"…Mhmm." Elise’s eyes fluttered open as a soft, golden light spilled through her window. She lay there a moment, cocooned in warmth, letting herself enjoy that half-awake, blissful feeling. She stretched out like a cat, her fingers and toes spreading as she took a deep, happy breath, feeling the satisfying pull of her muscles after such a long, uninterrupted sleep. She hadn’t slept so soundly in what felt like ages, and her whole body seemed to buzz with new energy.
After a couple more indulgent minutes of lying in bed, she turned her head toward the window and saw the sun already shining high.
“Oh, I slept in!” she was pretty stringent about her schedule so sleeping in was rare for her. Sitting up, she glanced at her slightly tangled hair in the mirror on her wall, amused at her sleepy reflection, then swung her legs over the side of the bed as she got out.
She picked up the brush and began working through her hair, humming a little tune. "Mmm-mmm-mmm-mmm..." She smiled at her reflection, pulling her hair back into a neat ponytail. A few stubborn strands fell forward, framing her face, but she decided to leave them—they made her look a bit more awake, she thought.
Next, she padded over to her bathroom, where she washed her face with cool water, letting it splash over her cheeks and wash away the last bits of sleepiness. She rubbed her cheeks gently, admiring the fresh, rosy color in her reflection.
After washing herself up and brushing her teeth, she splashed on a light floral-scented face mist she had recently bought, breathing in the faint, fresh fragrance. She gave herself a little smile, feeling bright and ready.
Her simple morning routine always felt like a peaceful little ritual, and today, it seemed to leave her with an extra bit of sparkle.
Finally ready to start the day, she opened her door, stepping lightly down the stairs as the faint smell of breakfast floated up to greet her. A hint of something sweet—pancakes, maybe—made her stomach grumble eagerly. In the kitchen, her mother was expertly flipping a batch of pancakes while humming softly. Dylan sat at the table, slouched over his own breakfast with his usual sleepy expression.
“Morning, sleepyhead,” he teased with a grin as he looked up and saw her. “I thought you’d be out for the whole day at this rate.”
“Oh, please,” Elise shot back with a roll of her eyes and took the seat next to him. “Like you’re one to talk. You sleep in half the day when you get the chance.”
“Hey, I don’t sleep until noon,” Dylan replied, feigning offense. “Only until, you know, eleven.”
Their mom chuckled as she turned from the counter, plates in hand. “Well, I’m glad to see both of you up,” she said, setting a plate stacked with pancakes in front of Elise. Her mom gave her a knowing look as she asked, “So, how’d you sleep last night, Elise? Was it a good night?”
Elise didn’t think twice about the question, slicing off a bit of pancake with her fork. “It was great! Best sleep I’ve had in forever.” She took a bite, savoring the warm, fluffy taste. “Honestly, I feel like I slept a whole week.”
Dylan leaned in, eyebrows raised. “Wow, really? That good, huh? So you were, like, extra comfy or something?”
“Uh, yeah?” Elise replied, giving him a funny look. “I don’t know, I just… I don’t know, I felt cozy.” She shrugged, already dismissing it as she went back to her breakfast.
Dylan exchanged a quick look with their mom before he continued, his tone dripping with innocent curiosity. “Hmm, that’s nice. Wasn’t the room, I guess. Just… a special kind of cozy?”
Elise paused mid-bite, squinting at him. “What’s with the questions? Do you want to hear about my sleep or something?” She popped another piece of pancake in her mouth, ignoring his grin.
Their mom turned around, a slight smirk on her lips. “Oh, no, honey, he’s just interested. You’ve been saying you were tired all week, and now here you are, bright as a daisy. Good rest must’ve done wonders.”
Elise only nodded, barely paying attention, as she poured syrup over her pancakes. “It really did…” she murmured absently.
After a thoughtful pause, she glanced at Dylan. “Oh, aren’t you supposed to start at that martial arts school on the north side of the village soon?” she asked casually, as if just remembering.
Dylan shrugged, leaning back as he stabbed a piece of pancake. “Yeah, maybe next week,” he replied, but a sly grin crept over his face as he steered the conversation right back to her. “But that’s nothing compared to you having such a good night’s sleep. Seriously, what made it so cozy? Maybe I need to pick up some tips.”
Elise paused, her fork mid-air, and squinted at him. “What are you talking about?” she asked, taking a bite. “I just… felt relaxed, I guess. It’s not that weird, is it?”
Dylan raised his eyebrows, looking pointedly amused. “Oh, I don’t know, Elise. Just sounds like you had… some help relaxing,” he said with a teasing tone. “Nothing wrong with that.”
“Dylan, you’re making no sense.” She gave him a look, clearly unamused. “Stop being weird.”
Their mom said while cleaning the counter with an amused glint in her eye. “Well, whatever it was, I’m glad you got some rest, sweetheart. You really do look happier this morning.”
Elise only nodded, not noticing the hint in her mother’s tone, and took another bite. “Thanks, I guess”
Dylan leaned in, resting his chin on his hand. “So, you’d say it was a pretty… peaceful night, then?” he asked, eyebrows raised.
“Yes, perfectly peaceful!” She said in an annoyed voice as she finally noticed the smirk on his face. “Why are you asking me all these damn questions about my sleep?”
Dylan shrugged, pretending innocence. “Nothing. Just making conversation, that’s all,” he replied, hiding a grin behind his cup as he took a slow sip.
Their mom glanced over her shoulder, clearly amused by their exchange. “By the way, did Seren leave early this morning? I didn’t even see him for breakfast.”
Elise, still half-distracted by the pancakes, barely registered her mom’s words as she lifted a forkful to her mouth. “Why would Seren be…” she started, but the words died on her lips as her fork froze mid-air. The room seemed to go utterly silent as the realization hit her.
Her fork slipped from her fingers, clattering onto her plate, her wide eyes fixed on her mother’s back.
Click Clank
Dylan, biting back a laugh, finally leaned back with a satisfied grin. “Oh? Is something the matter?” he asked, feigning innocence as he took another sip of juice.
Elise’s face turned a shade of red, her thoughts whirling as bits and pieces of last night flooded back—the dark room, the warm sensation, the calm before falling asleep… and the memory of sleeping while tightly hugging Seren all night.
“Honey,” her mom said gently, not turning around as she wiped the counter with a knowing smile, “I thought you knew.”
Elise felt her face grow warm, her cheeks blazing as her mind scrambled to catch up with the implication of her mom’s words.
‘Seren was in my room all night…’
The realization hit like a wave, making her heart pound faster, and a swarm of half-formed thoughts buzzed through her mind.
Her mom turned around, casually placing a dish towel on the counter with a perfectly innocent smile. “Well? Did he at least say goodbye?”
“I—uh, I don’t… I mean, I was asleep…” Elise stammered as she struggled to look her mother in the eye. Her gaze darted over to Dylan, who was barely containing his grin, leaning forward like he didn’t want to miss a second of her reaction.
“That’s understandable,” her mom said, nodding thoughtfully. “So late at night, so cozy… it makes sense you’d both just drift off.”
“W-wait, both?” Elise squeaked, the meaning dawning on her. “It’s not—Mom! We didn’t… nothing happened!”
Dylan snickered, finally breaking into a laugh. “Relax, we know. But, you know… just saying, seems a little strange that you ‘forgot’ about him,” he added, his eyes glinting with amusement. “Must’ve felt really natural, huh?”
Her mom gave Dylan a little nudge with her elbow, though her eyes sparkled with amusement too. “We’re only teasing, honey. It’s just… you seem a bit, well, flustered. Are you sure there’s ‘nothing’ on your mind?”
Elise’s heart thumped loudly in her chest as her mom and brother pressured her. The warmth in her face spread down to her neck as she looked away, biting her lip to keep herself from blurting out her own thoughts. “I… I don’t know what you mean,” she mumbled.
Dylan leaned back, crossing his arms with an exaggerated sigh. “Sure you don’t. Well, guess we’ll just have to wait and see if you two start getting all lovey-dovey.” He raised an eyebrow, looking far too pleased with himself. “I mean, hey, everyone’s gotta start somewhere, right?”
She felt her face turn scarlet, and her stomach flipped as she shook her head frantically. “We’re not in love! At least… he’s not.” Her voice softened at the admission. “He doesn’t think of me like that.”
Her mom’s gaze lingered on her, a flicker of understanding in her eyes. “Well, sweetheart,” she said gently, “friends are important, too.”
Elise fell silent, the words settling over her like a weight. She stared down at her plate with her hand resting motionless over her fork as a swirl of feelings tangled within her, too fast and too strong to make sense of. The kitchen felt oddly quiet at that moment.
Dylan, sensing the shift, cleared his throat, awkwardly glancing at their mom for some direction. “Hey, Elise…” he started softly, his usual teasing tone replaced by concern. But before he could finish, Elise abruptly pushed her chair back and stood up.
“I—I have to go,” she muttered while avoiding their eyes.
Her mom reached out, as if to steady her. “Elise, honey…”
But Elise had already turned away as she hurried out of the kitchen and up the stairs. Reaching her bedroom, she slipped inside and closed the door quickly, turning the lock with trembling fingers. She pressed her back against the door, sliding down until she sat on the floor, her hands shaking as she hugged her knees close.
Downstairs, Dylan looked at their mom, his playful confidence replaced by uncertainty. “Did… did I go too far?” he asked with a flicker of guilt in his eyes.
Their mom gave him a gentle smile, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Oh, no, sweetheart,” she said softly. “She’s just sorting through something new. It’s… well, it’s a lot to take in.”
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She glanced toward the stairs, worry mingling with understanding. “Give her time,” she murmured, more to herself than to Dylan. “Sometimes, when you’re young, feelings can feel like too much all at once.”
Up in her room, Elise sat in silence, pressing her forehead to her knees. Her mom’s piercing words replayed in her mind:
“Friends are important, too.”
She lifted her head, her gaze wandering to her bed. The sheets were still slightly rumpled from her sleep, and then her eyes drifted to the spot where Seren had lain where her eyes lingered for a while.
After a moment, she slowly rose and climbed onto the bed, lying down and turning toward that very spot. She buried her face in the pillow, inhaling the faint trace of his scent that still clung there—a scent she hadn’t noticed before, but now recognized as his. It was warm and clean, a quiet presence that made her feel oddly comforted, and yet… it only left her feeling more confused.
‘Why did this feel so natural?’ She squeezed her eyes shut, trying to hold onto the feeling, but her thoughts kept tangling. ‘Friends…’ Her mom was right—friends mattered. But this didn’t feel like friendship. At least, it didn’t feel like this way when she was with anyone else.
Memories of the night before floated up in fragments—the steady sound of his breathing, the calm stillness in his expression in the dark night, and the tightness of his protective arms draped around her waist. She’d felt safe at that moment in a closeness she hadn’t known before. ‘But that’s what friends are for… right?’
She turned onto her back, staring at the ceiling as her fingers played absently with the corner of the sheet.
‘Why am I even thinking about this?’ This wasn’t her—she didn’t get wrapped up in thoughts about anyone. But here she was, feeling strangely empty now that he wasn’t with her right now.
Elise lay there for a long time, letting herself feel the weight of the silence. It tugged at thoughts she couldn’t quite shape.
Then after a while, she suddenly remembered something.
‘The mission!’
Today, she, Seren, Susie, and the others were supposed to go on their C-rank mission to hunt gloom crawlers.
She’d nearly forgotten. A thrill of excitement sparked in her chest as she thought of it—not so much for the mission itself, but for the chance to see Seren again. The realization sent a small shiver through her, and she felt a silly, breathless smile slip onto her face. With a burst of energy, she pushed herself off the bed and hurried to get ready, the confusion and heaviness melting into a new anticipation. Today, she felt eager to go to the academy, and for the first time, it wasn’t just for learning more about Lexarch powers.
Elise practically flew down the stairs, pulling her shoes on in a rush as she headed for the door. Just as she was about to step outside, her mom’s voice called out from behind.
“Elise?” Her mother’s tone was soft but edged with concern. “Are you doing alright, sweetheart?”
Elise turned, blinking as she registered the question. With her usual half-cheerful, half-joking smile, she waved it off. “Of course, Mom! Why wouldn’t I be?” Her mom’s shoulders relaxed a little as she gave her a quick smile. “Alright, I’m off—see you later!”
But just as she reached for the door handle, she stopped. Her fingers hovered over the handle for a reason she couldn’t explain. Then, she turned back, meeting her mother’s eyes asked, “Mom… what was it like when you fell in love with Dad?”
Her mother’s eyes widened, surprised by the unexpected question. She fell silent for a few seconds before she began in a gentle voice, reminiscent of memories. “Well… it felt like—”
“Oh, never mind!” Elise blurted out, suddenly flustered. She felt her cheeks heat up as she forced a laugh. “I… I don’t even know why I asked that. Forget I said anything!”
Before her mom could reply, Elise darted out the door, hurrying down the path and leaving her mother standing by the doorway.
…
Elise, light on her feet, made her way through the academy, excitement bubbling inside her. She reached the classroom door, grinning, but as she opened it, she was met with a rather… peculiar scene.
In the center of the room, Finn was striking a dramatic pose, hands on his hips as he boasted to the group. “I’m telling you, three Rank 1 Intermediate Lexarchs! Just me against them, and guess who wiped the floor with who?” he said, his grin wide as he tried to look heroic.
Emma stood off to the side, one eyebrow raised, her face scrunched in utter disbelief. “Uh-huh,” she drawled, crossing her arms. “And next you’ll say they were all on their knees, begging for mercy?” She rolled her eyes, glancing around the room with a look that said, ‘Can you believe this guy?’
Lorien, leaning against the wall with a lazy smirk, chuckled. “Oh, yes. And I’m sure you wiped the floor with them just like you wiped the floor with ‘your face’ last week when you tried to fight Susie.”
Emma’s face lit up with mischief as she jumped in. “Oh yeah! I heard about that! Brother Finn, didn’t you get flung halfway across the training yard?”
Lorien doubled down, putting a hand to his forehead in mock sympathy. “They say they’re still finding pieces of his pride scattered around the field, tsk tsk tsk” he sighed, shaking his head as if deeply disappointed.
Finn’s face flushed a deep shade of red, his bravado unraveling as he clenched his fists. “That… that was a one-time thing!” he stammered, glancing around as if hoping someone might save him. He turned to Kai with a desperate, almost tragic look. “Kai, are you seeing this? They’re like… like mirror goblins or something! Both of them, just trying to make my life miserable, in perfect sync!”
Emma and Lorien both froze, looking at each other with identical expressions of offense.
“Excuse me?” they both said, crossing their arms and giving Finn identical glares.
“Hmph.” Lorien tilted his head away from Emma, feigning annoyance. “I have nothing in common with her,” he huffed, putting on an air of exaggerated dignity.
Emma stuck her nose in the air, mirroring him. “And I’m nothing like him,”
Kai chuckled, watching their act. “Oh really? Because you both look exactly alike right now to me”
Emma and Lorien’s eyes widened in horror as they glanced at each other, then whipped back to Kai, shouting in perfect sync, “We’re nothing alike!” The rest of the group couldn’t help but snicker.
Lorien groaned, looking to the ceiling as if for divine help. “You know how hard it is to have a little sister who thinks she’s the queen of everything? If I say no to anything, she’ll just run off to Grandma and Grandpa and cry until they’re on her side!”
Emma scoffed, hands on her hips. “Oh please, you think you’re so much better? You act like I’m asking you to climb mountains when I ask for one tiny favor!” She then put on a high-pitched, mocking voice as she imitated Lorien. “‘Oh no, that’s way too much work, Emma, I’m too busy being moody in the corner.’”
They both turned to Kai, clearly demanding a judgment.
“So,” Emma began, crossing her arms and glaring at her brother, “who’s the bigger problem?”
“Yes, Kai,” Lorien added, leaning in with a smirk, “why don’t you tell us?”
Kai raised his hands in surrender, his eyes darting between the two. “Uh… maybe we can all agree that both of you are… wonderfully unique?”
Off to the side, Finn smirked, looking more confident as he watched Lorien and Emma squabble. “See? Even Lorien can’t handle one little sister,” he taunted with a laugh. “At least 'I' had the guts to face Susie head-on. You can’t even deal with Emma without—”
Finn suddenly felt a light tap on his shoulder, and he turned around, laughing as he said, “Who’s bugging me now—”
The words died in his throat as he saw Susie standing right behind him, her expression soft and a little shy. He froze, his face going white as he came face-to-face with her.
“Finn?” she asked softly, and his reaction was immediate.
“Kiiiii!”
He let out a squeak and shrank back, ducking behind Lorien as if his life depended on it.
Lorien glanced over his shoulder, barely hiding his grin. “You know, Finn, you were saying something about wiping floors a minute ago. Why are you hiding behind me now that Susie’s here?”
Finn shot him a glare but didn’t move from his hiding spot. He glanced nervously at Susie, his voice a bit shaky as he stammered, “Uh… Susie, did… did you need something?”
Susie shifted on her feet, her gaze focused on Finn with an apologetic look. “I, um… I wanted to say sorry. For that time when I… lost control and hurt you really badly,” her tone was soft but sincere.
Finn’s bravado flickered, but he quickly forced a grin, waving a hand as if to brush off her words. “Oh, that? Pshh, didn’t even feel it!” he said, but his voice cracked slightly. “I’m… completely fine, see?” And his legs betrayed him, visibly shaking as he tried to look nonchalant.
Susie bit her lip, her face filled with concern. “Are you sure? I still feel terrible…”
Before she could finish, Lorien shook his head. “Trust me, Susie. This knucklehead doesn’t need an apology. Besides, it was a fair match—both sides got hit, and he came out in one piece. Mostly.”
Emma grinned mischievously, her eyes glinting as she looked between Finn and Susie. “Yes, Sister Susie, you don’t have to apologize to the dumb yellow monkey. He’s fine,” she said, smirking at Finn as if daring him to argue.
Susie blinked, surprised, then stifled a laugh. “Thanks, Emma,” she said with a smile, patting her on the head.
Just then, Kai glanced over toward the door, where Elise was standing, watching the entire chaotic scene unfold. “Oh look, Elise finally came”
Elise waved at the group with a bright smile and walked over, joining their lively circle.
“Finally, you’re here,” Lorien said. “I was beginning to wonder if you got caught up in something on your way in”
Emma grinned as she sidled up to Elise. “Or maybe you’re just slow! Come on, Sister Elise, we’re all ready to go!” she teased, giving her arm a light, affectionate tug.
Kai nodded, his expression calm but approving. “Good to see you, Elise. I hope you’re ready for today’s mission.”
Elise chuckled, glancing around at the group. “Hehe, I wouldn’t miss it.”
Their greetings made her feel right at home, but she couldn’t help but notice Finn standing slightly off to the side, unusually quiet, and Susie, who was looking at her with a soft, uncertain expression.
Susie stepped forward, giving a small wave. “Hi, Elise,” she said, her voice gentle.
“Hi, Susie…” Elise replied, her own voice coming out softer than she intended. She felt an odd tightness in her chest as their gazes met, lingering in a silence that stretched just a little too long. The group exchanged glances, each of them sensing a hint of tension though they couldn’t quite place why.
Lorien raised an eyebrow, glancing between the two of them. ‘Did they get into a fight or something?’ He speculated.
Susie broke the silence first, her cheeks a little pink as she looked down. “So… yesterday,” she started timidly, “did you and Seren finish up your experiments?”
Elise’s heart ached as she looked at Susie’s meek form. She wanted to explain, to reassure her somehow, but words seemed to catch in her throat. “Oh… we…”
But before she could finish, Emma’s voice rang out. “Brother Seren!” she called as she spotted him entering the room. She darted past Elise, a delighted grin on her face as she ran over and latched onto his arm, hugging it tightly.
Elise turned around, her breath catching as she saw Seren standing there, looking just like he had the night before. The sight of him brought back memories in a rush, and her heart raced as she watched Emma beam up at him, chattering excitedly.
As Seren walked up to the group, Lorien raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “Quite late, aren’t you?”
Seren dipped his head in a brief, apologetic nod. “Yeah, got caught up in something,” he said simply.
Kai said with a smile. “Well, at least he made it. So, when are we leaving?”
“In just a few minutes” Seren replied with a bit of tiredness in his tone.
Meanwhile, across the classroom, a few other students shot resentful glances in their direction. One of them muttered loudly enough for others to hear, “How does he get in with all the big shots? He’s just a Lumina-grade orphan.”
Another student, shaking his head, snorted. “Can’t believe he’s in the same group as Kai, Lorien, and even Susie. Guy’s luckier than he deserves.”
But Seren didn’t seem to hear them, or maybe he just didn’t care. He focused his attention on Elise, his crimson eyes meeting hers as he asked, “So, Elise—how’ve you been?”
Elise’s heart skipped at his question, her pulse racing as she met his gaze. She opened her mouth, but for a moment, no words came out, her mind blank from the simple effect of his presence. Finally, she managed a stammered, “I-I’ve been… good! Just… good.”
Seren tilted his head, his calm expression softened by a faint look of curiosity. “That’s good,” he replied easily, and his steady gaze didn’t leave hers.
Elise felt herself flush as she tried to act natural, forcing a smile that she hoped would mask her inner turmoil. “Yeah, it’s been… pretty normal,” she replied, though she barely registered her own words, completely lost in his crimson eyes.
‘Friends’
The word drifted into her mind, weaving itself into their conversation. It was true—they were friends, and yet… she knew that friendship wasn’t what she felt toward Seren—not anymore. She didn’t know when that had changed, but now, “friends” felt far too small to describe the warmth and quiet happiness she felt whenever he was nearby.
And as she stood there, looking into his eyes, another thought slipped in. And that thought, realizing that he didn’t see her the same way, hurt more than she could have imagined.
On the other hand, Seren kept his expression calm, but as he looked into Elise’s wide, dazed eyes, he noted every tell—her flush, her hesitating smile, the way she seemed almost transfixed, lost in his gaze. She barely seemed to hear her own words, as if even speaking to him was just an excuse to look at him. This made him reach a decisive conclusion:
‘Looks like the spark finally caught the flame’