other hand in his.
The dances started slow and awkward, Veritas was stiff, clearly unfamiliar with the steps, but you guided him with ease.
“This is ridiculous,” he muttered, but you could feel his body, just slightly, start to relax.
You twirled beneath his arm.
“You’re doing it wrong,” you stated.
Veritas sighed but obliged, both of you started to move in sync.
“You know, you’re not that bad at this,” you remark.
“Don’t flatter me,” Veritas replied with a tint of softness in his voice.
When the song ended, Veritas didn’t let go, his fingers lingered, he didn’t look like he wanted to flee—he was smiling.
That made you smile as well, the thought of Veritas enjoying the dance.