Closer Than Touch, Separated by Light Years

Anaya : Soulmate x Study Buddy

As I lay in bed that night, my mind raced with thoughts of Altair and the extraordinary connection we shared. The telepathic bond seemed almost too magical to comprehend, yet it was undeniably real. The anticipation of what lay ahead filled me with a mix of excitement and a touch of nervousness.

The next morning, I awoke with a renewed sense of purpose. The sun's rays streamed through my window, casting a warm glow on my room. It was as if the universe itself was conspiring to support this newfound connection.

Throughout the exam period, Altair became not just a telepathic presence, but a source of support and assistance. At times, when I found myself struggling with math problems or feeling overwhelmed by the sheer volume of information to study, Altair would lend a helping hand. His guidance was invaluable, and his explanations made even the most complex concepts seem simple.

But it wasn't just his academic assistance that endeared him to me. Altair had a mischievous side, a knack for mental banter that never failed to make me smile. During our study sessions, he would tease me playfully, challenging my knowledge and pushing me to think outside the box. Our conversations were filled with laughter, and I found myself looking forward to our talks as a welcome respite from the stress of exams.

One evening I stared down at the jumble of numbers and letters swirling on the page, feeling more lost by the minute. No matter how many practice problems I attempted, the logic of solving equations continued to elude me. My frustration was mounting into a massive headache.

As if sensing my turmoil, Altair's soothing voice gently echoed in my mind. "Take a breath, Anaya. I can feel your stress from here. Tell me what has you so tangled up."

I sighed, rubbing my tired eyes. "It's these equations. I just don't understand how to methodically solve for the variables. The textbook presents it all so abstractly."

"I remember feeling that way too when I first learned calculus," Altair replied sympathetically. "Sometimes stepping away from the thick verbiage and disentangling it one piece at a time is helpful. Want to walk through an example with me?"

His kind offering lifted my spirits. "Please, I could really use your guidance."

As Altair questioned me through a practice problem, his calm patience and intuitive questions slowly nudged my understanding forward. When I finally arrived at the solution on my own, a burst of surprised joy escaped my lips.

Altair chuckled warmly in response. "See, I knew that clever mind of yours could get it! Doesn't it feel good to have that 'aha' moment?"

I beamed, thrilled to have cleared that mental hurdle with his help. Our playful banter throughout eased the pressure, reminding me that I wasn't alone in this academic marathon. Altair's empathy, belief in my skills and gentle encouragement left me feeling bolstered - and grateful for his comforting presence in my mind. From that point on, tackling equations together became an enjoyable challenge between soulmates rather than an isolating struggle.
As we worked together, I couldn't help but enjoy our mental banter. Altair's witty remarks and clever comebacks kept the atmosphere light, turning what would have been a tedious study session into an enjoyable experience. We bonded over shared frustrations and celebrated small victories, creating a sense of camaraderie that I had never experienced before.

In those moments, I realized that it wasn't just Altair's academic prowess that drew me to him. It was his genuine interest in my well-being, his willingness to go beyond the bounds of our telepathic connection to support me. Altair became not just a tutor but a friend, someone I could rely on during this challenging time.

As the exams drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel a tinge of sadness. Our study sessions had been a highlight of my days, and I would miss our mental banter and shared laughter. But I knew that our connection went beyond the realm of exams and textbooks. Altair had become an integral part of my life, someone I could turn to for guidance and companionship.

As I closed my eyes that night, a sense of gratitude washed over me. I was grateful for Altair's help with my studies, for the mental banter that brightened my days, and most importantly, for the bond we shared. Little did I know that our connection would lead to an extraordinary adventure beyond anything I could have imagined.
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As my exam ended, I collapsed with a sigh. Teagan giggled "Barely survived, huh?"

I groaned. "My brain is mush." But Altair reassured me in my mind. His calming presence eased my nerves like always.

"Daydreaming of loverboy again?" Teagan nudged me. "C'mon spill the deets!"

I blushed. "It's... complicated. He lives far away."

"Long distance, ouch. When can we finally meet him?" asked Teagan.

"I'm not sure..." I said hesitantly.

Teagan raised an eyebrow. "This guy's got you real secretive. What, is he some Hollywood hunk you met online?"

Her teasing made me laugh, if only she knew the truth. In my mind, I asked Altair "What about you? Any friends nearby?"

I sensed his emotions shift through our bond. Just then, glimpses of conversation floated to me -

"Kai, don't you knock?" Altair laughed as a new figure strode in.

A lighthearted voice responded "What, and miss catching you in the middle of your secret smooching session?"

I saw Kai's grinning face through Altair's eyes, friendly despite the teasing. Our bond allowed small visions when others were near.

Altair sighed in exasperation, but affection poured through our link. "Anaya, this is Kai. He insists on disturbing me at all hours."

"Only to keep you from locking yourself away forever!" Kai retorted playfully.

Witnessing their exchange warmed my heart. Altair valued Kai's jovial company, which in turn told me much about his character. Friends who truly knew him were treasures indeed.

I smiled mentally to Altair. "Kai seems a treasured friend. You're fortunate to have each other."

As I sensed Kai's importance to Altair, my curiosity grew. "Tell me more about your friendship with Kai. How long have you known each other?"

Warmth flowed through our bond as Altair recalled happier times. "We grew up together in the Capital. As children, we were always getting into mischief."

Kai chuckled. "Remember the time we tried to snek into the Council chambers after hours? Almost got caught by your scary big sis Isis!"

At the name, vivid images emerged - a regal young woman, beautiful but stern, scolding the boys with barely contained mirth.

"Isis has always looked out for me since Father passed," Altair explained fondly. "Even when she wants to strangle me for causing trouble!"

I smiled, intrigued to "meet" Altair's fiercely protective older sister through glimpses and story. Our connection was allowing his relationships to enrich me too in this small way.

I asked Altair gently, "Tell me more about Isis. It's clear you both care for each other greatly." Every new piece brought us closer.

As Altair spoke so fondly of Isis, I couldn't help but notice one curious detail amid his memories - her striking blue eyes, unlike any shade I'd seen before amongst his memories of people.

I noticed Altair's unusual violet eyes, matched my own gaze precisely. Everyone I knew had blue, green or brown eyes, except for us two.

My curiosity piqued silently over this mystery. Before long, Altair sensed my wandering thoughts.

"What has you so puzzled, dear Anaya?" His gentle question brought a blush to my cheeks.

Hoping not to give offense, I explained "Your eyes, their beautiful purple hue - I've never seen that color except in the mirror. Do you know what accounts for our unique shades?"

Altair grew thoughtful. "Even scientists cannot determine the cause. While Isis' blue eyes differ from the norm, mine remain truly anomalous. I wonder what could be the reason, maybe it has something to do with our connection..."

Our conversation came to a natural end as he returned to his duties and I went to my dorm to start packing. But puzzling over Altair's violet eyes, and what secrets they held, lingered on my mind.