Chapter 10
*Yui's POV*
In class the next morning, I can hardly look at Thoth. Every time I steal a glance at his strong profile or meet his flashing, black-rimmed eyes, I find myself blushing uncontrollably and forgetting to breathe. I don't even know the subject of today's lecture. I suppose it's because I'm now extremely aware of my crush on him—can the others read my thoughts as well?—I worry, embarrassed.
Oddly, after yesterday's events I'd somehow expected that he would throw me an occasional smile, or maybe even bring me a corn latte from the school store…. As usual for me, though, I find I'm only projecting my feelings onto him. Who am I kidding, I think glumly. He's never shown me any signs of affection. Why do I suddenly want to go hide in my room and cry?
Anyways, my classmates keep me busy with concerned apologies and constant questions about my health, especially Takeru and Thor. Takeru walked up to my desk before class and thrust a thick stack of papers under my nose. "I-I'm sorry," he muttered. "Thor and I were planning to use these later on, but you deserve them more. Please accept them."
I looked down and saw that Takeru had given me a bundle of detailed cheat sheets for the midterm made by Tsukito earlier this year. Knowing what a sacrifice this was for him, I thanked Takeru with real gratitude. Still, I know I won't be using them, especially now.
*Apollon's POV*
Was Yui okay in class today? No. Has she gotten sick? During a group activity, she just sat there, staring blankly at her desk while the other group members discussed human cuisines. I tried to talk to her after class, but she just brushed past me as if she hadn't even heard me.
It hurts to see Yui so sad and feel unable to do anything for her.
*Thoth's POV*
Class today was like nothing I've ever experienced before. Normally I get so absorbed in my lecture that I barely even realize the students are there. But today…what is going on with me? Why do I care so much that a human girl with purple eyes and a messy ponytail is sitting in the front row of my class? I was so distracted that I forgot to collect homework. And now I'm sitting in the library, unable even to read. I smile when I remember how she collapsed on my shoulder yesterday, but then I remember looking down on her and Apollon from a balcony above the garden. Apollon handed her a rose and then they hugged for a long time.
This needs to stop. It's like I'm going crazy. I slam my book shut and hurl it against the wall, startling Anubis, who's sitting under my desk. He scurries away and crouches behind a curtain.
I hurry out of the library to find some papers to grade, some lessons to prepare... But first, I stop at the school store to order more cornbread for Yui. She's been looking thin lately—I think she could do with some more. It's the responsibility of a teacher to see that students are healthy, right?
*Apollon's POV*
As I wipe my forehead after tennis club, I notice Yui wandering aimlessly through the garden. She stops at a fountain and sits down, trailing her hand through the rippling water. I watch as she pulls her hair out of her usual ponytail, looking dejected, and gazes unseeingly at her fingernails.
"It's clear that you like her, Apollon." Hades has appeared next to me.
"Oh, Uncle Hades! Wh-whaaat?! Who do you say I like?" I laugh nervously, knowing it's impossible to conceal the obvious from my own family.
"You should invite her to do something…something…fun, if that's the word," he tells me. "You're not helping anyone, yourself or her, by keeping this a secret. I think humans call it dating…in the underworld, there is the soul of a woman whose life ended after her suitor crashed a chariot into her on their first date. Go, Apollon, and ask Yui if she wants to spend time with you tomorrow."
I'm not sure what my uncle was trying to accomplish by telling me that story, but nevertheless his words inspire me. Lately, I haven't been able to keep Fairy-san out of my mind, and the thought that I can actually show her how I feel fills me with excitement. Without even remembering to thank Hades, I start down the path towards the girl at the fountain.
*Thoth's POV*
On my way to the classroom, I stop to look outside. Yui loves staring out the window, I've noticed…and it is a nice view, I guess. I've never really cared what lies beyond the walls of the library—until now.
There is Yui, huddled at one of the fountains. Apollon approaches her and, after a minute, sits down with her as well. They appear to be talking for awhile, and then I see Yui look away from him with embarrassment. Apollo leans in towards her.
Before I know what I'm doing, I'm sprinting down the staircase and out into the garden.
*Yui's POV*
"Would you like to go on a date with me tomorrow?" Apollo asks with a big smile.
I'm stunned. Apollon just asked me out?! For a minute I turn away from him, unable to think of what to say.
Of course I like Apollon. He's thoughtful, and trustworthy, and he seems to live to make others happy. And maybe I would like him too, like him in that way…if I just didn't know Thoth. Thoth, who terrorizes me with his wall slams and glaring eyes, who saved my life and then stayed to read aloud to me…who in spite of his intimidating mystique still gives me the feeling that when I'm around him, everything's okay. Thoth, who is now striding towards us—towards me—with purpose in his step, his coat trailing, eyes shooting off blue fireworks and mouth set in a hard line.
*Thoth's POV*
I have no idea what I'm doing here. All I know is that suddenly, I had to come to Yui and stop whatever was happening here. Something is now clear to me: I love Kusanagi Yui.
*Yui's POV*
"Thoth-sama!" I whisper, face flaming, completely forgetting Apollon's presence, because Thoth is all I see. My eyes are stinging with happy tears. Without thinking, I've backed into the fountain for support, and cool water falls over my head. This time I'm completely ready for the wall slam. I'm waiting for it.
But it never comes. Instead, Thoth stops a few feet away from me, staring at me like he's never seen me in his life.
*Apollon's POV*
I'd had my suspicions, but this is too much to take in. I can see it in the way Thoth is running to Yui like she's the last piece of cornbread in creation—he really likes her.
But Fairy-san wouldn't like him, right? Just to make sure, I steal a glance at her.
I'm wrong. Her face is glowing—her eyes wide and glistening, her cheeks and forehead red, her mouth slighty open in an absent smile…
I've seen this look too many times to have any doubts. My Fairy is in love with Thoth.
Unable to feel anything, I back away slowly, then turn and run, shoving past Hades on the way.
*Yui's POV*
"W-what is it?" I murmur, sick with disappointment.
Thoth scowls and won't meet my eye. "I apologize," he declares icily, turning on his heel and leaving me to curl into a ball and sob.
If Zeus-san really does control the weather, he's doing a good job of it right now, because as I cry leaden clouds gather above me, wiping out the pretty sky and sending down torrents of sleet. I know I have to get inside, so I struggle to stand and peer into the gloom for the lights of my dorm. Soon I'm shaking with cold and completely lost in addition to being heartbroken.