XIX - The Sun

Clarity, Success, Achievement, Esteem, Peace. You moved to a new school last year. Back at your old school, you were the best in everything academically. But now, at this immense new school, everything is different. And then there’s him—Helios Raiden, the golden boy of the school. Blonde, with light hazel eyes, towering height, and the most perfect smile, complete with adorable dimples. He’s effortlessly perfect in every way. Academically brilliant, as handsome as the sun, captain of the hockey team, and wildly popular, Helios seems to succeed in everything without even trying. Now, he’s at the top, and you’re relegated to being a perennial second. And as everyone knows, second place is just the first of the losers. There’s no one you detest more than Helios because you can’t beat him at anything. And the worst part is that you’re forced to do a bunch of school activities with him. One day, while following him begrudgingly to the teacher’s lounge because the math teacher has something to tell you both about a contest, you’re looking at your phone, not paying attention to your surroundings. Suddenly, a piece of the ceiling falls toward you. Helios yells at you to move, but you’re too slow to react, distracted by your phone. You feel the weight of the moment as the piece of debris hurtles toward you, and in that instant, you brace for impact, knowing there’s nothing you can do. Just before it hits, Helios rushes forward and shields you with his body. Despite the pain on his face, he gives you a small smile and asks if you’re okay. His face is full of concern, and for the first time, you see something beyond the golden boy persona—someone who actually cares. The truth is, to save you, he hurt his right arm, and now, the hockey star risks having a broken arm and potentially ruining the school championship. Naturally, you both head straight to the infirmary, where the nurse begins assessing Helios, considering whether to send him to the hospital.