Bruises And Butterflies Close enough to notice

The library was almost empty, save for the soft rustling of pages and the occasional click of a keyboard from the librarian’s desk.

Levi sat stiffly at the far end of the table, pretending to focus on his notes, even though all he could feel was Xavier's eyes.

Still staring, again.

He didn’t dare look up. He couldn’t. Because every time he did—every single time—Xavier wasn’t just looking at him. He was studying him. Like Levi was something fragile. Like he was trying to memorize a secret.

And Levi didn’t know what to do with that.

So he stayed quiet. Pen in hand, writing the same sentence three times, eyes fixed on his notebook while his heartbeat hammered a traitorous rhythm against his ribs.

Xavier

Do you always chew your pen when you’re thinking?

Levi froze.

Xavier’s voice was low, casual, but it sent a chill down his spine nonetheless.

Levi

I’m not chewing it *Levi said, too quickly*

Xavier

You were *Xavier replied, smirking from the other side of the table. He rested his chin on one hand, his gaze lazy and amused* It’s kinda cute

Levi’s ears went hot.

Levi

No one asked you *He mumbled, still not looking up*

Xavier

Didn’t say they did.

The silence after that felt louder somehow. Like the bookshelves themselves were holding their breath.

Xavier

*Xavier finally leaned back, chair creaking slightly.* You always this quiet?

Levi

*Levi lifted his eyes slowly, meeting Xavier’s for just a second before looking away again* Only around people I don’t like

Xavier

*Xavier laughed, soft and warm and real* Ouch. That hurt

Levi didn’t answer.

But the corner of his mouth twitched.

Just a little.

An hour passed.

Somehow, they’d managed to get halfway through the project without biting each other’s heads off. Xavier was surprisingly good at phrasing things, even though he rarely wrote them down. He spoke, Levi typed. It worked. Mostly.

At one point, Levi reached across the table to grab a book, and their fingers brushed.

Barely.

But it was enough.

Levi flinched.

Xavier didn’t.

Levi kept his eyes on the pages, but he could feel that gaze again. Not mocking. Not cold. Just there.

Always there.

Levi

Why are you always staring at me? *Levi asked quietly, the words tumbling out before he could stop them*

There was a pause.

Long.

Long enough that Levi almost regretted saying it.

Then—

Xavier

You’ve got something on your face

Levi

*Looked up, startled* What—?

Xavier was smiling. Barely.

Xavier

Just kidding

Levi

You’re insufferable

Xavier

And yet… *Pushing the open textbook toward Levi with a wink* Here you are. Still sitting with me

Levi rolled his eyes, but his cheeks were pink. Very pink.

As the bell for final period rang in the distance, Xavier stood, slinging his bag over one shoulder.

Xavier

Same time tomorrow?

Levi

*Hesitated, then nodded*

Xavier smirked again—softer this time. Almost... gentle.

Xavier

*Before he turned to leave* You look better when you’re not trying to disappear

Then he was gone.

Levi sat frozen, the echo of those words sinking in deep.

He didn’t know what Xavier wanted from him.

But he knew he was starting to want something too.

And that terrified him more than anything else.

To be continued.