Lahnthean Aria

Abyss

Kiran couldn't help but sigh wistfully as she watched Alessa Dia prance into the campus with a spring on her step, as if she hadn't been stressed with the research papers and upcoming mid-term exams as Kiran. Alessa's dark wavy hair, which was held up in a simple ponytail, bounced cheerfully in the humid rainy season breeze. Her bright eyes captivated anyone she walked passed on the hallway, and the smile on her rosy chestnut lips made the hearts of students around her flutter. She was a refreshing lady of spring lighting up the gray, with her smooth glowing skin standing out against the gloomy gray haze of the cloudy day.

Alessa was one of the most popular girls in the university because of her stunning features, tall height, and flawless skin. She could easily make a lucrative career in the entertainment industry as an attractive model or a beautiful actress, but she was studiously taking a degree in Biology with her sights set on becoming a medical professional. The fact that she rivaled the smartest students in her department made her even more popular. She had the makings of a beauty queen and everyone, even the most terror of professors, were easily captivated by her innate charms.

"Kiran!" Alessa greeted as she approached the main building lobby wearing a white shirt tucked into a pair of skinny denim pants, and a pair of slightly worn ankle-high sneakers that made her look like she was modeling for a hip clothing brand.

"Hey," Kiran greeted, trying to smile through round, wide-rimmed spectacles that were barely hiding the grey bags under her eyes. The accessory didn't take everyone's attention away from the pimples scattered along her cheeks. Matching the cloudy prediction of the weather forecast that morning, Kiran wore a brown cardigan over a black top which also hid her flabby arms. She stood up from her place on the steps of the lobby, dusting off the pair of faded denim pants she was wearing. Standing in front of Alessa on a pair of worn out, flat doll shoes that needed replacing, she realized how she only reached Alessa's nose.

"Sorry, I'm late," Alessa said, looking apologetic at Kiran. "I got caught up in a conversation with the Dean about a research project. Anyway, I'm going to give you what I've researched so far for our writing class," she said, fishing out a thick printout from her crossbody bag and handing it to Kiran. They were partners in a writing course where they were tasked to do a research paper about a topic they both agreed on.

"It's fine, you're actually on time," Kiran replied, giving Alessa her own research. "I just got here myself."

It wasn't entirely a lie. She made sure to arrive early knowing that Alessa would always arrive at least 5 minutes before their appointment. That was another thing worth noting about Alessa. On top of her stunning physical features and graceful demeanor, the girl was blessed with a good head on her shoulders and a heart that treated everyone with kindness and humility. Unlike the stereotypical rich and pretty girls on TV, movies, and books who acted like spoiled brats, Alessa was approachable to anyone. She also held her own against bullies, and made sure to exercise her skills in martial arts against anyone who dared to make an inappropriate move on her.

Alessa Dia was perfect - at least in Kiran's eyes - and while that should be enough reason for Kiran to envy her to the point of aversion, she couldn't help but feel admiration toward her.

"You're too kind," Alessa said, smiling as she received Kiran's research. "Oh and about the deadline for the write-up, I talked to the professor yesterday and he finally agreed to adjust it since we're already swamped with the research. He said he'll announce it later today, but I'll bug him about it again in case he forgets. You know how he is," she grumbled, rolling her eyes in distaste.

Kiran nodded. Their professor had been known to be strict with deadlines, but rumors about how he seemed to favor attractive girls in his class - Alessa included - had made rounds among the students. It seemed like the only explanation for how he might suddenly accept late project submissions or adjust deadlines was Alessa's insistence.