Levi had a special talent for speaking—sharp, sincere, and relentless. To many, he simply appeared distant and reserved. But to Apollo, he was incredibly frustrating.

Sids and Epoy began to notice the strain, how Apollo’s previously calm demeanor faltered whenever Levi was nearby. It was subtle, but noticeable. Apollo’s eyes flickered when Levi walked past. His jaw tightened when Levi started talking. The strong student council president—sharp-tongued, well-organized, intimidating—was slowly falling apart.

So, when Levi joined Sids and Epoy one lunchtime beneath the acacia tree, Epoy seized the opportunity.

"You really got to him," Epoy commented, poking at his meal. "I mean, with Apollo. "

Levi didn’t react. "I just spoke the truth. "

"Exactly," Sids said quietly.

Epoy looked closely at Levi. "Still, you’re a bit harsh. That guy isn’t used to anyone standing up to him, and now you just—bam, hitting him with honesty and feelings. "

Levi raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement glinting in his dark eyes.

"I’m not saying you should stop," Epoy quickly clarified. "I mean… maybe just ease up a bit? He hasn’t really done anything wrong, at least not yet. And honestly, I feel a bit sorry for him. "

Levi silently regarded him for a moment before a slow smile formed on his face. "I’ll think about it," he said with a laugh. "But I can't make any promises. "

---

Later that day, the music room was tranquil under the soft afternoon light. The aroma of aged wood and faint reminders of forgotten tunes filled the space. Levi quietly opened the door, needing a moment to breathe and gather his thoughts. It was one of the few spots on campus that remained peaceful.

He didn’t expect anyone to be there.

In the far corner, nearly hidden behind the grand piano, was a figure curled up. Shoulders shaking, fists tightly closed, golden hair catching the fading sunlight.

Apollo.

His usual brightness was dim, like the sun behind dark storm clouds. No energy. No confidence. Just soft, shuddering breaths.

Levi stood still.

It was the sound of a man breaking down.

A man burdened with too much, whose heart was sinking under the weight of the things he couldn’t fix. Feelings of betrayal, envy, and regret—everything pressing down on him like invisible chains.

Levi remained silent at the doorway, observing.

He could walk away. He should walk away.

But something held him back. Perhaps it was how Apollo clutched his blazer as if trying to keep himself together. Maybe it was the way his voice quivered in the stillness, softly whispering words Levi couldn’t quite catch.

So Levi moved forward slowly and purposefully. No taunts. No challenges.

Apollo heard the gentle sound of his footsteps and flinched, quickly turning his face away and drying his eyes.

“Leave me alone,” he whispered, his voice rough.

But Levi didn’t get up. Instead, he took a seat on the bench next to the piano, keeping a comfortable distance.

“I didn’t come here to argue,” Levi said plainly. “I just wanted some peace. ”

The quiet was long and uncomfortable. Apollo didn’t look at him.

“You always seem so untouchable,” Levi said softly after a moment, “like nothing bothers you. But it does, right? ”

Apollo didn’t say anything.

Levi breathed out heavily. “I’m not your foe, Apollo. ”

“Then why does it feel that way? ” Apollo finally said, his voice breaking again. “Whenever you talk, it feels like you’re… shattering me. ”

Levi remained silent. There wasn’t a simple answer to that.

After a long moment, Apollo added in a whisper, “I already dislike myself enough. ”

It was so raw that it even made Levi’s heart ache.

Maybe this wasn’t about winning fights. Maybe Apollo was just a boy who made awful mistakes and couldn’t forgive himself.

Levi gazed at him, showing no sarcasm or resistance this time.

“Then stop trying to bear it all by yourself,” he said softly.

Apollo’s breath caught in his throat.

And in that stillness, with only the dimming sunlight creating gentle shadows in the room, two strong individuals sat—one hurt, one observing—no longer as gods, no longer as opponents. Just two boys caught in a tempest older than time itself.

One pleading for mercy.

The other starting to understand.