Ch. 5 - Olenzi of Quince

Despite the talk going around Naomi and Damien, the very two topic of conversation, were the most indifferent about the rumors.

The only thing Naomi was concerned for was how to go about thanking Damien for everything he had done. She wasn't fully sure if he actually had done what she thought he had done, but that was a minor detail she didn't care about.

Naomi just didn't know how to approach him. There was no way that she could without making it a spectacle for everyone to talk about.

Fortunately, her problem didn't last long when Miss Labelle called them in to talk a few days after the rumors resurfaced.

Just as they did on the day they were first called in, they both stood next to each other in silence.

"Miss Labelle, It's all my fault." Naomi out of her own guilt started.

Miss Labelle silenced her, and Naomi shrunk back into herself again.

"I want to start by saying... That I'm proud of you..." Miss Labelle spoke in a steady, clear tone, "Although, I'm aware you've run into a new roadblock, I don't want either of you to be discouraged."

Miss Labelle sat down at her desk, as she rearranged a few things. Naomi and Damien's heads hung low, but they were able to listen to her every move.

"The rumors and talks don't end in academia, unfortunately. They will persist for the rest of your lives." Miss Labelle continued. "At the very least you will have a safety net here. Take advantage of it while you can. Do you both understand?"

Naomi swallowed, still trying to process everything. No matter how much she spun the situation they were in, she couldn't understand it.

How could society be so petty?

"With that being said," Miss Labelle began to speak in a more relaxed manner, "Don't forget that you will never be alone on either of your pursuits in the academy. It won't hurt to rely on each other just as you have this past week. Don't let anyone's word change that."

Naomi glanced over, only to find Damien doing the same.

She fought the instinct to look away, just to get a clear look into his eyes. She wanted to know what he was thinking at that moment.

She wasn't quite sure how they both stood as acquaintances, but it was comforting to know that they weren't completely apathetic to each other.

Naomi gave Damien a knowing nod, as he did the same. It didn't mean anything, but it did solidify the sense of a camaraderie between them. For now that was enough.

As with all rumors, the more days passed, the more people forgot.

Opinions mellowed out. Those who watched softened.

During one of their sports periods, Naomi sat on the highest bench watching those who liked being active run havoc across the field. The highest benches were often empty. Most kids were afraid of how steep they were set compared to the other levels. It was essentially a wall.

Naomi liked the height, and at her spot she was able to people-watch and listen into conversations. It seemed the latest news returned back to normal. Usually, it centered on certain clothing releases or on the food that was served in the cafeteria.

Today's hottest topic was the soggy turkey they served to celebrate the ending of Harvest Week.

Naomi slouched onto the bench, picking at her shorts.

Ever since Miss Labelle's meeting, she hadn't made any progress towards talking to Damien. He'd actually been absent since that day.

Perhaps he went away to let the talk die down.

It made Naomi feel more indebted to him.

These past few weeks she cycled through the idea of giving him a card, making him lunch, or getting him a drink during study time.

But no matter how much she reasoned that all three were simple enough, that oh-so-cruel voice of doubt in her head would say it was too much.

"Do all three." A voice came from beside her. She glanced in the direction of the voice and found one of her classmates curled under the benches. He had silky lavender hair bunched into a neat ponytail.

"I have a bad habit of doing that." Naomi swallowed her embarrassment, laughing nervously.

"It's okay. I also tend to say my thoughts aloud." He sat up and stretched his arms, before laughing to himself and under his breath he added, "When I'm alone of course."

Naomi scoffed before sighing in defeat, "I'm Naomi of Azalea, and you are?"

"Olenzi of Quince." He reached for Naomi and politely planted a kiss on her hand. "Or Lenz for short."

"Quince, the Autumn Country." Naomi laughed to herself, "Never beating the playboy allegations I see."

"That is an unfair stereotype. Although, I can neither confirm nor deny it," Lenz smiled again, "but you can," and Naomi would have swooned if it weren't for his blatant smolder.

"Right."

"Ouch. The audience is tough."

Naomi and Lenz burst out in laughter. The two hit it off instantly. For the whole period they chatted about the smallest of things. For some reason, it was easy to let her guard down with Lenz. Unlike with most people in the academy, his character felt genuine.

Which was strange in the first place, since Quince was notoriously known to have a majority of nobles in their populations. They were nobles who were the noblest of nobles, yet Lenz held no hints of self-importance.

It was moments like these that Naomi severely missed out on during her time in the academy.

Even if she'd been a student for almost four years now, every year she had to switch to a lower ranked class than her previous one. She didn't have the chance to form any long-lasting friendships.

"It's a shame we hadn't met earlier." Lenz sighed, resting his cheeks on his hands.

Naomi shrugged, "If I had known I'd fail this badly. I would have enrolled into the Jester's class from my first year."

"I've been with the Jesters the moment I've stepped into this school. I can't say the same for myself."

"Somehow that doesn't surprise me."

Lenz gasped as he put his hand over his heart, perhaps offended, but his expression only made Naomi laugh.

"Okay, I see how it is. Miss Smarty. What class did you get into during enrollment?"

"You'll never be able to guess."

"You bet I could."

"Oh yeah, what if I said that the entrance exam was easy."

"No way. Don't tell me."

"Yeah, I got into the top class, the Aces."

Lenz gaped but covered his mouth. Naomi smiled smugly.

"You're kidding!"

"I never kid! I was the highest scorer of the exam!"

"You say that like it's no big deal! Naomi, you're a big-shot!"

Naomi's shoulders perked up, as she cocked her head up.

"What can I say? I am a natural talent. I know."

"Hah!" Lenz bent over, laughing a little too loudly.

Everyone in the room turned to him, but he somehow winked away the crowd before lowering his voice. "How'd you end up here then?"

Naomi hummed. How much of the truth could she tell?

"It's just difficult to come to school sometimes. So I miss out on lessons and tests here and there."

"Oh! Like when you were out for a few days last week! I heard that..." He then looked around before lowering his voice to a whisper, "I heard that you've gotten involved with Damien those few days. Is it true?"

Naomi leaned back hesitant to either confirm or deny, "You can say that."

"What!" Lenz leaned in more, cautious of any eavesdroppers, and whispered, "So the rumors are true?!"

Naomi shushed Lenz, even though it was the quietest Lenz could probably get. She shook her head and sighed, "The truth is a fragile concept, Lenz. So many truths have gone around these past few weeks. It's difficult for me to even deny or confirm this truth you're asking for."

Lenz softened as Naomi's words finally dawned on him, "I'm sorry. I should have known better to even entertain those rumors."

Naomi shook her head. She didn't mean to pin guilt onto Lenz, "No. It's not your fault. It's not anyone's fault."

Lenz let out a slow breath. He kept peeking towards Naomi. He fidgeted with his fingers, "Then Naomi, tell me your truth."

A warmth took over Naomi. She couldn't help but laugh a little over Lenz's kindness, "Thank you, Lenz. For choosing to listen."

Lenz laughed along, "It's my duty of course. That, and I'm also really curious about Damien."

Naomi threw her head back, "Haha!" She expected that. "Don't get ahead of yourself now. I probably only know as much as you know about Damien."

"Of course, but that should be more considering recent events." Lenz looked at Naomi, giving her a knowing look.

"The truth, yes, Damien did enter my room last week, but no, he did not coerce me into anything. I was sick last week. He just visited and took care of me. That's all."

Lenz gasped again, "What a turn of events! The Damien, the rumored devil of Noble Academy, nursed someone on his own accord? That devil has feelings after all. I mean, not to assume things again of course. Rats, I just said I was going to stop with the rumors."

Naomi sighed, "I honestly don't blame you. Damien didn't exactly make the nicest first impressions towards me either."

"Oh, the mystery."

"Tell me about it. One moment, he's ordering me around like some brute, the next moment he's nursing me back to health. I want to believe he's not all what people make him out to be, but I also can't say he's not. "

"Well, to you, if he's not, then he's not. Don't overcomplicate it when you don't have to. I didn't take you as an overthinker, or much even a thinker."

Naomi laughed again, "You know what. You're right! I can say it with confidence. Damien is a kind person. He is."

"I reckon, so was it Damien you were planning on doing all those nice things for then?"

Naomi sheepishly nodded, "Is it too much?"

"Perhaps a little? At least for someone like Damien."

Naomi slouched in defeat, "I figured just as much. Do you see my dilemma now?"

"It's a valid dilemma. I would help you, but like you said. I only know Damien as much as the rest of the school does. Even that, I can't rely on as fact."

The two were at a roadblock. Even with two heads, Damien was very much a mystery to solve.

There had to be something. Naomi sunk deeper into her hands. What did Damien see as good? It was in that moment, it dawned on her.

"He likes plushies!" Naomi jumped up, making Lenz flinch with her.

"Uh next time, I would appreciate a little bit of a warning."

"Sorry, I just remembered. I saw him at the Harvest Festival a few days ago and he was carrying a plushie. I've never seen him smile before, until then."

"I never took him as a plushie kind of guy, but hey, we don't judge."

"I'll work on a plushie, and I'll give it to him when he comes back."

"He'd been gone the past few days. What if he comes back tomorrow?"

"I'll just have to finish making it tonight!"