Marius "Precious Mornings"/Rewards

Story Summary

This story takes place in Year 2. Marius has confessed to the MC, and the two are a romantic couple.

The MC finishes a Saturday morning law lecture at the prestigious Stellis private school Starhigh High School, where a friend from her school days, Roger Davis, now works. Marius surprises her as she's talking to Roger, and the MC introduces Marius as her boyfriend for the first time. As Roger walks them around campus and explains the school's prestige, the MC realizes Marius may have studied here; he tells her that he did, and an awestruck Roger realizes he's the famous Marius from Pax. He hands them gift bags that include trinkets and commemorative school uniforms, then excuses himself, asking the couple to enjoy their date.

Marius asks about the relationship between the MC and Roger and grows sullen when she talks about the camaraderie they formed in high school. The MC suggests they can go home, making up the excuse that she'll work on tomorrow's lecture if Marius is tired from his recent business trip. Marius leans into the excuse, feigning jealousy that she wants to help her friend instead of enjoying their date and forcing her to admit that she's concerned that he looked down. Marius reassures her that he's simply having trouble relating to her experience, since he went abroad for school at 16 and had to start over, getting all his credits in only two years. He then suggests they check out one of his few memories from this school: their painting club.

Marius finds his old seat by the window, and the MC laments not getting to see him as he was in school. Marius puts on the commemorative uniform from the gift bag, which was similar to his school uniform, asks her to sit behind him, and turns around to ask her for help with some questions as if they're studying. His questions are jealous, asking whether she's known anyone more handsome than him or anyone who's made her heart pound. He sulks again that she wanted to leave to help her friend and says he'll let it go if she gives him a kiss. Just then, his old art teacher, Mr. Adams, comes in and recognizes him, suggesting that the two of them view Marius' works that are displayed in the exhibition hall.

As they view Marius' sketches and paintings in the exhibition hall, the MC quickly realizes that Marius isn't in any of them. He confirms, saying he was just painting the life he saw before him, which he longed for. Mr. Adams apologizes to Marius, who dismisses it, saying that he'd been a big help on the start of his art journey. Mr. Adams clarifies that he had known Marius was unhappy and should have offered some help. He asks whether Marius' life abroad was better and whether he still paints, both of which Marius confirms, adding that he met the MC because of his painting.

Back outside, the MC asks Marius about his unhappy high school life. He explains that he was surrounded by other heirs from families like his, who wanted to get close to him to earn favors. He discusses a false report that circulated in his high school years that claimed his father had disinherited Giann in favor of Marius, after which the problem escalated drastically. Marius cut all of his sycophantic "friends" from his life, but the rumors spread to Pax as well and disrupted Giann's new position there, and Marius left to protect his family from the rumors. The MC feels sorry for him, but she realizes that at the end he started playing up the sadness for extra sympathy and tries to storm off. He stops her with a hug and tells her she made him realize it was okay to feel bad about his childhood and not hide his feelings.

At the end of the school's open house, a performance is put on by the school clubs. The MC has trouble seeing the stage, so Marius lifts her up, gloating that he could hold her all day. She compliments a teacher who dances well, and Marius lets her down, complaining about his arms growing tired. Realizing that he's jealous, she gives him the kiss he's been asking for all day -- a peck on the cheek while no one is watching them. Marius says it isn't enough and kisses her again.

Illustrations

Comforting him"I am the world's most easygoing boyfriend. A single kiss could placate me." Somehow, his words suddenly come to mind.

Video Call

Video Call		Marius: Precious Mornings (After Story 6)

Video Call script

Marius: Good evening, Miss... Huh? Don't tell me you're still prepping for tomorrow's lecture at this hour.

Marius: No, it's nothing important. I just wanted to ask you if you have any plans after the lecture tomorrow.

Marius: Since you don't have any plans made, how about granting me a wish?

Marius: Today I told you all about my high school days. So, it's your turn tomorrow.

Marius: You have nothing to say? Liar. You looked like you were really caught up in the nostalgia today. You must have a lot of interesting memories.

Marius: What do I want to know? Anything, like what time you woke up, what time you went to school, which class you hated the most, which teacher you liked the most...

Marius: As long as it has to do with you, I want to know no matter how small the detail is.

Marius: If it's okay with you, I would also like to see your graduation photos.

Marius: There's no particular reason for it. I just want to see what you looked like in high school.

Marius: You didn't look good? I don't believe that for a second. You must have been very cute in your school uniform.

Marius: Hmm... The photos may not be the best way to show it.

Marius: Do you still have your high school uniform? If you do, can you put it on for me?

Marius: Why not?... Miss, just wear it once for me. For the sake of my curiosity. Please?

Marius: You will? Great! Then we have a deal. No backing out.

Marius: It's getting late. Get some rest, I'll take you to Starhigh High School in the morning. Good night.

Story Locations

Starhigh High School
School Auditorium

Starhigh High School
Campus

Starhigh High School
Classroom

Starhigh High School
Art Expo Hall

Story Characters

Marius von Hagen

Roger Davis

Mr. Adams

Student A

Student B

Story References

The Marius "Precious Mornings" story contains brief mentions or references of events that took place in the following:

• Marius' Story: Blossom Chapter 4