How to Misread Moods 101

Eli didn't mean to see it, but didn't regret finding it either.

Since tea parties are now banned in the library, like how it should've been all along, the ash-haired girl ventured out on a quest to find a good replacement. She's just strolling around when her feet brought her to a garden that led to a sports ground. Yet, out of all the many fields in this academy, she really had to wound up in here specifically.

What greeted her, aside from the resplendent view of a plethora of flora, was a scene she could only find in a storybook. A romantic one, that is.

"Oh, my..."

She's surprised to see Noah talking so comfortably with a girl – a gorgeous blonde to boot. That air of friendliness and those imaginary sparkles and roses around the two were indisputably compelling, perhaps to the point she came up with an impression that they're dating. Eyeing them closely, they truly look like lovebirds with how close they are sitting from each other and those amiable smiles. That deep fondness lingering in Noah's lilac irises as well as that affectionate expression were straight giveaways.

Little did she know that he was just thinking about his childhood friend at that moment.

"Vice President, may I ask for something?" Cosette questioned, making his train of thoughts halt.

"On behalf of the Gardening Club, I'd like to ask the Student Council for their permission to hold a flower exhibition. It's our monthly celebration for a bountiful harvest, and we'd like to invite the parents this time," she explained, peering at him expectantly.

Noah mulled over this, thinking that he couldn't give a final answer by himself. Unable to come up with a decision, he just promised her that he'd bring this up to the President later, much to her delight. Upon seeing her beaming expression, he discerned that this upperclassman was a bit different from the others. For one, she didn't go all goggle-eyed on him after meeting him for the first time. Most girls would react oddly whenever they talked to him, which he thought didn't really make sense.

Little did he know that they're just too wonder-stricken to be graced by his transcendent presence.

A few more minutes of soothing quietness passed by before the bell finally rang, announcing the start of afternoon classes. With that, the two finally bid farewells and parted ways.

Noah headed to his classroom, mind floating in outer space. He always tended to daydream whenever he's bored or simply uninterested. Though unashamed to be seen distracted and preoccupied, the people around him seemed to always find him entrancingly elfin. That's why he's once again unknowingly gathering attention from the other students as he strode through the halls.

Right after Noah entered the seventh grade's classroom, their adviser came with the face of someone bearing a big news.

"Everyone, settle down. Before your next class begins, I have an announcement to make," Ms. Ivy started, grabbing the students' attention.

Ms. Ivy sported a well-toned figure, with her silky purple hair tied into low pigtails and blue-green irises. Along with her youthful-looking physique is her lavish taste in fashion. She wears a handful of accessories, ranging from exquisite necklaces to dainty earrings, and clothes of a well-known brand. Overall, the way she carries herself is similar to that of a noble woman.

"You have a new classmate who was supposed to be introduced this morning. You may come in," she continued before turning to the door.

That's when a brown-haired boy with ocean blue pupils stepped in, carrying the air of a significant figure. All eyes were on him when he stood at the front and began his greetings.

"A pleasure to meet everyone. My name is Ezekiel Canaan. I hope we get along well."

Hushed chatters ensued all over the room. Some were quietly examining him from head to toe while others were whispering to one another, recalling that mysterious student who was dashing through the hallway like a maniac during Club Recruitment Day. Noah, on the other hand, looked like he caught sight of a very annoying bug, eyes obscurely being hooded with distaste as he stared at the young heir.

"If I may add, Mr. Canaan is the Chairman's son," Ms. Ivy suddenly chimed in.

A racket then erupted amidst the sprawling murmurs.

All those who suspected him as the crazed runner that day instantly zipped their mouths. Some of the girls let out small squeals of astonishment. At that moment, everyone in the class eyed him with respect and marvel, except for a certain blonde who remained stone-faced. Zeke, on the other hand, silently recoiled in dismay as his new classmates began to put him in some kind of a pedestal. He doesn't really enjoy such prejudiced reactions.

"And when I thought I could just keep that a secret..." the young heir thought, deflated.

Noah seemed to notice his sudden change in demeanour. For the Chairman's successor, he was mustering a dispirited look unsuitable for his image. He then suddenly remembered a certain someone in him for some reason.

Ms. Ivy let Zeke go to his appointed seat and ordered everybody to settle down. The two finally came face to face when the transfer student was about to sit on a chair across from him. For a moment, their worlds stilled as they exchanged thunderstruck looks.

Without them noticing, they've become seatmates.

"Why are you here?" Zeke asked without thinking, making his eyebrow twitch in annoyance.

"Hmm~ I don't really know..." Noah retorted with a mocking grin, miffing him in return.

"You're that guy at the library last time, right?"

"Unfortunately, yes. Nice to see you again, Mister."

Zeke was confused as to why Noah was acting all friendly despite spouting words that clearly irritate him. The way he beamed like an innocent child while spewing out gibberish made him look dangerously deceitful. With these thoughts in mind, he just continued poring over his bewildering guise before recalling something all of the sudden.

"Hey, you're a Champion, right?" he inquired in a low tone to which Noah only smiled at in reply.

It seemed like he's not willing to disclose it himself, though he's already aware that he knew. As their teacher for that period arrived, they just decided to leave the matter at hand and proceeded to focus in class.