WEDNESDAY: A diligent student takes notes during classes
(Lovino-centric though one part would be Antonio's)
This is angst. Sorry…?
Romano hadn't slept well again. Aside from a wailing Feliciano (because the kitchen was a mess) and his potato bastard (because his adorable brother asked 'Luddy' to move the cabinet from their doorway), the elder Italian was also feeling troubled.
It's more serious than you think.
What the hell does that mean, really? I mean, what's going to be serious on a relationship that only lasts for a week? Why would you pretend to be so dedicated about it if you know too well that it's just going to end? Lovino couldn't understand at all.
What does Antonio want anyway? Isn't he just one of those stupid jerks that think they are some kind of a prince charming that can make any girl's wish come true? Well, sorry for them but Lovino is definitely not a chick. He is a fucking MAN. This week is even a good chance for Antonio to relax for a while after dating almost half of the student population. But then he's gone and told Lovino that he is serious about this unfortunate situation. Could Antonio be actually some kind of a nympho? Does he enjoy dating persons that much?
But he doesn't seem like that. He is a Spaniard, for fuck's sake. He can attribute it to his in-born passion and no one should ask any more questions. Well, except for Lovino who really can't see the need of being passionate about this one-week game.
It's more serious than you think.
And now he's back to phase one.
The next day, Wednesday, Lovino woke up more tired than when he drifted to sleep. And he was also running late. Fuck.
He dashed to the door (luckily the cabinet was already gone) just grabbing his bag and changing his clothes along the way. But when he went out the gate he saw Antonio waiting for him in his bicycle.
"Buenos diaz, Lovi~" he cheerfully greeted, a winning smile plastered on his face. Lovino felt stupid. He seems to have worried for nothing.
"Buongiorno," he answered shortly.
"Since we are running late, let's use this," the Spaniard said, indicating his bike. Lovino complied without a word. He still feels weirded out about what's happening.
When they arrive at school, the two of them rushed (thanks to their running skills) to the culinary department, arriving seconds before Mr. Edelstein, that it looked like that Antonio and the Austrian arrived together. The class felt a sudden need of Kleenex again.
"Psst, Lovi," Antonio whispered as he passed by the Italian's seat.
Lovino glanced at him and felt something round pushed onto his palm. The Spaniard placed a finger over his lips to say, "Shhh" and winked at the Italian. Lovino saw that it was a tomato with a sticky note saying, "You haven't eaten yet, si?"
He looked back at the Spaniard but Antonio was already facing the teacher. What the hell is this all about? Lovino asked himself as he takes a bite from the tomato, faintly blushing.
Their class for the day was individual activity. So Lovino had more time to think.
Antonio has been very sweet since this morning. Even Lovino is starting to feel some tooth decay. It really makes him wonder…
"But… this is how I treat girls that I date, Lovi."
They were at the rooftop because the Spaniard 'forced' Lovino to eat lunch with him (Antonio had been serious in using the culinary department to cook their food) since the cafeteria food is tasteless. So, Lovino delicately asked the Spaniard why he is being so fussy over him today. And that was the answer he got.
Lovino felt kinda dejected at that answer. So that's why everything seems to be organized. Antonio had been doing this kind of thing many times before. Lovino bit his lip.
But he asked for it, right?
"And this is what you wanted, right, Lovino?"
Why does it seem like the Spaniard is acting unfriendly all of a sudden? He must be imagining things.
"Yeah, thanks for that," he said curtly and he looked away from the Spaniard.
"You know, I could also tell you some techniques that I use," Antonio was saying but Lovino found himself drifting away to his thoughts. "Maybe you should take notes, he he he."
What's wrong with him, really? Why can't he stop himself from imagining Antonio doing these things to the other girls he date? Why can't he get rid of the thought that the Spaniard might use these methods to Bella? Why is he getting annoyed all of a sudden?
There is just one thing to do. Lovino has to be the one to do these things to Bella.
"But really, the secret is just do the things you do best," the Spaniard was saying.
"I'll confess on Sunday," Lovino suddenly said. Antonio looked at him thoughtfully.
"That's nice," he mumbled through his food but not paying much attention to the Italian anymore.
After that they continued to eat lunch in silence and walked together when the lunch bell rings.
Before they reach the door, despite himself, Antonio heard himself ask, "But how are you going to confess, Lovi?"
The teacher entered the room before Lovino can answer.
Actually, Lovino doesn't know yet. Maybe he shouldn't make it very dramatic. Or maybe he should. He could vaguely remember Antonio's advice to do something he is good at. Well, he is a culinary student. But it sounds stupid to cook for Bella on a birthday party. What other things is he good at?
He can draw… But Feliciano's better. So it's out of the question.
He can sing… But Feliciano's better. So it's also out.
He can dance… Isn't it stupid-looking to do a solo-dance? Or maybe he could ask Bella to dance with him. But isn't asking Bella giving her the chance to refuse? What if she does? It's a birthday party. She would be tired attending to her guests.
What else is he good at?
Well… there's that one thing…
Lovino felt a sudden rush of excitement conquer him as the teacher adjourned the class.
"Hey, Antonio," he called out to the Spaniard as they fix their things for dismissal.
"Yes?" Antonio glanced at him.
"Come with me to the music room?" he asked quite embarrassedly.
Only Antonio knows this part of him. Yet. So, luckily, he could help him.
"I'm g-going to practice playing," he explained. "A-And I need your help to judge me."
"Uhm… what for?" he asked curiously.
"You asked me how I would want to confess so…"
"Oh. Okay."
Again with that cold atmosphere.
They reached the music room and once again, Lovino found the violin in the same place as last time.
"Uhm… so I'm starting," he said nervously.
Lovino started playing the violin, (A/N: I have no idea what song is pretty to play. Suggestions? :3) Antonio watching him so fixedly. He felt bit conscious. Just a bit. The Spaniard's emerald green eyes were so focused on him, looking dreamy as they gazed at the Italian. Lovino felt sweat forming on his forehead. He tried to look away but his own eyes always find it's way back to Antonio's. The Spaniard's eyes were a thing of curiosity. His gaze is so intense that Lovino felt the Goosebumps on his nape. Then the Italian closed his eyes but he could still feel the burning stare of the Spaniard at him.
How could Antonio do that to him?
The piece ended with a sigh. Lovino opened his eyes to see Antonio standing in front of him. Again, with those hypnotizing eyes. Before Lovino could free himself from their eye contact, the Spaniard has settled his face closer to the Italian's until their lips touched. Lovino felt his eyelids droop.
Antonio tasted like tomatoes.
As the two walks home, Lovino can still feel Antonio's lips over his. Aside from a hoarse, "You play really well," from Antonio, no words were exchanged between them. But Lovino is still very uneasy. Yes, the Spaniard has been very sappy this day, so maybe a kiss or two is just a part of it. But Lovino still felt like that kiss was unplanned. Because the look in Antonio's eyes… it looks so genuine. And so passionate… Besides, Antonio couldn't have known that Lovino would play the violin in front of him, could he? Has he dated a violinist before?
But… nah. It can't be. Antonio is obviously just playing. This is how he treated the girls he dated before.
So the Italian has to be sure.
"Antonio…"
The Spaniard paused his walking but did not look at the Italian.
"W-Why did you kiss me?"
Lovino felt Antonio tensed. No, it can't be.
Antonio has been thinking about that, really. Since yesterday, he decided to just play along with Lovino's whims. That way, their inevitable parting wouldn't be so painful for the Spaniard. He thought he was playing fine. Well, until Lovino mentioned Bella again.
He can't help but get angry. He felt like he's just being used. Well, maybe he is being used. It annoys him that he just let it happen.
Why does he just let it happen?
After lunch break, he just kept on asking himself that. Though no answer comes into his mind. The afternoon passed and then at dismissal, Lovino came to him.
Why does he agree so easily with the Italian?
Well, they are dating, for one. Even though this has become a play-date, Antonio wouldn't risk his pride by being a complete jerk about it. And maybe he wants to prove Lovino that this isn't a kind of a game. Maybe.
And then he played the violin.
The first time Antonio caught a glimpse of Lovino playing the violin, he felt breathless. They say music is language of the soul. Well, Antonio felt Lovino's sadness the first time he hear him play. And then a while ago, he felt Lovino's love.
It was funny, how he was searching for the thing for a long time, only to find it from someone who wants to give it to somebody else.
Antonio felt empty. He felt that everything he's done before was hollow compared to Lovino's love. Perhaps it wasn't a good idea to search for love. Or maybe he was doing it wrong all along.
And then his body moved on it's own. The next thing he knew, he kissed Lovino.
"Lovino."
The Italian flinched from behind.
"I think you shouldn't ask me how to be a good boyfriend," Antonio said.
"W-Why?" Lovino asked, amazed.
"Because I wasn't a good one," said the Spaniard bitterly. "I was never a good one."
W-What the heck, Antonio?
The distant atmosphere between them intensified, and they just walked on silence until they reached the Vargas's home. Lovino just went in without even saying good bye to Antonio.
Stupid bastard. you didn't answer my question.
"Hey, fratello," Feliciano silkily asked as Lovino enters the house. The elder Italian just dropped his bag on the couch and went to collect the clothes he had just thrown this morning.
"What?" he snapped at his brother.
"Why were you with big brother Antonio?" the younger Italian inquired, his eyes shining maliciously.
Lovino considered lying. But Feliciano isn't as dumb as he looks, so he didn't. The younger Italian wouldn't stop pestering him until he says the truth anyways.
"I asked him to judge my violin practice," he said dismissively as he carried the laundry to his room.
"But… you can just practice alone, right? You always does," Feliciano said off-handedly as Lovino slammed his bedroom door.
When he was securely alone on his bedroom, Lovino let his mind wander again.
Why was he eager to let Antonio listen to his piece?
Lovino's fingers found their way to touch his lips.
TBC.
Okay. As I was saying before, I'm more comfortable to write angst. Though I don't say that I am better at it. Maybe I just suck at both angst and humor hahaha (though some of you said that I made a hilarious chapter before... you make me blush X3) But I decided that it has to be there. Because… falling in love is angsty in my own opinion hahaha. Well, at least in their situation. I'll try bringing humor back later…
EDIT: I forgot about the bicycle ahahah. Let's just say that when they are walking home, Antonio was just holding the bicycle. 'Cause Lovino refused to ride with him ;p (Yay, saved hahaha)