➜ ZOGRATIS SIBLINGS AS TYPICAL COLLEGE STUDENTS WHO HAVE A CRUSH ON YOU
I gave up on Dante’s part oops sorry.. anyways, this was really cute and fun to write <3
WARNINGS: SFW + GENDER NEUTRAL READER + MODERN AU + HEADCANONS
CHARACTERS: Dante Zogratis + Vanica Zogratis + Zenon Zogratis + Lucius Zogratis (only mentioned)
Out of all his siblings, you'd never have expected him to have a crush on you. Zenon stands as the least popular among his siblings—well, he's still popular, but just a notch below the rest, you know? This is largely due to his tendency to avoid interactions with others. Overall, Zenon remains the same, even as a typical college student—quiet, intimidating, and stoic. He often gives off the impression that he'd rather be anywhere else, and at times, it seems like he simply hates everyone around him.
You, however, are the exception to Zenon's usual demeanor. Despite his typical aloofness, you hold a special place in his gaze. Always seated at the back of the class where he can remain unseen, Zenon steals glances at you discreetly, ensuring no one catches on to his actions. Even if you were to sit beside him instead of somewhere at the front of the class, he'd still manage to steal glances at you without anyone, including yourself, noticing. Zenon's ability to remain covert in his admiration for you is uncanny—he may even attend class solely because you're there.
Zenon's gentlemanly demeanor is reserved exclusively for you. Whether it's holding doors open for you, carrying your belongings, or coming to your defense, he goes above and beyond to ensure your comfort and safety. However, there's a quirk to his chivalry—oftentimes, he'll open the door for you and let it slam shut on the person behind you, ignoring the glares and comments that follow. In Zenon's eyes, your well-being outweighs any inconvenience to others.
The only ones who ever catch onto Zenon's crush on you are his siblings, with Lucius being the first to notice. Dante and Vanica catch on a bit later. Once the whole group is aware, the teasing becomes endless and is followed almost everywhere by none other than Vanica and Dante themselves. Lucius joins in with some teasing but acts more as Zenon's hypeman. Whenever the three are present while you and Zenon are together, Zenon notices Dante and Vanica exchanging smirks and mischievous glances, which makes him want to roll his eyes at their nosiness. He suggests that you both go elsewhere, not wanting to alarm you by mentioning his siblings watchful eyes. As he leaves the area with you, he spots Lucius in the crowd, wearing a smug smirk, clearly being nosey too, adding to Zenon's frustration.
Zenon's way of expressing his interest is through subtle gestures that might go unnoticed unless you're paying very close attention. If you happen to get glasses, squint, and observe his actions with keen eyes, you might start to piece together his crush on you. However, on the surface, you might just think he's being nice and considers you a close friend. Some of these subtle gestures include leaving helpful notes to assist you with studying, leaving thoughtful bookmarks in your locker or textbooks, and bringing up topics he knows you're passionate about.
ﾟ｡ ₍ ꙳⸌ ♡ CONFESSION TIME ♡⸍ ꙳ ₎ ｡ﾟ
It's a serene afternoon, the gentle sunlight filtering through the library windows as you gather your things. The study session with Zenon has come to an end, and as you glance at him briefly, you notice that he seems lost in thought.
"Are you okay?" you ask, breaking the quietude.
Zenon snaps out of his reverie, his gaze meeting yours. If you just squinted just a bit, you would’ve notice how his normally stoic eyes seem to soften at the sight of you.
"I'm okay," he responds, his voice calm but perhaps carrying a hint of something more beneath the surface. You give Zenon a small nod, trusting that he's being truthful about being okay.
Just as you're about to slide your textbook into your backpack, Zenon's voice pierces through the tranquil atmosphere. "I have something to tell you."
Zenon's gaze locks onto yours, the intensity in his eyes palpable as he holds a strong and unwavering eye contact. There's no doubt now—whatever he has to say is significant. The room feels charged with an intensity you can't quite put into words. It's as if the air has shifted, and you can feel a nervous energy creeping up your spine. Something important is about to happen, and the anticipation leaves you on edge, your heart beating a little faster in your chest.
“I’m listening,” you say hesitantly.
Zenon inhales deeply, closing his eyes for a brief moment as he gathers his thoughts, steeling himself for what he's about to say. Despite the rapid thud of his heart against his chest, he's determined to be straightforward and direct. With a steadying breath, he opens his eyes, meeting yours with unwavering resolve.
"I like you," he declares, his voice steady and confident. Each word is enunciated with deliberate care, ensuring that you hear him loud and clear. In this moment, there's no room for ambiguity or hesitation—Zenon is making his feelings known with absolute clarity.
As Zenon's confession hangs in the air, it's now your turn to speak. Your heart races in your chest, the moment feeling almost surreal. It's just the two of you in the library, the sunlight filtering through the windows at a perfect angle, casting a warm glow around you both. It's a scene straight out of a cheesy romance movie, and yet, here you are, faced with a real-life confession. Now it's your turn to respond, and the gravity of the decision weighs heavily on your mind.
Will you accept the confession of a stoic heart that's clearly deeply in love with you? Or will you play the role of the oblivious friend?
Vanica holds second place for the most popular Zogratis sibling. Wherever she goes, she becomes the vibrant center of attention, known for her enthusiastic nature and fearless personality. Despite her picky and selective demeanor when it comes to choosing friends, she's always surrounded by a circle of admirers and companions. So if this lively girl has a crush on you, it must mean you’re reeeaaalll special.
With Vanica, it's like being under a constant spotlight, her gaze fixed on you like you're the most precious gem in existence—a gem that she deserves to be the guardian of. You could be going about your day, engrossed in your work, when you suddenly feel the weight of someone's stare. You turn your head and see Vanica's eyes locked on you with an intensity that's almost unnerving. If anyone calls her out on her staring, she'll respond with a fierce scowl and a sharp retort, firmly asserting that it's none of their business.
Vanica shares some similarities with Zenon in the gentlemanly department—or should I say gentlewomanly? However, there's a twist to her approach. Instead of personally assisting you with tasks like carrying your belongings, holding doors, or helping you study, she leaves these duties to her friends, treating them almost like her personal assistants. For instance, if you need help carrying your heavy backpack, she'll eagerly snatch it away from you and assign one of her friends to carry it. If you mention needing to study, she'll dismiss the idea entirely—no need to study when she and her friends can just help you cheat! And if your hands are full and you can't open a door, fear not—Vanica will simply command another one of her friends to open it for you. Yes, she can be bossy with her friends, but it’s all in the name of ensuring your comfort and convenience.
Vanica would absolutely love it if you met her siblings—all three of them! So, don't be too surprised if you're just chilling in the field, minding your own business, and suddenly Vanica enthusiastically shows up with Lucius, Dante, and Zenon in tow to introduce you to them. Lucius maintains an amused but calm expression throughout the encounter, always polite and composed. Dante, on the other hand, wears a mysterious smirk that hints at hidden knowledge, but he remains friendly toward you. Meanwhile, Zenon appears utterly bored, his demeanor dry and uninterested. It's natural to feel a bit intimidated in their presence, but rest assured—Vanica will make sure her brothers play nice with you!
It doesn't take a keen eye for anyone to notice Vanica's unmistakable obsession with you—everyone knows, including yourself. She goes to great lengths to keep tabs on you, often sending a couple of her friends to discreetly stalk you during lectures. They'll message her updates and send photos of what you're doing, with Dante possibly being in on this as well. In the end, there's no denying it—everyone is well aware of Vanica's infatuation with you.
ﾟ｡ ₍ ꙳⸌ ♡ CONFESSION TIME ♡⸍ ꙳ ₎ ｡ﾟ
Alone in the dimly lit hallway, frustration mounts as the vending machine stubbornly refuses to dispense the water bottle you desperately need after a long day of classes. You scowl at the machine, wondering why this inconvenience seems to happen to you of all people.
The thought crosses your mind that you've heard more people die from vending machines than from sharks—was it true? Well, you're about to find out. Steeling yourself, you prepare to give the machine a good kick, risking life and limb for that elusive water bottle you crave. Just as you're about to deliver the kick, a sudden voice startles you from behind, causing you to jump.
"Having trouble there, sweetheart?" The voice is unmistakably Vanica's, laced with amusement and a hint of mischief.
Whipping around, you come face-to-face with Vanica, standing there with a playful smirk, her eyes glinting with amusement at your startled expression.
"Vanica!" you exclaim, your heart still racing from the unexpected encounter. "What are you doing here?"
She chuckles, stepping closer with a twinkle in her eyes. "I’ve been here, cutie. Here, let me help you." Without waiting for your response, she confidently presses a few buttons on the vending machine. And just like that, almost as if she was the chosen one, the vending machine miraculously springs back to life. The sound of the bottle dropping into the dispenser echoes in the hallway as Vanica retrieves it for you.
With a teasing smile, she holds the water bottle out towards you, a playful glint in her eyes. But just as you reach out to take it, she swiftly pulls it back with a mischievous grin on her face, her playful demeanor evident. It seems Vanica has other plans in mind, enjoying the moment of suspense as she holds the water bottle just out of your reach.
"Ah, ah, ah," she taunts, her voice laced with amusement. "What’s the magic word, darling?” she teases, wiggling the water bottle enticingly. "Or perhaps," she adds, leaning in closer, "there's another way you can convince me to give you what you want." Her gaze holds a challenge.
You narrow your eyes at her, both in suspicion and annoyance. Whatever she had in mind, it sounded sketchy. A part of you knew where she was going with this, but you could never be too sure. Especially with someone as unpredictable as her.
You sigh, placing a hand on your hip and tilting your head at her, “well, what is it?”
Closing the distance between you, Vanica leans in even closer, her presence practically enveloping you. If she wasn't close enough before, she's certainly close enough now.
"Be mine," she says, her voice carrying a mix of affection and intensity. You can feel a small blush creeping onto your cheeks, the proximity of her deep red eyes gazing into yours both lovingly and intensely. In that moment, it almost feels like she's not asking you to be hers, but rather declaring that you already belong to her.
It's decision time, and the choice is yours.
Do you deny both the chance to experience the chaotic yet exhilarating journey of being in a relationship with Vanica and the simple pleasure of quenching your thirst with the water bottle? Or do you open your heart to her, allowing her into your life while also satisfying your immediate need for refreshment?
As the charismatic and charming type, Dante is the epitome of popularity. He effortlessly navigates through various social circles, known for his charm, confidence, and even leadership roles in student organizations. Every girl wants him, and every guy wants to emulate his charisma and charm. This means he's never really had to chase after women—instead, they chase after him. Once he senses they've fallen hard, he confidently makes his move, to which they eagerly accept. However, the reality is often different—his approach ends up being more of a game, leaving them played and disappointed. So, for him to genuinely have a crush on someone is a literal shocker.
Despite the numerous admirers vying for his attention, Dante's eyes remain solely fixed on you whenever you're in the same vicinity. Whether you're in the lecture hall or the campus cafe, his gaze is unwavering, intense, yet oddly inviting. Amidst the chatter and laughter of those around you, it's as if you're the only two people in the room. Sometimes, just to mess with you, Dante winks at you from afar, even if other people are around, causing you to blush. The man truly has no shame.
A true gentleman through and through, Dante embodies chivalry in its finest form. He'll hold doors open for you with a polite smile, offer to carry your books without a second thought, and always be attentive to your needs.
In Dante’s world, where he’s used to being the one pursued, his interest in you speaks volumes about the depth of his feelings.
ﾟ｡ ₍ ꙳⸌ ♡ CONFESSION TIME ♡⸍ ꙳ ₎ ｡ﾟ
As you organize your locker, a nagging sensation of being watched persists, causing you to glance over your shoulder multiple times, feeling a bit paranoid. Shaking off the unease, you focus on arranging your belongings until a subtle clearing of the throat catches your attention from the left. Startled, you realize that your open locker had been obstructing your view, concealing someone who had been waiting patiently behind it. With a quick closing of the locker door, you come face to face with the one and only—Dante!
"Oh, hey—" you begin, but before you can finish your sentence, a bouquet of roses is suddenly shoved in your face, catching you completely off guard.
The vibrant colors and sweet fragrance momentarily stun you, causing everything to click into place. Suddenly, it all makes sense—the feeling of being watched while organizing your locker, the eyes seemingly locked on you. As you gaze at the roses, it dawns on you that they must be the reason for the attention. Everything seems to fall into place, like pieces of a puzzle coming together, and you find yourself understanding why all eyes were on you earlier. You hesitantly take the roses.
"I hope you find the roses to your liking," he begins, his voice smooth as silk. "They pale in comparison to your beauty, but I couldn't resist the opportunity to express my admiration for you." He meets your gaze with unwavering sincerity, a faint smile playing on his lips. "If you'd allow me, I would be honored to accompany you to dinner this evening, where I can properly convey the depth of my feelings.” His tone had a hint of seductiveness to it.
Dante's confession leaves you utterly speechless, the bouquet of roses still in your hands as the weight of his words sinks in. In the midst of processing his unexpected declaration, you fail to notice the gathering crowd that has formed around you and Dante. He's put you on the spot, and all eyes are on the two of you. Although he was simply confessing his feelings to you, it felt like a life-or-death situation. You had no option, really—he wasn’t giving you one. You’re the first one he’s bothering to actually chase for, there’s no way he’s letting you go—so what other way than to corner you in a crowd of people? You’re the first one he’s bothering to actually chase for, there’s no way he’s letting you go—so what other way than to corner you in a crowd of people? Trust, it’s in your best interest to accept his feelings for you.
Either you reciprocate his feelings or you destroy your life by declining them.
