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   @ katherineyorkteam if you haven't already. It's such a fun little community and I love getting to know you guys over there.

Aleksei was whistling while naked, going through his closet, trying to find the best outfit for the date. Black was too obvious so he had to skip it. White, was just not interesting enough.

He took out a dark green shirt that was perfect for the weather, casual enough for a botanic date but fancy enough to impress her.

This was a winner.

He laid the shirt on the bed and then ran to the bathroom to find the deodorant before cologne.

There was a knock on the door and then Zakhar entered the room.

"There is like hours before the date. Why are you getting ready so early for?" He glanced at the box of condoms on the bed. "And feeling lucky?"

Aleksei put on his jeans. "I want to be ready in time just in case. As for the condoms, she likes to surprise me so this is more of a precaution."

Zakhar sat on the bed and laughed. "You guys will make a great couple. She's good for you."

"You are so sensitive lately and so in touch with your feelings.." Aleksei touched his chest. "You're going to make me cry."

Zakhar tossed a pillow at his face.

Aleksei caught the pillow. "So why are you here? I doubt you came to watch me prepare for the date."

"The principal called. He wants to see you now." Zakhar answered. "I think it's something to do with the blackmailing thing and the fact that you questioned Cora Jensen. It didn't seem important so I'm guessing it's just something he needs to wrap things up."

Aleksei glanced at his wristwatch. " Guess I'll go stop by quickly."

He figured the principal would want to talk to him about it since he was present for the questioning. It was a good thing Zakhar had good connections with the principal that Aleksei was given the benefit of the doubt despite his behavior. But considering he was a little rough and intimidating during the questioning, the principal would feel responsible to talk to him.

He greeted the secretary in front of the principal's office and then let himself in. Upon entering the room, he noticed another person sitting opposite the principal.

He leaned on the side, just enough to take a peek.

"Aleksei, you're just in time.." The principal looked down at his guest.

That's when Aleksei got the clear picture. The stern posture in the tailored navy blue suit, the thick black hair brushed back for a more elegant look, and the wristwatch, their dad gave him for his birthday.

His brother was still back turned towards him. Instead, he picked up the coffee he was brought by the secretary, he took a sip and placed the coffee cup down clinking the plate gently.

A drop of cold sweat dripped down Aleksei's neck. Just why was he here? The nauseating feeling was present once again, by being in the same room as this person.

"Sit down please." The principal instructed Aleksei to sit and then circled the desk, glancing at both of the brothers.

"It seems because your parents couldn't make it, they sent your brother instead." The principal explained.

Aleksei swallowed the lump in his throat. So they sent his brother? Why on earth would they think that was a good idea?

"And why did you want to see my parents, sir?" Aleksei was still standing up.

"Because of the situation that escalated. Please sit." The principal smiled politely.

"Situation?" Aleksei's brother raised his head looking at the principal.

Judging by the tone, he had no idea why he was here, Aleksei concluded. This was not good. He sat down in the chair, his shoulders tensed as he hung his head and his hands curled into fists.

"There was an incident with the students. A blackmailing case," The principal explained the situation in a few short sentences.

Aleksei's brother had just casually crossed his legs, listening to the situation.

"So Aleksei had nothing to do with it?" His brother asked.

"No, no." The principal waved his hands and then intertwined the fingers leaning his elbows over the desk. "Aleksei helped us prove who the student was, that did this. He was recommended by his friend and I let him question the student, but what was surprising is how well he did. I've never seen a student so capable of conducting such interrogation."

Aleksei turned towards the principal, his body relaxing in his seat. "What?"

The principal smiled. "What I'm saying is, I think Aleksei has a talent in the law professions. I understand that the family might have some different ideas about his future, but I felt the need to let you know about this matter. He can be a lawyer, investigator, or prosecutor with his talent. It's rare to see someone so young being able to ask difficult questions and face another person the way he does."

Aleksei felt warmth throughout his body. Never in his life did he think he'd hear that what he did could be a profession. A quite good one at that. A prosecutor or a lawyer..

However the joy lasted shortly, as one with taken breath from his brother, Aleksei was back to reality.

"You let a student question another student?" His brother straightened his back and glared at the principal. "Is this something a school should be proud of?"

The principal didn't flinch nor react at the cold disdaining tone. "The students here mature way before their actual age. We teach them how to be independent and responsible and use everything they learn in the real world. The policy of the school is to give the students freedom to grow safely within our boundaries. That's why the students graduate as already achieving individuals. As this was a problem created by a student, I wanted to see if a student can handle it. It was a personal decision. Despite not seeing eye to eye, I think what's important here is to embrace Aleksei's.."

His brother didn't wait for that sentence to finish. He rose on his feet and extended his hand to the principal. "Thank you for your concern."

The short, cold dismissal was nothing surprising to Aleksei. His shoulders became stiff again as he rose from his chair as well. The principal could see there was no reasoning with his brother and this was a mistake.

"As for the graduation certificate.." His brother stared at the principal with a polite smile and cold eyes. "I'd like an exception done for Aleksei to be given one today, considering his outstanding achievements here. As there is a week before graduation I'd like to leave here with him tomorrow."

The principal was finally shocked. "But the students celebrate next week and it's practically the end.."

"Aleksei is fine with leaving, aren't you Aleksei?" He faced him with the stern expression, Aleksei was familiar with.

His brother avoided looking at him in the eyes unless he wanted something out of him. It was how he punished him. Because rather than hating him, apathy and complete rejection of Aleksei's existence hurt way more.

Aleksei turned toward the principal with a convincing smile. "It's fine. I have no problem with that if that's what my brother wants."

"Alright then. I'll notify my staff." The principal sighed in defeat and walked them out of his office.

Aleksei followed his brother down the hallways as they left. His back was still distant as ever.

It was years since Kasimir had looked him in the eyes or even paid any attention to him. He only got involved when it was asked of him. Their parents were hoping it would become a bridge to their fallout, but it only made matters worse when they were alone together.

Aleksei tried to keep up with his steps. No words were said, nor questions were raised. His brother was the one who had suggested to his parents that he should be admitted into this school, so far away from home and now it was only suitable that Kasimir would ask him to leave as he was the same person who brought him here.

At least he'll have today's date to look forward to as a fond memory before he is shipped off to another desolate place.

"Aleksei?" The sweet familiar voice made Aleksei turn in a second.

His whole body froze on the spot. Oh no, no. This was the worst possible outcome. Tai and Nikita were standing at the stairs of the exit, carrying some paperwork and staring at him.

"I'm.." Aleksei was at a loss of words. "Um.." He glanced at his brother.

Noticing something was off, Tai just smiled. "Well, we can talk later if you're busy."

Kasimir glanced at her and had now taken a few steps back. "Friends?" He spoke to Aleksei.

Aleksei cleared his throat. "Nikita is my roommate and Tai is..." He wondered if he should lie or tell the truth. He couldn't tell what would be worse.

"I see.." Kasimir was fast on the uptake before Aleksei had time to decide on what to say. Kasimir could tell she was someone special to Aleksei. "Did you tell her then? "

It was like the air was punched out of him. Aleksei turned with pleading eyes toward his brother.

"So you haven't." Kasimir gave him a half nod and a scoff. "It doesn't surprise me. You're either relentlessly blunt, or horridly sly. Either way, you don't need me to tell you.." He leaned over to whisper so only Aleksei could hear. "If you do care for her, break up before you'd do or say something that would hurt her.."

Kasimir walked out of the school leaving towards the parking lot.

"I'll call you." Aleksei told Tai and ran after his brother. He caught him by the parking lot. "I'll pack my things tonight."

"Good decision." Kasimir answered and headed for his car.

***

Tai couldn't shake off the feeling that witnessing Aleksei running off like that was because of something that had happened.

"He said he'd call you so stop worrying. You have a date later." Nikita handed her a cup of iced coffee after they had dropped off their documents at the administrative office.

"I know. It's just hard to shake off a gut feeling."

They sat down on a bench near the school entrance, under a nice shade to drink their coffee. Nikita opened the lid to his coffee and took a large sip, then sighed like the world was ending.

"What's with you?" Tai asked. "Aren't you supposed to be overjoyed? You're dating your crush."

"Lev wants me to move in with him."

Tai gasped and then choked on her spit from shock. "That was fast. Tell me your secrets."

Nikita raised his shoulders. "I give good head."

Tai brought her phone out. "Start from the beginning. I'll take notes this time."

Nikita laughed and pushed her hand down. "Focus Tai."

"Well what exactly did he say when he asked you to move in with him?"

"I was worried that this was going to be over before it even started, and he just asked me to spend the summer with him. To see where exactly this can go." Nikita leaned his back on the wooden bench. "I kind of want to do it. It's not going to be hard. I'll just tell my dad I want to have some fun and travel before I start university and internship at his company."

"Then it's perfect. Just go and have a great summer. I'd kill for an opportunity like that with Aleksei. If he already asked and seems genuine, just do it."

"Isn't it too spontaneous?" Nikita glanced at Tai.

"Nope. It's the right amount. Just be selfish and spend your summer doing something fun. I'll cover for you back home, for anything that might come up."

Nikita bit into an ice cube nervously. "Okay. Let's say I do this. What if I hate it the first week?"

"Mmm I might not be the right person to say this, but...Aren't relationships supposed to be work? If things start going to a different path than you imagined, don't quit right away."

Tai took the empty cup from Nikita, before he broke his teeth on that ice. "Risks are fun. If we didn't take risks when the blackmailing thing happened, we never would have gotten to know the sinners so go for it. And I will too."

Hope you enjoyed the double chapter. Aleksei's older brother finally made an appearance. There is just something about sibling bonds that is different from all other relationships. They are so strong and so easily breakable at the same time. It truly fascinates me and I love telling stories around that.