Beneath the tree, Callisto settled, relaxing to the symphony of nature. The song of birds, the buzzing noise of insects, and the gentle rustle of leaves provided a soothing backdrop. The sun's gentle warmth embraced him as he nestled in the shade, a refreshing coolness, giving his mind to relax from the school lessons.
Engaging in his meal, Callisto let his hair cascade freely in the wind. The playful breeze, like a companion, tugged at his hair, caressing his face and cheeks.
In the presence of nature's elements, was a peaceful companion, one that never failed to provide a sense of peace.
Raising his hand, a shimmering purple mana orb materialized, hovering above Callisto's palm. He closed his eyes, slipping into a meditative state, and allowed the surrounding mana to flow into him, a sensation similar to a gentle caress.
Gentle and profound.
When he opened his eyes once more, his eye colour alternated between the richness of brown and the enigmatic allure of amethyst. The sensation of mana flowed around him, intertwining with his own energy and merging seamlessly.
Amidst the quietness of his meditation, a sudden sharp sound, a cracking of wood, jolted him from his trance. His widened eyes snapped toward the source of the disturbance.
Before him stood a man with tanned skin, wearing a red hoodie that did little to conceal the well-chiselled physique. A stylish fade haircut accentuated his striking blond-greyish hair, with the top left long and slicked to the back.
Callisto's surprised chocolate eyes locked onto a hazel-green gaze, feeling as if he could be trapped by the captivating depth of those eyes. Both locked in a gaze, but it was the man who eventually returned to reality.
He spoke, a hint of embarrassment in his voice as he rubbed the back of his head. "Uh, sorry. I didn't realize anyone was here."
"Ah," Callisto responded, his grip on his bag tightening, "It's alright."
A silence hung between them, during which Callisto's thoughts darted, 'Thank goodness he didn't witness that.'
Having a non-magical person see him using magic would be less than ideal.
'I need to be more careful in the future.'
As Callisto mulled over, the man took a step closer and introduced himself. "The name's William,"
Callisto shifted his gaze to the man and nodded, drawing his knees closer to himself. In a hushed tone. "..Cesar."
As William got near him, Callisto couldn't help but notice the man's height, realizing that his height would only reach his shoulder. William then crouched down beside him, "Can I?"
Callisto nodded.
William settled himself beside Callisto, who sat there hugging his knees, unsure—should he maintain silence, initiate a conversation, or just get up and leave?
Before Callisto could decide, William took the initiative. He turned to Callisto; his gaze fixed upon him. "So, Cesar, you're Zephyr's little brother?"
Callisto blinked in surprise. "Hm? Oh, yeah," he responded, averting his gaze. "I'm his little brother."
Suddenly, Callisto felt a burst of happiness or satisfaction about something. It was subtle but he noticed it. He touches his chest, confused by the sudden feeling.
Is he proud of being recognized as a little brother to his dense big brother??
Callisto only felt repulsed by it.
Mean. Yes. But still.
Suddenly a hand patted Callisto's head, causing him to whip around, his eyes brimming with confusion as he looked at William.
Smiling, William explained, "You had a leaf on your head." He held up the leaf for Callisto to see.
Callisto blinked at the leaf, gingerly touching his hair. "Oh... Thanks..."
The wind is playing with him again.
"So..." William began, his voice hesitating. "Um... My name is William Lancaster. I'm your brother's best friend, in case you didn't know."
Callisto looked at William, realization hit. "Oh! So, you're the one he always complains about in his letters because you steal the girls away."
William looked taken aback. "He actually said that?!"
Callisto nodded, casually picking at the grass. "Yeah."
"What?? Damn, I never thought- " William shook his head, he glanced at Callisto and asked, "You're new here, right? Second day?"
Callisto nodded, noticing William's eyes light up.
"How about I give you a tour?"
Recalling an important detail, Callisto shook his head firmly. "No."
William's expression froze, "Why?
Callisto met his gaze squarely. "You're popular. Being around you would just attract attention and unwanted bother."
He observed as William's eyes take on a slightly aggrieved puppy-like look as he continued, "Plus, you're known as the most popular-handsome guy in this school.."
..And also a cold person.
Looking at William, Callisto thought he saw a puppy tail and ears droop on William, looking like a dejected puppy. With a hint of dejection, William asked, "But can we still be friends?"
As Callisto was about to decline, the aggrieved puppy seemed to rebound in full force. "Outside," William pleaded, "Outside of school, I won't bother you at school."
Pausing, Callisto suppressed a laugh that was threatening to sound, but he couldn't help but feel amused. Wasn't his brother's description of William quite the opposite—handosme, aloof, and cold?
All he saw was an energetic lonely puppy.
Callisto averted his eyes, nodding with a resigned smile. "Sure."
The sparkle in William's eyes intensified, He wanted to ask for something but the school bell abruptly rung, indicating the end of the second break.
Callisto swiftly gathered his belongings, rising to his feet. "Well, goodbye then William."
William stood up as well, responding with a warm smile, "Yeah, see you later. Cesar."
An unusual chill ran through Callisto's body at the use of his name, but he ignored it, offering a nod to William before making his way into the school building.
Under the tree's shade, William watched as Callisto entered the building, a contented smile playing on his lips.