#i:thread

[myxdante]

after hours.

@myxcerise​

Nighttime arrived, and before he knew it, he’s already headed for the rooftop as per his usual agenda. One hand held a bag of canned drinks, finest made coffee from the neighbouring kingdom that was recently shipped to him, and he couldn’t wait to have the first taste of it with Cerise. He brought along shrimp snacks he bought from one of the cooking club majors, which he thought would pair well with the drink. He’ll see about that, and hoped she’d like it too. There’s also a box of steak cut up in tiny pieces so they can fill their bellies with something more fulfilling.

Thinking back, there were an awful lot of first times he’s reserved solely for the girl. The first time she stepped into his radar, she was at his usual spot on the very same rooftop he frequents to get some space alone. Dante didn’t know how to react or speak to her, so he just offered his presence - and stepped into her radar too.

From then on, they clicked. It started with learning names, then getting to know each other. He had an impression that she must’ve heard of him plenty, since he’s quite the talk of the faculties, but her reaction said otherwise. He had a feeling that she kept to herself, and it was new to him. It felt like they were similar in ways nobody else were. Opening up seemed easy, and promises were kept. Secrets were among things they promised not to tell anyone. Not that Dante’s the type anyway, he’s the last thing from being a chatterbox. But he liked that she could lean on him in times where she felt needed to.

What even is this feeling?

“Ah, you’re here.” She was already at their usual spot. There was something about the youthful beauty of hers that he couldn’t quite pinpoint where he’d seen. Perhaps, he hadn’t. She was something new. In fact, she was probably the first girl he really talked to and connected with. There was a faint flush on his cheeks when he approaches her and sits on the bench they share on the daily, putting his bag of food on his lap.

“Sorry to have kept you waiting, I went to shower first. Have you had dinner? I bought uh, some snacks. I haven’t tasted these yet actually, since I thought I should try it together with you.” 

[myxdante]

hit me with your best shot.

@myxdamien​

8.46PM, Friday.

Is this real? The pres voluntarily attending a Friday night party where people get themselves knocked over with booze and dance themselves to death, which is in fact a scene he used to say “not my thing and never will be”?

It couldn’t be true. No one believed their eyes when they saw Dante enter the room with his face faintly flushed in embarrassment as he makes his way through the crowd, avoiding eye contact as much as he could. By the looks of it, he’s obviously forced here - and by no other than Damien, who’s arm-in-arm with Dante as he gets dragged across the house. One would think: how the hell did the dude even convince him there? Persuasion techniques? By some magical force, presumably? Dante is very hard to persuade, if anything. Everyone knows that.

“I, uh, I don’t think I can make it. It’s my turn to feed the beasts in the evening. Plus. It’s kinda inconvenient to go partying when I have a quiz next week.” - was his made up excuse to slip away from Damien’s persistent grip through text. A nice attempt, however he already learnt his defeat knowing the male won’t let him off easily, hearing the knocks on his front door moments after he sent the text. And the next thing he knew, he was dressing up for this godforsaken party and balls deep into regret and dread. Why is Damien so adamant on making his socially awkward self to join a very public, very conversation-reliant gathering of all things again?

“Nobody should’ve told you I’m allergic to parties. If I find out who it was, I swear...” he muttered under his breath, eyes shifting around the place while a bunch of interested patrons look over at him, eyes glued on his appearance that night. Anyone would be impressed that a newcomer, the president of the school government nonetheless, would dress up like it’s his nth time at a club, gold chains and black blazer with sleeves rolled up, on his first time at a party. Disco themed, Doja Cat playing in the background. He’s really got Damien and some other partier friends to thank for raiding his wardrobe for this.

Three minutes in and as much as he thinks this doesn’t seem too bad, it was suffocating being surrounded by so many people at once. He wanted to go home. There’s nothing like the comfort of being home and not... being stared at by a bunch of people and peer pressured to get drunk. Oh, god, it’d get ugly if Dante gets drunk.

Really ugly.

[myxdante]

building bridges.

@myxzion​

Swish and flick. Un, deux, trois. One feet forward, arm stretched out. Like a routine, he repeats the words in his head, even when he’s far from being in the presence of a rapier and his sparring mates. It was only a day or two since he last held it in his hand, breathless and pumping with adrenaline in the middle of the grassy field. He remembers Zion’s warm smile, who encouraged him to make the move. And on a cue, their silver rapiers meet each other’s.

It was a slow day at uni. He doesn’t remember how the day started, but he remembered having to rush to Crisis Management class since he woke up later than usual. Ah, not a good look. He had to apologise thrice to the professor who excused him anyway since he’d never been late. But it felt like that wasn’t the end of the mess the day had in store for the poor young prince, starting with how every step he makes felt wrong. Just wrong. He’d bump onto someone, drop his books, trip on his own feet. It was weird. Something was obviously bothering him.

It was later during recess when he spots Zion again, sitting on one corner of the cafeteria eating his food alone. He doesn’t remember if the dude’s the type to be alone like him or usually has a lot of friends. He’s exceptionally good at everything, much like he is, and that, he’s aware. And it clicked that that’s all he knew about the other male. How come? They could have been spending more time together. As sparring partners, they both know so much about each other’s signature moves and strategies while fencing. They’d lifted up each other so much to the point that Dante felt like it’s incomplete to go on a week without a duel with the latter. Perhaps... he should make a move to change that about them for once.

“Hey,” he greeted, reaching out to tap his shoulder. He took a seat beside him and put his tray of food down, mustering a small smile at the other. “Can I sit down here and eat with you?”