Zeke stayed in the infirmary for his entire break, undisturbed. Half an hour before his next class started, he left the infirmary to return to his classroom. Even though he could've stayed for a while longer, something urged him to go.
Maybe it was what was left of his pride that made him go, just to make sure no one gets the idea that he feared Franz, or to show that he couldn't care less about what anyone thought of him. He calmly walked on the academy floors, steady steps resounding in the hallway he was in.
The infirmary was close to Class 1-D's classroom, so it didn't take him as long as a few minutes before he arrived. However, something unusual made him slow down his steps, feeling puzzled. The classroom was quiet, and usually, anyone who would pass by would hear it buzzing with noise.
Zeke narrowed his eyes. The only time the class was quiet was when there was a professor present. But this early? Andrei already explained to him their weekly schedule, something he was grateful for. After Combat class was Art class, and he was certain that there was still time before Art class begun.
'Did it already start? There's still half an hour before class…'
Zeke thought solemnly. It was possible that Andrei had left out some key details about Art class. He was more inclined to believe this since when Andrei had warned him against Franz, the guy was more worried than him, who was the actual target.
He brushed his thought aside, wanting to confirm it for himself. He stopped in front of the door of Class 1-D and twisted the doorknob, realizing it was already open. He paused, then pushed the door slightly and saw that the whole classroom was empty, except for one seat.
"… It's you."
Zeke was a little startled, staring at the person beside his seat. The man sat quietly with his head rested against his palm, looking beyond the window with an expression of resignation. His shoulder-length black hair ran down on his back, falling gracefully on his shoulders.
Andrei Raven, the first person to extend kindness to him in this crimson hell. Thoughts ran down Zeke's mind, but suddenly found that his mouth was shut, and his throat blocked the words he was about to say.
Before he could speak, Andrei turned his gaze around, noticing that the door creaked opened. When he saw that it was Zeke, he couldn't resist a smile on his face. "You're here early. I thought it would take you a while… but nevermind. The whole class is waiting in the art room. It just crossed my mind earlier that I forgot to remind you that we take our Art class in the art room."
Zeke nodded slightly but showed no signs of moving. He looked at Andrei quietly, seemingly hesitant to speak. It wasn't obvious since his face was masked with indifference, but Andrei could tell there was something in his mind.
After a moment of thinking, Zeke asked with a quiet voice.
"… Why are you helping me?"
Even though he was merely sixteen years of age, he wasn't stupid. Why would someone help him for no reason? It was one thing if it was a girl, then he could reason that they liked him for his appearance, but it was a guy like Andrei. Was he gay? This thought crossed his mind, and he couldn't help but frown slightly.
Maybe his thoughts showed on his face, but Andrei immediately denied. "... I'm definitely not that kind of person! Not the type you're thinking of, at least! Besides, should there really be a reason to help someone in need?"
Zeke was startled, then his frown deepened. Should there really be a reason… what kind of insane question was that? He glanced at Andrei and spoke in a dissatisfied tone. "Are you pitying me, Andrei?"
When he had said this, Zeke didn't think he'd feel a trace of anger. He wasn't used to people pitying him, especially from people he barely even knew. In response, Andrei showed a helpless smile. "That's not it… well, but you're right that there's a reason. I just want to be friends with you."
Zeke brows creased even tighter. He looked like he wanted to say something, but he couldn't gather the wordst. But if there was any indication of his thoughts, his eyes showed that he didn't believe it in the slightest.
"Are you kidding me?"
"What? No!" Andrei immediately shook his head. He sighed, then mused. "Is it so hard to understand? But if you're looking for a reason why I want to make friends with you, let's just say I have a certain reputation around here. Something happened in the past before you came here, and that made others cautious around me."
Now Zeke can finally believed his words. Saying there was no reason was the same thing as treating him like a fool. He stared at Andrei, waiting for him to continue. What kind of reputation was it that stopped others?
Andrei saw Zeke's expression and explained. "I'm not really trying to hide it but… long story short, I lost a match against someone else in a humiliating manner, so people distanced themselves from me. In that regard, we're pretty similar, no?"
'Similar…'
Zeke thought, then shook his head.
He didn't know much of what Andrei was saying was true, but at least he was certain of one thing: Andrei wasn't as simple as he tried to present himself. If Andrei were similar to him, then their classmates wouldn't show any apprehension when talking to Andrei. This was something he had observed in class.
In the end, Zeke only gave a glance at Andrei before leaving, causing the latter to be startled.
"We're not similar in the slightest. But thank you. I appreciate it."
Andrei was stunned, then saw that he had already left. He quickly stood up and chased after him.
"Wait for me!"
Zeke ignored him, walking even faster. Now that he knew Andrei's reason, his heart can finally relax. If Andrei helped him because of something as meager as "friendship", then he'll accept it.
Then again, what were friendships even? This question lingered on Zeke's mind throughout the whole school day.