The hum of fluorescent lights blended with the quiet scrawl of the scribble on the paper and sound of ticking pens. Inside the examination hall was suffocating in its silence with rows of students bent over their exam papers. Some struggling, some sweating, some feel so relax while scribbling, knowing that they'll pass. Some still stared blankly and even whispered to themselves. Several students got caught cheating and were kicked out already. Most of them were lost in confusion.
Not for this new pretty student, Atlas, that sat like a statue in the third row with focused, unbothered and unfazed of his surrounding. His uniform was crisp with the sleeves neatly rolled once, as if he'd measured the fold. His presence didn't match with the shabby campus or the half-asleep invigilators. He was the new transfer student that recently dropped into one of the country's most elite university, McGill University and nobody knew why he left or dared enough to ask him like he would bite them.
To his left seat was Luna, the person that spilled her drinks all over Atlas on their first meeting, deliberately dropped her pen and lean slightly toward him with one hand shielding her mouth. She whispered to him,
"Psst...Atlas." No response from Atlas as he's too focused to his questions on the exam paper.
"Come on, number twelve," she whispered with eyes pleading, begging for an answer. Atlas didn't even blink and ignored all the nuisances from his surrounding as he stayed locked on his paper with the soft scratch of his pen like she wasn't there. Then, Luna let out her defeated sighed and slumped back in her chair. Its not like Atlas ignoring her out of coldness, it because he should be professional. However, his mind actually was elsewhere, yet still managed to stay focus on the exam. He could feel someone was unrelenting watching him from behind. Those bad intention from the eyes, he could feel it.
The infamous person in the campus, Luna has told him about that guy. The Audi bastard guy, Zhan. According to Luna, this person was known for breaking things, vandalism and pervert. But to her surprise, how come a person like him still have fans club? Why does the girl groups love bad boy? That kind of thing which Luna can't quite put it. Perhaps he has a good look so people don't mind his action, pretty privilege if people would say.
Zhan sat in three rows at the back while sprawled in his chair like he owned the room. He hadn't looked at his own test in over ten minutes. He spun the pen lazily between his fingers while his gaze, too sharp and with amused, was totally fixed entirely on the new student, Atlas. Weird, but he attracted to his beauty although he is a man. That was first. Before this, he's only flirted with the girls and sexualized them, and right now...to a boy? Fabulous.
Atlas knew this kind of type, noisy, reckless and entitled. He didn't have to turn around to know what kind of smirk that bastard probably wore, that pervert smile of course. Atlas neck tightened and he begin scribble on the paper but slowed. Atlas muttered to himself while ticking his jaw, 'what are you staring at...bastard?,' he just whispered to himself, didn't make a move, not inside the examination hall where people still around, not yet. Just waiting for the right time.
After the exam was over, students spilled from the hall in waves, with the buzz of voices growing louder under the afternoon sun. Their laughter, complaints and the groaning chorus of underprepared minds. Atlas stepped out with his hands in his pockets, as usual, calm as ever.
'Pap!'
Behind him, Luna caught up with her breath ragged a bit due to running, she panting and spoke to him,
"Haa...You really ignored me back there," she said with a grin, no real bite in her voice.
"Twelve was B, by the way. No kidding," Atlas cracked a faint smile. Luna rolled her eyes as that answer right now not helping her at all that she's circled the D answer that time.
"Wow...Are you trying to help me now?" she said in sarcasm. No reply from Atlas, just humorless laughed. Then, just before parting ways, Atlas gave her a small wave, brief, but sincere that made Luna blinked in surprise because Atlas look lovely that way.
"Hey...Don't go getting soft on me now," she called after him. Atlas didn't reply as his smile had already faded after Luna out from his sight.
And then, a voice that too deep, too nasty, the only voice that feel like a threat itself,
"Hey, sweetheart~"
The voice came from the shadows that made Atlas stopped walking. There, someone leaning against the side wall alone, the Audi bastard guy. Zhan straightened and stepped into the view with no crowd, no friends and nobody else. Just him alone like hunting down his prey.
"You walk like you're floating, sweetheart~" Zhan said with hands in his pockets, eyes still fixed on Atlas and continue asking,
"Are you trying to impress someone, or is that just how you were made of?" Zhan tried to reach Atlas face, yes, like a pervert trying to disturbed the peace, and then,
'Thwack'
Atlas shoved his hand and slowly turned to face him with calm,
"You've got something to say? Say it."
"Wow...so cold. Well..." Zhan stepped closer to him, towering him against the locker,
"Ahh...the fresh fragrance from the new student. You came from that stuck-up genius institute, yeah? Transferred down here to slum it with us mortals." Zhan's sound much of mocking, however, Atlas said nothing while still keep himself poised. Zhan begin speaking,
"I hate people who think they're above me," Zhan pointed his finger to Atlas, almost touch his chest and he continued,
"And I really hate being ignored..." Zhan lean closer to him, their face just inches away,
"You noticed how I looked right at you, right? You didn't even flinch. What...too good to look back?" That was the last word he got out, before...
'Thwack!'
No answer, no reply, Atlas made his moved. Just his action. His fist caught Zhan's jaw with a sickening crack the sharp with controlled and brutally fast. Zhan staggered sideways, blinking while cursing under his breathe, 'fuck'. Blood already dripping from his lip. Then Atlas advanced with a blow to the ribs, a knee to the stomach and another to the chest. Indeed, Atlas have experienced of beating people. Zhan dropped to one knee, coughing and said something,
"H-hey...h-hold on, okay..." He gave up and desperately begged for his mercy to stop this madness,
"L-let's have a talk, shall we–" Zhan hands trying to catch himself but Atlas already behind him, the look of someone who thirst for blood, and then, an elbow to the back of the head. Zhan collapsed onto the ground, motionless already after got brutally beaten by Atlas. For Atlas, he want to give more lesson to this bastard but he must refrained himself for not doing anything stupid that would cause trouble for himself later.
Atlas stood over him, barely ruffled and he crouched to him. Nobody were there, at the scene, only both of them which could hide his own violent action here. He relieved, but didn't expect to blow this guy in front of him until he turned into this sorry state.
Atlas stared to him for a long time before he fumbled inside Zhan's pocket and he found a car key. He have no intention to steal his car, no, for his own convenient later. For what to steal a car if he can buy a better car than him? He just lazy to drive and usually, Atlas get to the campus by Uber. Then, with no visible emotion, he reached down and hooked his arms beneath Zhan's and dragged him away.
To his own good sense, to the hospital. Using Zhan's Audi, Atlas took him to the hospital without any hitches. Inside the hospital, a quiet private room, Zhan lay unconscious while hooked to an IV. His jaw was discolored and his lips split. A thin bruise wrapped his throat like a mark of ownership. Atlas sat beside him, perfectly composed. Atlas also looked at his information, where's he'd stayed, his full name, age and so on.
He'd signed every form and told the nurse he was Zhan's cousin. He even paid extra for silence. Now, he watched him. He fingers brushed along Zhan's collarbone, down to the edge of his hospital gown.
"Still breathing," he murmured.
"Pathetic."
He leaned closer as his breath warm against Zhan's ear,
"I want you awake for the next surprise."
He slid one hand under the gown. Not in rushed nor rough, just to feel the tension in Zhan's chest, the warmth of bruised skin under his palm.
"You look so bold when you're up, but like this...you are just a toy someone forgot to wind up," Atlas continued,
"Taking you to my own place would save your living cost." Atlas murmured as he saw the information that Zhan's renting in an apartment at Ogilvie on the Park. Later, Atlas take Zhan to his place after bribed the nurse in-charge to keep their mouth shut and leave him be.
Next morning at Atlas's apartment, Zhan stirred. The sheets were unfamiliar and the room is awfully quiet. He opened his eyes slowly and groaned in pain. His surrounding all in dim lights, city skyline through glass and everything look expensive. Then, came the voice,
"You're up."
Zhan turned slightly, noticed Atlas stood near the window, sipping from a crystal glass. He keep that usual stoic face and just watching.
"Don't panic," he said and continue,
"You're in my home. I took you from the hospital. You're welcome."
Zhan tried to sit up with groaned. Atlas was at his side instantly while palm pressed to his chest.
"Don't strain, you're healing,"
Zhan glared up at him and ask,
"F-fuck...why don't you just kill me?" Atlas leaned closer to him and whisper,
"Because I want to break you again." He brushed Zhan's lower lip with his thumb with teasing and slow and he leaned in, their lips almost touching.
"But next time," A brief silence and he continue,
"it won't be in a hallway...it'll be here, my place, quiet, private and with no fists." Atlas said in low menacing tone.
"What the fuck–!" Zhan cursing even winced in pain. He tried to sit up again and this time, Atlas didn't stop him. But when he managed it, barely propped on one elbow, he realized something else that his shirt was gone, no, his belt too. What he saw was bandages wrapped around his ribs.
"Y-you undressed me?" Zhan said in low voice.
"I treated you," Atlas corrected him and continue,
"You'd be in the ICU if I hadn't. Consider yourself lucky I'm generous enough."
Hearing that statements made Zhan scowled,
"You beat me half to death, you bitch!"
Atlas just shrugged.
"You did touched me, didn't you?!" Zhan pushed, and then, Atlas just gave him a slow, deliberate look,
"Not nearly enough."
Zhan's breath caught. Silence stretched, taut like a wire between them. And then,
"Why did you bring me here?" Zhan asked. Atlas stood, walking slowly to the bed. He stopped by the headboard and leaned down with one hand pressed to the mattress beside Zhan's head,
"Staying here would save your living cost, and I like to keep the things I break."
Zhan's lips parted, unsure whether to laugh or swing. Then Zhan murmured something,
"You psycho bastard..."
That words caught Atlas's ear and leaned closer.
"Why complaint now? You was looking at me like you wanted something." After hearing that, Zhan barked,
"This is not–" Atlas cut his line,
"Shh...You'll stay here until you can stand properly," he said casually and continue,
"I'll bring you food, water and provide you clothes. But you must stay here until I let you go." Atlas grinned and brushed his fingers to Zhan's strained hair. Zhan was shaking, barely holding back a rush of emotions he couldn't name,
"Why are you doing this?" he rasped. Atlas turned, already walking toward the kitchen,
"Because you looked at me like you want to bend over me," he said over his shoulder, and he continue,
"and I always give people what they want...eventually~"
A day already passed like it just happened earlier, Zhan woke to the faint scent of coffee and the dull throb in his ribs. Every shift reminded him how thoroughly he'd been dismantled. His body felt like it had been claimed with bruised not just by fists, but by intent. However, he still able to sleep inside the lion's den. He sat up slowly, the sheet falling from his chest. Atlas was nowhere in sight, but later, the bedroom door opened.
'Click'
Atlas stepped in, already dressed immaculately in a dark fitted turtleneck and slacks. His one hand carried a tray of a minimalist breakfast that look all perfectly plated with buttered toast, poached egg, and hot tea.
"You're awake," he said as if it were just a casual check-in. Zhan glared at him and scowled,
"What now? Babysits me? Oh yeah? After what you did to me?" He barked. Atlas set the tray down on the side table and he said,
"No," He looked away then turned to looked at Zhan back with smug,
"Not yet."
That made Zhan scoffed and looked away, but he didn't stop Atlas from sitting on the edge of the bed again.
"You've healed faster than I expected," Atlas murmured while his eyes roaming over Zhan's bare shoulders.
"Tough little thing, aren't you?" He reach to Zhan's face, but before he could reach it,
"Don't touch me." Zhan warned him.
"I haven't yet. But you're thinking about it." Atlas replied. Zhan's mouth opened feel like want to argue, to curse, however he said nothing. He hated that Atlas made out his point and that the stupidest thing he did back then. He also hated that his body felt too aware, too sensitized to every breath between them. Atlas picked up the tea and held it to Zhan's lips. Zhan hesitated,
"Drink," Atlas said softly. To Zhan, he could have slapped the cup away and spat in Atlas's face, but he didn't, he have no power here yet control. Then, he leaned forward, took a sip of the tea.
'Gulp'
The heat rolled down his throat. Atlas smiled faintly,
"Good boy."
Zhan froze and Atlas leaned in, whispering into his ear,
"Show me, what else is your mouth good for?" Atlas smirked. Zhan shoved him back and barked,
"Fuck you–!"
Atlas caught his wrist mid-motion, too tight and controlled.
"I admire the fight," Atlas said calmly and continue,
"but you're not in-charge here." Then, he deliberately took Zhan's hand to pressed his own chest slowly.
"Feel that?"
Zhan's fingers curled, involuntarily registering the slow, steady beat beneath the fabric. It right on Atlas's heart.
"It doesn't race," Atlas said and continue again,
"not even when you glare like that, not even when you try to hit me," He lowered Zhan's hand, then released it entirely.
"You're not a threat. You're a curiosity." He said. Zhan's throat tightened.
"Why are you doing this?"
Atlas stood and turned his back, walking toward the massive windows. The city glowed beyond the glass, look golden and untouchable.
"Because you stared at me like you wanted to own me," Atlas said. Then, he glanced back, his eyes dark and unreadable.
"but you were never the predator, Zhan. You just some bastard that walking on the straight line."
His statements, once again, made Zhan froze. What does he mean? Why everything that came out from his mouth all like a riddles? Zhan can't understand him at all.
Later, the same day, Atlas left Zhan alone for hours. Zhan tried to stand to made it as far as the bathroom. He looked at himself in the mirror. He was in such sorry state with the bruises and the expression he didn't recognize.
"Who am I like this?" He murmured to himself and splashed the water on his face while breathing hard. Then, he back in the bed, he found something folded on the blanket. Its look like a soft black cotton. Atlas's shirt. No note were left, no threat, just the fragrance of him that embedded in the fibers. Zhan didn't put it on, instead, he clutched it, curled against the pillows. He hated how comfortable it made him feel.
That night, Atlas returned with silence. He didn't even speak and simply sat on the bed. He removed Zhan's blanket, and looked at him. Zhan protest as he felt like his own privacy being invaded,
"What the hell–?!"
'Smooch'
He shut entirely when Atlas suddenly kissed him slow and devastating on his forehead. He was shocked but didn't respond and resist, he trying to understand what is going on actually.
After that event, Zhan didn't remember falling asleep. He only remembered the warmth, the heat like being burned slowly from the inside out. Atlas had held him in the night. Too possessive. He felt a hand curled around his hip like a reminder of a weight behind him that never shifted. A breath against his neck that whispered 'mine' even without words. He woke up confused and disoriented. The sensation of last night made his stomach twist. It felt wrong, knowing that his enemy wrapped around him, and yet, when he rolled over, Atlas was already awake.
He met his gaze with that dark and half-lidded eyes. Atlas reached up and his fingers brushing against Zhan's cheek. The contact sent a ripple through Zhan's chest.
"Ahh...you stayed," Atlas murmured. Zhan opened his mouth and speak,
"I couldn't walk."
Atlas smiled faintly and said,
"You could've crawled." Then, Zhan glared at him and scoffed,
"I should've."
That words made Atlas smile widened,
"But you didn't." After that, Zhan sat up and scowled,
"Why are you doing this to me?"
Atlas tilted his head lazily,
"Doing what?"
"This!" Zhan gestured around the room.
"Keeping me here. Playing this sick game!"
Atlas leaned back against the pillows, arms behind his head,
"Game?" He echoed,
"You think this is a game?" Atlas questioning him. That made Zhan's heart thudded. Atlas studied him like something exquisite under the glass.
"You've been watching me since the moment you walked into that examination hall," Atlas said in low voice.
"The way you looked at me...like you were trying to figure out how to fuck me." He smirked. Zhan flinched at that, and Atlas continue,
"You thought you could intimidate me," Atlas said,
"That first day...when you cornered me behind the lockers..."
"That was before I knew you were psychotic!" Zhan snapped. Atlas let out a wicked laugh and speak,
"No. That was before you learned you liked it." That made Zhan's eyes burned,
"I don't."
Then, Atlas sat up and leaned closer to him. His hand gripped his thigh firmly.
"You keep saying no, Zhan," Atlas murmured,
"but your body hasn't caught up." Zhan breath faltered as he felt the grip, the closeness and the hunger in Atlas's gaze. He shoved the hand off his leg.
"Get away from me!"
And then, Atlas leaned in closer with his nose brushing Zhan's cheek.
"Beg me."
Zhan turned his head sharply, but it was too late that actually Atlas's lips met his.
'Smooch'
The kiss wasn't gentle but it was a claim. Zhan's hands curled into fists, but didn't punch and didn't pull back. His mouth betrayed him as he responding. Just for a second, then he broke it. He shoved Atlas away with his chest felt heavy. Atlas didn't retaliate and he wiped his mouth with the back of his hand,
"You taste better when you're defiant."
"You're sick." Zhan rasped. Atlas stood and speak,
"I'll take that as a compliment."
That afternoon, Zhan tried to leave. He limped to the apartment door, however, the keypad beside the exit blinked in silent denial. Zhan stared in breathless in rage. He pounded his fist against the frame.
'Smash!'
"Let me out, damn it!"
From the upper loft, Atlas's voiced floated down with amused and unhurried.
"You're not ready to leave yet."
"I'm not your fucking prisoner here!" Zhan snapped.
"No...you're my guest. Guest stay as long as the host desires." Atlas said. Zhan said something incoherent, slumped against the wall.
That night, Atlas didn't come to bed and Zhan lay alone in the sheets with his limbs aching and bruised. But deeper inside, something else stirred. Something more darker than he realized. The way Atlas had looked at him, the kiss, the control and the terrifying, has humiliating part of it all. He wasn't sure if he wanted it to stop or he enjoyed it.
To be continue...