Chapter 4

August's glasses slid over his nose as he noticed that he had been staring at the floor for a long time.

Using his finger to fix them over, he looked ahead at the professor. Today's topic was really uninteresting. Well, each and every day was like this anyway. He already completed all these a long time ago so it's only natural that he'll not be much interested. Life for him was like watching a boring black and white documentary, the one whose plot you already know by heart.

Time flew by rather quickly.

He packed his bag and headed over to the next lecture. August had to admit he was a little excited for this one. His lack of interest in his own lectures was part of the reason he was so adamant to take this course as all the matter in his own major has been long researched and memorized by him. Every day was predictable and unsurprising. Smile politely, talk nicely and be perfect.

Since he became like this, almost nothing surprised him. There was once a time when he used to have his own preferences and interests, but that was long ago. From a young age, he tried hard to be the 'perfect' person everyone liked so he won't be abandoned or scorned ever again. He became so immersed in acting the way others wanted that he can't even remember the real him anymore. He became so immersed into it that he can't even remember himself anymore.

To achieve this 'perfection', he lost himself. But it's alright because he's good now. He's useful now and if he continues to be so, everyone won't leave like before. The day he decided to walk on this road, August Castellan died. All that was left was a hollow shell which knew how to follow instructions perfectly. Still, if asked to choose again, he'll still make the same choice because being alone hurts much more than pretending something you're not.

"Can I sit here?"

A sweet but masculine voice floated over. A little surprised, August looked up to see who the speaker was. This was the first time he'd been asked such a question. Since he often came off as cold, people instinctively avoided him.

The person standing there was the one who caused that ruckus in the hallway earlier. If he remembers correctly his name was...Ah, Edward!

Receiving no reply made the younger man a little embarrassed. "Ah, I guess that was impolite of me. After all we don't really know each other and I just came out of blue-"

Noticing his awkward expression, August said quickly, "No, no. I was just lost in thought. Yes, this seat is free."

His face lit up when August gave his permission. His eyes were bright, mouth curled into a soft smile of pure happiness. Seeing his quick change in mood, August wondered, 'Could something as simple as a seat really make someone so happy?'

Since the teacher was quite far away and probably wouldn't notice them, Edward introduced himself, "My name is Edward. Even though senior August might not know me, I've heard a lot about you!"

"I really, really like you!" He said with heartfelt admiration. All that was left were ears and he might actually look like a devoted puppy. August could almost see them popping over his head.

"Senior has good grades, perfect discipline and behavior. I idolize you so much!"

When he noticed August's somewhat awkward expression at being praised, he apologized, "Ah, sorry, am I being too much? We've only just met after all. But I really, really admire senior from the depth of my heart!"

Even though he was muscular, when speaking like that, August thought he looked...cute. He couldn't help but chuckle as he glanced at his loyal and admire filled gaze.

Seeing him laugh, Edward thought that August didn't believe him. "Why is senior laughing? Don't you believe me?" He insisted, "I'm telling you, my words are completely sincere…"

Like a sad child, he shrank back in seat. Head drooping, he sadly traced circles on the desk, thinking that August didn't believe him.

Amused at his sudden mood swing, August chuckled again. The teacher and the lesson was long forgotten. He had found something more interesting now, anyway.

Not able to see him sad for any longer, he ruffled Edward's hair and said reassuringly, "No no, I believe you. It's just, you looked cute so I laughed a little."

Edward didn't reply and just looked down. August wondered if it was too insensitive to call a guy cute. After all, that's a compliment mostly girls would enjoy.

Realizing his mistake, August apologized, "I...Um, sorry for calling you cute. I didn't know you wouldn't like it."

Edward felt like vomiting. Just how low can this guy sink? Lowering his head, he hid his disgusted expression from leaking out. Him acting all kind while hiding that kind of personality underneath only made Edward hate him more. He'll be sure to rip this exterior apart and show the world how much of a monster this seemingly pure man was.

He still needed to act, ah. After all, he had to put him through the same thing he did to his brother. This man, August, drove him to a corner and forced him to take such a step. Of course, Edward will do the same to him.

But for that, he needed to act right now. He can't afford to mess up.

"Who said I didn't like it? Senior is so good to me, of course I like it very much! I'll like anything as long as it's from senior!"

August couldn't help but smile at such a lovely junior. Although they were only 2 years apart at most, he still felt like he was talking to an innocent and cheerful child rather than someone his age. It felt…nice, somehow.

They sat in silence for a while. August was about to say something when he noticed Edward staring intently at the teacher, taking notes.

Well, whatever. He also refocused his attention on the professor. Leisurely taking out his notebook, he scribbled down the things that caught his attention in the lecture.

Chewing his pen thoughtfully, he couldn't help but wonder how someone could be so friendly to a stranger.

Edward was like a gust of wind, a splash of color in his otherwise calm and colorless world. Even if they only talked once, August couldn't help but wish more. He couldn't help but want to know this person more, more than anyone ever did. He knew he didn't deserve it, but he selfishly wish for it regardless.

Edward was the first one to catch his eye, making him curious in such a long time. Up until now, life had been predictable, Edward being the only glitch he found. He couldn't have anticipated someone to be so straightforward, so cheerful.

-And he wanted more.