Open the Codex Part 1

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He slowly and stiffly made his way onto the stage, scared out of his mind. Richie offered a wink to him as he came on that made him smile a little.

Then he heard shouting in Korean.

"Ya! Usda! Hullyunghae!"

["Hey! Smile! You did it!"]

His eyes darted over to the crowd seeing his father cheering from it with the biggest grin on his face.

Ross felt his cheeks heat up as he looked away.

Abeoji...

When he peeked up again his mother was smiling awkwardly and holding Adam's arm down. Whispering something - probably about not embarrassing their son at his graduation.

As he reached his teacher he offered her a huge smile as he tried to remain confident. This was freaking terrifying.

"Congratulations Ross, you've done great"

"Ah...thank you" he whispers, shaking her hand and taking his graduation certificate before sitting down.

"Hibiki Reina"

Ross barely stayed focused on the proceedings after that, just the names as they were read out.

"Axel Rye"

Soon enough it would be time for his speech...god he was scared.

"Alisha Verona"

Richie tapped him from behind.

"Princey?" He whispers "are you okay?"

Ross just shot him a look, turning slightly in his seat.

"I-I can't do this...my speech I ...I can't I..."

Richie rolled his eyes before gently tapping Ross' forehead.

"You've got this, I promise."

"Are you sure...?"

"Of course, come on Princey, you can do it. Just a deep breath or two and then just talk. We'll all be moving into the audience when it starts so just look at me"

Ross slowly nods.

"A-Alright..."

"You'll do amazing, I promise. And you know I don't break promises"

"I...I know..." Ross took a few deep breaths "I'll be fine... I...I will be fine"

"That's it, Princey!" Richie chuckles "That's the little sliver of confidence that I know you have"

Ross giggled quietly.

"That sounded more like an insult than a compliment"

"You know what I mean" Richie replies with a deadpan stare before a sly smile crosses his face and he whispers even lower "And if it gets really bad, just imagine the audience naked"

Ross' pale face turns bright red and his lips tighten into a thin line.

"Richard. My parents are in that audience!!" He whispers harshly "That would not make me less anxious!"

"Okay, then ignore your parents"

"You'll be in the Audience!"

Richie leans back with a smug smile and winks.

"Hai, that's the idea"

Ross looks forward and covers his face resisting the urge to let out a loud groan.

"You pick the worst times to joke Richie"

Richard opened his mouth - as though he were about to disagree somehow - but the teacher cut him off.

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