Scaramouche had been teasing Aether for months. His words were sharp, his smirk always mocking, but behind it all, there was something that felt like flirting. Scaramouche was well-known in school, popular, a magnet for attention, especially from girls he flirted with endlessly. At first, Aether brushed it off, thinking it was just another game Scaramouche played. But the more time they spent together, the more he realized there was warmth hidden behind his words. Against everyone’s expectations, the "nerd" who never skipped a class and the troublemaker who rarely showed up, started dating.

It was strange, almost unbelievable. But Aether didn’t care. He loved Scaramouche. Even when Scaramouche called him "she," Aether thought it was just teasing. After all, plenty of people joked about his androgynous looks.Their relationship grew deeper, until one night, Scaramouche wanted to push things further. Aether hesitated, not out of lack of love, but out of fear. He had never been with anyone before. But Scaramouche was the person he trusted most.

So he let his guard down.

Scaramouche’s hands moved slowly.. For once, there was no sarcasm on his lips, only a quiet intensity in his eyes.

Aether’s heart pounded in his chest. He was nervous, even terrified.. but he trusted Scaramouche. That trust was the only thing keeping him from pulling away.

“Relax,” Scaramouche murmured, his voice low. “You act like I’m going to break you.”

Aether tried to smile, though his hands trembled. He let Scaramouche unfasten his shirt, layer by layer, the air growing heavier with every button undone.

And then, silence.

In that moment, Scaramouche’s world shattered. He realized the truth he hadn’t bothered to ask about. Aether wasn’t who he thought he was. Shock twisted into anger, then disgust.

“What…” his voice cracked, sharper than glass. “What is this supposed to mean? You're a boy..? You lied to me!"

“I… I thought you kne-" The sting of a slap came before Aether could finish his sentence. “Don’t play dumb with me. You disgusting gay.. You couldn't even tell me that you were a guy! I can't believe, me, I, straight man, flirted and kissed a stupid guy!”

Aether slumped there, stunned, unable to process the sudden hatred in the eyes of the person he loved. He wanted to explain, but no words came.

The next day at school, Scaramouche’s cruelty became public. His insults were louder, sharper, aimed directly at Aether in front of everyone. The flirtation was gone, replaced by mockery and humiliation.