All his life, Lui had seen people suffering. He had seen people die in battlefields, spears sticking out from their bodies, blood pouring out from deep wounds that teared away the flesh showing the white bones inside. He had seen the horrors of humanity but didn't care. It was war, that's how life is, he always thought, putting another soldier at ease in a battlefield, assuring them that they did a good job, that they are a hero. But this was different. There are many battles, he knew. People battle with their own demons, people battle with their own hearts, their ideas, their insecurities. All this time, he didn't care. He always focused on his loved ones, and himself, the desire to move forward through life's setback. What changed? Seeing Shu shatter like a porcelain doll in front of him pierced his heart. Maybe, it was because in these past few weeks Shu had changed him. Maybe, it wasn't he who changed, maybe it was the place Shu took in his heart changed. He watched in horror as the albino struggled to breath, shuddering in his own hold. Lui had nothing else to do, rather than stare at him and hope everything will be okay. He hated feeling so helpless. He hated to see the colour leaving Shu's body. He hated to see the pain in his crimson eyes.

Shu clutched into Lui's robs trying to focus on something else rather than the pain burning across his chest. His bloody coughs stained his light blue cloth with an ugly red. He could feel the white tyrant's hands, wrapped around him in a tight grasp. His violet eyes, staring at him helplessly. The metallic taste inside his mouth made him cringe. It was all blurry. His world was flooding with nothing more than pain, endless, torturing pain.

"Prince Shu" Mitsuba said, running to them with another person trailing closely behind her. The person wore a dark rob completed with a hood. The only thing revealed from the cloth was their pale frail hands and Lui instantly concluded them to be a woman, a healer. There were several ranks for healers. The lowest ranks didn't cover themselves with excessive clothing. They were allowed to walk along anyone like normal people, like Mitsuba. But the senior ones, with higher ranks and more power wore robes, covering their whole bodies. The colour determined their ranks. Blue for the first ranked ones. Dark Green for the second ranked ones, White for the third ranked and Black for the fourth. Mitsuba knelt beside them and advised the other, who were gathered around to back down and give them space. "Prince Lui" She said firmly, looking at him, "He's having a high fever, you can feel it right?"

Lui nodded wordlessly. He could feel the skin of his friend, damped with sweat and burning against his own cold skin. His eyes were barely open, a look of daze covering the once bright crimson. "Can you cool him down? You get what I'm saying right?"

Lui nodded, slipping his hand through his robs. He placed his hand on his bare chest, his skin almost burning his flesh. He calmly started to raise his power, cooling his burning skin, trying to give Shu at least some relief. Mitsuba fussed through her herbs for a few minutes, Lui could see the trembling hands of the female, it was too much for her and Lui knew that she just might be inexperienced to handle such a fatal situation. Shu whimpered, his coughing stopped. A thin strip of blood leaked from the corner of his mouth. His skin was growing paler each second, and if not for his unsteady heartbeat Lui wouldn't know he was breathing. The black robed woman placed a hand on Mitsuba's shoulder and gave her a nod. Mitsuba backed away, her shoulders slumping down in a relieved manner. "If he takes my healing now" She spoke, her voice was smooth and silky. It was an effect Healers had on people. They could heal them, just by their voice. She didn't need to finish her sentence, Lui knew. Once a person gets healed by a Black ranked healer, not any other healing magic would work in them for another month.

"Do it" He said, his voice urgent and impatient. They were losing him, it was only a matter of time when.

The woman moved gracefully and plucked Shu from his arms easily. Lui pushed away and watched as she placed his head on her lap, pressing her thumbs on his temples. She looked over to Lui, her face darkened by the thick material of the cloth but Lui could make out the Sapphire glint, shining against the dark hollow face . "Hold his hand, this process is painful" He didn't question because he knew that too. He had felt the pain of healing. He had used this healing magic before. He wondered how many times Shu had gone through that same process, this same fresh pain as if someone was tearing his limbs off, as if someone was ripping his skin off his body. He held onto Shu's sweaty hand. He watched as the magic began. Shu was already in pain, and for a moment he wondered whether the pain Shu was currently feeling can be worsened with the healing magic. The woman bowed her head and applied the power. A small dark coloured energy aura danced around her fingertips. Here it comes, Lui thought when he felt Shu's grip tightened. His slender fingers digging against his own. The wound he got on his palms by holding the sword squeezing against Lui's flesh and Lui didn't have to look to realize the stickiness and dampness was blood.

His eyes were closed just as he screamed to his teeth. Fresh beads of tears running along his pale skin. Lui ran a hand through his milky white locks, damped with sweat and tangled together after the fight. Despite the pain Shu seemed to be going through, his breathing became more stable. Out of the corner of his eyes he spotted the tear stricken face of Valt. Everyone looked equally concerned about the male, but what he hated most was the pity they had in their eyes. Shu did not need any of their pity because he himself is far more stronger than half of the people there. The woman finally stepped away from Shu's limp body. Her head still bowed as she nodded at the headmaster muttering something under her breath. "Okay everyone. Go ahead and rest. Prince Valt" He talked looking at the concerned brunette. Lui finally looked up to see the people around. Natsu and the black panther crew and alongside an injured Valt who haven't even bandaged his wounds. "You can go and take care of your wounds. Prince Shu will be fine"

"But" Valt said in a protesting tone when Lui spoke up.

"Don't worry about him. Just look at yourself, do you think this blockhead will appreciate you standing there with him without taking care of yourself?"

Valt opened his mouth to speak, but seemed to decide against it as he closed his mouth again. With a simple nod he let Honcho guide him to the medical rooms. "What now?" Lui asked, turning to look at the headmaster as he knelt beside the albino, checking his pulse and temperature.

"He just needs some rest." He concluded, looking at the battered body. Lui nodded as he slipped one of his hands under Shu's knees and the other under his back. He picked up his body rather easily realizing even if he said the male was light as a feather it wouldn't be an exaggeration. Is he seriously having malnutrition or something?

"I'll take him to the medical room"

The headmaster crossed his arms with a small smile. "Have you found the answer to your trust issues Prince Lui? You said you'd never care for anyone other than family"

Lui raised his brow, "I'm not caring about him, I'm making sure he won't die before we have a match. Don't flatter yourself old man"

Natsu drew in his breath comically beside them. "The respect"

Headmaster shook his head with a dry laugh and waved them off. "Go on"

Lui huffed as he ignored all the stares of his peers and the rest of the audience. He walked toward the first medical room and stopped by the door, listening to the chaotic whispers coming from inside. He shook his head and walked toward the second one to find it completely empty. The four beds standing in a straight line were well made and clean. He took Shu to the corner one near the window and placed him down gently making sure the albino was comfortable. The sunlight filtering through the window was warm and cozy. Lui stared at Shu's face, half lighted up against the sunlight on his skin. His lips split and caked with blood, slightly parted as he exhaled through them. Lui stared down at his own blood stained clothes, the red colour standing against the light blue cloth. He wasn't injured, it was mostly just a few bruises and cuts. The blood was Shu's. Lui didn't know what to think of that. Should he be grossed out? Or should he be terrified and relieved that after all that Shu was still breathing? He shook his head and walked toward the door. It will take sometimes for Shu to wake up and he could really use a shower and some food.

Lui walked toward the bathing area which was quiet and empty. He stripped off from his clothes and stepped into the steaming water, instantly letting a sigh of relief. The cuts burned against the warm water but it was strangely comfortable. He rested his back against the wooden wall and let the water calm him down and wash away his fatigue. The sweet aroma of saffron wood welcomed his nose as he stepped out to the changing rooms. It had always smelled like that and he wasn't sure the reason behind it. He dressed himself in new robes and stepped out of the room feeling fresh and well rested. He peered into the medicine room to see Mitsuba sitting beside the long table standing across the room. Various flowers, plants and many other herbals books lying open in a mess. He knocked on the door twice to grab her attention. Lui didn't miss the flinch as she drew away from her daze and stood up, beckoning him to come in.

Lui stepped in, wandering through the mess on the floor. She must've been working from the morning mending all the wounded students from the fight. He was quite sure that Wakiya was in pretty bad shape after the fight. "Prince Lui" She said, giving him a questioning gaze.

"Are you okay?" He asked, and after a second he wondered why he asked that. The old him wouldn't even care even if she was struggling to breath in front of him. His mind ran back to Shu who was still resting on the med room. That idiot had changed him a lot.

Mitsuba gave him a smile and nodded. "Yes. Just shocked after everything"

Lui nodded back, "I was wondering whether you would have something to apply for these cuts"

Mitsuba looked down at the bruised skin on his arm. "Come here and sit"

Lui obeyed. He watched Mitsuba fumbling around with some plants and arranged it into a paste. She knelt beside him and started applying it to his purplish bruises and cuts scattered across his arms. "It's not your fault" Lui uttered quietly. "Shu was in a pretty bad shape after the fight, and that medicine would've done nothing better"

Mitsuba hummed, "I'm not capable of doing so much healing. I just-" She stopped taking a breath. "I just felt like I'm so helpless. Prince Shu is a nice person, one of the nicest I've ever met"

A smile made its way to Lui's lips. "Tell me about it"

Mitsuba took away the medicine and bandaged his arm. "The world is way too cruel to him. That's sad"

Lui hummed thoughtfully, "But he just doesn't stay back and watch that injustice. He fights back. He fights back with everything he got. I'm sure even the world is pissed off with him at this point"

Mitsuba let out a soft laugh. "I guess. He just won't watch from the sidelines"

"In the end, it's a fight within himself. Shu is a fighter" Lui stood up, tracing one of his fingers over the soft fabric of the bandage.

"You've changed Prince Lui. It seems like Shu is really capable of doing miracles"

Lui rolled his eyes exiting the room. "That idiot didn't do shit"

Next he made his way to the dining room. The hallways were quiet, it seemed like everyone had gone to rest in their dorm rooms. Lui couldn't blame any of them. After all, the day has been awfully long and painful. He didn't meet anyone on his way to the dining room. When he stepped into the massive room he found himself not alone but he didn't mind the companionship. Gou waved at him, patting the seat next to him. It felt like ages since they got the chance to talk with each other and Lui didn't realize how much he missed Gou's company. "Hi" Gou said with a small smile as Lui settled beside him. There were several other students inside the dining room except for them. The silence was only disturbed by the quiet murmurs of the rest of the students. "How's he?"

Lui shrugged, looking at the food in front of him. "He'll live"

"And you?"

"I am in good health. Just a few cuts here and there"

Gou hummed, jabbing at a piece of fish absentmindedly. "The fight was amazing."

Lui hummed, taking a piece of bread. "Tell me about it. It was one of the best fights"

"Next is you vs Shu" Gou frowned, "What do you think will happen?"

Lui shrugged, "Quite hard to say actually. That blockhead keeps pulling out new stuff out of thin air"

Gou laughed, "Finally found your match, didn't you?"

Lui looked at him and raised his brow, "Really? No one can match my strength"

"Don't hold back against him. As far as I know Shu hates pity"

Lui snorted, "Bold of you to assume I will hold back in a fight"

Gou shook his head, his gaze settling on Lui. "I'm serious. You'd find it hard to go full on him in the fight. But remember, if you hold back, Shu will never forgive you"

"Yeah Yeah, whatever"

After that, they engaged in a small friendly conversation. Since he was young, Gou was the only one Lui could tolerate other than his family. It was because he had always been different. He didn't cower like the rest of the people as he passed by, neither he disrespected him. Instead, he stood by him when the rest of the commanders went against him regarding his cousin's scandal. He looked over to the food, "Do you think that freak will be hungry?"

Gou snorted, "Have some respect Lui"

Lui rolled his eyes as he called one of the maids. After advising her to bring some food to the second medical room, Lui stood up. "I'm going to make sure he won't die. See you later"

Gou waved his arm and nodded, "See you"

Lui walked back to the medical rooms. He yawned to the back of his hand realizing how sleepy he felt at the moment. Despite the freshness he felt after the bath, he needed a good rest. That can wait, he thought, opening the door to the first medical room where all the others were. Free was still laying on bed, his whole right arm bandaged. Wakiya had passed out on one of the beds while Honcho was sitting by the bed, looking at him. Valt was sitting on his one, looking over to Ruway who was wincing as Xander tried to manage his bandages. Free was the first one to notice the white tyrant casually leaning against the door frame. He gave out a sly grin, "Never thought I'd see Lui Shirosagi coming to visit us"

Xander crossed his arms with his signature - according to Lui stupid - grin. "That was one hell of a match!"

"How's Shu?" Ruway and Valt asked in sync, making Lui raise his eyebrow in question.

"He'll live. What's up with him?" He asked, looking at Wakiya.

Honcho scratched the back of his head, leaning back against his chair. "He woke up few moments ago and screamed at me, so he'll be fine"

Lui snorted, "Yeah, sure"

He pushed back from the door frame and gave them all a skeptical look, as if to make sure that they got the memo. "If that brat asked, I came to visit you all" He said, walking out of the room with a dismissive wave.

"Man, Shu is really changing him" Ruway thought out loud as he yelped when Xander accidentally pressured one of his injuries.

Lui shook his head and closed the door behind him. Wordlessly, he walked to the other dorm where Shu was. Unlike the first medical room, this one was quiet. He slipped in quietly, not wanting to bother the sleeping male. His eyes catch the sight of a food plate resting on the nearest night stand. The sunlight was dim and the room was getting darker by each passing second. Lui quietly walked to his bed and leaned against the wall, staring at Shu's tired beaten face. The male was curling into his side, trying to adjust himself in a comfortable position. His cuts were bandaged and his robes were changed. He knew servants would patch him up while he was away and it was good to see the change of Shu rather than to see him as a beaten rag doll. Snapping him away from his thoughts Shu whined softly. He blinked when the albino slowly opened his eyes. Lui watched as he blinked several times to get focus before moving to sit down.

"You should probably just lay down," he said, seeing Shu struggling to sit down. He doesn't seem to see him nor hear the words. Sighing, he walked to Shu and slipped one of his hands around his shoulder. Shu flinched away from him, letting out a startled yelp. His crimson eyes grew wide as he stared at Lui, his actions freezing in midair.

"L-Lui?"

"You seriously didn't see me?"

Shu let out a soft sigh, shifting his weight to Lui's arms. He shook his head, "I didn't"

Lui winced at his rasped voice. He sat on the edge of the bed, guiding Shu to lean against the headboard. He propped a few pillows making the albino comfortable. "Thanks" He mumbled, his voice, a mere whisper. Lui nodded, furrowing his brows.

"How are you feeling?"

"Thirsty" Shu grumbled, licking his dry lips, looking up at Lui. The white tyrant rolled his eyes as he reached to the water jar, pouring a cup of water. He brought it to his lips as Shu reached one of his shaky hands to grip on the glass. He gulped down the water greedily, almost choking on the water soon afterwards.

"Damn, it's not the end of water, there's plenty more, slow down"

Shu wiped his lips from the back of his hands and shot him a glare. Lui placed a glass on the nightstand and looked at the albino. His hair, usually tied up into a ponytail, flowing down to his shoulders. His eyes glowing in the evening sun rays filtering through the transparent curtains. Lui averted his gaze as heat rose through his cheeks, what the heck is wrong with him? "Your hair is quite long" He inspected dumbly.

Shu raised his brow, and caressed one of his locks looking down at it. "I hate to have it down"

Lui pushed away from the bed and retreated back to his position near the window. "It doesn't look bad"

Shu rolled his eyes, "Are you telling me that I look handsome?"

"Beautiful" Lui unconsciously corrected. Shu pursed his lips and averted his gaze. It took Lui a second to understand what he said. His eyes widened ever so slightly as he rubbed his arms together, both of them falling into an awkward silence. "How are you feeling?" Lui finally asked, trying to break off the uncomfortable silence.

Shu seemed to have composed himself again, but the light pink shade of his pale skin was evident. "Fine, I mean I'm feeling better than before" He was staring at his bandaged palms.

Lui nodded, "When Valt said worst, I did expect for something like this"

Shu snorted, "You haven't seen the worst, not yet"

"You're saying it can become worse than coughing out blood?"

Shu's eyes seemed to be distant quite suddenly, and Lui realized he had spotted a sensitive spot. He was about to change the topic to have a lighter conversation when Shu spoke, "It happened once back in the castle." He let out a dry laugh. "After they witnessed that state of mine, people called me a monster" Shu clenched his fists, his head bowed, bangs covering half of his face. "Some said I'm cursed" Lui didn't miss the crack of his voice. He inhaled sharply raising his head once again, "Sorry" His voice was scratchy. "I got in the zone"

Lui pushed away from the window and walked to the bed. The mattress slightly dipped as he sat down facing Shu. The albino gave him a quizzical look, not quite looking him in the eye. "Hey" Lui spoke, his rough voice taking a soft turn. "Look at me"

Shu hesitated for a few seconds before finally turning to look at him, "Yeah?"

"How many times have you beaten yourself telling you are a monster?"

Shu averted his gaze again, fidgeting with the hem of his blanket. "I don't remember..."

Lui knew it was a lie and he knew that the albino was hiding something more. He wanted to know the whole story but Lui knew that it was not the time. He reached his hands to cup Shu's small face in his palms. Shu let out a stifled gasp raising his eyes to meet with the violet. Lui felt his skin prickling, his ears heating up as he stroked his thumb over Shu's face. "L-Lui?" Shu stuttered.

"Listen to me. People talk because that's all they can do. They try to condemn you, mistreat you, try many more things when they see you're different than them, just don't think about it much. Just brush off those mindless statements and move on with life because if you start caring about all the shit they say, you life become theirs, not your own"

Shu just stared, stunned. He felt Lui's cold fingers against his pale skin brushing ever so softly. He unconsciously leaned against the touch. "You've changed"

With one last tap against his cheek, Lui pushed his hands away. "Everyone keep saying that, it's getting old"

Shu smiled, "Thanks"

"Whatever"

They fell into another silence. Shu felt his eyelids starting drop, drowsiness taking over his features as he yawned to the back of his hand. Lui snorted, "Are you gonna sleep here, or head back to the dorms?"

Shu thought through the two options. He didn't like the herbal smell inside the medical room and he was way more comfortable inside the dorms. He totally did not consider the fact that Lui would be sleeping in the bed next to him. His cheeks heat up with the thought, he cleared his throat. "Dorms"

Lui nodded, standing up. "Can you walk?"

Shu nodded, pushing himself off the bed. He felt better than before but as soon as he stood he realized he had been overestimating his capabilities. His knees buckled underneath him as he held onto the nightstand for support. "I can see it," Lui said, rolling his eyes. Shu scowled in dismay.

"Shut up, smartass"

Lui sighed and crouched in front of him, "Get on"

Shu unconsciously took a step back, tilting his head. "Excuse me?"

Lui grunted, looking over his shoulder, "Who do you think brought you to this damn medical room?"

Shu blinked for a few seconds, contemplating his choices, "You? And Thank you?"

Lui sighed, possibly thinking how the hell this blockhead somehow turned out to be a smart person who can make strategies to escape from danger. "Just get on"

Shu hesitated and wandered for a few seconds, finally giving up. Lui stood up, balancing him finely on his back slipping his arms under his thighs. Shu wrapped his arms around Lui's neck placing his chin on his shoulder with a soft yawn. "You okay?" Lui asked, just to make sure he ain't hurting the albino.

Shu hummed, "Yep"

He walked out of the room to the dimly lit corridors. The lamps on each wall burn with a small flame making shadows dance across the stone walls. "What do you eat, honestly?"

"Am I that heavy?" Shu spoke into his shoulder, his voice muffled by his clothes.

"I mean, you're too light"

"Thanks"

"Not complimenting you, idiot" Lui huffed, he heard Shu humming against his shoulder. Everything was silent for a few more seconds as Lui finally craned his neck to look at Shu. His eyes closed, his cheek mushed against his clothes. Lui turned his head and smiled, Shu indeed has his own charms. The dorms were noisy as usual as Lui entered. It seemed that Free, Xander and Valt were also excused from the medical rooms. After getting caught a few weeks ago, Free had stopped sleeping in the library. It was evident from his displeased expression that he'd rather prefer the quiet nature inside the library than the noisy atmosphere in the dorms. Everyone fell silent as Lui entered, and the white tyrant inwardly cursed about them being so impressed whenever the two had a moment.

Zac raised his brow, more than smugness it was concern that was evident in his features. "Is he okay?"

As Lui predicted Valt panicked and ran toward him as he walked to Shu's bed, gently placing the albino on the soft mattress. "He's just sleeping," he said, annoyed. It didn't stop from Valt coming over to stand beside Shu's bed. Lui's eyes lingered on Valt for a second, a nagging temptation breaking through his mind to find out the truth. The truth about Shu's real sickness, the truth Shu hinted at him a few moments ago, but seeing all the attention for them, he decided against it and walked to his own bed. He could use some sleep. Valt lingered around Shu for a few more seconds before finally retreating to his bed. None commented over the softness Lui showed toward the albino knowing it would only lead all of them to another outburst. Instead, after the exhausting day they went straight to bed after just some hollow good nights. Lui rolled to his side and watched the other sleeping soundly on the bed. White hair sprawled across the pillow, porcelain skin slightly shining over the moonlight draping through the half opened curtains. He wondered what humans can call him a monster, and he wondered how bad this sickness could be. He was not sure whether he wanted to find that out.

---

Like the other days, it was not the sunlight shimmering through the room woke him up, nor the sound of birds chirping or someone patting his arm waking him up. It was the slight murmurs and the occasional shouts woke him up early in the morning. Shu sat down on his bed. Still groggy from his sleep. His eyes darting around to find the source for this early morning excitement. He squinted against the bright morning light making shimmering patches of light all around the room. After a while, his eyes focused. Everyone was going through letters, and tiny ornaments. He frowned, turning his head to see Free, leaning against the headboard of his bed reading a yellowish paper, possibly a letter from his parents.

He turned to his own night stand where two white envelopes stood, the official seal of the Moeru kingdom shimmering red in the sunlight. He reached for the two letters and the small package beside them. After all the commotion, he forgot his parents were supposed to come to the finals of the tournaments. He would be battling against Lui. Shu ripped open the cover and fished out the first letter, as expected with long concerned words from his mother and father. His lips perked up into a smile as he pictured their faces, always smiling despite the sadness and their heavy hearts, always worried about him. They informed them about their arrival to the tournament and their excitement to see him once again.

After sighing heavily he opened the second letter, which was from his elder cousin. His cousin - who is 19 years old - and he had always been close. Despite all the things the two went through, all the misunderstandings, Itsuki and he had been close. True, Shu didn't favour his aunt that much. After his uncle died in war, his widowed aunt always showed a sour attitude towards Shu and he also knew it was because of a certain incident which scarred Itsuki for life. He went through the letter, rereading some lines because his focus kept snapping back on various directions. In the latter part of the letter Itsuki mentioned about the package which perks up his attention. He reached across his bed and picked up the small weightless parcel wrapped in a brownish paper. He untangled the tiny red ribbon and fumbled with the crispy brown paper to reveal a glassed fire. It is a popular health charm in Moeru, almost every person in Royalty has one for good luck and health, especially Shu considering his poor health. He stared at the little shimmering flames in his hands. He never quite got the art of making one. Some said it was made from magic. It was the shape of a flame, like the ones blossoming out from his fingertips, or the flames that danced across a bonfire. The certain shape was trapped inside a glass and the outlines glimmered silver while the inside shone in a healthy crimson mixed orange.

He gripped it in his hands and looked to his side to see several princes, including Valt, Xander and Zac gathered around Lui's bed. He raised his brow, "So much for the guy who hates socializing" He muttered under his breath, almost turning around when his peripheral vision caught something glittering. He turned fully, concentrating on Zac's arm where the glittering thing lied. He tilted his head to the side, his bangs imitating his movements falling over his left eye. A beat passed when Shu realized with a sharp inhale of breath, it was a Crystal Flower. Lying on top of Zac's hand was a real crystal flower, shimmering against the sunlight but never melting. He spent several minutes just staring before someone snapped their fingers over his eyes. He blinked looking to his side to see Free looking at him with a small smile.

"You okay there?"

Shu pointed bluntly at the flower, "Is that?"

Instead of Free, it was Lui who answered his question. "Yes it is freak show. It is a Crystal Flower"

Shu ignored the freakish nickname. "A real one?"

Lui raised his brow, looking offended by his remark. "Of course! Why do you think out of everything I'll be bringing out something fake?"

Shu shook his head, "Don't just lash out on me, I was just talking duh.."

"Keep your trap shut, it annoys me"

"Who are you to order me around?" Shu shot back, raising his brow.

"Everything that happened yesterday feels like a dream" Wakiya grumbled, looking at the two males yelling at each other, early in the morning.

Zac gave the flower back to Lui. The white tyrant walked to Shu who was looking at him with narrowed eyes. "There," He said, dropping the flower to his palms. Shu looked down at the crystallized flower, shining in the fresh morning sunlight. It was just like the flower replica Lui made for him with ice, the only difference was it didn't melt, it stayed just fine in his warm palms. Shu turned his gaze back into Lui who was staring at him.

"So?"

Shu blinked, "Uhm.."

Lui opened his mouth to say something again as Valt cut him off. "C'mon Shu! It's been a dream of yours to see a crystal flower, wasn't it? Specially after that no-"

"No" Shu suddenly yelped, dropping the flower back to a very confused Lui's hand as he ran to Valt and clamped his hands over his mouth. "That stays between us"

"What's it?" Lui asked, shooting a look at Shu's flustered face.

Shu shook his head frantically when Zac hummed thoughtfully, putting the pieces together. "You're talking about that novel, right? It took people by storm those days. Like, everyone read it"

Shu released Valt and walked to his bed, he slumped down completely hopeless. "Yes" Valt cheered, "Shu was head over heels for that novel!"

Lui looked in between them, not only him half of the Princes looked puzzled about the whole situation. Zac gave out a sigh, "Do any of you read actually?"

Free scratched the back of his head, "Too boring"

"Can you guys like" Xander said, "Elaborate or something?"

Valt shrugged, "I didn't actually read it" he grinned sheepishly. "I fell asleep while I was reading it"

Zac shook his head, crossing his arms muttering something about being hopeless. "The setting of the novel was in Hyoketsu kingdom, featuring the Crystal Pond"

Lui nodded, almost everyone knew that place. It was famous all around the kingdom. "It was a love story. The girl was a shapeshifter and the guy was a Prince. Somehow this heroine, I don't remember her name" Zac said, frowning.

"Saki" Shu provided from the bed, still staring at the ceiling.

"Right," Zac said, snapping his fingers. "Somehow Saki shapeshifted herself to a crystal flower and watched the Prince and then he picked that certain flower and the story goes on. I mean, after reading that anyone can get curious about Crystal flowers."

"Creepy," Free commented.

"Stalkish" Xander added.

Lui looked at Shu who was gawking at the space as if it's the most beautiful thing he had ever seen. "You're into sappy shit"

Shu didn't answer him. He just stared as the white tyrant grew annoyed by his lack of response, "What are you doing?"

"Waiting for the ground to swallow me as a whole" He deadpanned, not meeting anyone's eyes.

Zac grinned, "Even I read it! You don't have to be embarrassed about it"

Shu got down from his bed and walked to the door, "And where are you going?" Valt asked, tilting his head.

Shu looked over his shoulder and gave him a smile, "I'm running away from this public humiliation"

After the small scenario everyone turned back to the letters and the small gifts they received from their families. Lui tossed the Crystal flower from one hand to the other staring at the door. He rocked on his heel thinking for several minutes before walking out of the room to find Shu. He checked the dining hall, the bathing area and even the empty medicine room. He walked to the school grounds and reached the stables to see Shiro missing. After riding for several times Shu got the grasp of riding. The albino caught up with things quickly, and it didn't take him so long to grasp the basics of horse riding and by now Shiro and Shu were good friends. He was quick to bond with the white stallion even after the awful first ride. Lui silently rode Kuro to the river bank where Shu rested or just watched the scenery when he wanted some time alone. As he predicted, the albino was there, sitting on the grass bank staring at the rush of water in front of him. He turned his head as the sound of hooves caught his ears. Shu raised an eyebrow, "Came to make my life miserable?"

Lui snorted, walking to him. "My presence does that to you?"

Shu huffed silently and looked back into the river. Lui pulled out the crystal flower from his pocket. "I told my sister to send this," He admitted. Shu turned to him,

"Why?"

"Because some blockhead told me he wanted to see a flower," Lui said, rolling his eyes. Shu blinked, eyes slightly widening in surprise of the statement.

"For me?" He asked, pointing at him in disbelief. Lui just shrugged as he reached to his face, tucking the flower behind his ear.

"There"

Shu tilted his head, his white bangs tilting to the side. His hair was tied up like any other day, and the crystal flower shimmered against his hair like a piece of diamond. He didn't take it off, instead he closed his eyes to feel the coolness against his skin. "It's cold"

"Of course it is. It's a flower that blooms in Hyoketsu after all"

Shu hummed, "It's not the book" Shu stated quietly.

"Then what was it?"

"The author of that book came to our kingdom after it's official release. I was a big fan and obviously dad arranged a meeting with him in the castle."

Lui snorted, "You did those stuff?"

Shu huffed, "When you're forbidden to train and do anything else, there's not much left to do in your life"

"Fair point" Lui said, "Continue"

"He talked with me for several hours and then he told me something strange." Shu drew his knees to his chest, reminding himself about the past moment with that famous author. "He told me Crystal flowers reminded him of me."

"Flowers are meant to be fragile, always exposed to danger while the Crystal flower is different. Fragile at birth but fighting to live" Lui said, gazing down at the clear blue rush of water reflecting the shimmering sunlight.

Shu looked surprised, "That's what he exactly said, how did you-"

"Isn't that hard to figure out. That makes you want to see a Crystal flower?"

"Yeah" Shu admitted, fidgeting with the hem of his robe. "Silly, ain't it?"

Lui just shrugged, "I won't say that. I mean, if someone compared me to something, I'd probably want to see that to figure out whether the guy is complimenting me or insulting me"

"Right" Shu admitted, "You already saw sharks, they're strong. So that's a compliment"

Lui reached down and flicked his forehead, "Keep it, the flower"

Shu blinked, "For real?"

"Yeah," Lui layed down on the grass, staring at the clear blue sky. Shu looked at him uncertainly before he fished out the Glass Flame from his pocket. He held it over Lui's face.

"Keep this, then"

Lui sat down, looking at the ornament, turning it around his hands. "What is this?"

Shu slumped his shoulders, "Not much, but those are popular in Moeru. Kinda like a charm for good health"

"And I should be keeping it?"

Shu scowled, "I know I'm the weak one here, and you're like the fit one but I have several of them with me. So, keep it"

"I wasn't meaning something like that. If you call yourself weak, what do those other freaks should be called? Hopeless souls or something?" Lui raised his eyebrow, as he picked up the glass flame from Shu's palm.

"Stop insulting people so leisurely" Shu said, finally getting up, completely forgetting about the Crystal Flower decorating his milky white locks. Lui didn't comment on that as he walked to Kuro, placing the glass flame inside his pocket.

"I do that as a hobby"

Shu shook his head, shooting him a look. "You are a weird one Lui"

"You're telling me"

After arriving at the school, they parted their ways. Shu was prohibited to train the whole day given his health while the others were allowed. Shu watched as Lui disappeared from the corner and turned to go back to dorms. He lightly skipped on his steps as his mind kept running back to Lui. Shu shook his head when he bumped on to his group of friends. Zac, Xander, Wakiya, Sisco and Honcho talking in the hallways. They all turned their attention as Shu stumbled upon them.

Honcho gave him a thumbs up, "That looks good"

"What looks-" Shu stopped short remembering the flower. He reached his hand to fish it out from his hair. A soft pink colour ghosting his pale white cheeks. "I forgot"

Sisco smirked, "Lui really did let you keep it"

"Obviously" Xander remarked, "They are looking after each other pretty well now"

"What's that supposed to mean?" Shu grumbled, attaching the Crystal flower to one of his hair bands. After that, he put it on his wrist carelessly, turning to Xander with a placid face.

Xander shrugged, "I don't know?"

"Aren't you going to train?" Wakiya asked, thankfully changing the topic.

Shu pouted, "Nah, prohibited from the training grounds for today, Health issues" He said, making air quotes from his hands.

Xander ruffled his head, "It's for your own good"

"Yeah" Shu mumbled, he didn't have much time to practice and the battle with Lui is not going to be easy. "Anyway" Shu said, turning to Zac. "Can I talk to you? Like privately?"

Zac frowned, "Sure?"

"Good" Shu exclaimed, taking his hand as he dragged the blonde to the halls until they reached their dorms. As Shu predicted, no one was inside except for them. He closed the two panel wooden door and walked toward his bed, Zac following closely behind. Shu sat down cross legged on his bed, leaning his back against the headboard. Zac imitated his actions as he sat down in front of him, facing the albino.

"So?"

Shu rubbed his hands together, a nervous look passing his features as he talked, "I read this novel," He said awkwardly clearing his thoughts. "I read the first part and kind of lost the book. So, I'm thinking whether you can help me to understand how this story finishes?"

Zac grinned, 'You came to the right teacher! Fire away"

Shu nodded, "Okay. So there are these two enemies in this book" He said, sneaking a glance to read Zac's expression. The blonde looked excited. "And they like, have fight all the time"

"Yeah?" Zac snorted, "Please continue"

"And these two somehow get hooked up and forced to work together and the rude one starts being soft?" Shu frowned, "I mean like not so rude to the other? Anyway somehow one of them starts to get this weird feelings when that person is around-"

"Like, butterflies in the stomach. Always thinking how handsome the other is? And starting to even love the imperfections in them?"

Shu snapped his fingers, "Kind of like that"

Zac sighed, crossing his arms. "You got a crush on Lui, Shu"

Shu squeaked, burying his face in his hands. "This is not about me."

Zac leaned down and tapped on his head making the albino look up. "It's so obvious from the way you described. You practically described your life story with Lui"

"I'm such an idiot" Shu muttered, biting his bottom lip. "How come I seriously have feelings for a creep like that?" He looked at Zac with a hopeless expression. "This is such a mess, Zac"

Zac laughed, "I mean, it's alright to have feelings for another person. You don't know what he'll say until you confess after all"

"No way" Shu said, getting out of the bed. "These are just feelings Zac. It'll just go away. I'm not going to confess and get myself humiliated to a heartless monster like that"

Zac sighed, "Where are you going?"

Shu shrugged, "To the library. I'm gonna avoid Lui for the rest of the week and soon I will be myself again" He announced, looking at Zac.

Zac shook his head in dismay, "You're hopeless"

Shu gave him a small smile walking out of the room as Zac rephrased himself, "I mean, both of you are hopeless"

Shu sneak around the corners making sure he is not getting spotted by Lui as he walked into the library. It was a good choice for a place. First, because Lui didn't read to save his life. Second, book have always been a good distraction to escape from his tangled thoughts. He had only one determination inside his mind, ignore Lui Shirosagi at all costs. The eerie quietness was comfortable for his storming mind. He took a step toward the closest shelf when a sound of footsteps caught his ears. Frowning, the albino walked into the massive carved wooden doors and opened them. He assumed the person to be a from the nobles. Mostly, aside from him, it was the Nobles who read. Commanders' sons were more into fighting and the Princes too. It was the nobles that read and scored high in classes. Breaking down his thoughts a familiar face looked up at him, and Shu slammed the doors back together cursing loudly as he pressed himself against the doors. Lui Shirosagi, the one whom he was supposed to ignore, is just standing outside, looking at him like he was possessed. Shu bit down his bottom lip, grimacing. So much for ignoring the White Tyrant for the rest of the day.

"Oi dumbass, open the door"

Shu grunted in dismay. As much as he liked to keep the door shut, the library was a public place which sadly meant Lui had the right to come in. He needs to make a dash out of it. Shu opened the door to see a confused Lui with crossed arms. "What was that?"

"Nothing" Shu grunted, "What are you doing here? Aren't you supposed to be training?"

Lui shrugged, stepping in. "I was. We have classes today evening so I had to get ready. Came here to find some books about those frostbites and healing methods."

Shu hummed, walking to the door to leave the room. "You leaving?"

Shu looked over his shoulder and nodded, "Yeah. I finished reading some stuff and now I'm leaving" He lied and he felt guilty about that just a few seconds after. He doesn't lie to other people, not most of the time anyway.

"Care to give me a hand?" Lui asked, looking lost among the lines of shelves consisting of various types of books. Shu rocked on his heel looking for an excuse to leave the room but on the other hand he felt guilty to leave the boy alone.

"I... have something to do," He said in a quiet voice.

"Oh?" Lui questioned, "Can't help it I guess."

Shu sighed, watching as Lui walked along the shelves frowning. Without giving his mind a chance to change he stormed toward Lui and grabbed his wrist and dragged him through the lines of shelves to the one which consisted of herbal and medicinal books. "There"

"Thanks," Lui said, still blinking. The White Tyrant didn't really expect Shu to help because they were competitors in the semi final round. He expected Shu to leave after showing him the shelf but instead the albino crouched down and ran his hand through the thick hardcovers of books occasionally stopping to read a title.

"Those books should be here" He muttered rather loudly, stopping his hand on a leather bound blue covered book. He pulled it out and stood up, his eyes fixated on it as he turned the pages carefully from his fingertips. Lui watched as the crimson eyes darted quickly across the lines, tapping his foot softly on the wooden floor. He finally looked up at Lui, his eyes glistening with excitement. "There's a lot of stuff in here!"

Lui rolled his eyes, "You look like you just found a gold treasure or something"

Shu scowled at him, "It's worthier than that"

He walked through the shelves to reach the tables lined up to read in the front when Lui spoke again, "There's another thing" He said, hesitating.

Shu turned around, wrapping both of his arms around the book and pressing it against his chest. "What's it?"

Lui looked around, avoiding eye contact with Shu when he finally uttered, "Find me that book too. The Crystal Flower one"

Shu narrowed his eyes and gave him a judgmental look. Lui scoffed, "Why?"

"Are you mocking me?"

"Do I look like I'm mocking you?" Lui shot back.

Shu shrugged walking to another shelf, this one standing closer to the long windows. "With you, I'd never know"

Lui followed him, looking around the almost foreign room which for Shu seemed like home. The albino stepped quietly, yet knowingly through the shelves like he had done this thousand times. Who knows, Lui thought of stopping beside Shu as he stood on his tiptoes to reach the top shelf. For Shu, this can be a place like home. Shu pulled out a black leather bound book. It was smaller than the first one he pulled out about medicines. Lui took it from his hands and inspected the cover. It was pure black. In the middle of the top was silver letterings reading: Crystal Pond. Both of them reached the tables in the front. The sunbeams casting patches of light on the wooden surface. Lui looked around to see three more students scattered among different tables, their noses stuck in their books. Lui could never imagine himself like that. Shu led him to a quiet table in the corner and sat down, placing the herbal book in front of him as he quickly went through pages, looking for the right information.

Lui placed the novel beside him and rested his head on his palm, unconsciously staring at the albino. His long eyelashes, and his crimson orbs. The quick shine it gave away whenever he found something fascinating through those black characters. Lui had seen it before, the hunger for knowledge inside him. Lui looked at his still bandaged palms and his slender fingertips turning the pages. The past few days he knew something different was happening. He had never been this interested in someone and he hardly ever paid attention to the people around him, because, according to him they're all worthless creatures. He didn't know why his stomach did a somersault when he saw Shu smile, or why his heart raced when Shu's fire blossomed from his fingertips, his eyes lighting up with that fiery determination.

He was drawn away from his thoughts by Shu's distant voice. Lui blinked, focusing his attention back to the albino, "What was that?"

Shu clenched his fists, annoyed, "You weren't listening!"

Lui put up his hands in a surrendering motion, "Sorry. It's just after training, cut me some slack"

Shu sighed, "I told you those pages include the medicinal ways. It's quite easy actually. Mitsuba will have all the things you need to complete this paste"

Lui looked at the book, the yellowish crisped pages decorated with pictures of various plants and black letters. "Okay"

Shu nodded, "That's my cue. See you in history class" He said, standing up. Lui just watch him leave closing the library door behind him when someone spoke.

"How long are you going to stare at him?"

Lui snapped his head back to see Free, walking to him with a loud yawn. He didn't miss the dirty look one of the students passed at his loudness. "What are you grumbling about?"

Free sat down beside Lui and inspected the page dismissively, "I'd say it's obvious. You're looking at Shu differently these days"

"Oh yeah?" Lui asked, crossing his arms waiting for an explanation.

Free smiled, "You look at all the others like, I wish you are dead and looks at Shu like, you adorable little shit, marry me"

Lui just watched him, stunned and frozen to his place before finally lashing out at him. "Stop sprouting nonsense" He yelled, forgetting they were in a library. One of the kids shushed him loudly making him furious. He stood up and walked to the guy clenching his fists.

"You wanna go brat?"

The student looked genuinely afraid about his own lifeline at the moment. But before Lui could make a move Free grabbed him by his forearm and dragged him outside. A playful smile gracing his lips. "Let's go, we don't wanna miss the history class"

Lui shoved him away furiously as both of them reached the class. The rest of the students were already inside, waiting for their teacher to come. Lui sat at the far back with Free beside him with a smug look. Ignoring him, Lui scanned the room to see the familiar mop of white hair. He was sitting in the front with Valt and the rest of his friend group. Valt was scratching the back of his head absent mindedly while saying something for which Shu actually laughed. Lui clenched his fists and banged them on the short table in front of him, a small blush making it's way to his cheeks. "I'll kill him"

Free let out an amused huff, "You should just confess"

"No" Lui grunted, "Killing him would be easier"

"You're a hopeless case Shirosagi" Free grumbled, yawning to the back of his hand again. Lui glared at the albino male sitting in the front. Their eyes caught each other for a moment as both of them held their gaze and quickly looked away. None of them giving into the feelings inside their minds, thinking they're better off without each other. 

A/N

Took me so long to update ): Sorry! But here's a long chapter to make up for the wait, I hope it was worth it. I honestly kind of feel like it's not worth it but I'll try to make those chapters better lol. 

Anyways, hope you all are taking good care of yourselves. I mean, this year is coming to an end and it's been a rollercoaster ride in hell or something, but we survived this game of Jumanji so far XD. 

Take care and Stay safe. Love you guys and thanks for all the support, I really appreciate it. 

Since I wrote a really long chapter I'm gonna add the word count to show off :P

Word count: 9001

And I just need to say this. I know the MHA chapters came out revealing the truth like weeks ago but I wasn't on. So here it goes , DABI IS TOUYA TODOROKI REEEEEEEEEEEEEEE

See ya folks! 💖💖💖💖💖💖