Chapter Text
The first time you laid eyes on him they were drawn to the porcelain mask that laid on his face. Although the face is typically the first thing someone’s eyes land on, you felt like you did something wrong. He was clearly hiding his face, as not only did he wear the delicate mask, but he wore his hood up. You didn’t wish to offend him in any way, so you politely asked if you could sit next to him as that was the only seat left.
That was the start of your relationship with Abyss Razor, a high ranked Magia Lupus from the Lang dormitory. He was quiet and intimidating, and the fact that you couldn’t see his reactions or expressions only made you feel more timid in his presence. Yet even though he looked to be domineering, and a part of a notorious cult-like group that boasted of their superiority, he had been nothing but kind to you. For group projects he let you lead, chiming in politely when you almost did something wrong.
His tall imposing figure had turned into a comforting presence. He never judged you for your flaws and he seemed genuinely interested when you found yourself speaking of your interests. You had found yourself falling for your mysterious deskmate despite all odds. You didn’t mind the mask he wore, nor that you ended up filling most of the silence between you two…although sometimes you wished he’d speak more about himself. You couldn’t help that your endearment for Abyss had caused you to want to learn more about him as a person.
And then the unexpected happened. One day, Abyss had showed up to class without his mask. You tried your hardest not to stare, but you were flabbergasted that he had been hiding the most handsome face you had ever laid eyes on. From his long light blue hair tied up in a high ponytail all the way to the jagged marks that lined his cheeks. He was truly beautiful, and you found yourself suddenly questioning your relations to him. It was only recently that you had pondered to finally admit your feelings, but that suddenly seemed to be a lost cause.
You looked down at the table, unable to shake off your sudden feeling of inadequacy. Like usual, he took his seat next to you, taking out the needed materials for the course. You couldn’t stop yourself from taking a glance at him from the corner of your eye. He looked so graceful as his eyes followed his every move. Oh those eyes. You knew the tale of the devil who imbued his evil into only whom could be deemed evil. The mark of the evil eye was only a fable you had thought, but how could one of the sweetest men you had ever met be evil? He kept to himself, never wanting to impose. He’d help whenever he could, never wanting to be useless. You felt your heart break as you finally realized why others kept a distance from him.
You frowned, wondering how you could be so oblivious about someone you cared so deeply for. You had prided yourself for being observant of his traits, of recognizing his feelings without needing to see his face, only to be the most oblivious.
“I-I understand i-if you want to stop being friendly t-towords me,” Abyss stuttered, breaking you out of your reverie. Your eyebrows furrowed as you frowned. You finally faced him fully, taking in his downcast gaze, his eyes refused to meet yours, and his head stayed bowed. You once again felt your heart break. Did he really think so little of you? Did he take you for someone so superficial? You had shown him never ending understanding, did he really think you’d just stop because of his powers? Did he really only think of your love as pity?
“Why would I do that?” You asked, eyes locked on him with determination.
He glanced at you before quickly correcting himself and kept his eyes down, “...I have a curse, and I don’t want to burden you.” You blinked blankly at his idiocracy. Curse? How could the man who lit your heart aflame be a curse or a burden? You longed for his company, for his attention, couldn’t he feel your admiration? Had you really hidden your feelings that well?
“You’re not a burden,” You huffed, trying to keep your frustration in check. He had clearly been hurt, and you didn’t want to add to it. “And I don’t think of it as a curse.” Before he could rebuttal your claims, the teacher had waved everyone’s attention to the front.
It was rare for you to see Abyss outside of class. Although Magia Lupus had disbanded for an unknown reason, your worlds still seemed to be vastly distant. His smooth voice called your name, you looked up from the book you were currently reading. As hard as you tried not to, your gaze lingered on his left eye, memorizing the intricate detail that it held. But you knew it was a sore spot for him, so you tried to dial back your reverence.
His face was solemn, his eyes meeting your own for the first time, “There have only been a few people who have looked over my abilities. Fewer have actually let me stay by their side. It seems that your kindness is greater than I thought, and for that I thank you.”
You weren’t sure what to feel. Your heart fluttered at the unadulterated gratitude that showed in his eyes, yet it felt crushed by how terribly others have treated him. An overwhelming feeling consumed you, a feeling of wanting to shower him in all the affection and love he needed and more. This feeling shocked you, as you’ve never felt so strongly towards another before, and it somewhat scared you.
“Abyss,” You mumbled, restraining yourself from jumping at him to engulf him in a hug. He looked anxious, cheeks reddening slightly as he glanced away. You stood up, unable to hold back your affections. Giving in to your own desires selfishly, you indeed engulfed him in a hug. You squeezed him lightly, hoping your feelings got across to the beautifully sad man you held.
His body tensed under your touch, and you went to pull away, not wanting to make him uncomfortable, but his arms wrapped around you before you could move. His touch was gentle as he unsurely held you back. The two of you stood like that for a good while, taking in the comfort the other brought. When you finally pulled away, Abyss couldn’t meet your eyes, this time out of fluster. His cheeks were painted a deep red as he fumbled with his hands. A bright smile shown across your face at the display. Once again, you were astounded how the world could turn such a sweetheart away.
A boost of confidence overtook you at Abyss’ bashful display, “I really like you, and nothing will change that.”
That seemed to be the finishing move as he passed out.