The other side of a glass tank - Octavinelle (& Twisted Wonderland) X Reader

Chapter 41 - Let you know

"I'm glad there seems to not be any more damage than we thought." You said with a slight smile and sat down on a chair beside Riddle's bed.

You and the redhead sophomore were currently in the infirmary. The boy had already been checked by a ghost nurse and the headmage had taken his leave at some point during the examination.

"Why are you still here...?" Riddle spoke quietly as his eyes remained on his hands, which were laid over his lap.

"Mh? Would you like to be left alone to rest?" You asked with a calm smile. He hadn't spoken a single word after leaving the Heartslabyul gardens, nor he had looked at you in the eyes.

"That would be the most logical course of actions but- I don't-..." The red haired housewarden's tone was quiet and a little hasty.

"You don't want to be alone?" You attempted to guess, soon receiving an answer to your question when he hesitantly nodded.

"Fortunately enough, I'm not required during PE class, which happens to be the class' ongoing period. So I can stay here for another short while." You followed Yuu's class to learn magic from the basics of an actual magical academy, instead of your self-taught knowledge.

Still, PE was something that didn't require teaching magical subjects, and you didn't actually participate in the physical aspect, as you simply watched over the students along with Coach Vargas.

"..." The boy sitting on the bed remained silent and you gave him an understanding and gentle look.

"You already apologized for your previous attitude toward your dorm mates and I think that's a wonderful start. There's no need to look down in shame." You said in a soft and reassuring tone, slightly tapping under his chin with your fingertips, hoping to make him look up.

"That's still not enough. And I have yet to do it for the rest." He lifted his head a bit but still didn't look at you.

After a long moment, he took a deep breath and his gaze finally met yours. "You have my sincerest apologies, professor." He said firmly.

"Why are you apologizing to me? You didn't directly do anything to me, only to the other students." You said calmly, not fazed in the least.

"I-I wasn't a respectable housewarden. I let my emotions take the better of me and acted distastefully. I didn't act as a proper leader should have, hence-" The boy had seemed surprised for a split second but started speaking quickly as his eyes darted all around the floor.

"You're a person, Riddle. Not a machine. You have feelings of your own and you're bound to make mistakes. And that is fine." You stated clearly, ceasing any movement from the redhead, who now stared up at you in silence.

"You were never taught, so you weren't aware of your mistakes until they got pointed out. Even though deep down you were taking them into consideration." You smiled reassuringly and the boy pressed his lips tightly together.

"... There was something else, I wanted to say properly." He quietly said after a long pause.

"Thank you. For everything, but especially thank you for forgiving... and not condemning my mistakes." Riddle managed to say with a straight face, but you could still notice his glossy eyes.

"You're welcome, dear." You said with a gentle smile and the boy quickly looked away as his face reddened slightly.

"It's... It's regrettable that I'll probably miss your first lesson, professor." He mumbled quietly and you chuckled.

"Ah yes, I saw your name on the list of those who signed up for the course. Trey's name was there as well." You smiled and nodded.

"But do not worry too much. I'll be sure to pass you the materials, and I'll explain things to you if you have any questions regarding them." You reassured and the redhead student immediately perked up.