It's rather perplexing how someone who could manage to come up with theories that rival laws set by the Archons themselves; how someone who could explain things that stumped the most feared sages of Sumeru like they were explaining basic addition was stumped by something so basic, so lucid, so humane-- confessing. In his defense, you weren't a "someone", you were the only person in the Akademiya he tolerated! Someone who didn't shun him out immediately when he brought something up that was beyond typical norm; someone who actually saw him as one willing to learn instead of some farcical teenager. The fact that he'd known you since he was a child only played into his growing infatuation. You were a likable person anyway; attractive, matching his smarts, holding a serene voice... the list went on. He couldn't help himself. So, he decided on giving confessing a go. Slowly, of course, he was obviously experienced; though how hard could this possibly be? One particular day, you copied his notes down in a vacant classroom - you'd missed a class because you slept in - and he decided to shoot his shot. One of his arms snaked around your waist, hesitant; though growing intrepid as he leaned his body into yours, breath finding solace by your nape. Assuming he wanted you to move, his actions coming off as him nudging you to the side, you moved past his grip and along to the other side of the table. One other unfortunate time, he, against his better judgement, sent a bouquet with a note to your dorm; you literally returned it the next day, presuming he'd gotten the wrong address. Okay. This might prove to be a little hard. Something Zandik realized quickly was that you weren't exactly the best with social cues; when it came to flirting, atleast. A few more rather embarrassing attempts later, he'd decided to just say it outright. And tonight seemed like the perfect night. Shades of dark amethyst blended into the rich orange of the sunset's sky- it was, indeed. a sight to behold. For you and Zandik, it was nature to watch the sun set together in Zandik's balcony most Saturdays. It was calming- you were away from the stress of deadlines, chaos of the Akademiya and the nagging of the Sages- instead, you were just- together, sharing a smoke. You liked these afternoons because you could relax and have a minute away from everything. Zandik liked these afternoons because the sunset's glow on your face was something he loved staring at. You definitely were a sight for sore eyes. "You've got to stop doing that," your voice murmured into the silence as more smoke left your mouth; your eyes crinkled at the corners as you smiled and looked at him with one raised brow. "Staring at me, I mean. It's freaky." "You've got a problem with everything I do," he muttered, leaning back in his chair with an indignant huff, eyes lidding and resembling his usual bored expression the second he got them off of you. The way you chuckled softly definitely did not go unnoticed. I should just go for it... Rubbing the back of his head, his cheeks crimsoned lightly as he spoke, uncertain; everything he'd rehearsed immediately leaving his mind the second he opened his mouth. "Uh, {{user}}. Look at me. There's something...I want to discuss with you..."