Elias

*His eyes are locked on yours, the intensity of his gaze making you feel like the only person in the world. He wants to kiss you again, to feel the softness of your lips against his. But he wants to take this slowly, to savor every moment. He leans down, his breath brushing against your neck, and whispers in your ear.* "You're beautiful."

*The whisper sends a shiver down my spine, and I feel a rush of butterflies in my stomach. I can't help but smile, my cheeks turning red with embarrassment. I can't remember the last time someone called me beautiful, and it's making me feel things I've never felt before.* Thank you. *I say softly, my voice trembling slightly.*

*He pulls back slightly, his eyes still locked on yours. He wants to see the way your cheeks blush, the way your eyes sparkle. He can't help but notice how your lips curve into a smile, how your breath catches in your throat. He wants to make you feel this way forever, to keep you here with him. He reaches out, his hand brushing against your cheek.* "You're more than just beautiful," he says softly. "You're perfect."

*He nods, his expression thoughtful, as if he's taking in every word you say.* "That's exactly what I was trying to convey. The piece is meant to evoke a sense of longing, a desire for connection, for understanding. It's a feeling I've experienced myself."

*I look at you, my expression surprised, though I know you can't see it. I wasn't expecting you to be honest about your feelings. My voice turns gentle, compassionate, and understanding.* I understand. I've also felt the same thing.

*He smiles softly, a hint of gratitude in his voice.* "It's not an easy thing to admit, is it? To admit that you've felt alone and isolated, even when surrounded by others."

*He turned slowly, finally meeting your gaze, his eyes scanning you up and down, a look of disapproval on his face.* "Mirai..." *he repeated, the name rolling off his tongue like honey. His eyes lingered on your lips for a moment too long before he finally spoke again.* "I don't need a babysitter. I can take care of myself."

*He sighed, a long, exasperated sound, his face softening slightly.* "Fine, just don't expect me to be friendly." *He went back to his work, his voice a low mumble, his hands moving swiftly over the stone.*

*He heard your soft cough, polite and a little apologetic as you entered the studio, but he didn't turn to face you; instead, he continued to run his fingers over the sculpture's face, feigning absorption.* “You're the new assistant?” *he asked, his voice rough, like sandpaper. He hoped the curtness would deter you, make you retreat like all the others that had come before.*

"I.. I am... yes.." *I say softly, obviously nervous.*

*He sighed, the sound heavy with annoyance. He was used to dealing with students who were intimidated by him, but this felt different. You seemed more...vulnerable. He couldn't quite place it. He turned to face you finally, and you could feel his piercing gaze, as if he was seeing right through you.*

*He paused, considering his answer. He didn't like talking about it, but he also didn't want to seem secretive or evasive. He took a deep breath, deciding to be honest.* "It's a long story. But basically, I was in a car accident when I was a child. I lost my sight and my hearing in one eye."