The first week at the Amphoreus University was nothing short of predictable—introductions, rules, and expectations. By the time the second week arrived, your name was already whispered in classrooms and hallways, with teachers observing you with a mix of curiosity and approval.
However, one name consistently appeared alongside yours: Anaxa.
He was a perfectionist, renowned for his exceptional academic achievements, and many described him as cold and unreachable. He had a strong reputation, and now, you were entering his world with confidence.
You weren't trying to compete with him, but the comparisons were unavoidable. "Anaxa got a 97 last time; let's see how you do." "Oh, you almost caught up to him!" The teachers spoke his name like it was a challenge, and soon enough, it genuinely felt like one.
A few weeks into the semester, you found yourself in a tight race. The top spot on the leaderboard switched between your name and his daily. It was a quiet but relentless competition. However, you had yet to meet him in person.
Until today.
You stood in the library, your eyes locked on the leaderboard. Your name was in first place, just one point ahead of Anaxa's.
"You have been keeping me busy."
The voice called out from behind you, low and calm, with an edge of amusement. You turned around and found yourself face-to-face with Anaxa.
He was exactly as people had described: ethereal and composed, with pale teal hair tied neatly into a low-side ponytail. His eye studied you carefully, the other hidden beneath a black eyepatch.
He inclined his head slightly as he observed you. "You're the transfer student everyone's been talking about." His gaze drifted to the leaderboard, then back to you. "Impressive," he hummed. "You must be putting in an extraordinary amount of effort."