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Since enrolling at Night Raven College, he's kept a low profile. Has his own group and spends his time pursuing his hobbies without bothering anyone.
It's the life anyone would enjoy, but Clavel sometimes longs to be part of the chaos. It's inevitable. He's an NRC student; who here isn't a troublemaker?
Although, being in Pomefiore, he has a reputation that allows him to maintain his regular position. Even if he has to stand out on the prefect's orders, manages to be average: not particularly handsome, not particularly glamorous. Just average. Enough to survive his strict leader.
—Hey! Back straight and forehead high. Don't drop the book.
—A..Ah...
Unfortunately, his juniors cannot enjoy that advantage.
—Clavel, pass me the other book.
—As you command, Your Majesty.
Clavel gives a small, elegant, and brief bow; it's not necessary, but likes to joke about the nickname Queen of Vil.
Before his prefect can become impatient, he straightens his back. His face is always neutral, expressionless; he doesn't think it's necessary to make any comment.
Approaches to give him the book. Try to control his movements to give Epel a clue as to how to balance his body.
However, he believes that will be difficult.
—Ugh... I'm starting to feel dizzy.
—Remonter le moral, Epel! You've improved considerably since your first attempts at etiquette. Will you back down now that you've made progress?
As Vil walks over to Epel to place another book on his head, Rook cheers him on enthusiastically from his seat. Although he appears to be merely observing, Clavel notices that his advice and praise increase Epel's stamina. Therefore, he is essential to his classes.
—At first the books fell as soon as you moved your head.
Vil's hands gracefully detach themselves from the book. His cold expression softens as recalls those stressful days and notices that Epel is now able to balance three books on his head.
—"The leader is very attentive to Epel."
Clavel hides his hands behind his back. Suppresses a smile. Although Vil remains strict, his eyes have been gentle the whole time. He doesn't say it openly, but cares a lot Epel.
Although the prefect shows it with scolding.
—Don't drag your feet and stop shaking your shoulders. The books will fall.
—That's easy to say...!
Clavel clenches his fists, suppressing the urge to help Epel.
Every time the books on his head wobbled or the freshman stumbled over his own feet. Felt his heart stop. He didn't think he could bear to hear another scolding from Vil.
It was definitely a difficult scene to witness.
—Bravo! Monsieur Pommette. It's admirable that you carried those books until the end. Although your steps have been unsteady, I'm sure you'll be able to walk with confidence in the near future.
—..Aaah, thanks, Rook senpai.
Euphoric applause echoes through the hall. Vil's withering glare softens. Clavel can finally breathe a sigh of relief from the tense atmosphere.
He's genuinely glad didn't catch the leader's attention and go through the same hell as that junior.
—Okay, it's time to...
—Ah! I have to meet with my co-worker for the project Crewel assigned us.
Epel composes himself as Clavel helps him remove the books from his head. His eyes hesitate to meet Vil's gaze, and his hand gently strokes his nervous arm.
He decides to pretend to put the books away to get away from the tension until they finish their argument.
—"He's still looking at me...?"
To summarize, today he offered to help Vil with the Epel label.
This is essential for his reputation, as Vil can notice his calm and efficient behavior. It will help Clavel avoid being pressured to stand out and instead be assigned tasks more suited to his personality.
At least he meets the requirement of maintaining his appearance and being hardworking; he can't be bothered about trivial matters.
—"I thought the vice leader was analyzing me as if I were perfect, but his gaze... it makes me very uneasy."
He doesn't know when Rook started watching him so closely, but he definitely seems to be trying to read his heart rate and movements.
Clavel's really trying hard not to falter, but doesn't think he can hold out much longer.
—I'll be here before eight! I'll wear the mask you recommended, but...!
—Okay. Anyway, you don't have to neglect your studies, right?
—"Thank God! I didn't think I'd last long"
Clavel smiled inwardly. He closed the drawer where the books were kept. Then he turned back to his companions.
The corners of Epel's mouth turn up carelessly; that genuine emotion adds to the feeling of enchantment. Of course, Vil isn't fooled and reminds him how to follow his movements without trembling again.
The scene reminds Clavel of a mother scolding her son. His own shoulders relax as looks at them with different eyes; he lowers his eyelids for a moment and suppresses a smile.
—"Uh-"
Suddenly, a shiver runs down his spine. Instinctively, he opens his eyes again and focuses his vision on the sub-prefect.
—"Why are you looking at me like that...?"
His own poker face almost broke with nerves. Rook remained in his seat, but now in a more relaxed position: his shoulders were low, his elbow rested on the armrest, his cheek lay calmly against his back of his hand and his legs were crossed.
Throughout that moment, his gaze remained fixed on him with a chilling calm.
Even though the vice leader smiled as always, his eyes seemed to pierce through his skin, searching for his true thoughts.
Clavel can't allow that. Not in front of him.
His heartbeat almost quickened, but the instant he felt a slight warmth in his cheeks, his features quickly relaxed. He felt embarrassed for having let his guard down.
—Clavel, please forgive me for this inconvenience. I wasted your time.
Once Epel had walked away to pack his things, Vil approached him, somewhat embarrassed by his junior's escape. Clavel's worry quickly fades and shook his head to him, offering a small smile, charming enough to ease his prefect's concern.
As strict as Vil is, when he feels he owes someone something, he's very lenient. So, Clavel wants to make his compliance clear.
—Don't worry, Prefect. Even though my contribution was brief, hearing your words encouraged me to improve my posture. I cannot let my queen down.
His hand goes to his chin, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of respect and mockery.
The tension in the leader seems to dissipate. He notices Vil's lips trembling, suppressing a laugh, but he only nods, offering an elegant smile.
—That's the spirit of Pomefiore, I'm relieved you understand.
Clavel nods, confident in his words. Once Vil allows him to leave, he bids farewell to his seniors and the junior, who is still trembling under Vil's watchful eye.
—"Poor young man, but suffering teaches a lesson"
Silently watches over that boy.
Clavel gathers his things and heads for the door. No longer feeling the weight of his attention, relaxes his expression and lets his heart race.
—"That was close..."
As he opens the door without making a sound, lets out a barely perceptible sigh. Not from tiredness. From excitement. The heat is already reaching his face.
—Monsieur calme, allow me to accompany you to your room.
—!
A gloved hand suddenly places his on the doorknob. Clavel is slow to react. He doesn't know when Rook got up from his seat and asked Vil for permission to leave.
—"Maybe I let my guard down too much?"
Caught off guard, Rook's closeness shatters Clavel's facade of tranquility, causing his face to flush and his breath to catch in surprise.
Rook's eyes narrow in interest and he plays with it to test his theory.
—Clavel? Your heartbeat suddenly increased. Does seeing me cheer you up?
Clavel's expression darkens, his shoulders tense as realizes he's been caught. Without hesitation, pulls his hand away when notices the vice leader is counting his heartbeat.
Rook lets out a soft chuckle, Clavel lowers his head further and advances with trembling steps.
Because of that response, Vil and Epel, who were about to talk about their next class, exchanged incredulous glances at the sub-leader's behavior towards the guy.
—..If you wish to do so, feel free to accompany me.
Finally, after moving a little away from Rook and begins to walk down the corridors, Clavel slowly manages to compose himself and hardens his expression so that he doesn't notice his feelings towards him.
Ignores the deputy leader's gaze. At the same time, he tries to keep his muscles relaxed, but his superior's observation is hard to ignore.
—It's curious that you want to accompany me, vice leader.
He gets distracted by the scenery outside the windows on his way to his room; somehow it helps him to dissociate and forget that he is, literally, close to his crush.
Yes... Rook, that weirdo, likes him. He deserves your worst insults.
—Please consider expressing my gratitude for your help. I feel a pang of regret that we've spent so little time together, which is why I sought the opportunity to accompany you to your room. Somehow, your presence fills me with joy.
With a few short steps, Rook closes the distance between them again, his smile unspoken. However, Clavel manages to steel himself enough to face him. He's determined not to repeat the mistake of revealing his true feelings for him.
—I've heard that the vice leader has a habit of observing something that catches his attention every day... Tell me that's not the case with me.
Their eyes briefly meet. Rook hides his expressions without being obvious, so Clavel forces himself to imitate him. If he won't let himself be exposed, he certainly won't.
—Oh! Excuse me, I thought I had been discreet about my feelings towards you, monsieur calme.
The hunter raises his hands in surprise, gently relaxes his shoulders and raises the corners of his mouth again, with that air of "sorry, but I'm invading your privacy".
Clavel's expression darkens as imagines what he must deduce when Rook was secretly watching him, and how he must maintain his composure in front of him; so that his secret is not revealed.
—"I can't let him know I'm in love with him..."
—I hope you don't mind my sudden attention to you; it has caught my attention quite a bit.
Rook's green eyes shine strangely for a moment, Clavel pretends not to notice while worrying about his expressions.
—If that's the case, I feel sorry for you, Vice Leader. I'm not attractive enough to warrant your attention. You should look at someone more attractive...
He tries hard to deflect his attention and run away from him. However, Rook wouldn't be Rook if he gave up so easily.
—Non, non. You have your own brilliance, monsieur calme. You're no less than other boys; you should be more aware of your qualities.
Rook raises his head and touches his forehead as if his words hurt him. Clavel takes advantage of the fact that he's not looking at him at that moment; his own cheeks flush and his feet tremble slightly with each step.
Rook is always so dramatic, yet it's impossible not to smile in awe of him.
—If that's the case, I apologize for my self-loathing. I will follow your words carefully to improve my self-perception.
As soon as the hunter shifts his gaze toward him, Clavel's expression returns to neutral, and successfully feigns humility.
Rook, seeing this reaction, smiles silently. It's not his usual smile, but a more sly one.
Clavel was puzzled for a few minutes, trying to decipher the message behind that gesture. However, his body almost froze when thought what...
—"Does he already know?"
Before his mind can process it, sees Pomefiore's vice-leader swiftly close the distance between them. Unlike before, when he was friendly, now seems very intrusive.
This raises Clavel's alarm, knows Rook reveals his intentions when he's serious.
—Vice leader...?
Just when there is barely any space between them, Clavel can't help but call him over to put a stop to it.
Luckily, he stops, but doesn't answer him. The hunter just closes his eyes and gives him that simple smile.
Because of the sudden change in their dinamic, Clavel feels like his facade is crumbling and his chest is heavy from trying to hold back his feelings.
Maintaining the lie is difficult.
—Rook?
—Haha, it's the first time you've called me that, isn't it?
He still carries that mysterious air about him, and Clavel racks his brain trying to figure out what that blond Frenchman is trying to do: is he testing him, or is he aware of his feelings for him?
Before he can be distracted by the scent of his cologne, Rook takes his chin in his hand, leaving him speechless and unable to process the meaning of that gesture.
—You're quite interesting, monsieur calme. You always strive to be relaxed, even when your surroundings are chaotic. I've always admired that quality of yours.
—..Ah... Thank you...?
Clavel's unease gradually faded upon hearing this. Perhaps Rook had only stopped him to give him an analysis; he often did that... Grasping his chin? He'd never seen him do anything like that with anyone before, but with this guy, anything was possible.
Therefore, with that thought, he again neutralizes his expression, assuming that he is dealing with the usual Rook.
—Of course, no matter how much you try to control your heart rate and your thoughts, your eyes don't lie, Clavel.
Rook's fingers caressed his skin in a delicate streak, just enough to send a shiver down his spine and tickle his skin.
Clavel knew he was screwed when heard him say his name. Cold sweat broke out on his back, and his eyes hesitated, unsure where to look.
—Did you know that when humans look at something they like, their pupils dilate?
—"Damn! That was the reason"
A cold sweat runs down his forehead.
—It's a lovely reaction of the human body; the most genuine expression of love is the language of the eyes...
Clavel's body begins to feel heavy, even though he tries to remain calm; being watched by the person he likes is quite a challenge.
—Don't you think so?
The vice-leader's hand resumed its grip on his chin, but this time firmly. Clavel could no longer flee; his body was immobile, and his feelings were becoming increasingly difficult to conceal.
As soon as he is forced to meet the hunter's green eyes, his entire being is exposed.
His heart was racing as if had held his breath for a long time, the tips of his fingers trembled as he didn't know how to proceed, his eyes began to water a little from shame and fear, and heat reached his face against his will.
His whole body betrays him and breaks down, fearing the worst.
—...
Rook's eyes widened in astonishment, and his smile faded. He remained motionless for a few moments. He knew, yes, but he hadn't expected that reaction either.
They both remained silent, observing each other. Clavel tried to discern acceptance or rejection in the hunter's gaze. Rook analyzed him, taking his time and reading his every move.
Unable to endure the torture, Clavel lowers his head. He's finished. Why does he like Rook? Even if it's strange, he's his superior.
Now he'll have an uncomfortable experience for the rest of his days until he graduates.
His mind raced with various scenarios and possibilities, but he was more than certain Rook'd reject him. Why would such an eccentric agree to go out with a random like him? The truth was, the two of them just weren't a good match...
—..Hahaha.
Clavel's discomfort increases when he hears him laugh. He raises his head slightly. However, he is surprised to read the air about him; it is relaxed again.
So, the vice president come to a peaceful conclusion.
—..Vice leader...?
—My apologies, Clavel. I was captivated by your charm... You shattered my perception of you, and now I'm even more intrigued by your personality. Would you mind if I kept an eye on you all day?
Rook lets out an enthusiastic laugh, now brighter as if he had found his new purpose.
Claver blinks for a few moments, confused. Didn't he know about his feelings...? If he said...
—"Wait- Better... Let's just stop worrying about everything."
Well, Rook is an enigmatic person; trying too hard to understand him will give him a headache.
It's best to let whatever happens, happen.
—"Even if he rejects me... Or there's a possibility he's interested in me, it's best to accept whatever occurs without flinching."
Anyway, he's in Pomefiore; can't allow a romantic affair to disrupt his schedule.
—"Yes... I should prioritize myself and stick to my tasks"
With that in mind, he lets out a long sigh and cools his mind again before heading towards the guy who makes him heart race.
—..If you doesn't do anything strange, I don't think I'll have any problems.
—Oh, non, non! I don't have those kinds of intentions with you, it's pure curiosity about your beauty.
Clavel smiles, somewhat amused, but resigns himself to a nod of understanding.
He's gone through so many emotions in such a short time; at this point, he believes nothing he will ask will be a surprise.
—Alright, sub-leader. I trust you... See you soon!
Seeing that his room is close, he separates from the hunter to go and rest.
Rook leans forward as he removes his hat in a bow; Claver is slightly surprised, but then lets out a small laugh.
Even though that guy is strange and hard to read, he's still the boy he likes. And that won't change anything. He's not going to fight his feelings; that's a fact.
All that remains is to wait and see what happens and take responsibility for whatever response that hunter gives.