Senseless [Golden Gemini]

"Yuki!"

Joe Shiro waved at Yuki with one hand, the other holding his project. The guard let him in for a short moment only, knowing who he was. They met just outside the building which Yuki ran in less than a minute. 

"Huff, t-thank you."

Sho laughed at him, gently patting his back. "Do you really have to run? Anyway, is this the right one?"

"Yes. I'll head back. See you later."

Sho waved at Yuki's running figure, slightly worried that Yuki might be the one to ruin his own project if he tripped. 

When Yuki arrived, his science teacher just came in. It was perfect. He presented his project briefly and the teacher commended him for the design. However, since the class is about to start, he told Yuki to put it on the table near the window.

Satisfied with how he placed it, Yuki went back to his chair and listened to another hour-long class. 

Unlike Mr. Froster, his science teacher is a lot more energetic. It's obvious he enjoyed teaching in this field. He always give students value scientific lessons and loves to host activities to make everyday more fun and engaging. 

Yuki was very absorbed with the class that he forgot someone has his gaze fixated on him. 

The science teacher clapped once, snapping the students out of their daze to the concluded session. 

"Now, I want you all to form a group of three to finish this project. You have two weeks and just like before, late submissions have deductions so deliver yours early. I'll leave the groupings to you, you can choose whoever you want. Just send me the list before lunch."

When the teacher left with Yuki holding his project, the class went rowdy. Of course, they are excited to team up with their friends, now planning in advance and even the trips they would make on the side. 

On the other hand, Yuki walked with his teacher, thinking of who he should pair up with. 

"How are you doing, Mr. Del Ferrer?"

"Oh, I'm good, teacher. Thanks for asking."

The science teacher is hitting retirement soon but his energy is that of a youth's. He's one of Yuki's favorite teacher since he never made Yuki feel tensed even once. 

"I was worried when I heard about what happened yesterday. I never thought Yuki would one day have a fight with his classmates. So, were you hurt anywhere?"

"Ah… yes."

Yuki looked at himself. The bandages and the bruises are gone as if they were only a part of his dream. 

The science teacher smiled at him and patted his back a bit. "Just focus on studying from now on, like you always do."

"Yes, teacher. I will."

Yuki contemplated on the things he heard from his teacher. He was right. I should focus on my studies. How many times has he almost lost it this week? Holy's death and Simon, yes, they're classmates but does he really have to let himself be affected with them? 

He has a goal and to achieve that, he needs to focus immensely at school. He can't afford to lose what he has been working so hard for all these years. He had to push back those hindrances on the farthest corners of his mind. The voice was right. When did he ever care? Not then, so why now? 

When he returned to the classroom, the class settled down a bit. They must have found their partners already. Yuki thought of how to find his own team, staring at his busy classmates. 

"I think Yuki's looking for someone to team up with him. Is someone still available? Oh, let me check."

While the class president is looking theough the submitted papers, Yuki looked around, waiting for someone to raise their hand or something. Everybody was silent, as if they're waiting who's the unlucky person would be. 

When suddenly, a hand firmly raised in the farthest part of the room. All eyes turned to look at the transferee, sitting languidly on his chair with a stoic expression. 

"Oh, yeah, it seems there's only one left considering our number. Who is…"

The school president's words trailed off thenair when he found Elle Ralez raising his hand. Then, he stood up from his chair, towering over the students either standing or in their chairs. 

Yuki watched as the transferee walked casually towards him, their gazes locked with each other. He looked up when the diatance finally closed between them. Once again, Yuki smelt the sweet scent coming from the new guy. 

"I've been waiting for you… Yuki."

Yuki frowned at him, ignoring the whispers buzzing their classroom. He must've mean he's waiting for Yuki to return to their room. Besides, does he really have to say that in front of everyone?

"Can we be partners, Yuki?"

Yuki's eyes involuntarily drifted on Elle Ralez's lips, as they made a sensual image, when they parted as they call Yuki's name. 

He cleared his throat and squinted his eyes at the new classmate. 

"Just don't hold me back."

A curve formed on the lips of the man's serious face. He's smirking but his eyes didn't move at all. He feels a bit different when they met yesterday. He was more shocked and confused then. 

"I won't."

"Alright! That's settled, then! Yuki, I need the list of your names so I can submit it."

Yuki nodded and was about to go to his desk when Elle Ralez handed a neatly folded paper, tucked lightly between his middle and index finger. 

"Our names." He said nonchalantly. 

"Oh!"

Both Yuki and the class president stared at him in surprise. 

'Does he even know my complete name?'

"Let me check—"

"Yukishima Hanz Del Ferrer, don't worry, I already know."

The class president nodded while checking the paper. "It's right. Wow, your handwriting's scary!"

Some students who still chose to listen chimed in with their laugh. Some even looked at that 'scary handwriting'. 

"That's cool!"

"Woah, is he a doctor?"

They said in awe. Yuki felt a tug of curiosity. He wanted to see what that looks like but he doesn't want to look too interested with this man. 

He pursed his lips to the man who's staring down at him then silently went back to his chair. Elle Ralez also went back to his desk, scribbling something on his notes. 

Yuki, remembering the project also began to create a timeline on his notes. At some point, he needed to write his new partner's name. That's when he realized that it was actually him who doesn't know how it is spelt. 

'Is it L Ralez'

'El Ralez?'

'Or Elle? Yeah, that sounds right. Elle Ralez."

Satisfied with his assumption, he scribbled Elle Ralez and closed his notes. The math teacher came for the last class in the morning and Yuki listened in closely. 

After class, students ran out of the classroom, reciting the menus they'd like to eat for lunch. Yuki listened, taking note of what he wanted for himself. 

He grabbed his bag and slung it to his shoulder, as he walked out on the crowded hallway. As usual, some students were staring at him as he passed by them, whispering something among themselves. 

Yuki's too hungry to care. Besides, rumors die down in days. Surely they will forget what happened with Simon and everything will go back to normal.

That's what he thought was the case but some of the female students squealed like mice, he realized something's wrong. And now that he look closely, they don't seem to be looking at him but something past above his head. 

Frowning, he stopped abruptly and turned around, making him face crash into something hard and fragrant. 

Yuki staggered on his feet but two large hands grabbed his arms, putting him in place. 

"Ow…" 

He scrunched his hurt nose and looked up only to see Elle Ralez. 

"What the hell?"

Yuki pulled himself out of his hold, glaring. 

"Since when have you been following me?"

Elle Ralez didn't say anything and just walked past him, brushing his arm on Yuki's chest. Yuki stepped back in surprise as he watched Elle Ralez disappear on the stairs. 

'He's strange.'

First, he said he's looking for a Yuki. Now he's staring the whole time and stays close. It's getting bothersome. At this rate, students will think they're acquainted. Not that he cares what they think. Yuki doesn't want to be close to anyone inside school. They give nothing but headaches. Besides, this man is strange. He make Yuki feel uncomfortable just by standing close. The last thing he want is to lose focus over this newcomer. 

If he wants to be friends, there's many students who would volunteer. The girls even look like they'd throw themselves at him. But if he's acting like this because he's looking for a Yuki, then Yukishima Hanz Del Ferrer has to do something. They can't be like this forever. 

Clutching his straps, he strode past the students with a determined look. He went to the cafeteria, where hungry students swarmed. He expertly veered through them, buying himself a simple meat dish and yogurt. 

After paying, he scanned the whole area. It didn't took him long to see who's he looking for. 

Elle Ralez's head stood out among the rest. He sat straight on a chair for two, eating with his back on Yuki. That gave the latter confident to walk towards him without wobbling on his feet. 

When he reached the table, Yuki stopped beside him. Elle Ralez immediately turned to look at him, their gazes locked in an eye level. 

"Yuki." The man called out in a bit of a surprised tone. 

"That's right. This seat, taken?"

Elle Ralez shook his head, motioning the chair. "Please."

'Now he sounds like a gentleman?'

Yuki scoffed and sat on the chair, placing his bag and tray on the table. Elle Ralez watched his movements in silence. He watched the pale-skinned boy wearing a neat uniform, a thread bracelet hung loosely on his wrist. 

He watched Yuki's neatly-combed light brown hair. Long and thin lashes that fluttered like feathers. Brown eyes that became clearer with brightness. His nose looks small and soft, like that of a kitten's. And his lips looks light, it's pale pink color turning red as it get bitten by Yuki's white and small teeth. 

Suddenly, two pale and thin fingers snapped in front of his face. Elle Ralez was taken aback from his musing. 

Yuki is looking at him with a mix of disgusted and angry expression. "Did you just openly check me out?"

Elle Ralez blinked twice and continued eating.

"Did I?"

"Yeah, you did… you psycho."

They both froze at that word. Yuki seemed to be surprised he said that while Elle Ralez took it as an exaggeration. 

'Did it look that way?'

"Sorry, that was uncalled for. It's just…"

He watched as Yuki started to squirm slightly on his own seat.

"Am I making you uncomfortable?" The question passed Elle Ralez's lips before he knew it. 

"Well, I'd be honest, you're making me uncomfortable."

"How so?" 

Strangely, Elle Ralez likes the sound of it. His presence affecting Yuki. Just like he planned it. 

Yuki bit his lip and leaned across the table with a very stern look. 

"Never mind how. I'm not here for that. I came to you to negotiate."

'Negotiate, huh.'

Elle Ralez's lips twitched at the side with the word. He dropped his own spoon and fork, casually leaning closely to Yuki. Their gazes were fixated on each other, unnecessarily so. 

"Let's hear it."