As Leo stepped out of the dormitory hall, the crisp air of the afternoon greeted him, carrying the sound of rustling leaves and distant laughter from other students. It was then that his gaze fell upon a girl sitting alone on a bench in the garden. She had striking black hair that cascaded like an inky waterfall, and her dark eyes seemed to absorb the light around them, giving her a mysterious, almost void-like appearance. There was an undeniable charm to her features—more cute than classically beautiful—that drew Leo closer.
With a casual but curious stride, he approached her with a steady resolve that betrayed none of his thoughts. The garden was alive with blooming flowers and vibrant greenery, yet it felt as if the air around her had taken on a different quality, emphasizing her solitary presence.
"Hello," Leo greeted her, his face exhibiting the same emotionless expression he wore often, a face that was Forged by the void.
"Whaa---ahh, hi!" she exclaimed, her surprise evident as she looked up at him. Recognition flickered in her eyes as she processed the sight of him; after all, he was Rank 1, the top student who effortlessly grasped attention wherever he went.
"What does your esteemed Rank 1 need from me?" the girl asked, her voice tinged with tension as she studied the way he stood there, a beacon of confidence against the backdrop of her quiet solitude.
"Nothing, but I was wondering why you're sitting here all alone," he replied, his tone flat, as if he were analyzing a puzzle rather than engaging in small talk. Yet in his mind, he couldn't shake the thought that this girl was entirely captivating, her features resembling the very essence of the void she seemed to embody.
"Ah, well, I'm just enjoying the view," she said, diverting her gaze to the intricacies of the garden. Leo observed her closely, knowing full well that she was not being entirely truthful.
"Is someone bullying you?" he asked bluntly, his voice remaining devoid of emotion but his face just looks so good.
"Oh no, not at all!" she responded hastily, her eyes widening.
"Are you sure?" he probed, letting a small smile flicker across his lips. Although his expression was still largely impassive, the slight upturn of his mouth somehow rendered her defenses vulnerable.
"Well..." She hesitated, glancing away as tears threatened to spill from her eyes. "You see, I… I'm low-ranking, so our dormitories are shared. The other girls... they hate me," she confessed, her voice trembling as she recounted the prejudice she felt.
"Why would they do that?" Leo inquired, puzzled by their cruelty.
"Because they say my hair and eyes look scary," she admitted softly, her voice catching in her throat.
"But they're beautiful," Leo countered genuinely, finally allowing a smidgen of warmth to reach his face.
"Ehh—ahhh," she stammered, her cheeks turning a deep shade of pink, overwhelmed by the compliment. Internally, she thought, 'Wow, his smile is brighter than the sun itself!'
"So, would you want to live with me?" he asked, reverting back to his placid demeanor.
"Eh?" she replied, astonished and momentarily unable to process the question.
"I can't do that," she said, shaking her head as if to dismiss the idea.
"Why not?" Leo pressed, curious about her sudden reluctance.
"Uh, well… because…" Her voice trailed off.
"Because you think it's against the rules?" he suggested.
"Yes," she replied hesitantly.
"Don't worry. I'm Rank 1; I have some privileges. Besides, my dormitory occupies an entire floor," he reassured her, still maintaining his stoic expression.
"But why would you want to help me? We're practically strangers," she said, the confusion evident on her face mingled with a thread of hope.
"I don't know," he said, speaking in that same calm tone, "but I find your void-like eyes and hair really attractive." With that, he let a hint of warmth seep into his features, something she had never seen before.
"Hahhhh!!!" she gasped, utterly taken aback. "Wait, wait! You like me, but you don't even know me!" Flustered, she felt a mixture of embarrassment and delight at his confession.
"I'm Leo Victor Raven. What about you?" he offered, ready to connect further.
"Um, this is a little strange, but we share the same last name," she said in disbelief. "My name is Lia Raven."
"So Lia, what do you think of my offer?" he asked coolly, punctuating his question with an earnest sincerity, "And just so you know, I'm serious when I say I'm attracted to you."
"Eh, but I'm not even that pretty," she mumbled, her blush deepening.
"But you're cute," Leo insisted, his voice low and alluring, a combination that could make anyone's heart race considering the reputational weight of their academy.
Lia stood there, completely speechless, her face a brilliant shade of red, akin to a ripe tomato, with imaginary steam practically billowing from her head.
"Leo, can I call you that?" she finally managed to ask.
"Yes," he confirmed, his demeanor still composed.
"Um, Leo, are you really sure? I'm just ordinary, weak, and I'm also an orphan. What good would it do you to have me as your girlfriend?" she said, her tone tinged with sadness, trying to mask the determination not to be a burden on him.
In an unexpected turn, Leo reached out, gently grasping her arm as he leaned in close, whispering softly in her ear, "Because you're cute."
Lia froze, her heart racing uncontrollably at his touch, her whole being igniting with warmth as her face blazed crimson. Her thoughts spiraled in confusion and excitement.
"And you know, Lia," he continued, "it's been a long time since I felt my emotions so vividly. Even when I try to show them, they seem to elude me. But ever since we started talking, I've felt this warmth that's been missing for a while." He wrapped his arms around her in a gentle embrace, something so intimate and unexpected that it made her heart flutter.
"So, will you be my girlfriend?" he asked, his voice sincere and hopeful.
"Um, um…" she nodded, unable to form a coherent response. The thrill of the moment swept her away; she was completely enchanted by Leo, a sunshine amidst her stormy thoughts, and all she wanted now was to be his.
"Okay then! Let's grab your things from your dormitory. I'll speak with the headmistress, so just wait here for a moment," he said, gesturing for her to sit back down on the bench.
"Yes," she replied, still wearing that bright blush, watching him with wide eyes, her heart racing at the thought of what lay ahead.