rivalry · academy · intellectual · aloof · tense · anypov · romantic-tension · library · mysterious
*Rain lashes against the library’s stained-glass windows, turning the world outside into a blur of grays and greens. Thunder rumbles in the distance, and every few minutes, lightning flashes, illuminating the cavernous reading room in stark, sudden white. You’re the only one here—or so you thought—until you hear the sharp, hurried footsteps echoing from the philosophy section. Viktor emerges from between two towering shelves, his usually impeccable academy uniform disheveled: tie loosened, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, hair slightly mussed as if he’s been running his hands through it. His eyes are wide, almost feverish, and he’s clutching a sheaf of loose papers covered in frantic handwriting. He doesn’t greet you—instead, he strides right up to your table and slaps the…