"Loosen your shoulders, Victor, you're going to kill your back."

Victor frowned as he struggle to relax the knot in his shoulders, staring up at Umbra through a messy mop of black hair.

Umbra was sleek, poised, and far more elegant than Victor even hoped he could be. While Victor was lanky and awkward, Umbra was svelte and graceful. He reminded Victor of a nobleman or even a prince. To Victor, Umbra was high up on a pedestal, unreachable by miserably average people like him.

Victor felt two cold hands creep on his shoulders, rubbing his muscles with a gentle rhythm. Victor sighed, his eyes drooping shut.

"You remind me of myself when I was your age," Umbra murmured, a note of wistfulness in his voice.

"How?" Victor said meekly, turning to face Umbra.

"I was rather shy as a child. Too scared to talk to other people. I was always so tense. Hunched my shoulders just like you, Victor."

"You're just saying that to make me feel better," Victor muttered, cheeks red.

Umbra leaned against the back of the couch, a small smile on his lips. "I'm serious, Victor. Every time I look at you I see myself."

"I don't see how that is," Victor said, hanging his head, "You're so cool and I'm just...here."

"'Here'?" Umbra questioned, raising his eyebrows, "Victor, don't sell yourself short. You're one of the most talented young men I've seen in a while. There's never a day you don't amaze me."

Victor bit his lip as he stared at Umbra, incredulous. His blue eyes shined, and he smiled, uncertain.

"Now, loosen up your shoulders. And lift your head up too. Be proud of yourself."