At First Glance

Oh... He's good...

That's what Athanasia thought as she listened to the raven-colored hair boy's answer. She looked down and stared at her notes, there was a pizza drawing on the side.

We even have the same understanding. She thought with a scoff, blowing off some of her bangs that almost covered her eyes. She let out a sigh and erased the drawing.

So much for trying to find an answer.

At first glance, Athanasia thought that that boy-Lucas was it?-was just nothing but looks but she was wrong, this boy has some brains. And here she was thinking that she's good at reading what others are.

Well, that was embarrassing.

Anyway, Athanasia goes back to listen to their teacher's teachings after Lucas answered the question in a weird yet smart way though Athanasia sometimes gives the raven-head a small glance or two.

What a weird person.

-

Lunchtime came and everyone happily hopped out of their classrooms to buy their lunch or eat their lunch outside. Athanasia also went out when she see 2 of her friends waiting outside.

As she was about to go out, she noticed that Lucas was still on his seat with his chin leaning on the palm of his hand while reading a book.

He doesn't have any friends? She thought with her head tilted.

"Athy! What are you waiting for?" One of her friends called.

Athanasia turned and smiled at them. "Sorry, could you guys go first? I'll follow soon, I just need something from a classmate."

"Oh, okay... Sure!" They said, nodding. "Be quick okay?!"

"Yeah!"

Her friends left, leaving 7 or 8 students in the classroom. Athanasia let out a sigh and turned in a certain someone's direction. Why am I doing this? She walked towards him and sat in front.

"Hey-" Athanasia paused as soon as she see his face.

He's sleeping?!

In that position?!

"Hey!" Athanasia called in a whisper tone, lightly poking the raven-head's cheek, which surprised her because his cheek felt so soft to the touch.

Well, what did she expect from a good-looking boy?

He must be lucky to have good-looking parents-

Ah, he woke up. Athanasia flinched, seeing the boy's eyes open up, showing his red pupils. She immediately leaned away, gulping in surprise.

Lucas just stared at the blonde with blank eyes. "Who are you?" He asked with a yawn.

Athanasia frowned. "Huh? We've been classmates in math class for almost a month, you really don't know who I am?"

Lucas shook his head.

"Unbelievable..."

"... So... You need something from me?" Lucas decided to change the topic, feeling the awkwardness between them. He kinda felt bad for not knowing his classmates. Well, he didn't even expect that one of them would try and talk to him.

"It's nothing," Athanasia said with a sigh as she stood up. "I was just wondering why you're still in your seat when it's lunchtime."

"Oh... I was just-""Yeah, I know. Sorry for waking you up by the way. I'll be going now."

Athanasia left with Lucas still in his seat with a frown, his eyes followed the blonde until she was gone.

That was weird.

At first glance, he thought that she was one of those girls who only care about their perfection, but seeing her sitting in front of him with curiosity in her eyes as if she was trying to get to know him through her eyes. There he realized...

She's quite different.

...

"Ah, what am I thinking?" Lucas scoffed, giving his cheek a light slap to fully wake himself up. "Let's just go to the next class and sleep there."

-

"So, did you get what you need?" Athanasia's friend asked as they saw her walking towards them with a tray in hand.

"Sorry to keep you guys waiting," Athanasia apologized. "And yeah, I got it."

She took a seat and put down her lunch on the table. She turned to her friend, a boy with silver-colored hair. "Did you have your notes for our chemistry? I forgot mine."

"Yeah, I have it," he replied with a chuckle. "Athy being Athy, she always forgets some of her stuff."

Their other friend laughed, a girl with straight brown hair. "I agree!"

"What? I do not!" Athanasia protested. "And Jennette, don't agree with Ijekiel. He's not always speaking the truth!"

"But it's the truth though," Jennette said, still laughing, earning a nod from Ijekiel.

Athanasia rolled her eyes and started eating. "Why are you guys always picking up on me?" she grumbled.

"Because it's fun.""Because that's what friends do."

Athanasia scoffed. "I'll get my revenge later." She smirked while taking a bite of her chicken.

"I don't feel good about that revenge..." Jennette whispered to Ijekiel but loud enough for Athanasia to hear. "We must take shelter before she could make a move."

"Roger that," Ijekiel whispered back with a nod.

Athanasia tried her best not to laugh at her friends. Really, they're funny without even realizing that they are.

"Hey, there's a fight in the classroom 1-A!""Really?!""I heard it was Lucas and Leo's gang!""Let's go see!"

Athanasia's ears perked up at the mention of Lucas's name. She won't know why, but it did. Her eyes then followed to the students who were whispering about a fight as they walked out of the cafeteria.

"Hey," Athanasia called her friends who are busy talking about homework.

Jennette and Ijekiel turned their attention to Athanasia with a hum, tilting their heads as if asking what.

"There's a fight in class 1-A."

-

Is this what they call a fight?

Athanasia let out a silent scoff, peeking in between students who also came in the class to see who's fighting. But to Athanasia's eyes, it looked like the raven-head was getting picked on by three students, it's not an equal fight.

"Is that student in the middle okay?" Jennette scooted in from behind. "It looked like he's doing nothing."

Athanasia nodded, too focused to say a word. They just wasted their precious lunchtime over this nonsense that the students called a fight. Are they joking with her?

"This is stupid..." She muttered, turning her back and walking away from the crowd, leaving her friends who are interested in the fight.

Athanasia decided to go to her locker and get her stuff for her next class. It's better to be early than go over unimportant things.

How stupid of her to be interested in a boy that she completely doesn't know about? Why is she even interested in him? What's so special in him that made her feel like this?

As if they are somewhat connected in different ways.

It was just a first glance. At first glance and the boy made her do things that she doesn't really do or want to do.

What's wrong with her?

Athanasia continued thinking about the boy and asking herself questions that she couldn't even answer as she went to her locker for her things. And without even knowing, she found herself standing in front of the teacher's faculty.

"What did I just put myself into?" Athanasia sighed, slouching her shoulders. She blew her bangs before deciding to open the door to tell the teachers about the commotion in Lucas's class.

"Excuse me, miss, sir?"

-

Someone, please slap Athanasia on the face to wake herself up. She's completely losing her mind just because of this one boring boy that she doesn't want to be acquainted with. It's killing her every time she sees his face.

"Punk!"

And here she is! Hiding under a window where Lucas and the bullies were meeting outside. And Athanasia just happened to walk across.

What a lucky day!

It was sarcasm of course. There's no way she could find this day lucky seeing Lucas's face and hearing his voice every hour. Seriously, someone stops this. It's not funny to her anymore.

"What's with that look?!" One of the bullies yelled. Athanasia rolled her eyes, she could clearly hear the shaking of his voice. Jeez, why would they go and fight an innocent student when they're even afraid?

There are really dumb people like them in this world.

"I didn't look for a fight, just tell me what you want and get this over with," Athanasia heard Lucas say. "I have to go home early."

"Are you afraid to go home alone?" What's up with that tone? It doesn't suit them. "Don't worry, we'll accompany you."

"No need. I've been alone since primary school. Being afraid going home alone is just a child's play to me." Wow, Athanasia was surprised. Though hearing that Lucas was alone since he was very young doesn't sound right to her.

"So you're a cold-hearted person? Ugh, why is my girlfriend even fell in love with you?" Oh, so this was about a girlfriend.

Athanasia peeked through the window, curious. She saw that Lucas was circled by the bullies with his back close to the window. She could only see his ruffly hair.

And she swore that Lucas just scoffed at them. "So it's my fault?"

"O-Of course it's your fault!!" One of them yelled, seemed like they want to look intimidating but failed due to him stuttering.

"Sorry, I'm not into this kind of drama where a girl broke up with a guy because she liked this one guy who didn't even know she exists," Lucas straight up said it, almost making Athanasia snort out a laugh, luckily she stopped herself with her hands.

"What did you say?! How dare you say that?!"

"Now you're confusing me."

"What?!"

Lucas rolled his eyes. "This is going nowhere. I'm out."

"Hey!! Where are you going?! Where not done yet!!"

"You are not the one who gets to decide if it's done or not when I'm the one who adjusted my schedule to just meet you guys here and talk about a stupid reason," Lucas spat, surprising Athanasia. Whew, he could snap. "Really. Grow up."

"Why you-!" They gave him a good blow on the cheek, making Athanasia flinch, she tried to peek but was too afraid to do so. Are they fighting????

She heard Lucas scoff in disbelief. "The hell...?"

She knew that Lucas is gonna fight back and running off to call the teachers who are still on the faculty is gonna take her some time. She's sure that by the time she gets there with the teachers, Lucas and the bullies were now covered in bruises.

So the plan b?

Is this...

"What the-?!" Lucas coughed, feeling his collar getting pulled back towards the wall. As he was about to turn his head to see who was pulling him, a wave of golden streaks of hair flowed down upon him like rain, surprising him.

And there's only one girl who has that kind of hair.

"Jeez, why am I doing this again?"

"Hey! It's Athanasia!!!"

"It's really her!!!"

Lucas felt his lips curve up and turned to see Athanasia with a deadpan look on her face, rolling her eyes in annoyance.

"Oh, it's my classmate in math class," Lucas bluntly said, pointing at her as he just lets her pull him towards the window.

"That's not important!!" Athanasia exclaimed, glaring at the raven-head. "You're on thin ice, you idiot!!"

"Who's you're calling an idiot? Me or them, because if it's them then I would definitely agree but if it's me-kehg!" Lucas felt his collar getting pulled up. "H-Help!" He coughed.

"Climb if you don't want me to continue!"

"T-They're getting away!!!"

"Don't let them escape!!"

Annoyed, Lucas decided to follow and climb up the window. He flinched in surprise as Athanasia held his wrist and dragged him out.

"What is your relationship with her anyway?!! Why is she helping you?!!" One of the bullies complained, trying to climb inside.

Lucas turned back to see them struggling to climb and just smirk. "Why would I tell ya?" He teased, showing his middle finger before turning back to focus on following Athanasia.

"HEY!! COME BACK HERE!!!"

Lucas chuckled and stared at the blonde's back. "Hey, thanks... Even though I don't need your help."

"There's no person who doesn't need someone's help, even if they're at an advantage," Athanasia replied. "And I knew already that you need someone's help that time. There's no way that you could take them all by yourself.

"Really?" Lucas raised a brow, amused. "Are you a hero or something?"

Athanasia stopped running, pausing at the question he gave. She turned and looked down at their hands and pulled it away. She huffed, rolling her eyes. "Whatever you say."

"If you are, then if I call your name, would you come flying to save me?" Lucas asked, tilting his head.

Athanasia blushed and looked away. "Huh?! We just became acquaintances, what's up with that question...." Her voice trailed off as she turned her head back to face the other who is smiling at her with... Gratefulness?

"Even whoever it is in need, as a hero, you should save them right?"

"...." Athanasia was speechless. Not only because of what he said but also the expression he gave. Is it relief? But why?

It was something that Athanasia might understand.

Lucas could only chuckle at her expression and held up his pinky finger. "Is that a promise, Ms. Hero?"

Athanasia stared at his finger and let out a defeated sigh, doing the same. "Yeah, sure."

"Well, take care of me, Hero."

"... Likewise."

-

"LOUI!!"

Lucas looked up to see his mother running towards him with a worried look. He lets out a sigh, shaking his head. She's mentioning him again...

"I'm home," He said with a smile, walking towards his mother. "Also, ma. How many times do I have to tell you that I'm not Loui, I'm Lucas."

"What...?" His mother blinked, her smile is starting to fade. "What do you mean, Louise? You're Louise. Lucas... Your brother, he's upstairs. What are you talking about?"

"Mom, I'm here!" Lucas pointed at himself, frowning.

"T-Then where's Loui....? My obedient boy... Where is he?"

Lucas's hand dropped, his eyes widened. ".... Obedient..." He took a step closer to his mother and held her on both shoulders. "M-Mom, I'm your obedient child, right? I'm right here... I'm the only son whose obedient to you..."

"No! Let me see my Loui!" His mother began to cry.

"Mom why can't you see me?!" Lucas panicked. "Loui's gone! You always wanted to see him but what about me?!! Mom, why is it Loui?!!" His grip on his mother's shoulders began to tighten. "I have tried my best for this family but why?!!! I'm also your son!! Mom... I'm your only obedient son, right...? Right? Right?!!"

"Stop that!!! I don't have a son like you!! Get lost!!!" And with every strength of his mother, she was able to push Lucas away.

Lucas stared at his mother in pain, he don't know if he was at fault or hers. Only he knows that they were both hurting.

He sadly looked down, taking a deep breath. "I... will never be enough for you, won't I?"

"...." His mother's eyes suddenly widened as she saw the expression her son gave. "Luc..."

Lucas left the room and didn't hear what she said, going upstairs and locking himself in his room. He dropped to the floor, wrapping both of his knees as he began to cry. He suddenly heard someone knock on his door, which he didn't answer and just silently cried while trying to hurt himself by pulling his hair.

"Lucas...." He heard a shaky voice. "Are you gonna leave mama...? D-Don't leave mama okay, you're all that I have... Stay with mama.... My obedient child... Okay?*

Lucas didn't listen, whispering to himself as he covered his ears. *Shut up, shut up, shut up, shut up...."

"If you are, then if I call your name, would you come flying to save me?"

Lucas remembered. He immediately stood up, forgetting the knocks on his door that slowly become rough. He went to his phone and dialed a phone number that he saved just before he arrived home.

He held his phone to his ear, shaking. "Please answer.... please... answer..."

*beep, beep*

Silence...

"Is that a promise, Ms. Hero?"

Lucas' hand dropped, letting his phone fall. He cried again, hiding in his blanket. The knocks became more clear and... deadly.

"Someone..."

----

"Help me..."

In a cold and darkroom, there sat Athanasia with a picture in hand, hugging it so tightly. She could hear her phone ringing but she didn't bother to answer. She...

Was also crying.

She reached for her phone and saw the missed call. Slowly, she also hugged it close. "I'm sorry..." She cried, her voice breaking. "I'm sorry..."

She felt so pathetic.

So small.

So powerless.

At first glance, she may be a hero but...

"... Mom... Dad..."

"Promises are meant to be broken when the two of you are happy."

--long chapie ~yet so angsty kekekekeke

btw "Athanasia" last chapters are out!