Lavi sat in Tiedoll's office the following week, filling out paperwork while Tiedoll went off to arrange his class schedule. Each form seemed to weigh heavier on his conscience as he marked his presence in this new chapter of his life. The pen felt like a leaden weight in his hand, dragging across the paper with each stroke. Memories of his past misdeeds and the fresh wounds of Kanda's hatred mingled, clouding his thoughts with a relentless storm of guilt and sorrow.
When Tiedoll returned and examined the completed documents, Lavi couldn't help but feel a mixture of anticipation and anxiety. He handed Lavi a neatly organized schedule, the culmination of their discussions and planning, and Lavi could see the genuine warmth in Tiedoll's eyes.
"I'm truly glad you've decided to join us here. I apologize for Kanda insisting on you staying in the dorms," Tiedoll remarked as Lavi gathered his things.
"It's okay," Lavi replied with a resigned nod before leaving Tiedoll's office. The words felt hollow, but he forced a smile. Making his way across campus to his first class, he glanced down at the schedule and noted that his first lesson was math. Lavi shrugged to himself and headed towards the classroom, each step feeling like a mile.
Upon entering, his eyes immediately locked with Kanda's, who sat broodingly at the back. Kanda's glare was palpable, and Lavi quickly decided to take a seat near the front, attempting to distance himself from the tension. The atmosphere was suffocating, each second stretching into an eternity under the weight of Kanda's unspoken accusations.
Throughout the lecture, Lavi mechanically took notes while his mind wrestled with the weight of Kanda's disdain. He was acutely aware of Kanda's piercing stares, each one adding to the unease that had settled over him. It wasn't until the end of the class, when Kanda stormed past him, that Lavi realized how deeply Kanda's animosity affected him. Hastily gathering his belongings, Lavi hurried after Kanda, his heart pounding in his chest.
"Kanda!" Lavi called out, desperate to catch his attention. But his efforts only seemed to make Kanda walk faster. Determined, Lavi quickened his pace until he managed to grab Kanda's arm. Kanda whirled around, his glare cutting through Lavi like a knife.
"What do you want?" Kanda demanded bitterly, yanking his arm free from Lavi's grasp.
"I'm sorry. I really am," Lavi apologized earnestly, his voice tinged with regret. The sincerity in his voice was unmistakable, a plea for understanding and forgiveness that he feared would never come. Kanda's expression remained stoic as he pulled away from Lavi.
"I don't care how many times you apologize. I'll never forgive you," Kanda spat out, his words like daggers to Lavi's heart. He turned to leave, each step he took echoing the ache in Lavi's heart. He felt utterly alone, with no one to turn to for guidance or solace.
Returning to his dorm room, Lavi tossed his belongings onto the bed with a heavy sigh. The remainder of his day was fraught with similar encounters in every class, each one overshadowed by Kanda's presence and icy glares. Lavi couldn't escape the feeling that he was a pariah, unwanted and unwelcome in this new environment. As he sat down at his desk, Tiedoll's laptop beckoned to him, a reminder of the hope he had once felt. Lost in thought, he barely noticed when his roommate entered.
"Hi, I don't think we got a chance to talk during the dorm rules meeting. I'm Allen Walker," his roommate introduced himself, his white hair and scar catching Lavi's attention.
"Oh, you're the one Kanda calls 'moyashi'," Lavi chuckled softly, trying to lighten the mood. It was a feeble attempt, but he needed the distraction.
"It's Allen," he replied with a wry smile, walking over to his small fridge and pulling out a bottle.
"Here," Allen tossed a bottle to Lavi, who caught it reflexively, looking at Allen curiously. Allen retrieved another bottle, opening it to reveal the scent of blood. Lavi's eye momentarily turned red before he quickly averted his gaze.
"You don't have to hide what you are. You're Prince Lavi, right?" Allen asked casually. Lavi looked up, surprised.
"How did you know? You can't be another vampire. They were all killed over four thousand years ago," Lavi said, intrigued by Allen's knowledge.
"You weren't the only one who survived. A few of us managed to stay hidden," Allen explained, sitting down on his bed.
"How many? How many are still alive?" Lavi asked eagerly, hope flickering in his eyes for the first time in days.
"About a hundred or so, give or take," Allen replied, noticing Lavi's excitement.
"Is there someone leading them since I was considered missing?" Lavi inquired, eager for more information.
"Yeah, the Millennium Earl."
"Could you take me to meet him sometime?" Lavi asked, enthusiasm bubbling over. The thought of reconnecting with others like him was a beacon of light in his darkened world.
"Um... sure," Allen agreed hesitantly. Lavi couldn't contain his joy and hugged Allen briefly.
"Thanks!" Lavi exclaimed before refocusing on the tasks at hand. Allen returned to his work but couldn't help but notice the sadness that lingered on Lavi's face.
"Can I ask you something?" Allen ventured after a moment of silence.
"That was something, Allen," Lavi replied with a small laugh, appreciating the attempt at levity.
"You know what I meant," Allen grinned.
"I know. What is it?" Lavi asked, curious.
"I noticed Kanda's making you stay in the dorms instead of living with him and Tiedoll. Why is that?" Allen questioned gently. Lavi sighed, a wave of sadness washing over him.
"I couldn't keep quiet. I told him... I told him it was me who killed his parents," Lavi admitted, his voice laden with regret.
"Did you really...?" Allen started to ask, his voice trailing off. Lavi nodded solemnly, and Allen struggled to find the right words to console him. He saw the torment in Lavi's eyes, the remorse etched deeply in his features.
After finishing his work, Lavi stood up and stretched, preparing to leave.
"I'm heading out," Lavi said quietly as he walked towards the door. Allen watched him go, his heart going out to his troubled roommate.
Outside, Lavi wandered aimlessly, consumed by thoughts of Kanda and the rift between them. He kicked at a loose rock on the path, his mind replaying their encounters throughout the day. He longed to mend their relationship, to bridge the chasm that had opened between them. The sorrow was a constant weight, pressing down on his shoulders, making each step a laborious effort.
A sudden shout broke through his thoughts. "Go run twenty laps around the building!" Kanda's voice rang out, startling Lavi into awareness. He looked up and saw a student sprint past him, clad in a soccer uniform. Curious, Lavi rounded the corner and found the soccer team practicing on the field. Kanda's authoritative presence was unmistakable, and Lavi watched silently from the sidelines as Kanda pushed the team with relentless intensity.
A student approached him, sensing Lavi's interest. "Do you need help?" he offered, noticing Lavi's concern.
"The team seems afraid of him," Lavi observed quietly. The student nodded knowingly.
"He's not usually this harsh. Something must have set him off," he replied cryptically before Kanda stormed over, his gaze fixated on Lavi.
"Why are you here?" Kanda demanded sharply, his tone laced with venom.
"I finished my work and went for a walk. Now I'm here, having this conversation with you," Lavi replied evenly, meeting Kanda's gaze head-on. Sensing the tension, Lavi stood his ground.
"I get that you hate me. I can understand that. But don't take it out on your teammates," Lavi implored, his voice tinged with a mixture of frustration and pleading. The pain in his voice was undeniable, a raw and unfiltered emotion that he could no longer keep hidden.
"Don't tell me what to do," Kanda retorted coldly, turning away and striding back towards the team. Lavi's expression fell as he watched Kanda retreat, feeling the weight of their fractured relationship press heavily upon him.
Deciding to return to the dorm room, Lavi walked slowly, his thoughts still consumed by the rift between him and Kanda. The campus was a blur around him, the vibrant energy of student life contrasting sharply with his inner turmoil. As he entered the room, he couldn't shake the sense of loneliness and isolation that had settled over him. The familiar surroundings offered no comfort, only serving to remind him of the emotional chasm that separated him from the one person he desperately wanted to reconcile with.