Love and Red Coloured Ties

Chapter song: Iris - Goo Goo Dolls 

Two weeks had passed since Julius arrived at East Laurence Prep School, and he was beginning to adjust—or so he thought.

The energy at East Laurence shifted dramatically with the start of a new sports season, especially with the athletics department. The volleyball team, in particular, was buzzing with activity, their schedules packed as they prepared for the season. 

Silas had mentioned that House Ares had quite a few volleyball players, and they were now coming home later and later due to practice. East Laurence took its sports seriously, so much so that athletes often had their schoolwork adjusted to give them more time for their training. Julius found this surprising; he'd never seen a school quite like this before.

The house that once brimmed with lively energy now felt heavy and serious. Even those not on the volleyball teams seemed to share this new, tense atmosphere. They were often tasked with extra chores to accommodate the busy athletes.

Since Julius was no longer new, he found himself caught up in the extra work as well, much to his dismay.

"Is it always like this?" he asked Silas one morning while they prepared breakfast together.

"Pretty much. It's especially intense for the volleyball team since they're our top sports team. Soccer's done for now, but basketball will start soon, and they'll be just as focused," Silas said, scrambling the eggs.

"I see."

"Get used to it, Loriana. The mood will be like this for the next three months. Luckily, I'm done with soccer, but basketball will be starting soon, so it'll be busy again." 

Julius marveled at the dedication of the boys to their sports. He remembered a time when he cared about extracurriculars, but his motivation had been superficial—he did them to look good on applications rather than for personal interest. While he'd eventually found enjoyment and skill in taekwondo, his early experiences had left him disillusioned with sports.

As he watched the boys devour their breakfast and rush off with their gear, Julius felt out of place. House Ares was known for its top athletic students, and though he was placed in this prestigious dorm, he felt like an intruder.

This feeling lingered throughout the day, even as he walked back to the house after classes. Unlike him, the others were busy with their clubs, leaving him alone in the large, quiet dorm. He slumped onto the couch in the common area, his mood sinking.

Agares, returning from the gym with some extra shin guards, noticed Julius in his unusually somber state. Surprised by the sight, Agares went upstairs to retrieve his things. When he came back down, Julius was still in the same spot. Normally, Agares would have ignored it, but something about Julius's demeanor compelled him to check in.

"Is something wrong?" Agares asked tentatively.

Julius, lost in thought, didn't respond. Agares frowned and bent down to Julius's level. "Loriana?" he called again.

Still no response. Agares sighed and said more forcefully, "Julius!" Finally, Julius looked up, startled to see Agares so close. He jumped, and Agares, caught off guard, took a step back, unsure of what to do.

"Uh, sorry. I must've been out of it. I didn't even realize you were back," Julius said, embarrassed.

Agares's expression remained impassive, but a hint of concern lingered in his eyes. "Is everything alright?"

Julius hesitated but found himself opening up to Agares about feeling out of place in the house and doubting his place there. Agares listened intently, speaking only after Julius finished.

"First of all, your worries are unfounded. No one here thinks less of you or wants you to leave. Your stay may be temporary, but you're welcome here, and everyone wants you here," Agares said, surprising himself with his own words.

Julius looked at Agares, his eyes full of emotion, causing a flutter in Agares's chest. Despite his internal reservations, he didn't mind Julius's presence at all. In fact, he found it a refreshing change from the typical jock atmosphere. 

"Are you…do you also want me here?" Julius asked, his voice trembling with hope.

The question caught Agares off guard. He didn't know Julius well—only some basic facts and quirks. But despite his usual indifference, Agares realized he didn't mind Julius's presence and actually felt some degree of concern. 

"...Yes. I want you here, Julius," Agares said, surprising both himself and Julius.

Julius felt a rush of relief and happiness at Agares's words. After a moment of silence, he was reassured. Agares checked his watch and realized he had been away for longer than intended. 

"I've got to head back, but if you want, you can watch the practice with me," Agares offered.

"Are you sure that's okay?" Julius asked.

"I'll confirm with the others, but it should be fine," Agares assured him.

Julius smiled gratefully, and the two left the house for the school. They headed to one of the mini gyms where the volleyball team was practicing. As they entered, the boys, surprised to see Julius, looked up. Agares asked the team if it was alright for Julius to watch, adding, "It'll be a learning experience."

"It's cool~" the team said, shrugging and returning to their drills.

As Julius took a seat by the bleachers, Epaphras approached with a puzzled expression. 

"Um, is it alright to have him here? You usually don't allow spectators," Epaphras asked.

"It's fine just this once," Agares replied curtly.

"Huh? But—"

"Enough. Let's start practicing," Agares said, cutting him off before walking away. 

Epaphras, left confused, could have sworn he saw a hint of red on Agares's ears, a rare sight for the usually stoic boy. "I must be seeing things," he muttered, shaking his head.