Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

Flashback: CAPRICORN (4)

Disclaimer: *All flashbacks are written in 3rd person*

FLASH = Time Skip

*...1 month before the Advanced Air Academy's Finals*

Capricorn leans his broad, muscular back against the lockers, his large hands shoved deep into the pockets of his neatly pressed uniform pants as he lets out a disgruntled sigh.

"I hate being in the top 10," he complains, his striking blue eyes narrowing. "No one told me that you wouldn't be allowed to skip ahead more than one rank at a time," he continues, his brow furrowed in annoyance.

Aquarius, who stands nearby, quickly retrieves the textbooks she needs for the day. "That's just how it is, I guess," she says, her tone matter-of-fact.

"And the guy who's Rank #2 is such an ass," Capricorn groans, his head leaning back against the locker doors with a dull thud, his chiseled jaw clenching in frustration.

Aquarius giggles at his petulant tone. "Why do you say that?" she asks with curious interest, turning to face him with a faint smile on her lips.

Capricorn glances over at her, "He won't accept any of my challenges," he explains, his voice tinged with irritation.

"Well, it's not against the rules to decline challenges when the finals are this close," Aquarius points out, adjusting the strap of her book bag with a casual shrug.

Capricorn raises a brow at her, a thoughtful look crossing his features. "So why don't you ever decline challenges?" he asks, his curiosity piqued.

Aquarius meets his gaze, a confident grin spreading across her face. "I'm not afraid to lose," she says, shutting her locker door with a resounding click before turning to walk away.

Capricorn quickly falls into step beside her, his long strides easily keeping pace with her movements. "That's pretty reckless," he observes, a faint note of concern in his voice.

Aquarius glances over her shoulder, "I've been Rank #1 since I've been here," she laughs, "It gets a little boring."

Suddenly, she disappears from view, and Capricorn pauses, his eyes scanning the crowded hallway in search of her, his brow furrowing in confusion. A split second later, she reappears behind him, giving him a playful shove that sends him stumbling slightly.

"That's why I'm happy you transferred here," she says, her smile widening as Capricorn regains his balance, his gaze locking with hers.

"I don't even think I can beat you with that star power," he admits, his brows furrowing in frustration.

"It's not hard, once you figure it out," she says, her tone suggestive.

Capricorn scoffs, reaching up to run a hand through his hair, the action accentuating the defined lines of his muscular forearm. "I've watched almost all of your duels, and I still can't ever detect your next move," he grumbles, a hint of admiration lacing his deep, resonant voice.

Aquarius grins, nudging him playfully with her elbow, her frame momentarily brushing against the solid expanse of his chest. "Well, we could do some practice duels at my house," she offers.

Capricorn's frown deepens, and he shakes his head, his shoulders slumping slightly. "I can't skip my training again," he says, his voice tinged with regret. "My parents would kill me."

"Oh, come on," Aquarius says, her expression turning impish, her lips curving into a tempting smile. "Live on the edge a little."

Capricorn sighs, his gaze meeting hers with a rueful smile, "I can't, Aqua," he says, his voice low and slightly resigned. "And aren't you busy with other stuff after school?"