Happy Evil Heartbreaker [Modern LitRPG]

The friendship between Luciel La Lebrador and Xanthia La Papadopoulos blossomed with an unexpected swiftness, as though their souls were kindred spirits reunited. The catalyst behind this rapid bond lay in Luciel’s boundless enthusiasm and proactive nature, traits that endeared her to all she met. Xanthia, with her discerning eye for beauty and effortless charm, found herself drawn to Luciel over a single meal, as if the outcome had always been inevitable.

Had it been anyone else seeking Xanthia’s favour, the process of friendship might have been a far more arduous and drawn-out affair. Xanthia, after all, was not one to invest emotionally without good reason. Her philosophy was simple: life was to be enjoyed, and people were mere pawns in her pursuit of self-improvement. She strengthened herself through social games, using others as tools when necessary—her new deskmate, Dematero, being no exception.

As Luciel and Xanthia shared their lunch in the bustling school cafeteria, Dematero and Glenn observed from a nearby table. Glenn, ever the joker, couldn’t resist a jab.

“Ah, Dematero, look at Luciel—so open and friendly. No wonder she’s so adored in our class! I daresay she’s giving your ‘angel,’ Elena La Loannou, a run for her money. Perhaps it’s time you considered a new crush, eh?” Glenn teased, a mischievous glint in his eye.

Dematero responded with all the seriousness of a scholar. “Glenn, you’ve clearly got a soft spot for Luciel yourself, so spare me your musings on Elena. Besides, let’s get one thing straight—Elena isn’t my angel. I merely admire her quiet dignity and unwavering commitment to her studies.”

Luciel’s radiant, sun-like energy had never stirred any romantic notions in Dematero. Elena, however, with her serene, angelic-like presence, had captured his imagination. He harboured the belief that, with enough persistence, he might just win her over.

As for Xanthia, she was delicate and lovely, but Dematero’s feelings for her were laced with sympathy rather than affection.

Glenn, unruffled by Dematero’s defense, laughed heartily. “Who wouldn’t fancy a girl like Luciel? She’s the class beauty, after all. But really, if you feel so sorry for Xanthia, perhaps you should do something about it.”

“There’s no need,” Dematero replied coolly. “I’m not a girl, Glenn, and in a place as public as this, I must avoid drawing suspicion. Besides, I look out for her well enough in class. Whenever I buy snacks, I always get a little something for her. And thanks to me, I’ve helped her become more acquainted with her deskmates, which has made her more outgoing. So, you see, I’ve been working behind the scenes.”

“Avoid suspicion?” Glenn chuckled. “Suspicion from whom, exactly? Perhaps you’d like to ‘clarify’ once more?”

Dematero groaned in exasperation, lightly wrestling with his friend. Glenn had discovered his crush on Elena weeks ago and had been mercilessly teasing him ever since.

It didn’t help that Glenn didn’t believe in Dematero’s chances with Elena. But when it comes to matters of the heart, reason has little sway. Dematero could recall the precise moment his infatuation with Elena began. It had been the third day of the new term, a golden afternoon. He had just woken from a nap at his desk when he saw her approaching the water dispenser with her crimson thermos. Their eyes met briefly as she returned to her seat, and in that fleeting moment, she blushed—just slightly. To Dematero, she had never looked more beautiful.

From that instant, he had convinced himself that Elena liked him too. After all, why else would she blush?

Ah, the folly of youthful love. How easily a glance could be misinterpreted, spinning simple interactions into grand, romantic fantasies.

But even now, as he sat in the bustling cafeteria, Dematero’s mind wandered to his new deskmate, Xanthia. She had certainly made an impression, and he enjoyed their time together. However, this was not love—at least, not the overwhelming, anxious sort. With Xanthia, he felt at ease, and that comfort suggested they were more likely to become good friends rather than anything more.

At Thessaloniki First High School, where academic excellence was paramount, most students led rather dull and monotonous lives. It took a certain level of self-discipline to avoid being crushed by the pressure. Some students napped, others crammed in a bit more study time, while the more rebellious snuck off to the basketball courts, defying the rules for a few moments of play.

Luciel and Xanthia, meanwhile, were strolling leisurely along the track, their graceful figures naturally catching the eyes of several boys who lingered nearby.

“What’re they looking at?” Dematero wondered aloud.

Glenn smirked. “Oh, you know exactly what they’re looking at, Dematero boy. It’s the scenery—quite the obvious answer, don’t you think?”