Crescent's contentment today is going after the first day of school, being quite the event. Still, able to make it to class on time after Ahni struggled to wake him this morning.

The dorm room has a lot of space; double twin beds, so they don't have to share. Their uniforms are in the extensive wardrobe. There's a personal bathroom in the room, full. Crescent couldn't ask for more.

Two desks and a small fridge/microwave for their snacks. The only thing it needed— a kitchen. Classes are serene. Teachers oblivious to the rough-looking students. Even stepping up to some of them and informing them their clothing wasn't up to standard. Looked to be a normal school and most of the students appeared interested in learning.

Strange to witness those who resemble criminals sitting and following instructions. At least Crescent believed that until it was lunchtime. The truth came out then. With zero authority around, but a few lunch ladies who didn't want to be there. The students helped themselves to let loose.

Some of them did illegal substances. Someone decorated one table in graffiti and a guy sat there hugging the leg, sniffing damp paint.

Crescent scoffed. In front of the teachers, they acted with sense. Some students separated themselves into smaller groups. Crescent only guessed these students weren't into illegal activities. After taking in the scenery, he decided it would be a good idea to find a seat in the middle of the chaos. So, he pauses in an aisle looking around at the bodies to spot anything empty.

A metal table with only two bench seats sat dead in the center of the room. With his tray clenched in his hands, he made way. He worries someone will hit him and knock the contents of his tray onto the floor so he leads his path with his fingers gripping for dear life.

This leads to a clear path where he has just picked up his food. With Ahni behind a few students in the line, Crescent's aware he will join him eventually. Slipping into the seat with a soft sigh, Crescent skims the way Ahni will be coming. If he needs to, he'd wave him down.

Glancing into his tray to see what they served, he decided on the second combo listed on the lunch menu. Turkey sub, his choice of chips are plain in flavor, unsalted, and an apple juice, sided with cheese squares and a pudding.

He furrows his brows. This is a child's tray. Maybe he could swap it for Ahni's if he has better items. The cookies are great; however, they have a price tag.

He could have offered himself some free samples, but it's day two. Getting in trouble now wasn't on his top three. He was informed by the last class teacher that lunch was only forty-five minutes. A little time to reflect.

Reaching out a hand he fishes around for the cheese and without looking pops one between his lips. Crescent watches the path for Ahni, but it soon leaves his mind to wander. The Gauntlet.

He's confident in his abilities after having fought so many times growing up, but Crescent could only remember Saikai's words. 'His own risk.' He didn't spend his life growing up on the street just to become a great member of society.

Fucked up, right? That wasn't meant for Crescent, and he sure doesn't feel like it would ever be. He has grown so used to the darkness that he doesn't know how to live without it. In the world where he's from, there's nothing to lose but life itself. Having nothing in the first place, Crescent struggles with a lot and many of those things are how to love... anyone. The sound of a tray clanging on the table beside him brings him from his thoughts.

Without looking, Crescent assumes Ahni has found him and is taking a seat.

"You're late. I sat here thinking you were coming from that way," Crescent said impatiently.

He nods his head in that particular direction, his focus remaining forward. There aren't many details on The Gauntlet so far and no one else brought the subject up. The school seems hushed.

"Why would I?"

The unfamiliar voice causes Crescent to turn around in confusion. Capturing the light bouncing of red hair which is tousled to one side by the swooping of the male's head. Standing, his head tilted, and eyebrows raised in curiosity, someone from yesterday. The number one gang leader.

"Saikai..." Crescent calls without realization.

Saikai's face lit up with widened green eyes and pursed lips.

"No surprise you know me; however, you should move." Saikai let out a small smirk after he spoke.

"Why?" Crescent spoke defensively. He isn't going to find another seat. This lunchroom is huge. Every seat he has seen thus far is full and he didn't have time to search. Ahni will never be able to find him.

Saikai slides down in his seat, leaning on his arms and grinning as if something is about to happen. He glances at the area behind Crescent, but Crescent doesn't follow.

He only examined Saikai, waiting for an answer. This guy is too childish to be a leader. He doesn't even seem to have a strong backbone. The only thing he could get away with-- looks. Saikai is handsome, but that's all Crescent could admit.

The chubby first year is right. Crescent lets out a soft sigh, but another unfamiliar, deeper voice shudders his frame within a matter of seconds and the voice nearly sends him to his feet.

"Move."

The tones soft, strong, and commanding. Crescent would believe the person behind it is attractive if it weren't for the snappy tone. The second damn person to tell him to move. This is really starting to bother him.

"You could've said it nicely." Crescent, now irritated, speaks back with a low tone to keep from alerting the tables nearby. He is not supposed to be getting into trouble right now, but it always finds a way to follow him. Too bad it has to be against the number one gang in this school. His luck, never something he cherished. Ahni's not here to back him up.

What's so important about a seat? They are just bullying him because he's new or so he thought. The person behind him doesn't respond, but Saikai nearly loses his shit sucking in both his lips and almost cringing in agony. The heavy tapping of his feet adds to the cringy response, alerting Crescent that he has made a big mistake. Saikai's having the time of his life. Hands clasped at the metal table allow a way for nearby students to hone in on the commotion. 

Dammit... 

The silence emitting from the area, staggering. This first year has guts. This is exciting to Saikai. He expects Kisha's fierce and swift reaction. It's been too peaceful for a few weeks now. Popping a small grape into his tucked lips, he reaches out for one of Crescent's cheeses before pressing it into his mouth as well, Saikai stares intensely at the building suspense as if he were watching a movie.

Crescent balls up his fist, draws in his breath and rolls his eyes. Had to expect a school full of young men, he's bound to be tested. So early in happening only prompts him to be more on defense than he has ever had to be. This new territory shook his normal foundation. Crescent's not the toughest looking, nor is he built as muscular as men his age, but he has a strong will to survive. He hoped no one decided to fuck with him-- too late.

Crscent's willing to fight anyone. With a stern tone, standing up stiffly in his seat, Crescent speaks.

"I said, say it nicely, asshole."

Crescent reaches out, grabs his apple juice, spins around, and raises the drink in a threatening manner. He's going to embarrass whoever this person is. It doesn't matter if that voice is hot. As Crescent's eyes land on the tall, toned collarbone of the figure before him, he trails his gaze upwards to see the person's face.

Staring down at him, Kisha would raise his brow, taunting, daring Crescent to throw that drink. He looks towards the apple juice, then back at the clearly angered shorty before him, lunch tray between his fingers. The entire lunchroom-- silent.

Everyone focuses on whatever's going on between these two. It's rare to see Kisha challenged so openly. Many students decide to stay away from him.

Knowing he's probably in deep shit, Crescent couldn't back down now. Out of everyone in the entire school, he has to get smart with the very person the chubby student told him to stay away from? The one he wants to befriend for selfish reasons! If those deadly rumors are true, then Kisha would have his head. He's already in trouble so why not push it? What would be able to rattle this emotionless statue?

Taking a short deep breath, the words form and flow like a river.

"You don't have to be so damn rude."

Crescent lowers his head to see above his glasses.

"I get it. You're a hot shot, but I never pissed you off. I don't even know you. I don't care what silly rumors are circling to boost your god damn ego. I'll fight you and that redheaded idiot. Gang or not."

Crescent bites on his bottom lip and scrunches his face up. He's getting angry. Kisha's taller than him and he hates it. He knows to the other students he looks nothing like an appropriate threat. He made sure to look Kisha dead in the eyes this time. Make him know that he's just enough man at his size. Often taken advantage of, Crescent had to develop more bark than bite. If height works against him then maybe he could match Kisha in fierceness. That death look is not going to scare him now.

The red-headed idiot nearly bursts into a gleeful chuckle. This is killing him. Kisha hasn't budged, and this freshman is everything of an angry puppy compared to him.

Resting his face, Kisha scrutinized Crescent up and down slowly. He's never encountered someone so short and so bold. Standing at a solid 5'4" and not much on the toned side, Kisha could easily break this individual with one punch. His hues gather as much information, noting mentally how much this male's heart is pounding. The fear isn't on Crescent's face, so where is this excitement coming from?

What's most alarming about the short male's looks is that Crescent is sort of cute up close.

The color of his skin, the way his bangs rest against the sides of his face, and his soft exterior followed by the sharp almond shape of his eyes. They are stunning, but filled with a fiery passion-- seas of gold. Though challenging, Kisha didn't feel threatened for the first time.

That rising top pink lip exposes Crescent's teeth, which are clenched so tightly Kisha could see his jaw muscles contracting.

"You don't have any manners!" Crescent's scream brought Kisha from thought. Before he could find realization, he witnesses Crescent pull himself from the seat, one-foot plant on the ground like a raging bull, the other trying to come as quickly. Moving too fast, Crescent's foot catches the edge of the seat and the haste movement throws his weight forward.

Eyes widen, hand brought out to catch himself, he knocks Kisha's tray from his hands. Splatters of food and drink fall to the floor before Crescent's hand grabs hold of Kisha's waistband. His slender digits slide between the belt and his tucked shirt, with all his might trying to keep himself standing. 

Planting his weight firmly, Kisha throws up one of his arms, attempting to assist Crescent, but the brunette comes toppling into his chest face first. The hit nearly sends Kisha to step back, his shoes unable to find grip because of the food that now made a mess of his uniform.

Crescent clings to Kisha for support, a heavy panicked sigh deliver from the anxiety bursting within his chest. He's at his limit on embarrassment, hoping that everyone around him will suddenly die. How could he be so stupid?! All he wants to do is let Kisha know he isn't afraid of him and is here now, holding him. Slowly Crescent looks up, knowing that the face he's going to greet isn't going to be a pleasant one. His glasses shift knocked from one ear and barely hanging on. They pressed at his bangs, sending his hair into a mess above his forehead.

"Uh..." He tries to speak, needing to gather himself. What does he say? Thank you? Hell no.

"See! If you hadn't come--" He starts to spit fire instead, making sure Kisha takes the fault for it all until Kisha halts him in sentence by their eyes suddenly meeting again. Closer, but the look he's given moments ago did not feel like this.

Allowing his eyelids to fall short-- comfortably, Kisha suddenly raced with a spark. It hit him swiftly, immobilizing him once Crescent's frame touched his. An unexplainable surge of heat radiated through him. A raindrop, touching a still puddle. In the auditorium, he felt this tingle for the first time in his life, but now within proximity, he's certain this isn't just some fluke.

Crescent's smell engulfs his nose as he inhales deeply, lacking any kind of cologne or perfume, even appealing to Kisha. It made him oddly curious because no one else ever smelled this good. He blinks, relaxing, forgiving what has transpired. Nothing made sense right now and though his drink spilled within his shoes and his pants threatened to pop at the button, he felt no offense.

What's this sudden calm feeling sitting in his body? Something running through him. A warmth that had first erupted from his heart and pumped slowly down into the rest of his body like poison. Deep within his core, he felt it stirring, a reaction that he knew he needed to get away from.

Rather than hurt, Kisha wants something more from Crescent. The feelings are enough to lock him in place as they run their course. The only thing he could do breathe and hope the moment passes. Feeling the weight of gravity binding him to the images of another being. Desiring warmth from someone he knew nothing about.

His eyes shift unnoticeably to memorize the brunette before him. In this newcomer's presence, he instantly feels safe for once. The stirred energy that dance between the two affects Kisha's ability to react as he should. It felt as if he has encountered someone, he lost a long time ago or had always been looking for.

"Crescent."

A voice suddenly stole everyone's attention. Kisha looks to see that a young man who favored Crescent in features looking at the both of them in worry after calling his brother's name. Crescent-- this angry ball of fire's name. Kisha suddenly smirks without moving his face. Named after the most beautiful phase of the moon.

Crescent takes this smirk as Kisha taunts him. It riles him up even more and he moves to squeeze the juice from the carton that he never let go of,

"You son of a--" Crescent curses at Kisha, but Ahni grapples his arm hushes his voice.

He stops.

"We should go, Cres," Ahni said softly: worried.

The unfolding scene is uncomfortable. With them being new and Kisha being in a top gang; these intense stares all around them had to be fellow gang members, ready to kick anyone's ass.

Crescent sucks his teeth, quickly lowering his hand and letting out a breath to release his anger. He has an excuse to leave. He needs this opening. Kisha's unmovable aura bothers him. In the presence of someone so unwavering is nothing but a burden. How could he fight that? He had to let it go. Is throwing the juice worth it? Yes, but now Ahni is here. An all-out brawl with his brother who wasn't a fighter-- tragedy...

Crescent, accepting defeat turns, picking up his tray aggressively, and follows Ahni who's pulling on his arm. He shot Kisha an angry look of planning vengeance before walking away. He hasn't noticed it until now, but his heart is racing. The feelings Crescent received through those eyes aren't the same thing he felt yesterday. It wasn't the intimidating look of an animal ready to pounce on its prey. Everything's softer as if Kisha's looking at him like a puppy fond of its master. As if Kisha wants him?

He liked it in some sick twisted way.

"Crescent, your face is red."

Ahni spoke softly. Crescent taken aback, turning his face away from Ahni in embarrassment.

"Shut the hell up."

He grunts, trying to control his emotions. What did he expect? Kisha isn't ugly and he is Crescent's ideal type in looks. He is tall, muscular, and deep-voiced and he carries himself mighty. It didn't take much to stir Crescent's inexperienced interest. He has seen his fair share of good-looking guys, but this exotic look is different. He's never seen a Native American with white colored hair and a shade of ice-blue eyes. Those features aren't average. Natives are scarce these days, even more so than before and a majority of them reside on the territory given by the government of course.

He coughs. Used to seeing the rugged look of homeless men and women. Being around dirty humans without a care about their appearance. Drugs and cold damp places. He's never seen someone so well put and clean. Crescent's just taken aback-- yeah.

"Shut the hell up..." Crescent repeats.

"I didn't even say--" Ahni tries to sound sad.

"I was not talking to you that time!"

The older brother rolls his eyes, his hand rising to tap at his heart.

'Fuck... I feel faint.'

(((A/N

Kisha's instantly stuck on stupid because of touch, but there's an excellent reason for that.

Can you guess why?

Of course, Crescent is a little cute, but a powerful man like Kisha shouldn't have a problem punching the cutest things...

Especially one as disrespectful as Crescent....

Do not be afraid to tell me what you think by commenting.❤️❤️

Drop a vote if you like. 👍👍))