School Of Aesthetics | Dark Reverse Harem x Reader

Sixteen

Your eyes narrow as you flip through the pages of the book Maximilian gave you.

The words dance before your eyes, their meaning echoing in your mind.

You are torn between the desire to throw the book away and the curiosity it stirs within you.

You find yourself wandering the festival, keeping a safe distance from the Elites and their activities.

As afternoon comes, you stumble upon a small, secluded area overlooking the river.

It's the perfect place for some peace and quiet, and you claim it for yourself.

"Are you enjoying yourself?"

You stiffen at the abrupt voice behind you and whirl around to find Orion, son of your arts teacher.

"I thought you didn't want to waste your time on the festival" you remind him of his earlier reply to the Elites.

"Admittedly, the view is pretty from here, it's better than being with my nagging mother"

Orion, who at first appears nonchalant, shifts awkwardly on his feet, glancing around.

You notice how he maintains a respectful distance, never closing the gap that separates the two of you.

Respectful boy.

"I apologize for my mother's rude behavior, she can be a bitter bitch sometimes"

Your eyes widen at how he easily insults his mother right in front of you.

"Oh"

You glance away, trying to hide the amusement that tugs at the corners of your lips.

"It's fine, I've met many people like her. you can't control what your mother does, after all."

Orion bursts out into laughter at your comment.

"What is so funny?"

"You didn't hesitate to slander her when you got the chance"

Surprised by his accurate observation, you squirm a little under his amused gaze.

"Well, she held a grudge against me for simply being the child of her bully" you point out.

It's true, instead of taking her anger out on your father, she took it out on you.

"But your father wasn't her bully"

"She said Infront of the whole class that my father used to bully her" you stress out.

"If you consider rejecting her as bully then yes he did bully her"

You let out an exasperated sigh.

"Well, I kind of see why my father rejected her, my mom is a very beautiful woman, she is also kind"

Orion's gaze softens as you speak about your mother, and for a moment, the mirth in his eyes vanishes, replaced by a pensive look.

"My mother would never understand kindness," he mutters, the bitterness in his voice is clearly audible.

His eyes return to scanning the area, avoiding eye contact with you.

"I'm sure she loves you very much, maybe she just doesn't know how to show it" you say, offering a sympathetic smile

Orion hesitates before he nods in agreement, seeming to relax a little.

While you chit chat happily with Orion, you don't notice the figure watching the both of you.

It's one of the Elites, Theseus, and he is biting down in jealousy.

Unfortunately, Theseus decides that he will go and tell Maximilian about you and Orion.

He will just add a little lie to get Orion in trouble.

Theseus will just say that Orion tried to force himself on you.