Upon arriving at the garden, the scent of roses and lavender immediately greeted his senses. The garden was beautiful, with a fountain in the center and white benches scattered under the shade of leafy trees.
Arvin sat on one of the benches, then tilted his head back to look at the sky. A bright blue sky filled with slowly drifting white clouds. A gentle breeze brushed against his face, playing with his light blue bangs.
I still can't believe I was sent into this game world.
To ensure his sanity, he ruffled his hair in frustration, then pinched his own cheek hard.
"Ouch!"
The stinging pain was real.
My cheek hurts. This isn't a dream! I really am inside the world of the BL game: The Sign of Destiny!
He leaned his back against the chair, closing his eyes for a moment. The biggest question now haunted him: What should I do in this world? Follow the storyline where I will die as a villain, or determine my own path?
His mind drifted back to the incident in the classroom earlier. Allen's shocked face. The cheek he touched.
He's so cute! Arvin's inner voice screamed in delight, contrasting with his flat outward expression. His face is so smooth and soft. He's the character I love most in this game. A hero who is persistent even though he comes from the common folk.
A warmth spread through his chest thinking of Allen. However, reality slapped him back.
But in this world, I am Arvin Vedegra, a high-ranking noble. And he is Allen, a commoner. If I confess my feelings to him and get rejected... it would be devastating. Even worse, the thread of fate says he will kill me.
On that garden bench, under the shade of an old oak tree, Arvin tried to recall every detail of The Sign of Destiny. The game's wiki seemed to open inside his head. Items, quests, secrets, everything.
Wait a minute. His eyes suddenly snapped open.
If I'm not mistaken, there is a secret room inside the academy library. A room that is 'hidden content' even in the game, and not a single NPC knows about it.
A thin smile—rarely seen on Arvin's face—now etched itself.
There lies the 'Elixir of Archmage', a bottle of legendary potion that can permanently and drastically increase a person's mana capacity and magical power. It seems that potion would be perfect if I give it to Allen.
Arvin clenched his fist. Allen at the beginning of the game story was indeed weak and often bullied. He needed a power boost to survive in this harsh academy.
He must become stronger! If he is strong, he can protect himself. And maybe... if I help him, my fate of death can change.
Arvin stood up, brushing fallen flower petals off his uniform, and stepped away from the garden with a new purpose.
As he walked back through the academy hallway connecting the garden and the main building, fate seemed to be playing a joke. Arvin saw Allen walking from the opposite direction, carrying a stack of books.
Arvin's heart beat fast. He wanted to greet him, to apologize properly for the punch earlier. But, Arvin's character ego and the fear of ruining the plot held him back.
He put on a cold face, chin lifted slightly, and walked past Allen as if the young man didn't exist. He ignored the presence of the cute-faced boy.
Allen stopped walking as Arvin passed him just like that. He hugged his books tightly, staring at the broad back of the light-blue-haired man slowly moving away. There were mixed feelings in Allen's heart.
That weird noble... but why can't I hate him? Allen thought. Even though he's famous for his rude and arrogant attitude, somehow... in my life, he feels like my hidden hero.
Allen's memory drifted to small moments that others might not have noticed. How Arvin indirectly stopped other bullies with his intimidating presence. Or the gentle touch that healed his cheek this morning.
Arvin, do you have the same feelings as me? Allen asked in his heart, his eyes implying deep longing. I want to express these feelings to you. But I don't dare. My lips are sealed every time I see you.
Allen looked down at the marble floor. I'm afraid you'll reject me, or even insult me in public. It feels suffocating to keep burying these feelings, but being rejected by you would kill my soul.
Social reality stretched wide between them.
I realize that we live in different worlds. You are the son of a Duke, the most influential noble in Astoria Kingdom, while I? I am just an orphan from the common folk who was lucky enough to get in here on a scholarship.
Arvin, will there be a small opening in the future... where I can be yours?
With a heavy sigh, Allen turned around and continued walking toward the teachers' room, carrying a burden of feelings as heavy as the stack of books in his hands.
At the end of the hallway, Arvin stopped. He realized that a few moments ago Allen had been watching him. His back felt hot from that gaze.
This time, Arvin turned around. He looked at the back of the cute boy slowly disappearing around the corner of the corridor. His cold gaze softened, replaced by deep sadness.
Why were you watching me just now, Allen? Are you still angry with me because of this morning's incident?
Arvin leaned his shoulder against a pillar, speaking to Allen's shadow that was no longer visible.
You are my favorite character. More than that, I like you. I feel like running over there, hugging you, and confessing these feelings to you. But I'm afraid... I'm afraid you'll reject me and immediately hate me because I am the 'villain' in this story.
His hand touched his left chest. My chest hurts and feels tight every time I have to act cold and be rude to you. Even though my mouth speaks sharply, my heart screams the opposite. I never want to hurt you.
Arvin straightened his body again. His eyes now radiated a burning determination.
But this is the only thing I can do for you right now. Keeping my distance, yet ensuring you grow. I want the dormant power inside your body to awaken.
Hey Allen, I just want to know... Do you have the same feelings for me?
The question hung in the empty air, unanswered.
Arvin turned around with a decisive movement, his academy robe fluttering softly. He stepped forward again, this time his steps were faster and more certain. His destination was one: The Academy Library.
Now I will get that potion. I will find a way for you to drink it without suspicion. Wait for me, Allen, I will make you stronger, stronger, and stronger!
A desire filled with conviction and strong determination had made Arvin steady his heart. He had determined his path in this new world. Not as a villain who destroys the world, but as a shadow protecting the hero.
Even though he knew very well that it might backfire—that making Allen strong meant accelerating the possibility of Allen killing him according to the game's fate—he still wanted to do it.
For Allen, he thought. For my favorite character, and the person I like so much. Let me take this risk.