Chapter One: I'll See You Later.
Characters: Rain, Ifrit, Dewdrop, Aether
Tags: Highschool AU, enemies to friends to lovers, hurt/comfort, bullying, rumors, coming out of the closet, misgendering, transgender Rain, slice of life, more tba
16 year old Rain ("Riley") is a closeted transgender male, who's in the orchestra class as a violinist. It's his whole world. He loves music, and wants to pursue it as a career despite his mother's distaste for it. The target of brutal rumors, which he elects to ignore and keeps to himself besides his one friend Dewdrop.
Where on the other end of the spectrum is Ifrit. Rowdy, football and wrestling star, 17 year old ole' boy Ifrit. He's rambunctious, popular, outgoing, everything Rain isn't.
One day, their paths cross and since then it's been a rivalry. But, what happens when that rivalry turns to admiration and a secret relationship is built?
"Meet me at the radio tower."
Summer breeze laid softly upon the world at this time of year, the ground dry yet so green at the same time. Even as hurried footsteps from the parking lot ran through the grass, it didn't seem to bother it. Navigating through the entrance gate, going through the attendance office with a look of disappointment yet familiarity.
“Sorry!” Is all that's shouted back.
The same footsteps echoed throughout the hall before back into a corridor, music sounding peaceful that was quickly interrupted by the door opening. Eyes moved over as the intruder quickly went to their designated spot and opened a similar case. A Scott Cao violin. She was a beauty, indeed she was… A model STV-750E as a Gibson copy.
Hands pressed against her strings and another with the bow yet before the first string could be played, a voice interrupted and hands brought down to silence the room.
“Well,” The director began. “This is strike number 3, Ms. Lubina.”
Riley looked up shamefully, ears burning as he put down their violin. “I'm sorry, Mr. Cardinal! I swear, I didn't mean to forget I just-”
“Please, save the excuses. You're not a very bright model for being first chair.”
More shame rose through him, slinking back into his chair and holding his violin tighter. A few snickers from his classmates could be heard and then a very prominent; “Shut it, Eleanor!”
“Dewdrop!” Mr. Cardinal shouted back.
The director rubbed his face before sighing, bringing his hands back up. Riley followed, foot tapping with the metronome that restarted, fingers going back into place as he rested his instrument against his shoulder. He waited for the timpani roll before jumping in, remembering their current piece already into Tchaikovsky. It's Tchaikovsky of all people. He can manage this just fine.