Four To Two [Elisop]

Chapter 13

The day of the festival arrived and although it was still early, many students were already scattered around. Eli was in the lecture hall with Norton, their little museum was about the origins of Halloween, so as not to make it too history-related and boring for the others. So there were many decorations such as pumpkins and skeletons that they had spent a lot of time trying to make as realistic as possible.

"It looks like there are still people coming to see us..." said Norton.

"Indeed..." replied Eli.

Currently, even though they were in the same group in class and hanging out with the same people, Eli didn't know much about Norton other than the fact that he was dating Luca much to his surprise. So it was somewhat awkward and he wasn't sure what to say to fill the silence. Norton had probably noticed the boy's embarrassment because he was the one to break the ice.

"Happy birthday by the way." he said matter-of-factly.

"T-thanks !"

"I don't think Aesop remembers it by the way, he's always had trouble with this sort of thing and it's an understatement to say he barely remembers his."

"He doesn't celebrate it ?"

"He celebrated it once. Two years ago, when he was still with Joseph."

"O-oh."

The awkward silence had returned again after that. Eli looked away, looking to see if there was anyone who needed any kind of guidance in relation to the museum. Unfortunately, there weren't that many people and then each area had a sign with all the information to know written on it. There was no way out for the young man. Suddenly, Norton cleared his throat.

"I think that... Aesop changed after he met you."

"What do you mean ?"

"It may not be obvious at first glance but he smiles more unlike before and also seems to talk more with you than the others."

"R-really...?"

"Personally, I think you have a chance to open his heart."

Eli didn't know what to say. Did he really have a chance with Aesop ? If it came from Norton himself, maybe he wasn't wrong after all. Honestly, he was beginning to believe that the two of them would remain good friends until the very end, so that made him feel better. After a while, one of their seniors came to tell them that they could take care of the rest and therefore were allowed to visit the other departments if they wished. Eli suggested that Norton come with him, but Norton refused, as he already had other plans. The blue-eyed man thus went alone to the art students' building, impatient to find Aesop there.

The place was already a bit more crowded compared to the history and archeology department, seems like more people were interested in art. There was really everything on display in every direction, but most of the works exhibited were Halloween themed or in shades of yellow and orange. Eli spent a while looking at the various sculptures, photos, paintings and more. However, he still hadn't found Aesop.

Well, he was the supervisor of this section so he was probably not as free as the young man was. Nevertheless, just as he was about to turn around, Eli spotted silver streaks not far away. Aesop was in a slightly more secluded corner of the exposition, talking with some freshmen, especially girls. 

The male seemed to be quite popular with both genders. It was understandable, he had a dreamy complexion and fine features that would make the female folk green with envy, even Eli had fallen under his spell. The frail man did not seem really at ease among the crowd, he hid his face behind the collar of his sweater, frequently putting back his glasses in place. Those girls around him looked quite clingy and wouldn't leave him alone.

Eli made his way to the latter, being careful to avoid the works and other people blocking the way. He finally reached Aesop's level and pulled him by the arm to get him out, claiming he needed his help with something. He took him to a corridor at the end of the building, so there was almost no one there....