The alarm hadn't even rung when Adrian opened his eyes. The sky outside was still a muted navy, hazy blue washing over the horizon. The kind of hour that made most people groan and bury their heads back under the covers but not today. He lay there for a moment, blinking at the ceiling, the weight of the day pressing in. Today's Sports Day, finally.
He swung himself out of bed with more energy than usual and rubbing the sleep from his eyes, and padding to the bathroom. A quick shower, toothpaste foaming against his grin in the mirror and a few minutes of styling his hair until it looked perfectly careless. The kind of look that said I didn't try that hard, even though he absolutely did. He leaned in toward the mirror, winked at his own reflection, and grinned.
"Perfect," he muttered under his breath, ego sparkling as bright as the gel in his hair. For once, no math equations or history lectures. There were no boring classes to drag him down. Just a day packed with energy, games, and the perfect opportunity for him to play his part in the bet.
By the time he came downstairs, the smell of food drifted up to greet him. His mom was setting steaming dishes across the dining table, and his dad sat behind his newspaper with a mug of coffee. They both glanced up when Adrian strolled in, all bright-eyed and sharper than usual.
"You're up early, Ian," his mom said warmly, smiling when she saw him.
"Mm, of course." Adrian replied, sliding into his seat with a faint smirk as his eyes scanning the feast. His dad looked up, gave him a small nod and a smile, then returned to scanning the headlines. His mother had gone overboard with the eggs, sausages, toast, and a little too much of everything.
"You need to eat a lot," she reminded, settling beside him and spooning an extra helping onto his plate before he could protest. "Sports Day today, isn't it? You'll need your energy. And don't forget to bring your water bottle, I don't want you collapsing out there from dehydration." Her tone was part worry, part lecture, the usual mix.
Adrian chuckled, amused by her fussing. "Relax, Mom. I've got it handled." He wasn't, not really, but that was beside the point. He took a bite anyway and savoring the taste. His mom's fussing was inevitable. Being her only son meant she'd always hover, but it wasn't the worst thing. Because truth be told…he liked it. He liked being spoiled, just a little.
Breakfast passed quickly. When he finished, Adrian stood, wiping his mouth with a napkin. "I'm heading out now." He leaned over, pecked his father's hand in the respectful routine they'd kept since he was a kid, then did the same for his mom. She smiled, pressing his shoulder lightly as if to say be safe.
By the time he arrived at school, the air outside was crisp as he stepped through the school gates. A few students had arrived early like him, milling around the field where teachers were already unloading equipment. Banners still drooped half-done from poles, waiting for the day to fully begin.
Adrian's gaze, however, was pulled elsewhere. Under the shade of a tree, seated with his back against the trunk, was Ivan. He's not with a book this time, but with a sketchpad balanced on his knee. His posture was relaxed, almost regal in its stillness, head tilted down in concentration. A breeze swept across the field, tugging lightly at his dark hair, making it fall across his forehead as his hand continued its quiet work.
Adrian's heart gave a traitorous thump. He quickly rolled his shoulders back, brushing it off with practiced ease. Just curiosity, nothing more.
Slowly, silently, he padded across the grass, holding his breath like a kid about to spring a prank. When he was right behind him, he leaned down, lowering his voice to a whisper near Ivan's right ear. "Boo."
Ivan jolted like someone had shocked him, hand flying up to his ear as his shoulders stiffened. He turned his head sharply, catching Adrian breaking into a quiet laugh. Ivan's brows furrowed instantly. He snapped his sketchbook shut, sliding it behind him like a shield.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you like that," Adrian said between chuckles, dropping down beside him as if he belonged there. Some devil made me move on my own. You've gotta believe me." His grin widened, unapologetic.
Ivan exhaled a sharp sigh, looking away. "Don't do that again."
Adrian clutched his chest dramatically. "I'll keep your words in mind, your highness." A grin tugged at his lips, unable to resist teasing. Man, that reaction was priceless. Too bad I didn't bring a camera.
His eyes flicked to the sketchbook Ivan now held protectively to his side. For a moment, he let the silence hang before glancing back sideways. "I didn't know you draw."
Ivan's hands tightened over the sketchbook, his tone clipped. "Is there a problem with that?"
Adrian shook his head quickly, grin softening into something almost sincere. "Problem? Nah. Actually..." He tilted his face up toward the sky, which was brightening steadily with streaks of gold. The chatter of arriving students filtered in around them. "I always admire people like that. Y'know, people who can create something out of nothing. Draw it, paint it, whatever. I can't even doodle a stick figure without embarrassing myself."
His voice was lighter than usual, but honest in a way he didn't often let himself be. "It's something I envy, to be honest."
The words slipped past Ivan's guard before he could stop them. They landed, quiet but heavy, and for the first time this morning, Ivan's composure cracked, just slightly. His gaze shifted away, a faint pink rising along the edge of his neck. The early dawn light hid it well enough, sparing him.
"…Mn. I see," he murmured.
Adrian smiled faintly, turning his head back to him. "So… not joining any activities today?"
"I don't want to get sweaty," Ivan's reply was flat, simple.
Adrian chuckled, eyes brightening. "Too bad. Guess that means you'll just have to cheer for me, then." He pushed himself to his feet, brushing invisible dust off his pants as a teacher's voice called his name from the field.
"I actually wanted to talk more, though…" He dragged a hand through his blond hair, shooting Ivan a teasing grin. "Guess it's duty calls. I'll catch you later, yeah?" He strode off toward the teacher, leaving Ivan in the shade.
Ivan's eyes followed him as he walked away, joining the teachers at the equipment piles. His lips pressed together, the faintest flicker of something unreadable crossing his face before he immediately pushed it down, shaking his head at himself.
Idiot.