Smart, Talented, And Good-Looking? No Thanks.

Ash lagged behind the others as they stumbled into the old building the new guy had disappeared into. Ash had a flashback to the Gersh Theatre in Old York with the grand staircase leading to the top of the massive seating area stacked so the stage at the very bottom of the half-bowl would be visible to everyone. A huge, empty concession stand stretched between the two staircases, accessible from either the seating or the outer area.

On the stage was a setup of chairs and music stands in a half-circle. At the edge of the stage was a raised platform. A rather complicated looking stand stood facing the myriad of empty and occupied seats, papers sticking out of some sort of compartment on the stand.

Just what I was wanting. Ash thought to himself as he rolled his eyes and let out an irritated huff. A music rehearsal. It's not like everyone already knows that he's musically talented as well as academically.

He hoped that the rest of the group's curiosity had been curbed so they could continue on their way to go get drunk, but to his immense displeasure, they appeared to be even more curious. They sat on the front row, looking straight up at none other than the object of their curiosity. Ash groaned internally before sinking into a seat on the second row, right behind Clyde and the blonde.

Can we go yet? Ash was severely tempted to start whining, but knew that these people wouldn't pay him any attention. After all, who wouldn't be curious about the newbie?

Ash eyed the kid. His dark black hair was only accented by his almost-but-not-quite mocha skin. It shimmered in the stage lights on occasion, like ultra-soft raven feathers. His emerald green eyes were visible even from down here in the seats. "Attractive" was a poor word to describe him. He was definitely potential "hot" material. A simple change of wardrobe could probably do him wonders.

Shit. Quite thinking like that. Doesn't matter that he's good-looking and talented. He took away your Top Student placement and is now taking away from your drinking-til-you-pass-out time.

The others started whispering about how amazing he apparently is with a saxophone, but Ash couldn't care less. He crossed his arms and tuned them out, deciding to simply glare at the academic rival as he sat chatting with some kids.