People often said that the worst period in time is the period between an exam and the result. Right after the mid-term examination, the halls and corridors of Gotham Academy were bustling.

But for Damian and a certain someone, those few weeks were made unbearable for different reasons, those being each other.

Damian was sure, absolutely sure, that he would get an A in mathematics, the class you both shared. Where disagreements between you both were a regular thing. He did perfectly on the test, just like he always does. Just like how you always catch up to him.

But this time instead of fighting with him about the answers of the test, he found you pushing through the crowds of students, making your way to the restroom with an uncharacteristically somber expression on your face.

He didn't stop you, though he couldn't lie and say it didn't tug at his heartstrings to see you that way.

Damian wasn't surprised to see the red 'A+' on the corner of his test paper a few weeks later. He was more excited about rubbing it in your face, relishing in his victory over you—it felt much more satisfactory than any of his successful missions.

But when he finds you sitting on the abandoned staircase of the school building, test paper crumpled up by your side with tears running down your face—the victory doesn't feel so tasteful anymore.

"Are you alright?" he starts awkwardly with a hint of tenderness he's too proud to show, feeling a stab to his heart when he sees you try to quickly wipe away your tears to compose yourself in front of him. He did originally come looking for you to rub his grade in your face, but right now he couldn't care less about the stupid A+.

Damian might be better off showing what he truly feels for you. Maybe a hug? No, that's too forward. So, he concludes that sitting beside you on the dirty stairs is a better option.

He wants to wipe away your tears, cup your face in his hands, kiss away the pain—

But he can't. He's so used to hating you.