Chapter Text
"Scar Goodtimes, you may or may not know but his grades are... bad. As our school's most successful student, I want you to tutor him Grian, teach him how to pay attention and study his classes. Help him better his grades."
The more his teacher talked, getting her point across, the more Grian feel his world is crumbling. Feeling like someone was chocking him harder and harder, causing him to lose his voice so he can't speak his mind about this favor- could it even be considered a favor if he was forced to roll with it either way? It doesn't matter if his teacher gives him no room to refuse, if he'll have to accept it no matter what, he's determined not to go down without a fight.
Just as he was about to begin his rant about the other student and his dumbness that can't be fixed, even by a thousand geniuses' help, let alone his- not that he'd say that directly to his teacher's face- someone knocked on the door and- was that the same knock as Anna's from Frozen? After a second of waiting, as if asking for silent permission, the very person they were talking about entered the room. Grian felt his mood worsen as if it wasn't already down for a while now, the feeling of something being wrong making itself a home in his stomach. The teacher really made sure he wouldn't be able to refuse her decision. He fell for her little trap, hadn't he?
Fate, luck- whatever it is, was never on his side.
"Hello Ms. Diane, you've called for-" Scar's cheerful voice came to a stop as his eyes found the blond boy. He seemed down. Kept his gaze in front of himself, intensely looking at something on the table. Refusing to let his dark browns meet the hazels. His glasses were sitting on his nose slightly crooked as if mirroring his mood, wanting to make the blond's unspoken annoyance known. It didn't surprise him, he- Grian was his name, if he remembers correctly- was known to be full of himself, getting quickly riled up if something wasn't the way he wished for it to be, always keeping a straight, slightly annoyed face. Despite it all, everyone wanted to team with him if there were a group project given, but then again considering he's the top student it was normal to try and rely on him. Not that Scar himself would ever do that, the boy might be smart and orderly- securing his way to high points, but he is also popular for being a selfish prick.
"Scar, just in time! Please take a seat." Scar realised he dozed off and quickly turned his attention back to his teacher. Ignoring the way his ears felt just the bit warmer, he sat down as instructed. He didn't miss the way the blond's eyes looked his way just for a moment.
"I called you here to tell you Grian here will be helping you study your classes from now on."
Grian felt Scar's surprised eyes on himself the second teacher finished her sentence that contained her intentions, as if this was his idea. He looked back at him, showing his own discomfort of the situation they were forced into. Scar's gaze lingered just a second longer, his face slowly taking a look similar to Grian's. Then, with a rush he turned to the only other person in the room. Clearly with the intention of refusing, his discomfort written on his face. However, teacher lifted her hand, silencing Scar even before he got a chance to talk.
"Try it out, let's see what we can accomplish. I know all this paired study sessions thing will be all too sudden for both of you, but this is just until the end of the current semester. Hang in there, okay?"
"Psh. Hang in there, my ass." Grian said under his breath, as quiet as possible so neither his teacher nor his newly gained 'study partner' wouldn't hear it. He was annoyed by the stupid occasion. He didn't want a study partner, let alone the showmaker, egoist- your typical popular guy!
Every single cell on his body was screaming, causing even his favorite red sweater to feel disturbing against his skin. He exhaled.
"With all due respect, how am I, just a student..." he made sure to show his annoyance by emphasizing his words. Pointing at Scar with his face, he continued, "... Is supposed to handle what the teachers couldn't?" He was aware while trying to point out how ridiculous the 'decision' their teachers had made- on their on, without asking neither of the students in question- sounds, he indirectly called Scar an idiot in his face, yet Scar didn't seem to realise and only focus on his criticism, nodding along. Causing Grian to think his insult wasn't that noticeable. His focus turned back to his teacher, and by the way the woman's face slightly changed into something of a bewilderment, it wasn't that indirect. However, in his eyes Scar made it obvious that he didn't read in between the lines, saving Grian the trouble of apologising for his attitude.
The tired expression and short, defeated exhale they recieved in return was worth seeing. Just enough for Grian to finally relax into his seat for the first time in the longer than few minutes since he's been there. She fixed her posture, clung both hands into each other and looked at both students before settling her eyes on Scar as she finally spoke.
"Scar, you'll have to pass all your classes, we don't require flying points. Just pass them, and you'll be free of Grian, or don't and you'll have to take an indefinite break from the team," without giving Scar a chance to process her words, she turned to the only blond and the third person in the room.
"And Grian, if Scar doesn't pass- fail his classes, even one of them," she mimicked the way Grian talked when he was voicing his thoughts. Grian felt the hairs on his arm immediately stand, his settlement forcefully ending as if it never arrived. "You won't be able to get a recommendation letter. Not only from me, but from none of your teachers."
Grian felt his stomach do a flip the second the threat hit him. How was this fair? Not only was he forced upon this, but if he refused, or even failed- which meant Scar couldn't keep up with studying and failed from even only one class- his future could be doomed! He needed a recommendation letter, his dream college was one of the bests- if not the best- in country, and only high scores wasn't enough most of the time. If he wants to make sure he can get in- which would be an understatement- he doesn't simply want, he needs it, he always wanted to go there ever since he knew he wants to be an architect- he has to get that letter. Even better if he managed to get more than one. A few letters and good grades meant bigger chances. But now, that chance all depended on Scar- on his grades!
"I'll take your silence as acceptance. You may leave now," Grian was so deep in his newly found possible demise, he just did what he was told without any word, slightly opened eyes on the floor. Scar made a surprised voice at the way Grian just silently accepted. Eyes traveling around the blond and the woman, filled with confusion. He must've thought Grian would protest more in both of their stead.
"Wait- Grian?"
Still confused, Scar got up from his seat and started following the blond towards the door. The image of Grian's defeated stand in front of him make him unable to stop himself from feeling bad for the other student, even though they both had ugly conditions.
For Scar, having a recommendation letter wasn't important. He already already planned to go to a mid-tier college that'd take ayone in as long as they're average. Well in his case Scar wasn't even that but he had his sports career. As for Grian... A letter- something that meant so little for Scar- clearly something meant so much for him.
And now Grian's dreams depend on him.
Now, he can't say he likes the blond, nor knows him outside the rumours spreading around him. But having put on a role where whether someone else's dreams happen or not- besides his own- is up to him was like being forced to walk on a plank. He never felt like this, not even when championship match took place and they were on the last minutes, only few points far from winning and where he had his teammates', friends', most students' - he to this day doesn't know- and teachers'- everyone's hopes on his shoulders as the captain.
The captain who brought championship trophy home after years of elimination at first rounds.
Even that didn't stress him as much as everything that happened does now, the little hairs on his nape standing, stomach twirling uncontrollably and non-stop, legs twitching despite not sitting, his eyes found their way towards Grian, who still looked like is in a trance. He doesn't like the way his newly acquired study partner has no light- hope in his eyes, breath hitching every now and then. Scar knows himself, he knows he isn't good at studying but to think Grian thinks he's that deep in the well makes something in him crawl across his insides uneasyly.
He tries to ignore the feeling by inhaling a deep breath, he wants to talk to his 'partner' about all this. Maybe now isn't a good time since neither were expecting this outcome, but at least a small talk of encouragement, to protest, or- if that goes south- to make sure what to do next- where to meet and what to do- would be plenty for him. He clears his throat slightly, just enough to turn Grian's attention on himself. He considers his little attempt successful as he sees the boy with glasses twitch. Eyes refocusing and back straighten.
"So, Grian-"
"Meet me at the library, lunch time. We'll start today."
Grian turned on his feet and left without giving Scar a chance to talk.
How rude. Grian must've thought getting banished from the team isn't as important as a letter- heck, for most people even, it might not be- but for Scar, it was. He loved everything about playing; practicing, watching their opponent's plays and strategising accordingly for their next match, practicing even more, and actually playing a role- playing as the captain, all were everything that made Scar's life his. He didn't want to let that go. So what? He had to endure all this studying with the most bratty guy he've ever known?
"So be it."