Crimson Bonds [MxM]

24 - Jealousy, jealousy

Peter's "confrontation" — if he can even call it that — with Theoden has shaken him more than expected. He tries to brush it off, but it lingers in his thoughts like a thorn. The rest of the morning becomes a blur, his focus scattered. Trying to sit through his next lecture feels pointless, so he grabs his bag and heads outside, hoping a walk around campus will clear his head.

Wandering aimlessly, Peter finds himself lost in thought, replaying the morning's events over and over. When he finally looks up, he doesn't know where he is. The towering, ancient building in front of him is unfamiliar but majestic, with columns that seem to scrape the sky. He blinks, realising he's outside the Liberal Arts building.

For a moment, Peter just stands there, taking in the sight. The grand entrance is blocked open, and students rush in and out in waves. Their fashion choices make Peter's head spin — vibrant clothes, layers of patterns, an explosion of colours. It's dizzying, but at the same time, exciting. It's nothing like the Law building, where the students all favour dark, professional outfits. Peter's wardrobe, mostly blacks and browns, suddenly feels drab in comparison.

The sheer variety of races here catches his attention, too. Not just Fae and Tieflings, but also Orks, Dwarves, Nymphs, even the occasional Mermaid in their enchanted water gear. It's a world away from the Law building, where the atmosphere is much more rigid. Peter can't help but smile a little as he watches the eclectic crowd, admiring their individuality.

Out of curiosity — or perhaps a subconscious pull — Peter steps into the building. The inside is even more striking. A wide, open hall with four branching corridors stretches before him, at its centre a lush indoor garden. Students sit at scattered tables, sketching, painting, writing, even playing instruments. The garden is alive with colour, filled with flowers in every shade imaginable.

And then, he sees him.

Saifa sits at one of the tables, guitar in hand, surrounded by three other students who watch him intently. He's playing something soft, fingers expertly moving across the strings, his voice low as he speaks to the group. Peter's heart stumbles, caught off guard by the sight of him. For a moment, Peter contemplates slipping away before Saifa notices him. He hadn't planned on seeing him today and feels suddenly unprepared.

But one of Saifa's companions, a girl with messy blonde hair, catches Peter's eye and nudges Saifa. The High Fae turns, his emerald gaze locking onto Peter almost immediately. A wide smile spreads across Saifa's face, and he gently sets his guitar on the table before rising and making his way over.

Peter freezes in place, his usual calm unravelling as Saifa approaches. The Fae's smile is too bright, his presence too magnetic, and it sends Peter's stomach into a familiar tangle.

"Hey!" Saifa greets, his voice warm and inviting. Peter can't help but feel that flutter in his chest, the same one he tries so hard to suppress. "What are you doing here? Did you get lost?"

Peter clears his throat awkwardly, suddenly feeling self-conscious. "Yeah, kind of. I went for a walk... and ended up here. Thought I'd look around."

Saifa leans against one of the columns, crossing his arms casually, his gaze flicking over Peter in that way that makes him shiver. "And here I thought you'd be glued to some legal textbook."

Peter smiles despite himself, but there's a nervous edge to it. "Well, it's a nice place. Nicer than the Law building."

Saifa laughs, a deep, rich sound that makes Peter's heart skip. "I'll take that as a compliment. We do like our art over here."

The two stand in comfortable silence for a moment, but Peter finds himself growing tense under Saifa's lingering gaze. Trying to redirect his thoughts, he blurts, "So, uh, what are you majoring in?"