NOVEL NEXT Chapter 54: So, Listen Carefully
The matter of changing seats naturally evoked mixed reactions; some were delighted, others disheartened, but no one dared to defy Emmanuel's decision.
This seasoned, old-school teacher had, through a series of maneuvers since the start of the term, firmly established his authority within Class Three. He believed that only by doing so could class discipline be maintained, ensuring that his words were heeded. And as long as the students listened to him, their future would be brighter.
When Dematero saw his new seat on the seating chart, he sighed almost imperceptibly and said to Xanthia, "I didn't expect our time as desk mates to be so short."
Xanthia smiled gently, "Dematero, are you reluctant to part with me?"
Dematero's heart was inexplicably stirred by her soft smile. He averted his gaze, stubbornly replying, "Not at all. In fact, I actually dislike having a girl as my desk mate."
But he didn't dislike having her as a desk mate, because he knew he'd never find another girl as kind, cheerful, and perpetually joyful as Xanthia... he added silently in his heart.
[ System Prompt: Dematero's distress level increased +++ ]
Xanthia immediately recognized his bravado and deliberately responded, "So, you dislike me... But even so, I still want to say that I consider you a friend, Dematero. I'll miss you because you always defend and help me, share your snacks with me, and tell all kinds of jokes to make me laugh. And lastly, you're really handsome too!"
Hearing this, Dematero felt a mix of emotion: touched, ashamed, and embarrassed. No matter what harsh words he spoke, Xanthia always treated him with kindness and patience.
In that moment, he felt as if the image of the goddess in his heart was completely replaced by Xanthia!
NO! NO! NO! TEMPTATION! TEMPTATION!!!
But how could that be? He couldn't let his heart waver!
His ears turned bright red as he internally ranted about how a small bit of stubbornness had led to such a straightforward attack. Truly, stubbornness was no match for natural charm. He just couldn't tell if she was naturally silly or naturally cunning...
Dematero coughed a few times to mask his awkwardness and panic, struggling to explain, "I... I don't dislike you. I consider you a friend too. When I said I disliked having a girl as a desk mate, I meant the ones who used to bully me. Any guy would like a kind, beautiful, cheerful, and positive girl like you!"
Of course, there was that whole "fake student" act that messed with his mind. He had genuinely believed Xanthia was just a lazy student, only to discover she was actually a hidden genius!
Reflecting on the past, he recalled overlooked details: Xanthia always paid attention in class, even when she slept, it was during less critical times. And her speed and efficiency in doing homework were astonishing; he had thought she was just messing around, but she was actually incredibly competent.
Clearly, his demure desk mate was a quick learner, and calling her "brilliant" wouldn't be an exaggeration. She might be playful, but she certainly had the ability to back it up!
In the end, Dematero concluded—he was the clown all along.
Yet, he knew his falling grades had nothing to do with Xanthia. It was his lack of focus that was to blame.
He was the type of student whose performance fluctuated wildly. After this major setback, he was determined to refocus and bounce back next time.
Emmanuel had called Dematero in for a private talk, seemingly believing Xanthia had disrupted his "academic path," leading to his grade drop. Dematero had denied it vehemently, but to no avail, and so they were separated ahead of time.
Time is a great healer. When the final grades were released, Dematero was devastated, his spirit crushed. But after some days, he had mostly recovered.
Seeing his improved state, Xanthia naturally seized the chance to tease him a bit.
Xanthia always felt that Dematero was the epitome of a loyal, devoted boy. His goddess would always be Elena, and surely, that devotion could withstand a few small tests, right?
"Everyone would like you, huh? Then... do you like me?" Xanthia asked with an innocent look, her pure eyes fixed on him. She took advantage of their last moments as desk mates to pose the question.
Dematero was stunned. What was this? Some kind of youthful love story at their farewell? Was she tempting him to confess?
If he really confessed, would he end up with the highly intelligent and a beautiful JK girlfriend?
Well, it was a nice thought.
But if he fell for it, he would once again be tricked, producing pain points for her to collect.
Xanthia was just that kind of mischievous girl!
This kind of mischievous girl needed an even more cunning man to handle her.
Yet Xanthia was also very cautious. She enjoyed being the "queen of teasing," and with a boy like Dematero, who is a genuine, upright and kind, she felt safe enough to play around.
Suddenly, Xanthia understood why Dematero's previous desk mates liked to bully him. After all, he had such a good temper...
"I do like you, but it's just the way friends like each other, nothing complicated. You know I already have a crush on someone," Dematero said, struggling for a while before finally confessing honestly.
After saying this, he felt much calmer when facing Xanthia. He felt good about not wavering and reassured himself that he was no scumbag.
There's only one in my heart and Elena, she is the one and only. I love her no matter what.
Xanthia smiled appreciatively, no longer playing the role of a "tearful little sister." Otherwise, she would have looked pitifully tearful right now.
"By the way, I'm about to become desk mates with Elena La Loannou. How about I convey your feelings to her?" Xanthia said, her mischievous nature shining through.
Dematero quickly waved his hands, now genuinely panicking, "No, no, no! You don't need to help. I have my own pace. We already have an understanding. Let things take their natural course."
Xanthia wondered if he was experiencing one of the three great delusions of life.
"Alright, I won't interfere with your pace. But I still want to do something to express my gratitude, as a memento of our time together. Is there anything you'd like me to do?" Xanthia asked sincerely, her smile fading.
Dematero originally wanted to say there was no need for her to do anything. After all, he hadn't done anything significant for her, so how could he expect her gratitude?
But in reality, he had always defended Xanthia, stood by her side no matter what, and even lost his temper and wanted to fight the boys who bullied her.
Of course, every time he was about to fight, something strange would happen to stop him.
A thought crossed his mind, and he remembered their first day as desk mates. He jokingly said, "I remember you mentioned wanting to learn how to sing. How's that going? Can you sing 'A Thousand Years' for me?"
He didn't have high hopes. He always felt that Xanthia's behavior that day was off. After all, her "little sister" act wasn't very convincing.
Dematero recalled her lie: "Singing? I don't know how. But if you like, I can learn for you..."
What kind of girl would say such an obvious lie on the first day as desk mates? She was clearly just messing with him.
"I'm doing alright. Since you want to hear it, listen carefully," Xanthia said gently.
Wait... I was just joking, are you serious?
Dematero was bewildered and inexplicably anxious.
Xanthia, now confident with her "social butterfly" trait, took the last bit of time to sing "A Thousand Years" with her Lv2 (Proficient) singing skill, effortlessly.
"I have died every day waiting for you~
Darling, don't be afraid, I have loved you~
For a thousand years~
I'll love you for a thousand more~"
"And all along I believed I would find you~
Time has brought your heart to me~
I have loved you for a thousand years~
I'll love you for a thousand more~"
Dematero watched as she sang earnestly, feeling as if time had paused.
An eternity in an instant.
