Chapter Text
Never once in his lifetime did he think that he would fall for the brazen, obnoxious eel known as Floyd Leech, yet here he was. He didn’t know when it happened, but one day the insistent teasing had become something he looked forward to. Not to hear his snarky remarks, no. That still sent his nerves alight without a second thought. It was the way Floyd would look while commenting on his height or the red tones of his skin matching his hair. His face would light up and he would look so carefree and happy when talking to him, as if there was some hidden agenda lying beneath the endless taunts and remarks. He would never admit it, but that slimy asshole was actually quite…handsome.
Riddle quickly shook his head to clear his thoughts, scoffing quietly as he focused on the lecture. Professor Trein was droning on more than usual today, and he didn’t realize how lost in thought he had become until that noisy cat hopped off of the professor’s desk, snapping him out of whatever he had gotten into. Quite disruptive, that creature was, but he couldn’t help but enjoy its presence. As for his thoughts, his cheeks became a rosy shade of red as he realized what had distracted him from the lesson at the front of the classroom.
Truthfully, he had yet to say anything to Floyd about his change of heart. He wasn’t sure if he could ever bring himself to say how he had grown to adore him, especially since he knew the feeling wouldn’t be reciprocated. Actually, was he even correct about his own emotions? That might be it. Every time that idiot spoke to him, just the sound of his voice was enough to send him into a rampage. However, slight touches and compliments within his words caused him to feel a weird fluttering in his stomach, and his heart would race for all the wrong reasons. Whenever that happened, the teasing would only increase and he would leave before he hurt the stupid man.
As the bell rang signaling the dismissal of history, Riddle quickly stood up from his seat and left before anyone could comment on his blush. He knew that Azul would ask him endless questions, and he wasn’t in the mood for that right now. He had to get to the library for his evening study session, and he refused to fall away from his schedule over some silly thoughts. What he didn’t expect, however, was to be stopped by the culprit of such thoughts on the way out of the classroom.
“Hey, Lil’ Golfishie. What’s with that expression? Don’t tell me a history lesson was enough to send you shouting? That temper of yours is going to get you in trouble, you know~” He towered over the prefect with a sharp-toothed grin, amusement evident on his features.
Riddle scoffed and attempted to step around him, his annoyance only growing as the lanky merman stepped in front of his path with ease. He crossed his arms and glared up at him, a frown forming on his lips. “Don’t be foolish. Unlike you, I know how to pay attention and remain silent and respectful during my lectures. Move out of my way, Floyd. I must get to the library before I lose any more time.”
He attempted to step around him again and was frustrated as Floyd stepped in front of him again, looking smug as his grin only grew. “But Goldfishie, you didn’t answer my question. What’s with that expression? Oh! If it wasn’t the lesson, maybe someone else caused you to turn all red. Does someone have a crush?~”
Floyd snickered and was unsurprised to see the housewarden grow bright red, looking furious. “Stop talking and get out of my way! Dear Seven, why must you be such an insufferable part of my day?!”
“Aww~ I’m a part of your daily routine now? How sweet~ I’ll make sure to come see you every day from now on since you like me so much~”
“SHUT YOUR MOUTH OR I’LL HAVE YOUR HEAD!” The prefect shoved him off to the side and ignored how he actually managed to move the eel out of his way. He was too caught up in leaving to think about the fact that he was nowhere near strong enough to actually shove someone of Floyd’s stature out of his path and stormed off before he could put any more thought into it. He could hear the sound of that idiot chuckling behind him and only walked faster, ignoring the amused way that Floyd called after him.
-
What was he thinking? He was a fool. That Floyd Leech was an insolent, insufferable, intolerable idiot who he would never be able to stand no matter how many times he may try. That stupid smug smile was enough to make him want to slap it off of his face, and his ridiculous taunting never ceased no matter what he does. Who cares if he looks good doing it, his attitude will always make Riddle's blood boil. He stared down at his textbook as another idea crossed his mind, his eyes going wide in fear. There was no way he caught on…right? Impossible. If he did, he would never be able to face that stupid eel or anyone else ever again. This was all ridiculous. His feelings were too complicated, and he didn't have the time to try to figure them out.
He buried his face in his hands and sighed, only looking up to glance at the clock. He had already been studying in the library for an hour and thirty minutes, which he deemed fit for the time being since there were no upcoming exams he had to worry about, at least for now. His strict schedule never changed much between exam weeks and the rest of the year, but he allowed himself some more freedom during the more relaxed weeks. That freedom was assisting in duties around Heartslabyul Dorm when he finished reviewing his study materials. He sighed and closed his textbook, deciding now would be a good time to do just that. He needed to figure out his situation with Floyd before it affected his studies any further, and he knew the perfect people to assist him. Trey was always a great help when it came to figuring out his feelings, and Cater had enough information on the rest of the student body to help him out when he was in need. The two would be able to help him determine his next course of action, and he knew their insights would be valuable.
He quietly packed away his materials and left the library, letting his mind wander while he walked back to his dorm. It was only afternoon, so he was unsurprised to pass by other students as he walked across campus. It always bewildered Riddle how students could be so carefree and time-wasting, watching them spend more time with their peers rather than studying. His classmates had stopped requesting for him to join them back in his first year, the rest of his class quickly catching on to his dislike of an interrupted schedule. That was, aside from that pesky Floyd. He sighed, his eyebrows furrowing in annoyance that his thoughts had already drifted back to the bane of his existence. Why was it that he couldn't take his mind off of the man today? He picked up his pace a little as his thoughts continued to remind him of the stupidly attractive man. He needed to get back to Heartslabyul and find out what was wrong with him.