The Photographer

Chapter 1 - The Project

I leaned against the wall due to lack of interest in the math lesson being taught that morning and watched as the professor went over math problems that made absolutely no sense to me. What was the need of knowing how to find the length of one side of a triangle? Surely it didn't bring me any closer to understanding the purpose of life and less in paying my bills when I'd have to.

I stared out the window, mesmerized at how beautiful everything was during the winter. Frost clung to the window and decorated the glass with intricate patterns and snow floated down in graceful flight before landing on the ground soundlessly. I looked away from winter's beautiful display and peered over the professor's head and at the clock and began packing my things noisily knowing it was almost time to leave. Upon the bell's loud ringing, the professoer sent me an angry glare and announced that class was dismissed.

I rushed out the door and made my way down the stairs, across the school's large lawn, and towards the separate building whose professors specialized in fine arts. There were classrooms specifically for the musicians, artists, actors and actresses, and one set aside for the photography class I was in. With a bright smile on my face, I head inside and wished this class would never end because it was my absolute favorite. My closest friend, Armin Arlert, waved me over and I took a seat next to him. He was a smart individual, having completed any if not all honors courses and was pressured by his counselor to take at least one fine art class to complete the requirements needed for graduation.

"Good morning Eren, how was math?" The blonde smiled, pulling out the camera his grandfather had lent him for the course.

"Boring as always. I don't understand how you can put up with his crap. Oh, and don't get me started on his monotone voice." I rolled my eyes and pulled out my camera, a treasure really for it wasn't very successful on the market, so no more cameras of its design or any of the parts needed to repair it if any damage were to come to it were not produced anymore. "How about you Armin? How was English?"

Armin was about to reply with enthusiasm when all of a sudden the classroom went quiet and the most beautiful male I had ever seen walked into the classroom. It was known throughout the school that yes, I was gay, but no one really minded and poked a few jokes here and there and they overall accepted my sexuality. This new person was short, but what he lacked in height, his looks made up for. His curious steel colored eyes scanned the unfamiliar place and fell upon me, a small smile graced the stranger's lips. I blushed and turned my attention to my camera and wiped its lens with care and secretly hoped that Profressor Zoe, who preferred being called "Hanji," would introduce the new student.

"Class!" My prayers had been answered. "We have a new student joining us today. Why don't you tell us a bit about yourself?"
The raven-haired male nodded and made his way to the front of the class before turning to face everyone. "My name's Levi, Levi Ackerman. I just moved here from France and really enjoy the cold weather here. I was part of many photography clubs back in my old school and look forward to working with you all." He forced a small smile and Hanji looked like she was about to explode with excitement.

"You can take the empty seat next to Eren!" She pointed towards where Armin was sitting and, before I could retort, I saw that he had gone to sit next to Mikasa. They both winked and gave me thumbs ups and I rolled my eyes with a sigh.

I almost fell out of my seat when I saw that Levi had walked towards me and was now seated where Armin had been.

"So you're Eren I'm assuming?"

"T-that's me." I stuttered and cleared my throat. "Nice to meet you, Levi."

He made a soft 'tch' sound and directed his attention to the front of the class after taking out his camera.

"Attention please! For your first semester final, you're doing a partner project exploring and identifying emotions through photography! There are packets placed at each of your desks filled with requirements and whatnot. Get creative and have fun!" Hanji smiled and headed back to her desk to file some papers.

I was excited for the project and a smile lit up my face. I heard a small click in Levi's direction and turned to see that he had taken a picture of me.

"You've got a nice smile...and that emotion was excitement."

I blushed red and he laughed softly, and this time I took his picture.

"Amusement." I said with a light smirk and he rolled his eyes, the ghost of a smile playing on his lips.

So this is how it would be?

I think I could live with this.