Expectation

He absolutely refused to admit that he had any expectations, but Tom felt time was passing too slowly. The books that had once captivated him were now unreadable. Glancing at the date on the calendar, Tom sighed faintly. Still one more day... why couldn't it just pass faster?

During the Dark Arts Defense class the next afternoon, Merrythought cast a strange glance at the listless boy. He was puzzled that his usually well-behaved student was distracted today. "Ahem~ The Enemy Trap can form a magical shield... and hide the caster... Tom~ Do you have anything to add about this spell?"

With his earlobes flushing slightly, Tom knew the professor was reminding him. He quickly recalled the relevant information. "...The Enemy Trap can also prevent those outside the shield from seeing or hearing the protected person. If the spell is cast well, it can even block out scents..."

Professor Merrythought raised an eyebrow and nodded, signaling the young boy to sit down. As for extra credit, hmph, daring to be distracted in his class, not deducting points would be considered good enough~ "Very well, let's continue..."

Finally, class was over. Tom ignored the commotion from his followers behind him and returned directly to his dormitory, pulling out a piece of parchment to start writing his essay. He absolutely didn't want to worry about homework during the holiday. This was the first time he would be alone with the senior.

Thinking of this, Tom irritably threw his quill onto the desk. Why was he looking forward to it so much! Such an annoying fellow. "Hmph, I'm just not letting down the professor's expectations of me!"

Silently picking up his quill again, Tom rapidly wrote on the parchment, a pleased smile on his lips. Tomorrow was the appointed day, how wonderful~

Tom paced restlessly around the dormitory, muttering curses at the untrustworthy pure-blood noble. He had extended the invitation himself, and now they were a minute late! A full minute! Had the noble's etiquette been thrown to the wind!

Knock knock

The moment the knock sounded, Tom subconsciously cleared his mind and calmed his rapidly beating heart. He walked slowly to the door and opened it, pausing in surprise when he saw Abraxas.

A moon-white tuxedo embroidered with dark gold threads accentuated his tall, slender figure. His innate noble and elegant aura made it impossible to look away.

Abraxas's thick, long eyelashes fluttered. His amorous peach blossom eyes narrowed slightly, and with a smile, he reached out and flicked the forehead of the stunned boy. "Little Tom~ It seems you're quite pleased with my attire~"

Tom tightly pursed his lips, covering his forehead and taking a small step back. Although he didn't want to admit it, the person before him was indeed more intoxicating than any love potion. "Tsk, you white peacock... aren't we leaving?"

The two, one big and one small, arrived at the Astronomy Tower. Tom tilted his head, looking at Abraxas under the moonlight. The gentle expression that had never been seen by others, a look as divine as a deity...

For some reason, he felt a bit down. Tom withdrew his gaze, suddenly feeling a strong sense of self-loathing. Wearing his worn-out school robe, did he really have the right to stand beside Abraxas? Like a perfect painting marred by a drop of ink, had he defiled such a person?

"What's wrong, aren't you happy?" Abraxas turned his head to look at the person beside him, his eyes flashing with understanding. He chuckled softly and raised his hand to press down on Tom's drooping head. "We can't choose our origins, but we can choose who we become. I'm looking forward to your future..."