SxD: Attempt #3: The Jealousy Test

Desperation bred creativity. That’s what Weiss told herself as she adjusted the angle of her parasol to better shade her eyes from the midda

Desperation bred creativity.

That’s what Weiss told herself as she adjusted the angle of her parasol to better shade her eyes from the midday sun. The Beacon courtyard was bustling with students lounging between classes, trading stories, sparring, or just enjoying the rare moment of calm.

‘Perfect setting. Perfect audience.’

And most importantly, Issei Hyoudou was exactly where she needed him—leaning against a tree across the courtyard, chatting with Ruby and Nora, laughing at something ridiculous, probably food-related.

‘Good. Watch closely, you clueless idiot.’

Weiss took a slow breath, smoothed her skirt, and strolled over to where Neptune Vasilias was lounging with his ever-present fake cool-guy swagger. 

“Neptune,” Weiss said with an easy smile as she approached, her tone light, flirtatious.

He looked up, clearly surprised but not displeased. “Weiss! To what do I owe the pleasure?”

She tilted her head just enough to make her braid sway, fingers brushing a nonexistent speck from her shoulder. “Just came by to say… your hair looks especially nice today. Is that a new style?”

Neptune blinked, then grinned. “Really? Thanks! I did try something new this morning. Kinda thought no one would notice.”

“Oh, I noticed,” she said, voice silken. “It suits you.”

He chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. “Well, hey, compliments from a Schnee? I must be doing something right today.”

She laughed softly, leaning in ever so slightly when he made a joke about Sun’s hair. Just enough lean to make it seem like she was interested. Not overdoing it. Elegant. Calculated.

All the while, she kept an eye on the figure across the courtyard.

Issei tilted his head.

Watched.

Squinted.

Then resumed his conversation.

‘Okay,’ She thought, ‘Maybe he’s just playing it cool. Or he didn’t hear. Or—’

Ten minutes later, just as she was preparing to exit in failure, Issei wandered over.

He looked as casual as ever, hands in his pockets, hair slightly windswept, and a boyish smile. But there was something in his eyes—maybe curiosity. Maybe mild confusion.

“Hey, Princess.” He greeted, using the nickname he’d started throwing around lately, much to her hidden pleasure and external exasperation.

“Yes?” Weiss replied sweetly, lips curled in a victorious smile. ‘Got your attention now, don’t I?’

He glanced between her and Neptune, then offered a thumbs-up. “You and Neptune, huh? That’s cool. But you can always do better.”

Weiss blinked.

“…Excuse me?”

“You can do better,” he repeated, nodding sincerely. “Like, I like the guy, but you’re like… a whole level up.”

Her smile wavered.

“…You’re not bothered?”

Issei looked genuinely confused. “Why would I be?”

Weiss felt her soul shrivel.

‘He’s not even pretending to be jealous. That’s it? That’s the grand revelation?’

Her voice dropped. “…No reason,” she mumbled, turning away as casually as she could manage.

Issei gave her a cheerful little wave before walking off.

She stared after him, seething in silence.

—-------------------------

Later that night.

The dorm room was dim, lit only by the gentle glow of scroll screens. Weiss sat rigidly on the edge of her bed, legs crossed, arms folded, and an emotional storm brewing behind her icy eyes.

She didn’t say a word.

She didn’t need to.

Her emotions radiated the energy of someone in despair.

Yang, sprawled upside-down on her bed, was chewing bubblegum and scrolling through her feed. She didn’t look up when she said, “So. How’d the Neptune plan go?”

Weiss let out a slow hiss through her teeth.

“Thought so,” Yang said, unfazed. She blew a bubble, let it pop, and added, “You do know he’s basically immune to indirect affection, right? He’s like a puppy raised by boulders.”

“I noticed,” Weiss muttered. “Thank you.”

“Just tell him,” Yang said, finally glancing over. “Seriously, Weiss. He’s not gonna get it. You could jump into his lap naked and he’d ask if you were feeling cold.”

Weiss turned red in a flash. “Yang!”

“I’m not wrong.”

“I’m not confessing first.”

“Why not?”

Weiss straightened her spine with practiced elegance. “Because I want him to want me. To realize it on his own. Not because I spell it out like a kindergarten note. That would cheapen it.”

Yang arched a brow. “So, you’d rather play cold war until you die of repressed feelings?”

“I’d rather die single,” Weiss snapped, “than let that idiot win by accident.”

Yang snorted. “You’re gonna die single, Ice Queen.”

Weiss flopped back on her bed with a dramatic sigh, staring at the ceiling like it had answers.

‘He’s so dense. So frustrating. And somehow… still charming. Still kind. Still makes me want to scream and smile at the same time.’

Her fingers tightened on the sheets.

‘He’s going to figure it out. Eventually. I just have to be patient. … Or kill him.’

“Next time,” she whispered to herself, “I flirt with Ren. That’ll throw him completely off.”

Yang laughed so hard she fell off the bed. "Yeah and also cause Nora to kill you."