@legendswithin's rakan chases the bird - girl throughout the school's hallways : Just a few months ago, his current position is one he never entertained: studying. In the library, no less. He's been feeling inspired lately, something about the way she excels, always honed sharp. It's a strange new feeling, as much as actually taking notes ( which is really helpful, by the way. ) It's strange because he doesn't know her, but she still... matters. A lot more than anyone he's ever met, in fact, and he can't decide why.
The two of them aren't exactly friends ; she's walled off and barbed as a briar, and their few interactions have left him feeling like a real nuisance. And still, he can't help himself, nor this ambiguous, burning desire to finally put in some effort. Fight for something, care about something.
He wants to understand this new song within his heart.
The gleam of her feathers catches in the corner of his vision, gliding between the curtiain of his dark hair. So she's in the library too, huh? He lets her move past, refusing to chase the sight of her, unlike in the first weeks at the academy. Instead, he continues to read his book, twice as determined.
𝐡𝐞 𝐢𝐬 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲𝐰𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞, 𝐚𝐥𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐯𝐢𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧, and the predatory birdlike eyes often squint / roll in annoyance whenever rakan is spotted. like an infuriating mosquito one cannot get rid of, following xayah like a stray pup with that somewhat lovesick expression. ugh. eugh. disgusting.
not only was rakan's attention span one of a goldfish, but he was also so utterly dumb — or so xayah thought judging by his grades alone. those were important to the bird - girl, actually ; despite the aloof nature and reputation of a delinquent, she poured her whole heart into schoolwork, hoping to one day push babylon's academy to not at all deserved greatness she herself strives to achieve.
and she refuses to be associated with & surrounded by failures.
leading by example, xayah spends lots of her time practicing and studying, library being her second home ( with training field being the first ), and yet again, rakan is there too ( but the bird - girl refuses to acknowledge him coming in there first, no ).
just as much as she refuses to admit he's on her mind, constantly. if confronted about it ( pffft, like anyone knows! ), she would deflect by saying that rakan's irritating & obnoxious. because he is! really. and he's seated in her favourite spot, and she cannot focus and, ugh, such a hassle.
with an aggressive slam, bird - girl puts her textbooks on the table, right next to rakan's ; sits down heavily, and instantly focuses her attention on her studies. but, it's somehow easier when he's right next to her, not talking, not staring, just... there. and he better be grateful she hasn't cut him to ribbons yet!
