Chapter song: Can't Stop - Red Hot Chili Peppers
"Agares that ass! Doesn't he realize I'm doing this for his own good?" Aenaes fumed, as he entered his room, shedding his public façade of calm and collectedness.
"I see the meeting went well," a voice behind him said, startling the angry boy.
"Ugh, it's you, Max," Aenaes muttered, turning to see his close and only real friend lounging casually on his bed.
"You should've said something when you saw me walk in," Aenaes said, slumping beside him.
"And you should make sure you're alone before you drop the mask, Naes." Maximilian retorted back.
Aenaes shot him a look of mild annoyance. "You know I hate that nickname."
"I know, but it suits you so well," Maximilian said with a grin. "Anyway, what's got you all riled up this time?"
Aenaes sighed, explaining the meeting and his spat with his older brother.
"Can't exactly blame him for reacting the way he did. I mean, Nathanael already brought up the issue, and knowing you, you probably asked in a very passive aggressive way making it seem like you were looking for a fight."
"Hey! Whose side are you on?" Aenaes demanded. "Even if that were true, which it isn't, it doesn't mean he had to react like that. It was so embarrassing."
Maximilian shook his head, watching Aenaes sulk. It was known around the school that Aenaes and Agares didn't have the best relationship. To outsiders, it seemed like the two brothers hated each other but Maximillian who had always been close to the Montgomery brothers since they were little knew the truth.
They came from a complicated family where there was always competition and strife and were often pitted against each other. Since they didn't grow up as real brothers, this made their relationship even more complicated with each side fighting for the right for succession.
Though they were in competition on the surface, Aenaes never actually hated Agares, in fact he deeply admired and respected him especially since he had received the athletic gene in the family while he was given the academic one. But the thing Aenaes respected the most about Agares was the fact that he was also incredibly bright and if he wanted to, he could've pursued the scholarly road. But the patriarch of the family didn't want to have two scholars in the family so Agares had no choice but to pursue sports instead.
The problem with Aenaes was that he never actually showed his love for his brother. He often had trouble expressing himself so every compliment he would give to his older brother would often come out as sarcastic and rude, and the boy never bothered to explain himself so Agares always believed he was being hated. What made matters even more complicated was the fact that Agares never tried to resolve the supposed conflicts between the two brothers since it wasn't in his nature to care for things that involved feelings and emotions and Aenaes was the same.
They were more alike than they knew and this always frustrated Maximillian who had to watch their pointless arguments as a kid. Though they were all close as children, Maximilian had always had a soft spot for Aenaes so when they had their falling out, Maximilian though he didn't want to, ended up siding with Aenaes and they've been inseparable ever since.
Could Maximilian have tried to solve the misunderstandings if he wanted to? Yes he could've but Maximillian never did since this was a matter that didn't involve him and needed to be solved between the two brother's on their own. The problem was they were both too stubborn to do anything about it. So all he could do is comfort his friend and assure him that things would work out somehow. Hopefully.
"Can you believe how shameless Saint Ambracia is? After what happened, how dare they request a friendly match here?" Aenaes sneered. "If it were me, I would've sued the hell out of them."
Maximilian couldn't fully disagree; the incident had been severe. He was amazed by how cavalier Agares was treating it. But he couldn't judge since everyone dealt with those kinds of situations differently.
"I bet Serene de Beauvoir is behind all this. She's been trying to worm her way into Agares' good graces from the start. I just hope he doesn't fall for her manipulations," Aenaes said, his voice tinged with disdain.
"I don't think anyone could make Agares fall for anything," Maximilian assured him. "You don't need to worry about that."
Aenaes leaned back, his mood visibly improving. "Good. "But I do hope he does find someone who genuinely likes him though." He admitted.
Maximilian smiled warmly at him. Aenaes truly did care for his brother, it's a shame Agares didn't know this. "Whoever does manage to capture his heart will have to be one hell of a person." He said.
Aenaes' expression softened as he smiled back. "They really would be."
*
Meanwhile, Julius was grappling with the news of his old school, Westwood High, coming to Avondale for a volleyball game against the East Laurence Chimeras.
Yes, even they're mascot was impressive.
Apparently it was currently volleyball season meaning that East Laurence would be having a game against Westwood High, Julius' old school if he could even call it his school since had only attended for one year. That was his longest time spent at a school, usually he would only stay for two to three months before he had to move again.
This was currently what everyone was talking about, whether it be in the house or in class, all the students were buzzing about this game since it would be the first time East Laurence would be playing against Westwood.
Westwood wasn't too bad in sports and were actually quite good from what Julius could remember, but they were nowhere near East Laurence's level. He couldn't believe such a thing was happening and so he had to immediately contact his friend Amélie to ask her about it.
"So, I hear Westwood is suddenly amazing at volleyball and heading to regionals. How did that happen?"
"Yeah, it's crazy, right? We suddenly got good and made it to regionals," Amélie replied, her eyes twinkling with excitement. "Maybe the boys finally decided to take things seriously. Should be a wild game."
Julius felt a pang of nervousness. He hadn't shared his previous school with anyone at East Laurence, assuming he'd be moving again soon. He felt a twinge of guilt for not mentioning it to Silas, who had become a good friend.
"Are you coming to watch the game?" he asked.
"You know me—I'm not big on sports. But if the game's in Avondale, it's a perfect excuse to visit you and see the famous rich town," Amélie said, her excitement palpable.
Julius smiled at her enthusiasm. "You should definitely come. I'd love to show you around, though I don't know much about the town myself."
"The game's on a Friday, right?" Amélie asked eagerly.
"Yep," Julius confirmed.
"Perfect! Then we can explore the city that weekend. Is it cool if I stay over?" she asked.
"Of course," Julius said, grinning. "My mom would be thrilled to have you."
As they chatted, Silas entered the room and was taken aback by the sight before him. Julius was in the room, grinning from ear to ear with an expression of pure joy he'd never seen before. On his screen was a stunning girl with long, curly black and red hair and the most captivating light brown eyes.
Silas' curiosity was instantly piqued, and he couldn't help but blurt out, "Is that your girlfriend?!"