Chapter Text
The sunlight of dusk spills into the empty classroom. With piles of work, stacked on lumine’s desk. Finally, the weariness caught up to her. Oh, the burden of being part of the student council. Unable to think anymore, her head slumps onto the table.
“uuuugh…” her groan muffles into her arm while simultaneously looking back up at the clock groggily.
6.50 pm.
With how late she's been getting back recently, it's no surprise that it had already reached this point. What did surprise her was that a certain somebody had been waiting for her. Heizou.
His hand, calloused yet careful hand ruffles through her hair.
“It's been awhile my dear partner. Why haven't you gone home yet? school’s about to close, you know?” his sweet velvet voice jolts her awake, enough for her to be fully aware of her surroundings.
It should be obvious what she was up to, considering the dark circles underneath her eyes were telltale signs of hard work. Maybe he just wanted to take a jab at her. Just like he always does.
“I still have tons of work to do. You out of all people should know that, president.”
The scowl on her face certainly doesn't get any prettier, –to him. Obviously.
“Besides, shouldn't you be hard at work too? I barely see you touch even the slightest of documents.”
He tilts his head, leveling himself to look at the features of her face. His eyes squint a little– just take in the weariness of her eyes.
“That's because I've already finished. I'm not very good at procrastinating.”
Reluctantly, he drags the closest chair next to him before plopping himself directly in front of her.
She shoots up, sitting up from her position.
“What do you think you're doing?”
“Isn't it obvious? This is for your sake and mine. In other words, I'm helping you get home early.”
Her eyes glint in suspicion. Why in the world would he be willing to help her?
“Out with it. What is it that you want?”
Irritated, she still reluctantly accepted his help nonetheless. It was nice basking in his company anyway–not that she'll admit that out loud.
“Nothing. Unless, you want me to.”
His hand jot across the paper, already focusing on the documents at hand.
Almost immediately, she sighs out of reassurance, before suddenly raising her eyebrows in suspicion. Something felt uncanny, yet.
“I owe you for last time, anyway. Plus, I hate owing favours– just so as long as it isn't anything weird or unreasonable.”
“Maybe something like lunch?” the blonde added.
He releases the pen out of his own clutches, drumming his fingers against the desk, fully mulling it over. His features shift into something more serious, as if pensive about his decision. As if he hadn't already made up his mind.
“Nah. I think… I want something more. It's nothing too serious, I promise”
His eyes shift up, the kind of way where it makes her stomach churn in apprehension, doubtful whether his intentions were benevolent…. –or not.
He straightens himself, his lips tugging into a smirk.
“Camp. It's next week.”
She nods along, slowly, noting that suspicious undertone lying underneath those sweet, velvet words.
“...yes… and what about it?”
“I'm assigning you as my partner, and tentmate –that is.. if you agree with it. I won't force you into things you don't like.”
He huffs into a smile. Charming as ever. Oh how does he always flawlessly win over her in an instant? He doesn't even look remotely shy from saying these things.
Now she's left in more confusion than ever. Not that she ever minded being his partner–, it's …odd, and totally out of character for him to ask her such a thing, considering they were “semi” friends.
“huh... yeah sure. okay.” she accepts,
He can't help but gawk at her immediate agreement, dumbfounded at the fact that she didn't even think it through.
Typical Lumine. Not thinking things through before actually regretting it once she doesn't feel committed enough.
“.. but.. why me?? I thought you'd rather be with anyone else.” she mumbles, the admission coming out quieter than it should.
“You're capable.” He grins through his teeth, his dimples follow.
Maybe it was the exhaustion. Or the fact that she feels indebted to him. He's always the first one to catch her before she falls, anyway. He is just a “semi” friend, isn't he? Oh, the irony.
With that, Lumine and Heizou made quick work of their final reports and finished way before the estimated deadline. Excitedly, she jumps out her seat, cheering out of celebration, the whole pile of unfinished work reduced to neatly completed stacks.
“Oh, geez, Heizou, I can't thank you enough. Seriously, if you ever need anything, I promised I'll do it to the best of my ability.” Her grin was infectious, beaming with joy.
An unreadable expression appears on his face, before shifting into a smile. Weird, but not unusual. You never know whatever’s happening in that genius head of his. Not that she wanted to know either. He nods humbly for a proud man. His lips twitch into that classic smile he's always had.
“... see you, Lumine.” He says before turning on his heel and walking out the classroom. However–, a gentle tug on his sleeve was enough to get him to turn around again.
“.. Ah.. Heizou. Sorry. I wanted to….”
Words get stuck in her throat. Her appearance appears to be a little paler than it should. Maybe it was because she was suffocating a little from holding her breath for a little too long when he got a little too close. Why does he even have that effect on her anyway?? He shouldn't.
“.. Nevermind. See you.” a sigh escapes her lips, disappointment from not being able to ask even a simple question.
“heeey.. cmon.. don't be like that. Now I'm curious.” He chuckles, his moles under his eyes follow.
She shook her head, her hands flying to her mouth, refusing to speak.
“..no worries–, I'm going to figure it out sooner or later.”
“bye.”
Without turning his back, he speaks,
“You owe me.”
You don't even have to look at his expression to know his face is full of that smug face. How annoying.