Who We Are (A Zodiac Story)

Flashback: TAURUS (1)

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

FLASH = Time Skip

*...Four light years ago*

"...Thank you, and welcome freshman, to Elysian Earth Academy!" says the school's student council president, bowing gracefully as he concludes the ceremony.

The crowd erupts into thunderous applause, the sudden noise startling the young man with silky brown hair out of his peaceful slumber. He looks around the room with a slightly bewildered expression, his eyes darting between every unfamiliar face as the other students begin to file out of the gymnasium.

As a Zodiac, Taurus knew he was stronger than most of his peers, but that did little to ease the anxiety he felt being surrounded by so many strangers. His old friends from middle school hadn't been able to secure a spot at this prestigious academy, their talents, and grades falling short of the rigorous standards.

The shrill sound of the bell pierces the air as Taurus deftly navigates through the throng of disoriented students. Reaching into his uniform pocket, he pulls out a folded, wrinkled paper - his class schedule. Unfolding it quickly, he mumbled the details aloud, "Intro to Counter Spells... building two... room 306." His eyes glanced around the bustling hallway, clearly unsure of where to even begin. "Where the hell is that?"

Just as he was about to admit defeat, a girl with a warm smile called out, "Need some help?" as she waved to get his attention.

Taurus glanced up at the stunning brunette, his gaze locking with her captivating green eyes. Her fair, porcelain skin seemed to glow under the fluorescent lights of the hallway.

"Yeah, building 2?" he asked, his eyes briefly flickering down to the nametag sticker stuck to her crisp, tailored uniform that read "Bella".

"Sure, I can take you there if you want," Bella replied, her warm, inviting smile never leaving her face as she gestured toward the doors across the hall.

"Sweet," Taurus grinned, tucking his schedule back into the pocket of his own freshly pressed uniform. "Thanks."

Bella fell into step beside him, turning to walk backward so that she could face him as they made their way through the crowd of students. "First-day jitters?" she asked, her voice lilting with a hint of amusement as she tucked a stray lock of her silky, chocolate-colored hair behind her ear before turning forward once more.

Taurus sized Bella up and down, he had hoped she would simply guide him to his class in silence, not engage in this unnecessary small talk. The fatigue of the day's events has left him weary, and the last thing he wants is to be drawn into a conversation.

"Not at all," Taurus responds, his voice low and reserved. The words are clipped, betraying his lack of interest in continuing this exchange.

Stopping in her tracks, Bella crossed her arms over her chest, a playful smile tugging at the corners of her full, pink lips. "You gonna tell me your name, freshman?" she asked, tilting her head to the side ever so slightly.

Taurus came to a halt, towering over the petite girl as he stuffed his hands into the pockets of his uniform pants, his fingers idly fidgeting with the piece of paper within. "Taurus," he responded, his voice low and slightly gruff.

"I'm Bella," she replies, her lips curling upwards and revealing a perfect set of pearly white teeth.

"Yeah, saw your nametag," Taurus says dismissively, his tone indicating his disinterest in engaging further. His feet were starting to ache, and he had a scheduled nap he was eager to get to.

Undeterred by his cool reception, Bella glances down at the crisp, adhesive nametag placed just above the subtle swell of her breasts. "Oh, this one?" she asks coyly, her fingers plucking the sticker off.