⊹ ࣪ ˖ 𓂃 Toa Qelsum x reader .ᐟ 1.7k WC
:: The reader is upset, and Toa notices, quietly bothered by it. Later, he seeks her out and gently comforts her in his own reserved way.
tw. possibly cringe fluff
The lamps in Toa's chambers burned low, casting soft blue light across the room. Bookshelves lined the walls, their spines arranged in perfect order. The air was quiet—the kind of stillness only Toa could create.
He sat at the small desk near the window, a stack of documents arranged with precise alignment, beside them, almost hidden, was a freshly restocked box of caramels—the result of his discreet trip the night before, cloak and all.
His pen moved steadily, but his thoughts weren't entirely on the contract before him.
Earlier that day, as he passed the lecture hall, he had caught a glimpse of you preparing for Guy's lecture.
Only a moment—yet enough.
You stood with Sherry and Rio, your posture slightly too tense. Your expression was dimmer than usual. You smiled when they spoke, but it did not reach your eyes.
They had noticed. That was much clear. And yet—Toa had continued walking. It had not been the right moment to approach.
Avari was not a place for missteps. Nor for interference—especially not his.
Acting without care would only draw attention to you. And that, above all, he would not allow.
Still, the image lingered—setting like a quiet weight behind his ribs.
Knight stepped inside, closing the door gently behind him. His usual brightness was softened by the room's quiet atmosphere, but it was still there — warm, steady, grounding.
"Master Toa, you look quite tired. Perhaps it would be best if you retired for the evening?"
Toa didn't look up. His pen moved with controlled precision.
"This contract will not improve through neglect."
Knight approached a few steps, stopping at a respectful distance.
"I understand… but even a brilliant mind requires rest. I've prepared a fresh pot of tea. It's a new blend I thought might help you relax."
Toa finally paused, exhaling quietly through his nose.
"…Another one of your experiments, Knight? I suppose I should be grateful it's not smoking this time."
Knight's eyes widened slightly, hands lifting in earnest defense.
"I promise I followed the instructions exactly! Please—just a few sips."
Toa set his pen down with deliberate care. He did not answer. He did not refuse, either.
Knight noticed immediately.
He stepped forward, placing the teapot and cup on the small table beside Toa's desk. Steam curled softly into the cool air.
Toa's gaze shifted briefly—first to the cup, then to Knight, who watched him with quiet optimism. That steady warmth that never pressed too far.
Unbidden, his thoughts returned to you.
He knew that habit—how your fingers tightened around your book when something weighed on your mind.
"Fine," Toa said at last, reaching for the cup. "Only a few."
The stillness of the room softened—if not faintly.
Toa closed the last folder and stood, slipping into his coat with more purpose than usual.
Knight quietly began clearing the tea set, wiping each piece with practiced care before arranging them neatly on the tray to be taken out later.
"Master Toa? You're heading out?"
"I have matters to attend to," Toa said.
Knight paused for a moment. "I wasn't informed of anything."
Toa adjusted the collar of his coat, expression steady. Knight watched him for a moment, picking up on the shift in his demeanor—subtle, controlled, but unmistakable to someone who had been at his side for years.
"If you need me to come with you—"
"That won't be necessary," Toa said.
Knight nodded once, accepting the answer.
"I'll keep things running smoothly, Master Toa."
Toa gave a brief nod and stepped into the hall.
Toa moved through the academy halls with a steady, purposeful stride.
The evening lectures were in their final minutes, and the building had settled into that familiar end-of-the-day quiet.
He followed the route towards the lecture hall and took up a position near the doors, composed and unobtrusive as he waited.
And then, a familiar, annoying voice drifted through the corridor.
"Well, well, that's interesting."
Fenn leaned up against the wall near the lecture hall doors. glancing toward Toa with casual interest. "You're not usually the type to stand around like this."
Toa didn't turn. "I'm occupied."
Fenn let out a small hum, almost amused, his gaze briefly flicking toward the doors before settling back on Toa.
"Mm..waiting on treasure, huh?"
The comment was light, almost careless—more a tease than a question. something he threw out to see what would happen.
Silence followed. Toa didn't react. Not even a glance.
Fenn stared at him a moment longer, then exhaled a quiet laugh under his breath,
He pushed off the wall with an easy shrug. "No fun..alright."
And just like that, he walked away.
Time finally came, and the lecture hall spilled out in small clusters. Sherry was the first familiar face he saw, walking beside you with her usual smile.
Rio trailed just behind, chatting about something that made both you and Sherry laugh.
You looked…better. Lighter. Your expression was brighter than it had been earlier, your posture more relaxed as you listened to Sherry.
And for some reason he couldn't immediately name, that ease in your shoulders made something in him tighten inside.
What had unsettled you earlier…and how was it gone now?
You spotted him almost instantly. Your smile shifted, warm and a little surprised.
"Have a good rest of your day, guys! I'll see you tomorrow!"
"See you!" Sherry replied with one of her bright smiles.
Rio waved as well, still smiling as you left them behind.
You walked straight towards Toa, crossing the short distance without hesitation.
"Toa!" You greeted, voice soft but genuinely pleased. "I didn't expect to see you here so soon." When you reached him, he gave a small nod—an invitation to walk, and you fell into step beside him as he turned down the corridor.
For a while, it was only comfortable silence as you walked together. His stride was calm and measured, but you could feel his attention on you even when he wasn't looking directly at you. Then he spoke.
"…You seemed upset earlier."
You glanced up. "Earlier?"
"When I passed the lecture hall before Avari's lecture began. You were with Rio and Sherry. You didn't look like yourself."
"Oh—Toa, no, it wasn't anything serious!"
"It wasn't Avari, was it?"
You shook your head quickly. "No, definitely not."
You continued down the corridor together, your steps naturally falling into sync.
As you turned the next corner, the warm glow of the S rank lounge came into view—low voices and Fenn's damn chuckle drifting into the hall.
Leaning near the entrance, three familiar figures stood, two in conversation, one annoyed as always.
Fenn noticed first. His gaze flickered from Toa to you and then lit with immediate interest.
"Well, well.." he drawled, pushing himself upright. "Now that's a sight, Toa and treasure!"
Guy's eyes followed, sharp and observant as always, though his expression remained composed. Roy, beside him, offered his usual composed smile.
"Hey," Roy greeted, easy and warm. "How are you guys?"
You smiled, returning it naturally, "Hi, Roy! We're doing well."
Fenn's grin widened, clearly enjoying himself now, but then again, when does he not?
"Ooh…I was right…so this is what you were waiting for. Treasure, huh?" The word lingered—playful but pointed.
Toa didn't break stride. "If you have nothing of value to say, don't speak." His tone was even, dismissive—but controlled.
Fenn let out yet another chuckle. Clearly unfazed.
Roy glanced between you and Toa, while Guy remained silent—his gaze lingering just a fraction longer than Toa liked. Toa's hand shifted—just slightly—at your back. Not enough to draw attention, just enough to guide.
"Come, we are off," he said. And, without another glance, he led you past them. The noise of the lounge faded behind you as the corridor quieted once more.
While walking, you two entered idle chatter, like about how Rio somehow almost fell off his chair trying to get ready for when class ended, and how you and Sherry were giggling over it after making sure he was alright.
By the time you finished speaking, you had reached his chambers. The walk ended as he stopped in front of the door. Only once it closed behind you did the atmosphere shift—quiet, deepening into something more enclosed, more personal.
Toa turned fully toward you then, giving you his complete attention. That's when you saw it—the worry he had been keeping to himself.
"What happened that made you so upset earlier?" he asked. Not demanding, steady.
You exhaled, your cheeks slightly reddening from embarrassment, remembering. "I…failed an exam you helped me study for. I felt like I wasted your time. And I didn't eat breakfast, so I was starving. I overslept, forgot my books, and had to run all the way back to my dorm on an empty stomach. Sherry and Rio were really worried, but Rio luckily saved a snack from the refectory and gave it to me. Once I ate it, I felt a lot better."
Toa was silent, processing everything.
"And," you added more softly. "I didn't really get to talk to you as much as I wanted today, partially out of guilt for the failing exam and the fact that everything was rushed because I overslept."
That was what finally eased him. His shoulders loosened. The tension in his jaw faded as he let out a quiet breath, followed by a small smile.
He turned away, crossing the room with that same steady, deliberate stride. At his desk, he opened a drawer and took out a small wrapped caramel—then another. He set one down and held the other out to you.
"For now," he said. You took it smiling.
He watched for a moment to make sure you actually accepted it before speaking again.
"You shouldn't be skipping meals," he said quietly.
"If your mornings are that rushed, I'll make sure you have enough time to eat, no matter what. The exam is no big deal; we'll work on what you struggled with." Softness settled into his expression, a sweet moment—a quiet, private moment, warm in its simplicity, made all the more special because it was shared with Toa.
A/N — Sorry if this is out of character! Did my best with the Toa Wikipedia page and already known knowledge.
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