Chapter Text
The halls of Eden College were alive with anticipation, lined with vibrant posters announcing the annual charity event. In two days, the senior boys would find themselves on the auction block, their fates for a day resting in the hands of the highest bidder.
At the heart of the frenzy was Damian Desmond, the crown jewel of the auction, whose name alone sent hearts fluttering. With his striking looks, stellar academic record and formidable prowess in sports, not to mention a scion from the prestigious Desmond family, he was the prize everyone was vying for.
Girls were lining on the school’s telephone booths, voices hushed but urgent, as they pleaded with their parents for an increased allowance. “It’s for charity, and it’s Damian Desmond!” they argued, each one crafting her own strategy to win a day with the most eligible bachelor in school.
Amidst the excitement, Damian found himself cornered by his loyal friends, Ewen and Emile.
“You’re going to break the bank, Bossman,” Ewen said with a nudge. “Every girl in our class is dying to win a day with you.”
Emile nodded in agreement, “Of course, who wouldn’t want to spend a day with THE Damian Desmond?”
Damian managed a half-smile, “Yeah, we’ll see about that.” But his mind was elsewhere, on a certain pink-haired, green-eyed girl who seemed immune to his charms.
:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:
Under the shade of a sprawling oak in Eden College’s common area, Anya Forger sat on a bench, her sketchbook open as she idly sketched the world around her. Next to her, Becky Blackbell was in the midst of a passionate retelling of her favorite romance show’s season finale.
“And then he says, ‘I can’t live without you!’ Can you believe that?” Becky gushed, her eyes alight with the drama of it all.
Anya nodded, popping another peanut into her mouth, her pencil moving almost of its own accord. “Mmm, so romantic,” she murmured, her tone just the right pitch of interest.
Becky leaned closer, her voice dropping to a whisper. “But forget the show for a second, what about the auction? Are you going to bid on anyone?”
Anya paused, her pencil hovering over the paper. “Not really. I’d rather spend my day off doing something else,” she admitted, her gaze drifting to the posters lining the walls.
“But it’s a senior tradition! And, it’s the perfect chance to spend a day with your crush,” Becky nudged her, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
Anya sighed, “I guess, but I’m not sure who I’d even bid on.”
Becky’s eyes widened, “What about Desmond?”
Anya chuckled, “And compete with half the senior class? No thanks. I’ll leave that to the others.”
“But I heard some girls are pooling their money to bid on him. We could do that too!” Becky suggested, her enthusiasm undimmed.
Anya shook her head, closing her sketchbook. “I appreciate it, Becky, but I’m not interested. I’m happy to just watch the chaos unfold.”
Becky sighed, resigning herself to Anya’s stance. “Well, it’s going to be quite the spectacle.”
Anya smiled, “Exactly and that’s entertainment enough for me.”
:･ﾟ✧:･.☽˚｡･ﾟ✧:･.:
The common area of Eden College was alive with the chatter and laughter of students enjoying their break. Anya and Becky were seated on a bench, with Becky animatedly recounting a hilarious incident from her favorite show, eliciting a genuine laugh from Anya.
Damian, Ewen, and Emile walked past just in time to catch the sound of Anya’s laughter. Damian couldn’t help but glance over, his heart skipping a beat at the sight of her smiling so freely.
Ewen, ever the instigator, approached the girls with a grin. “Hey girls, are you busy plotting your strategies for the auction?”
Becky snorted, “Nope, and even if we were, we wouldn’t waste a bid on any of you three.”
Emile raised an eyebrow, his voice dripping with mock offense. “As if we’d want to spend the day with your highness,” he retorted, then turned to Anya. “What about you, Forger? Planning to bid on our esteemed Bossman here?”
Damian’s cheeks tinged pink at the mention of his nickname, but he tried to maintain his composure.
Anya looked up from her sketchbook, her expression the picture of indifference. “No thanks, I’d rather not be part of the chaos.”
Damian’s heart sank a little at her words, though he quickly masked it with a haughty reply. “As if I wanted to spend the day with you, Shrimp.”
Ewen nudged Damian playfully. “Too bad, Bossman here is the catch of the century.”
Anya hummed, her shoulders lifting in a casual shrug. “Seems like the majority of the senior girls think so too.”
The bell rang, signaling the end of the break. Damian found himself lingering, watching as Anya packed her sketchbook. “Something on your mind?” she asked, catching his gaze.
“Nothing,” Damian managed to say, though his eyes told a different story.
Their eyes locked, and for a moment, the world seemed to stand still. Damian was lost in the depth of Anya’s green eyes, a place he found surprisingly comforting.
“Yo, Bossman, you coming or what?” Ewen called out, breaking the spell.
Anya chuckled, “Are you just going to stand there all day?”
Damian, snapped out of his reverie, nodded and hurried after his friends, his mind made up. He had to find a way for Anya to bid on him. He wanted—no, needed—to spend the day with her.