“…boop a doop doo doo…ch ch ch…ba ba ba…”

“Alright, I’m done! Give me a drum roll!”

“Okay!” Joleicia said, snapping to attention and drumming on her legs, before Chops emerged from the team’s study, donning a stylish suit, her hair partially managed into a curl.

“Oh yeah! I’m feeling sexy!” Chops exclaimed, twirling on the spot, as Joleicia gave her a polite clap.

“Nicely done! The formal won’t know what hit it.” Joleicia cheered, as Chops kept admiring herself in the mirror.

“I don’t normally love looking at myself in the mirror, but damn…” Chops remarked, admiring the fit.

“Who’s this foxy lady?” Saxin called out, entering the dorm with Lenin. “It’s about time we saw your outfit for the formal.”

“Careful, Lenin, I might just steal your girl away.” Chops commented, as Lenin shrugged to himself.

“I wouldn’t blame you.” He pointed out, landing on the couch.

“Oh, come on. I’m not so easily swayed.” Saxin cooed, draping herself over the couch. “I can’t wait for the formal to finally arrive. A year and a half of biding our time…”

“Well, we had our degrees to work on.” Joleicia pointed out. “I think it’s nice that we get to celebrate completing half of our degree, overcoming adversities, bonding together...”

“It’s a glorified high school dance, Joleicia. No need to assign special meaning to it.” Chops brought up, showing off the suit again. “But it’s a great excuse to dress up.”

“Formal time!!!” Nathaniel exclaimed, bursting into the dorm with his new outfit as well, before nearly tripping over and ruining it. “Oh geez!”

He stuck out his hands for the landing, before being caught by Joleicia and managing to find his footing.

“Th-thanks.” He let out. “Sorry. This is my first formal event thing…”

“Well, no need to ruin the outfit before it happens. We’re still a few days away.” Joleicia said. “By the by, is anyone bringing a date?”

“I have a feeling you’d know my answer.” Lenin said, getting a shoulder pat from Saxin.

“Nope. Still living that single life.” Chops sighed. “Ugh…”

“I-I’m too nervous to ask anyone out. I feel like I’d faint talking to them…” Nathaniel said, shuddering. “Or, Whilit forbid, dancing with them.”

“Yeah. I’m not really in the market considering my last breakup…” Joleicia recollected, before smiling and bringing Chops and Nathaniel in. “At least we can go together! Like a friend date!”

“I wasn’t even trying with you, and I already struck out.” Chops joked, as Nathaniel pried himself from the embrace.

“Why not just…ask someone from Team Valiant?” He suggested. “They’re pretty single, right?”

———

It was only a few days now.

Sola hurried back to the team’s dorm room, excitedly carrying her dress with her as she ran. She had to wait a few days to get it shipped from Mykonori, but it fortunately meant she could use the dress she already had from her high school dance. Despite the divide in years, she hadn’t really grown much in terms of height.

But at least she had a girlfriend this time.

Do I have to ask her to go? Sola wondered. I feel like it’s implied that we’d be going together.

Sola shrugged it off and headed into the dorm room, only to be confronted by Harley standing in the middle of the room, holding up a sign with an awkward look on her face.

Harley cleared her throat, trying not to look too nervous. “Hey…there. I was, uhh…”

“Do you…wanna go to the formal?” Sola said, reading the sign aloud, throwing Harley off even more, as she scrambled to keep up and grabbed a flower bouquet behind her.

“Wait, wait wait!” Harley insisted, letting go of a breath. “Okay…let’s start over...”

Harley broke a sweat before speaking. “So, uhh, do you…wanna, like…”

Harley looked back at Sola, before feeling the colour drain from her face.

“This was stupid…” Harley regretted, falling onto the couch. “Shit, I feel so dumb…this was meant to be all romantic and stuff…”

“Don’t feel dumb! This is really sweet!” Sola encouraged, grabbing her hands. “I totally wanna go with you!”

“Seriously?” Harley asked, getting enthusiastic nodding from Sola. “After that?”

“I don’t care.” Sola played off. “I would’ve gone with you no matter what.”

Harley tried to hold back a smile, but struggled to not show any happiness, as Sola kissed her cheek and ducked into the study.

“I’m gonna make sure this doesn’t wrinkle! I love you!” Sola exclaimed, pointing to her dress and closing the door, only to find Essex by the desk, quietly reading over some textbooks.

“Hey.” Sola greeted, gently hanging up her dress. “Is it cool if I keep my formal dress here?”

“It will not bother me.” Essex said, turning her attention away from her work, just as Sola was about to leave. “Sola.”

“Yeah?”

“…are you attending the formal with Harley?”

Sola nodded. “No doy. If she wasn’t gonna ask me, I would’ve asked her without a doubt.” Sola explained. “And it’s my first big event with my girlfriend! I’ve gotta go!”

Essex nodded back. “And this is…expected for romance?”

“I’d say so.” Sola said, noticing Essex intently thinking to herself. “Don’t worry about not having anyone to go with. We’ll still go as a team and have fun.”

Essex broke her train of thought and shook her head. “I’m not concerned. I will make sure to enjoy myself.”

“Good to hear!” Sola exclaimed, leaving the study, before ducking her head back in. “Bring a nice suit!”

Essex watched Sola leave, feeling her breathing return to normal, as she tried to focus back on her studying, before thoughts of Harley and Sola enjoying themselves at the formal flooded her mind, preventing her from anything else.

She tried in vain to remove it from her thoughts, but only ended up staring back at Sola’s dress, imagining her skipping around in it, as she banged her head against the desk, finally shutting up her invasive thoughts.

“This will be a difficult night…”

———

“Only so long now...” Wess remarked to herself, checking over her tablet as she walked down the dorm hallway. “Perhaps we should get a team portrait. It might look good for our Activ profile.”

Wess’ attention was stolen by Julia coming down the opposite hall, as they both approached the team’s room.

“Wess!” Julia called out, joining her. “Are you excited?”

“For trying on clothes?” Wess asked, before grinning happily. “Of course! It’s about time we indulged in this together.”

“I know. I haven’t gone clothes shopping in Detu City yet, so this’ll be a fun treat.” Julia pointed out, going to grab the door. “Let’s go ge-”

Before they could enter, Essex came through the other side and stood face to face with them.

“Essex! We were just about to get you.” Julia exclaimed. “Your new suit for the formal’s ready.”

“Yes...I had forgotten about our plans...” Essex admitted, hoping not to draw too much suspicion as to why, only for Wess to wave her hand.

“That’s understandable. Something like a formal isn’t quite your scene, is it?” Wess posed, as Essex quickly nodded. “Don’t worry. You put your trust in me, and I’ve picked a lovely outfit for you.”

“Grela.” Essex thanked, as they headed off to the academy train station.

“So?”

“…”

“…uhh…”

“…it’s the same.”

Avalon glared at his teammates. “It’s not the same.”

Roman and Acadia looked at each other.

“It’s the same.” Roman repeated.

“Yeah, it looks identical.” Acadia replied, as Avalon proudly showed off his cape again.

“No, there’s now an embroidery on the back in honour of the formal. It’s the Team Exemplary logo. See?” Avalon boasted, as Roman and Acadia struggled to make it out.

“…oh.” Roman said. “It’s the same colour as the fabric.”

“N-No! They’re just similar colours!” Avalon complained. “It’s called subtlety.”

“…stupidity…” Acadia coughed, as Roman gave a dry laugh in acknowledgement.

“Maybe we should get you something for your cough.” Avalon earnestly suggested, before stepping away from the full body mirror. “And I can show off my new cape while we shop!”

“Again, not new. It’s just a higher thread count.” Roman pointed out, deciding to get ahead of his teammates, just as Wess managed to catch them in the corner of her eye, leaving the changing rooms.

“What a garish cape.” She wondered, just as Essex came out of her changing room, now donning a brighter suit jacket, unbuttoned and far longer than her usual one.

“Oh, now that’s gorgeous.” Wess let out, embarrassing Essex. “There’s not many people out there that can pull off purple, but you’re definitely one of them.”

“...I feel...strange in this...” Essex admitted, now getting a good look at herself in the mirror. “Is it necessary to change outfits for this event?”

“Darling, you wear the same suit day in, day out.” Wess insisted, joining her side. “Maybe tonight’s the time for you to change things up. Finally take a chance on something new.”

“Take a chance?” Essex wondered, as Wess patted her shoulders.

“These sorts of opportunities don’t always come around. What’s the point in wasting them?”

Essex stared at her, studying Wess’ expression, before nodding and ducking back into the changing room. “I will attempt to make myself comfortable in this.”

“Thank you. And if it’s not to your liking, we can always find a replacement.” Wess assured, as Essex merely stayed quiet and closed the door. “...one day, Essex. I promise I’ll make you appreciate fine clothing.”

Wess turned to the dressing room with Julia inside and folded her arms.

“Are you almost done in there?”

“Just a second!” Julia called out, as Wess sat with herself patiently, before Julia emerged from the dressing room and stole her attention away, coming out in a well-tailored yellow suit with purple shoes and a star bowtie, striking an elegant pose.

“Well?” Julia asked, holding her arm behind her head. “What’s the verdict?”

Wess briefly forgot to speak, before quickly remembering she needed to answer. “Wow...i-it looks…very stylish on you…you look rather dashing, actually...”

Julia tried to hide her blush. “Geez…you could have just complimented the suit.”

“And not the stylish person inside of it?” Wess pointed out, joining her by the full body mirror. “Clothing is all about the person wearing it.”

“Does that mean I get to see your dress soon?” Julia excitedly asked, as Wess waged her finger.

“I’m afraid you’ll have to wait until the actual formal. I can’t just bring it out whenever.” Wess reasoned, disappointing Julia.

“Aww, but I wanted to give you embarrassing compliments as well.” Julia teased, sidling up to Wess. “It’s not fair that I’m the only one who blushed.”

“Well, if that’s your motive, then I’m glad I didn’t bring it.” Wess said, rolling her eyes. “You just have a thing for women in fancy dresses, don’t you?”

“Yes.” Julia replied flatly.

The two of them looked at each other, before falling into laughter, as Wess admired Julia’s suit in the mirror, noticing a slight discrepancy.

“Oh, hold on.” Wess said, reaching out to adjust Julia’s bowtie and straighten her collar, as Julia rolled her eyes back.

“It’s still a few days until the formal. You don’t have to fix it now.” She brought up.

“It’s a matter of pride, Julia.” Wess clarified, before patting her down. “There we go. As gorgeous as ever.”

Wess realised what she’d just said, before turning away to avoid revealing her crimson face, only for Julia to notice anyway.

“There’s that blush.” Julia joked, grinning back at her. “Are you sure you don’t have a thing for suits?”

“…it’s hard to believe it’s already been a year and a half since we started our degree.” Wess mentioned, deliberately changing subjects.

“Yeah. How about that?” Julia said, staring back at herself in the mirror. “I don’t feel much different, but I’m sure I’ve changed in a lot of ways.”

“Well, you’re a lot more confident now. I don’t know that the Julia I first met would have stood up to my parents like you did.” Wess pointed out. “And you’re leading a team of Venators-to-be.”

“…still, I don’t know if all those changes were good.” Julia mentioned. “…it’s been ages since I’ve seen Florey. We still don’t know where he ran off to...”

Wess huffed out. “Well, it’s been ages since he’s seen you too. It’s not like he’s made the effort to come back and explain himself.”

“…you’re pretty different too, huh?” Julia said, turning to Wess with a smile. “Remember when you hated us?”

“Oh please, don’t remind me…” Wess groaned. “It feels like I was some petulant child throwing a tantrum.”

Julia nodded. “Yeah.” She bumped Wess’ shoulder. “But we’re both better now.”

Julia took a final glance, before stepping back into the dressing room. “If you need to take one last look at me in the suit, now’s your chance.”

Wess raised an eyebrow. “Is that supposed to be a come-on?”

Julia giggled and closed the door, as Wess couldn’t help herself from smiling.

———

“Alright, just a bit further left! No, further, no, no, no, no, yes, that’s it!”

Brad did his best to stretch across the wall, holding up a few banners, before getting the spot just right. “Right here?”

“Perfect!” Efrem cried, giving a thumbs up. “You have a real eye for detail, captain!”

“Yo, Efrem! Are we still using the balloons?” Lad cried out, holding up the box of them, as Efrem shook his head.

“No, Principal Faller and I agreed they were a touch gauche. Just leave them for now.” Efrem assured, before taking a breath. “Phew. Sure is a lot of work setting this place up.”

“You said it!” Chad added, managing to carry two massive tables all on his own.

“It sure was nice of Faller to ask for our assistance.” Efrem remarked to himself, watching as the rest of his team utilised their absurdly impressive physique, in stark contrast to his incredibly petite frame. “Must be nice...”

“How’s the set up going?” Faller asked, as Efrem suddenly realised he was standing right beside him.

“Principal Faller! My dear heart...” Efrem let out. “Well, this hall should be just perfect for the formal. You were right to ask for us in Team Beefcake to aid in this.”

“I needed muscle.” Faller remarked, as Efrem tried to not take that personally. Faller slowly stepped forward to assess, as Efrem quickly realised Ferris was also there, though she looked like she wanted to be anywhere else.

“Here’s an idea. Let’s have a formal after they’ve completed their degree instead of one halfway through.” Ferris argued. “We’ll call it ‘graduation.’”

“Ha! Clever criticism, Miss Ferris.” Efrem complimented, only for Ferris’ sneer to send a shock down his spine, giving him a good excuse to leave the two alone.

“I want this to go off without a hitch.” Faller assured. “Since we cancelled this year’s orientation day for the new students, this is the first big event we’ve had in ages.”

“I’d consider most classes a big event for me...” Ferris remarked, as Faller glared at her.

“Ferris...just...” Faller said, before stopping himself. “We need something that says this academy’s still business as usual. All anyone talks about are those attacks...”

You didn’t exactly help in that. Ferris thought, just as Faller looked around.

“Hey!”

Brad turned around on top of his ladder. “Yeah?”

“Move that banner to the left!” Faller yelled, as Brad looked back at it, then to Faller, before quickly doing what he said. “And where the hell are the balloons?!”

Ferris watched Faller running around, micromanaging as much as he could, before she felt she could step out of the assembly hall, only to run right into Dulce.

“Oh, Ferris! Good! Is Faller around here? I wanna talk about the formal prep.” Dulce asked, straightening out her uniform, just as Ferris looked behind her and covered the door, stepping forward.

“You...just missed him.” She said, readjusting her stance. “But he gave strict orders to up the security tenfold.”

“He did?” Dulce wondered, thinking to herself. “Last time we talked, he seemed to say the opposite. Said he didn’t want to make us look paranoid to the public...”

Ferris cringed a little at what that might imply. “...we’ve already been attacked twice, and both happened to line up with important events. Is there any reason to think different this time?”

Dulce realised her pointed and nodded to herself. “...true. I can see that. Alright, tell Faller that’s a ‘can do!’ I’ll up the patrols and get the IF’s on standby.”

“Patrol before the event too. We might just catch the Wailing in the act.” Ferris added, as Dulce saluted to her before heading off. “...just try something, Wicker...”

———

It was time.

After days of preparation and murmurs throughout the second-years, the formal was finally happening. Teams were all dressed up and ready to celebrate just how much they’d accomplished over the last year and a half.

The assembly hall was filled to the brim with students enjoying themselves, some chatting it up with friends, some taking photos together, and some doing their best to dance the night away. It was clear just how excited the student body were to be celebrating once again.

And all that excitement was washing over Julia.

She stood readily by the entrance to the hall, now decked out in her yellow suit, as she anxiously waited for the rest of the team to arrive.

“I hope Harley got that little dress malfunction fixed up...”

“You clean up well, Julia.”

Julia turned to see Donovan coming down the hall, wearing an incredibly well-tailored suit, standing in stark contrast to their usual training gear.

“Hey, I didn’t think you’d come.” Julia admitted. “I thought the social scene here got in the way of training.”

“Indulgence is important.” Donovan pointed out. “You need a breather every once in a while.”

Donovan sighed out. “Or at least, that’s what my team said. Since the tournament’s only a few weeks out, frankly, this is a waste of time.”

“Oh.” Julia let out, feeling she couldn’t add much.

“For us, not for you.” Donovan assured. “Unlike you guys, we’re hitting up way more tournament halls in the future.”

Donovan patted Julia’s back. “But let’s not talk career. My team told me to indulge, so I’ll try it for a night.”

“That’s pretty admirable.” Julia grinned. “Maybe you can see this as a different kind of training.”

“Don’t patronise me, Alpine.” Donovan smiled, before waving and heading inside. “See you inside.”

Julia waved back and watched Donovan join up with the rest of Team Instinct, before getting lost in thought.

I wonder if I would’ve put this much effort in if I wasn’t with Team Valiant. Julia thought, letting herself mull it over. My grades are good, I’ve got plenty of friends, I feel so much better about myself...it feels so new...

She stared up at the ceiling and smiled.

Where’d all this happiness come from?

She made a toasting motion with her hand and raised it to the sky.

Here’s to more adventures to come.

She laughed at the corniness of her statement, before being drawn from her thoughts to the rest of the team rounding the corner, ready to meet up with her.

While she was trying to appreciate the effort the entire team had put into their appearance, she couldn’t help but stare at Wess once she was in sight, adorning an elegant blue gown just reaching the floor, a single leg exposed to the side, and Belvedere hanging from her waist to bring it all together.

The team approached Julia, as Wess noticed how she’d stolen Julia’s attention.

Wess groaned, as Julia failed to hold back her reaction.

“Oh, fine. Get it over with.”

“You look gorgeous!!!” Julia let out, despite herself. “Holy cow, Wess!!!”

Wess found herself smiling at the remark. “Alright, with a reaction like that, I suppose you deserve a twirl.”

Wess indulged Julia and spun on the spot, as Julia nearly squealed out of joy, with Wess getting similar positive reactions from the others.

“Wess, please, I’m a taken woman. I can’t have this sort of temptation.” Harley remarked, feigning fanning herself off. She’d dressed in a black cocktail dress with red heels, and Julia even noticed she’d brushed her hair.

Julia’s eyes moved to Sola, who’s outfit looked more...

“Is that your dress?” Julia asked, as Sola looked confused.

“Yeah. Why do you ask?” Sola wondered, embarrassing Julia a little.

“O-Oh, it’s nothing.” Julia said, trying to ignore the circus music playing in her head.

She turned to Essex and finally got a good look at her in her new suit jacket proper. She’s opted to keep most of her usual suit look intact, but changed out the suit jacket, at least for tonight.

“You look great, Essex.” Julia said, as Essex tried to look away.

“I-It was mostly Wess.” Essex excused.

“Well, I’m not the one wearing it, am I?” She pointed out, before indicating to the hall proper. “I think it’s about time we went inside.”

The team hurried in, with Sola excitedly pulling Harley along, followed closely by Essex, as Wess waited to accompany Julia inside.

Just as they linked their arms, Julia looked back at Wess and cocked her head.

“Did your boobs get bigger?”

Wess blushed instantly. “J-Julia, what sort of comment is that?”

“It’s just they were pretty big before, but they seem to have gotten even bigger somehow.” Julia pointed out, as Wess turned her face away, trying to cover it with her hands.

“And I thought Harley was bad…” Wess remarked, before accompanying her inside.

The team were greeted to a visible atmosphere of enjoyment amongst everyone there. What was a hall usually reserved for academy announcements and miscellaneous events had been turned into something grand and meaningful.

“This place looks so great.” Julia remarked, before spotting Team Beefcake off to the side, chatting amongst themselves. “Hey! You guys did a great job!”

“Hell yeah, we did!” Brad cried out, before simultaneously high-fiving the rest of the team. “Go Beefcake!”

“Those guys are cool.” Julia said, just as she spotted Harley, Sola and Essex off to the side, waving to get their attention. “Looks like they found our table.”

Unauthorized content usage: if you discover this narrative on Amazon, report the violation.

Julia and Wess hurried over to one of the empty tables amongst many and saw their names written on each of the seats, just as Miss Spence seemingly appeared from nowhere, holding out a camera.

“Hi! Welcome! Let me get a photo of you guys!” She exclaimed, holding up the camera. “To remember tonight! And how well-dressed you are!”

“Oh, fun!” Julia let out, lining up immediately, just as the others joined her.

“I-Is a photo necessary?” Essex asked, shying away and readjusting her outfit. “I do not wish for people to see me...dressed up.”

“I’m with Essex. It’s a little bit embarrassing.” Harley admitted, trying to avoid the camera. “I mean, I get it and all...”

“Come on, it’ll be fun! You big worry wart.” Sola insisted, dragging Harley over, just as everyone got into position.

“Let’s try to look our best, everyone.” Wess insisted, only really getting the attention of Julia, who gave a thumbs up back to her. “Of course...”

“Cheese!” Spence immediately yelled out, snapping a photo and surprising everyone. “Wow! This turned out really well! Thanks! I’ll send you guys a copy over Activ.”

Spence hurried off to greet another team, as Wess folded her arms.

“Over-active indeed.” She remarked, as the team went about getting their seats.

Everyone sat down, only for Harley to start drumming her fingers while leaning on hers.

“Hey, Julia? Does this remind you of anything?” Harley asked, as Julia took her seat.

“Uhh...no?”

Harley kept staring at her knowingly.

Julia just looked back.

“...”

“...”

“...you know...when we all first met each other...”

“...oh!” Julia realised, smacking her forehead. “I totally forgot. Yeah, this is kinda similar.”

“Where did the time go...?” Harley reminisced, before getting a playful smack on the arm from Sola. “I’m kidding, kidding.”

“Didn’t you confuse me for Sola at one point?” Julia pointed out, as Sola popped up.

“Did you? That’s weird.” Sola said, turning to Julia. “At least that didn’t go on for long. Imagine if you were dating Harley instead of me. Like some rom-com thing.”

“M-Me?” Julia let out, trying to hide embarrassment. “N-No, that’d just be...crazy...”

“I imagine you would have realised who was who by some point.” Essex pointed out. “I could not see myself being confused for any of you.”

“I don’t know. I think I could pull off a good Essex impression.” Wess suggested, getting a chuckle from Julia and a scowl from Essex. “Oh, please, I won’t actually do one.”

“...I am Wess. Belvedere.” Essex attempted. “Mareau is...good. Honestly.”

The team stayed silent for a moment, before bursting into laughter at Essex’s poor impression. Eventually, Essex joined in as well, mostly happy the others were getting enjoyment out of it, before the tapping of a microphone was heard across the assembly hall.

“Excuse me, is this...? Oh, it’s working.”

The team turned to see Principal Faller standing up on stage with a lone microphone, addressing the formal attendees. He looked about as stern and proper as he usually did, which stood in stark contrast to the celebration around him.

“Thank you for coming tonight. I know you’re excited for the musical entertainment, and they will be performing shortly. However, I wanted to address you in terms of your education and your degrees so far.”

Faller cleared his throat. “...it’s been difficult. That’s an understatement, but I want you to know that whenever something befalls you, our students, we feel it too. The attacks on the academy have been great tragedies, ones that have thrown the question of Detu City’s safety into the air. But I want to assure you...”

He paused.

“...you will still serve as Venators.”

The crowd gave him a second, as he used it to readjust his suit slightly.

“The Conflict isn’t slowing down. In fact, in some ways, it’s only increasing. Not only have Gelatinous Wailing become more common, but the surfacing of the ‘Behemoth’ Wailing is something we’re still trying to understand. On top of that, students with stronger and stronger Whils have been joining us, almost as if...evolutionarily, we’re trying to keep up with our Wailing threat.”

Sola stared down at her hands, as Harley patted her shoulder in comfort, before turning back to Faller.

“I don’t like to make promises that often. But right here, as you’ve reached this milestone, I’ll make one for you.”

He displayed his hands.

“You will see the end of this Conflict in your lifetime.”

A cheer started to build in the assembly hall, as teams celebrated the notion of finally seeing an end to what seemed like an endless fight.

Meanwhile, while surrounded by other teams cheering, Team Valiant stayed quiet, staring up at Faller in confusion and worry.

Everyone was cheering.

But they knew why they shouldn’t.

There was no good reason to.

“Alright, that’s enough from me. Please enjoy this upcoming musical performance from Team Champion, and celebrate. You’ve earned it.”

Faller stepped off stage, just as Team Champion headed up and set up their equipment, all while Team Valiant continued looking around their table, unsure of what to say or how to proceed.

“What a load of bull...” Harley let out, before sitting up in her chair. “We know he just wants to take down the Venator industry!”

“That was very deliberate wording.” Wess pointed out. “Not ‘we will defeat the Wailing,’ rather ‘you will see the end of the conflict.’”

“Only villain's double talk! Everyone knows that!” Sola exclaimed, as Julia decided to put an end to their talk, only for Essex to get up instead.

“Let us not have this night ruined by his intentions.” Essex argued, catching everyone’s attention. “Tonight is for enjoyment. We shall worry about this later, when this night is but a pleasant memory.”

The team quieted down in response, suddenly stopping their discussion dead in its tracks, just as Julia leaned over to Essex.

“Nicely done, Essex.” She thanked, before standing up from the table. “I’m gonna get us drinks. Does anyone want anything?”

“Fruit punch! If they have it.” Sola asked, shooting her hand up.

“Champagne.” Harley and Wess said in unison, as Essex simply shook her head, letting Julia head off to the drinks table, just passing by Team Vanguard’s table.

“Why didn’t you cheer, Lenin?” Joleicia asked, as Lenin started to sweat. “Didn’t you like Faller’s speech?”

“U-Uhh, I just d-didn't want to...ruin my suit. Yeah, th-that’s it. Chops did such a great job with i-Julia!” Lenin cried, just as Julia passed the team. “I could really use a drink after we perform.”

Julia looked at him, then back at the rest of Team Vanguard, before nodding. “Sure. No punch, right?”

“Something strong.” Lenin quickly replied, as Julia took the hint and nodded back to him, just as Joleicia jumped up in excitement.

“I can’t wait! We’re finally performing somewhere other than the bar!” She cheered, before indicating for the rest of the team to follow. “Come on! Let’s go get ready!”

“So excitable. Wish us luck, Julia.” Chops remarked, waving to her before following Joleicia and the team to the backstage, as Julia continued on her way to get drinks.

“I wish I could see younger me now...” Julia said, sighing out. “So many friends...she’d probably faint with excitement.”

Julia wandered over to the drinks table, staring at Team Vanguard making their way onto stage, before accidentally hitting someone while walking and knocking them over, along with herself.

“Ow. S-Sorry about that.” Julia apologised, rubbing her head while worrying who she might have hit.

“Well, that was rude. At least look where…” They said, before silencing themselves and staring at Julia.

Julia went to reach out a hand to help up whoever she’d hit, before finally recognising them and reflexively pulling it back.

“F-Florey?”

Florey blinked a few times, before managing to pull himself up and dust off his outfit.

“Well…I was hoping to avoid this tonight.” He let out, rubbing his neck. “Man, you really did a number on me with that fall.”

Julia found herself lost for words as she got up, while Florey couldn’t seem to find any words himself, leaving them in an awkward silence as the other formal attendants conversed around them.

“S-So…” Julia started. “Y-You’re…actually back.”

“Uhh…yeah.” Florey said. “It’s been…yeah…”

“Y-You just left out of nowhere. I thought…” Julia tried, before finding the words harder to say than she thought.

Florey looked around them and found a free space by the drinks table, indicating for them to move over and get more privacy.

“I…know I didn’t say goodbye. And…I feel awful…every time I think about it.” Florey clarified, as Julia attempted to make herself comfortable. “It wasn’t meant to be a decision to hurt you.”

“…it still did, though.” Julia pointed out. “You don’t just do that. You don’t just get to leave after a fight without any explanation.”

“…I’m sorry about that.” Florey apologised. “But I needed to do that for myself. I couldn’t keep going to this academy when I knew my effort was being wasted.”

Julia looked confused. “What do you mean?”

“This wasn’t for me, Julia. We both know that was true.” Florey admitted, as Julia had a hard time trying to argue that. “I couldn’t fight to save my life.”

Florey laughed a little. “I didn’t even want to come here in the first place...”

Julia looked back at him as his sentence trailed off, before he quickly regained some energy.

“I know I left on a bad note, but...hold on.” Florey said, fishing into his pocket and grabbing what Julia saw was a new tablet. “I’ll give you my new number.”

Julia stared at his outstretched arm and slowly took the tablet, as Florey wiped a bit of sweat with his arm.

“I-I want to have a proper talk, after this.” Florey confessed. “Just so we’re on the same page.”

“...I...I really missed you.” Julia let out, as the guilt started to tear through Florey. “You left right as the academy was being attacked...we thought the worst had happened...and then you showed up...a-across me in the hall...”

“I wasn’t thinking straight.” Florey tried, as Julia handed back his tablet. “But I promise, I’ll explain what happened. I just need to sort some things out.”

“Please welcome to the stage: Team Vanguard!”

Julia shot back to the stage, as she saw that Team Vanguard had set themselves up during their conversation, as Saxin got closer to the mic with a few cheers from the audience.

“We’ll talk later, okay?” Florey insisted, before heading further into the formal. “I promise!”

“L-Later...?” Julia wondered, just as Florey left, leaving Julia resting on the drinks table, all alone with her thoughts once again.

“Don’t...just...try...to explain...”

“You’re not worth...all my attention...”

“Some...day...we’ll...see the same...”

“Why do you...cause so much tension?”

Wess tapped her foot along with Team Vanguard’s performance, just as she saw Julia returning with a few drinks, before shakily putting them down and sitting beside her.

“Where are the others?” Julia asked, while Wess continued to enjoy the music.

“Harley and Sola went to dance together, and Essex said she needed the bathroom.” Wess said, pointing to Harley and Sola amongst the other dancing couples.

“Oh...okay...” Julia said, still trying to keep her head clear, only for Wess to notice her change in attitude.

“Is something wrong?” Wess asked, as Julia stared down at her lap.

“I-I don’t know...he wouldn’t tell me...” Julia let out, as Wess cocked her head, before Julia pointed into the crowd around the stage at a figure thoroughly engrossed in the performance.

Wess quickly realised who it was. “Is that Florey?” Wess exclaimed, leaning out of her seat. “What’s he doing here?”

Julia sat back up in a huff, before doing air quotes. “‘Sorting things out,’ apparently.”

“Well, he’s done a bad job of it.” Wess said, standing up quickly. “Honestly, how dare he ruin tonight for yo-”

Julia pulled her back down, grabbing her hand, as Wess took the hint and sat back down, but still found herself getting frustrated.

“Don’t let him get to you. If he hasn’t apologised to you properly, then he clearly hasn’t figured out what he’s done wrong.” Wess argued, before resting a hand on her shoulder. “This is your night, okay?”

Julia nodded back, before taking a deep breath and sitting up properly.

“Better?”

“...yeah.” Julia said. “Sorry, this is...”

“Don’t apologise. You have every right to be mad.” Wess insisted, before indicating to Florey again. “I can still go beat him up, if you want.”

“Don’t. Come on.” Julia replied, smiling despite herself.

“I brought Belvedere. It wouldn’t be hard.” Wess added, as Julia found herself laughing. “I’ll just smack him around a bit. He’ll be apologising very quickly after that.”

“Wess, please.” Julia laughed. “You’ll get your gown dirty. I couldn’t live with myself if that happened.”

“Alright, then you hold him back. We’ll do it together.” Wess continued, only furthering Julia’s laughing fit, as Wess found herself thoroughly enjoying Julia’s pleasure.

As Team Vanguard winded down from their first song, Chops looked out over the crowd and noticed Team Valiant’s table, specifically Julia and Wess enjoying their time together.

Wess looked to be telling a joke and Julia was doing everything she could to hold back laughter, as Chops found herself smiling at the interaction.

“What’re you looking at?” Joleicia asked, leaning over to her, as Chops just shrugged.

“I think I was right.” Chops answered, confusing Joleicia, before she prepared herself for their next number. “Shall we?”

———

“Halfway through our degree...” Rose let out, resting her head on Liddy’s shoulder. “What a wild ride...”

“I know...” Liddy agreed, gently swaying with Rose. “Only a year and a half until we’re out on our own...”

“I can’t wait!” Rose exclaimed, separating to face Liddy. “We can buy a car and drive around Daysend with our Venator stuff! Then we’ll get, like, a novelty horn with our anthem.”

“We don’t have an anthem.” Liddy pointed out.

“I mean we’ll make one. Then we’ll play it when we drive into town and everyone will know it’s us.” Rose suggested, miming a trumpet with her hands. “Buh ba da buh! Team Rose and Liddy are here! Give us work!”

Liddy laughed despite herself, as the duo drew the eyes of the other couples around them dancing. “That’s silly. No one’s gonna hire us like that.”

“Well, then I’ll hire you and you can hire me.” Rose pointed out, as Liddy kept laughing.

“Do you reckon anyone’s as lucky as we are?” Liddy asked, resting on Rose’s chest.

“Probably not.” Rose smiled. “Then again, who knows what might happen tonight...”

Suddenly, Rose dipped Liddy during their fairly peaceful dance, as Liddy briefly panicked, before laughing hysterically.

“Rose, you tease!” She exclaimed, as Rose picked her up and kept dancing.

“I had to make the moment memorable.” Rose smirked, adding a bit more energy to their dancing. “For my special lady.”

“Remind me to take you to more dances and less picnics.” Liddy remarked, as they both chuckled to each other, enjoying their time together, only to nearly bump into another couple, dancing with just about as much energy, but far less coordination.

“Oh, sorry!” Harley excused, waving to them, as Rose and Liddy stared in befuddlement at her and Sola dancing off together.

“Isn’t that the third-year we met at orientation?” Liddy asked.

“Shouldn’t she have graduated by now?” Rose added, as they looked to each other in confusion.

Essex wanted to come back to the team’s table, but after trying to hype herself up in the bathroom, she saw Julia and Wess enjoying themselves and didn’t want to interrupt them. They seemed to be having plenty of fun...

...together.

Immediately, her attention was stolen away by Harley and Sola, as she found the now empty table of Team Vanguard and idly took her seat there.

She rested her head against the table, staring off into the dance floor at Harley and Sola, trying out any new dance they could with each other. They weren’t great or anything, but it was clear just how much fun they were having.

Essex lay in silence, drifting between looking at them and circling her finger, ready to waste the night away, before a familiar presence tapped her shoulder.

“Hello there.”

Essex looked up at Saxin, warmly smiling back to her, as she took up the seat adjacent to her on the table.

“I guess someone felt like taking up our space while we were performing.” Saxin joked. “I’ll let it slide. We are friends, after all.”

“Grela.” Essex thanked, still lying on the table aimlessly.

Saxin stared at her in curiosity. “There’s no use letting an event like this go to waste.” Saxin remarked. “I know the Segaru Clan have certain stipulations when it comes to celebrations, but that’s no excuse for passing up an opportunity like this.”

“Celebration will not bring me enjoyment.” Essex stated. “This is a night of celebration for some, but not for me.”

Essex continued staring at the dance floor, as Saxin made a point to follow her gaze, noticing where her attention lay and smiling back at her.

“So, which one are you interested in?”

Essex jumped a little, as Saxin couldn’t help but giggle.

“Come on. There’s no point hiding it. You’re not about to tell anyone else in Team Valiant, are you?” Saxin pointed out, leaning down with her. “So, who?”

Essex tried to look away, but only found a noticeable helpfulness from Saxin.

“...you will not reveal this to others, will you?”

“Of course not. I’m a woman of my word.”

Essex sighed out.

“…both of them.”

Saxin sat back up in a state of surprise.

“Oh.” Saxin let out. “Well, that certainly complicates things.”

Essex subtly nodded, trying to ignore her growing blush, as Saxin looked back at Harley and Sola, still living their night up.

“May I ask what’s so appealing about them?” Saxin wondered. “I already admire them plenty, but I’d like to hear your reasoning.”

Essex made circles with her finger on the table. “…It’s difficult to explain, but when I see them together…I want what they have…I want to be a part of it. I have always liked them as people, but recently, I cannot remove to thought of their relationship from my head. I am…jealous, and envious. I do not wish to be with one or the other, and I do not wish to ruin their relationship…they are both important to me...”

Essex went back to staring, but chose to focus on the floor instead, as Saxin took in what she said and slid next to her.

“Well...it seems to me you have two options.” Saxin explained. “Either you continue to wallow here all night and from now on, confined to never letting them know how you feel…or you confess to them tonight and take on whatever comes of that.”

Essex tried not to look too desperate, as she thought over each option in her mind, knowing which was the correct one. Saxin watched her mull things over with an inquisitive smirk on her face, as Essex got up from the table and took a deliberate breath.

“…there is no returning from this point, is there?” Essex asked.

“You’ll always have memories.” Saxin advised. “Go get ‘em, tiger. You’re sure to win them over.”

Essex finally worked up the courage, pushing herself toward the dance floor, even if her body was fighting against it, as Lenin eventually took her place at the table, watching her head off.

“Interesting bunch, that team.” Lenin commented.

“Isn’t love beautiful?” Saxin cooed.

———

Florey was having a hard time working up the nerve.

He was quite confident in his boldness, especially when it counted, but that’s usually because he believed he was in the right. But in this case, he knew he was in the wrong.

He knew he screwed up.

And he knew he had to fix it. Even if...

They’re gonna hate me even more...I should’ve just stayed to myself and...

Florey quickly smacked himself in the face, before reaffirming what he was doing.

“No backing out!” He said out loud, only to draw the curious glances of other formal goers around him. He ignored them and continued to march on, determined to do the right thing.

“That was so fun! Who would have guessed Nathaniel could blow brass like that?” Joleicia said, as Nathaniel tried to look humble.

“W-Well I had a lot of free time in school to learn...trumpets were always my favourite...” He admitted.

“Well, you fit like a glove.” Lenin said, before rubbing his throat.

“Everything alright, dear?” Saxin asked, as Lenin nodded back.

“My throat’s parched. Hey, Nath, you mind getting me something to drink? I think Julia forgot to get me one.” Lenin asked.

“Y-Yeah, no problem.” Nathaniel assured, before giving a thumbs up to the rest of Team Vanguard. “Nathaniel’s on the case!”

He left quickly after, as Chops leaned back in her seat, smirking back at him. “That kid’s a load of fun.”

“Yeah, he real...” Joleicia replied, before going dead silent, as a figure appeared from the formal crowd, now making himself known, before waving to the stunned Joleicia.

“Uhh...hi.” Florey greeted. “I-It’s been a while.”

The rest of the team quickly noticed he was there, as they all took it in their own time, giving Florey enough room to breathe.

“I-I-I know this isn’t ideal, b-but I had to do this right away, and didn’t know when else I could talk to you all again...” Florey said, as Chops clicked her tongue.

“Well then.” She said. “Guess you decided to come back.”

“Not...really.” Florey admitted. “I just had to make things right, before I could really move on...”

Joleicia tightened up, before clenching her fist. “...y-you made us worry a lot. I-It was really hard to move on, a-and...”

Florey raised his hands. “Joleicia. You do-”

Joleicia suddenly bowed. “I’m sorry I failed you as a team leader!”

Florey stepped back, as the rest of the team reacted to Joleicia as well.

“W-What?”

“You were struggling, a-and we didn’t even notice! We were why you left! I’ve accepted that!” Joleicia insisted, still bowing.

“No, Joleicia, please.” Florey said, stepping forward and pulling her back up. “You did what you could. It’s not your job to predict how I’m feeling...”

Florey took a needed breath and faced the team properly again.

“I’m sorry.” Florey said. “I ran away because I was scared. I didn’t want to disappoint you, but...that ended up happening anyway. I was only thinking about myself...”

Florey looked to them again, as a few tears were starting to form. “I wasn’t...I-I never felt like a part of the team, and I didn’t reach out to you. I just dragged you along and became the team’s anchor. You deserved a better teammate...”

Team Vanguard looked at each other, each taking in Florey’s apology in different ways, as Florey hoped his intentions were conveyed, at least somewhat.

Finally, Joleicia wiped her face and stepped forward, taking a steady breath as she tried to kept herself calm, before pointing at Florey.

Joleicia rested her finger there for a while, before Florey wondered what she was pointing at and looked down, only for Joleicia to flick him in the nose.

“...gotcha.” She smiled, still cleaning up her face a little. “That’s for making us worry.”

Florey rubbed his stinging nose, but couldn’t help but smile, as the rest of the team gave a similar reaction.

“Honestly, we were just lost as to why you’d left.” Saxin pointed out. “It felt so sudden, especially that late in the year.”

“You didn’t exactly give any hints. Or working phone numbers.” Lenin added, as Florey scratched his neck.

“That was sorta the point...I was starting a new job, so I wanted to cut ties with this place.” Florey confessed, mumbling a little. “But I definitely went too far with that...”

“You got a job?” Chops asked, as Florey perked up a bit. “I guess that means you weren’t just ditching to ditch.”

“Yeah. Mr Cecil offered me some work at his company.” Florey explained. “I’m...I dunno, his apprentice? But I’m looking into Wailing biology and taking on some research for him.”

“Oh, that’s great! Way to land on your feet!” Joleicia assured, just as Nathaniel made his way back from the drinks table, only to find a stranger talking to the rest of the team.

“O-Oh...uhh, hi...” He greeted, dropping off the drinks before leaning over to Joleicia. “Who’s this guy?”

“Florey. He was our team member before you.” Joleicia cleared up, as Nathaniel put two and two together and suddenly went to shake Florey’s hand.

“It’s you!!! Thank you so much!” He exclaimed, throwing Florey off. “I don’t even know you, but you’ve done so much for me!”

“I’m...assuming you’re my replacement?” Florey remarked, prying Nathaniel away. “Why’re you thanking me? I’m the one who ditched the team.”

“Yeah, and then I got to join!” Nathaniel cheered, having trouble holding it together. “If you hadn’t left, who knows how long I would’ve stayed on the academy’s waiting list!”

Florey smiled a little, before resting a hand on his hip. “You were on the waiting list too? Huh...”

“I guess we did find a better teammate.” Chops joked, grabbing Nathaniel’s shoulders. “And he’s got a Whil, unlike you.”

“Hey, let’s not discount the possibility. I’m still growing.” Florey joked, as the team laughed to themselves, enjoying each other's company. Florey reached out to shake his hand. “Sorry, I haven’t gotten your name.”

“O-Oh, Nathaniel Graceland.” Nathaniel answered, shaking back. “I-It’s kinda weird putting a face to the name.”

“It’s kinda weird seeing my replacement as well.” Florey smiled. “Do what you can for the team. They’re worth putting in the effort for.”

Florey clasped his other hand down. “For what it’s worth, you’ve got my blessing.”

“I-I didn’t need it, but thanks.” Nathaniel replied, as Florey let out a hearty laugh.

What was I so worried about? He wondered.

Julia went to grab her drink, before noticing the unopened beer bottle still resting on the table, as she realised why it was there.

“That’s right! I promised to get Lenin a drink.” Julia said, before getting up and grabbing the bottle. “I’ll just drop this off real quick.”

“Alright, but hurry back. We still need to plan our petty revenge.” Wess said, as Julia grinned back at her.

Julia hurried along to Team Vanguard’s table, excitedly ready to drop off the beer, as they started to come into view, only for Florey to come in as well.

She stood just out of sight of them, watching as the team and Florey looked to be on good terms, laughing amongst themselves, chatting it up, acting all friendly...

It was too much for Julia.

She left the drink behind and headed out into the nearby hallway, paced around anxiously, fortunate that no one else was taking refuse there with her. She could still catch a glimpse of Florey hanging out with Team Vanguard as if nothing had happened, as if he wasn’t just going to leave again.

She tried to calm herself and think about anything else, before her pocket started to buzz, as she pulled out her tablet and noticed an incoming call from…

…mum.

She stared down at the tablet, unsure what to do with it, before the call eventually timed out, leaving her alone in the silent hallway again.

Mum? Julia thought. Why’s she calling me now? Dammit…I’ve got enough on my plate…

Julia crouched to the ground, running her hands through her hair, as Wess made her way into the hallway too, looking around curiously, before spotting Julia huddled on the floor.

“Julia, are you alright?” She asked, crouching down with her. “I noticed you’d split off and…”

“I just…I can’t be in there right now…” Julia tried. “Florey just shows up out of nowhere, acting like nothing happened, a-and now my mum’s trying to…reconnect or something? A-And we still don’t know about Wicker or Faller or-“

“Hey, hey, it’s okay. You’re spiralling.” Wess assured her, rubbing her arms. “Clearly, this night’s been a lot for you.”

She looked around them, before spotting the drinks table beside the entrance to the formal and grabbing a few bottles of champagne.

She showed the bottles off welcomingly to Julia, an earnest smile accompanying it. “I think it’s about time we head out. You feel like scurrying off and complaining about shitty people?”

Julia looked over Wess, before glancing back at the formal and noticing Harley and Sola enjoying themselves.

“Yeah. I think I need this.” Julia sighed. “Why can’t I just have a nice night without bullshit?”

“The universe is a cruel thing.” Wess sympathised, helping Julia up, before sharing the bottle with her, as Julia popped it excitedly in the hallway, cheering her up in a small way.

———

“Alright, spin me.”

“Harley! You know I can’t do that!”

“I know, just try it anyway!”

Harley and Sola laughed to themselves, as Sola attempted to spin Harley, ending up with Harley facing backwards and nearly falling over. Sola tried to hold back a giggle, before Harley found her footing and spun back around, moving her hands back and resuming their dance.

“Oops.”

“I so told you.” Sola remarked.

“Yeah, well, it could ha-“

“Excuse me.”

Harley and Sola turned to Essex, just beside them on the dancefloor, noticeably standing out amongst the dancing couples around her.

“I…wish to discuss something…” Essex let out, finding her mouth getting dry.

Harley let go of Sola to address Essex. “Alright. What’s up?”

Essex looked around them tentatively. “…it would be best to move this away from the dancing.”

Harley and Sola looked to each other, as Essex led them off to the side of the assembly hall and into a nearby storage closet adjacent to it, walled off from the rest of the formal.

“Are we allowed to be in here?” Sola whispered, as Essex ignored her and tried to work up the nerve, almost giving into bailing entirely.

…you’re sure to win them over.

Essex steeled herself and faced the duo, doing her best to come off as confident, as Harley and Sola made themselves comfortable, all while Essex couldn’t help but feel the opposite.

“…it is not an easy thing for me to confess this.” Essex started. “I am still attempting to understand what it might mean. These are…unusual feelings for me to experience, but I’m hoping to better understand them with you...together. I have valued you as a team until now, so...with all of this said…”

Essex bowed toward them. “I wish to be part of your relationship.”

Sola was left in a state of shock, taking a while to process what Essex had just suggested and what it might mean. Meanwhile, Harley was struggling to make heads or tails of what Essex was trying to say, almost ready to ask for clarification until thinking better of it.

“…I don’t need an answer immediately.” Essex added. “I will give you time to think it over.”

“…am I right in thinking…” Harley asked, briefly looking to Sola. “…you mean romantic relationship?”

“Dal.” Essex said, before clearing her throat. “Yes.”

“Oh...huh...okay then.” Sola let out, trying to get her head straight, as Essex started to worry that she might have screwed up.

W-Was I wrong in this? They a-aren’t responding...

“I mean...”

I have made a terrible mistake...I have gone against Muer...

“It’s...”

I knew this wa-

“We could make it work.”

Essex felt a flush of confusion and relief.

“I’ve never done this kinda thing before, but it sounds fun.” Sola said, smiling back at Essex. “Yeah, let’s do it!”

“What?” Harley asked, still processing herself, as Sola got up to join Essex’s side.

Essex couldn’t stop herself from blinking. “Are you not surprised?”

“Well, yeah.” Sola confessed. “But…I dunno, it’s not that crazy an idea. You were so polite about it that I don’t feel weirded out or anything, and I’ve known you for ages already, so...if it’s okay with Harley, we can totally start dating!”

Essex felt her cheeks flaring up, a rare redness that almost never made itself known, as she looked back to Harley with a sudden rush of hope.

Only…

“I can’t do it.”

Essex hadn’t taken in what that meant, but the red in her cheeks had just as quickly flushed away.

“What?” Sola let out. “What do you mean?”

“It’s a tough decision…but I have to say no. I’m sorry, Essex.” Harley admitted, clearly uncomfortable with having said what she’d said.

Essex managed to regain some composure, as she felt prompted to question further. “…m-may I ask why that is?”

Harley tried to avoid eye contact. “Look, it’s not that I don’t like you, or that starting something’s completely out of the question, but…I don’t know that I can be playing fast and loose with dating right now.”

Sola was visibly slacked jawed. “And what the heck’s that supposed to mean?!”

“Sola, don’t get mad! I hate having to do this…” Harley continued. “I’ve been single for ages, and every time I’ve tried to take things seriously, I just screw it all up. I’ve never been in a real relationship for as long as we have, and I’ve finally gotten comfortable with you.” Harley admitted. “I don’t…I don’t want to start taking that for granted again.”

Essex tried not to look desperate. “B-But it would not be interfering with your relationship. You can still be together. I will not prevent that.”

“It’s not about you, Essex.” Harley confessed, surprising Sola and Essex. “I can’t start…being so flippant! If I’m with you as well, I couldn’t help but feel like I’m cheating on Sola.”

Harley waved her hand. “I know I…won’t be, but it’ll always feel like that. I’m not ready to...I’m not ready...”

Sola found herself pouting, ready to defend Essex’s side to Harley, before Essex made a point to step forward and bow again.

“Grela. I am grateful that you allowed me to express myself. I apologise for interrupting your merriment this evening.” Essex let out, keeping her composure as best she could. “My wish is that this will not hinder out interactions in the future.”

Essex made a confident stride toward the exit, clearly hiding her face from the others, only adding to the guilt Harley and Sola were feeling.

“I’m really sorry, Essex.” Harley said, as Essex just shook her head and headed out of the closet, leaving the duo behind to reflect on everything that had just unfolded over what felt like an eternity.

Essex tried her best to keep her eyes dry while exiting the formal, as Saxin caught her leaving in a huff and accurately assumed the worst.

“Poor girl...” She let out, as Lenin held her side, watching Essex at her most vulnerable.

She hurried down the halls of the academy, trying to keep away from seeing anyone else, before finding an empty perch by one of the windows, looking out at the almost completely clear sky.

She decided to sit against it, resting her scythe against her lap, as she stared up at the stars while wiping her eyes clean. The pain of the rejection still rang through her, as she rhythmically recited the Segaru Clan’s teachings to herself.

“Muer tinusa. Selamorta no...Muer tinusa. Selamorta no...” She muttered, doing her best to calm herself. The reflection of the stars caught her eye again.

In her pain, she wondered whether their distance was why they were so admired.

———

…

…sun.

…sunlight.

A small crack of it, peeking through the dorm, as it slowly struck Julia’s face, stirring her gently from her sleep.

The effects of her hangover were almost immediate. She didn’t end up drinking much last night, but Detu City’s alcohol was known for being quite strong, especially when someone with an expertise like Wess’ was only looking to get drunk. It certainly did the trick.

Julia tried to block out the rays with her arm, managing to get up slightly. She noticed nobody else was in the adjacent bunk bed, and Essex’s room was wide open, meaning she was either out on her training routine or hadn’t returned at all.

It’s probably for the best. I wouldn’t want the others to see me drunk out of my gourd.

As she stretched herself out, she noticed the added weight on her bed, peering over and expecting to see a mountain of empty bottles discarded by her and Wess, before noticing a gentle rising of the sheets, with a head of black hair coming out from under the covers.

Then it hit her.

Julia’s eyes shot awake, reeling in utter shock at what she realised, as Wess started to stir, before getting up herself, looking around and noticing Julia freaking out beside her.

“…Julia?” She asked, still rubbing her eyes. “Why ar…”

Wess looked down, before coming to the same realisation and shooting back, holding the sheets to herself to reclaim some dignity.

“Oh my god.”

“Oh no. Oh no no no no…” Julia spiralled, struggling to compose herself. “This can’t...we didn’t actually...”

Wess spun around frantically, fortunate that none of the rest of the team were with them.

“What did-did we actually-there’s no way-how drunk did we-” Julia muttered, doing her best to piece things together.

Wess watched on carefully, as Julia tried to rationalise how this was even possible.

“What if the others-oh geez-this was a mistake-I’m so sorry Wess, I didn-“

Wess reached out and grabbed her hand, holding Julia in place, as Julia managed to quiet herself.

Julia went to protest again, but noticed the pure seriousness in Wess’ eyes, as she sat beside her and stared back down at the bed, avoiding eye contact.

Julia realised how tight the grip was, and the lack of hesitation from Wess throughout, as she joined her in her endless stare, trying to think of anything to say, before realising that right now, nothing more could be said.

There was no going back from this.

The night was what it was.

And needless to say, Julia didn’t get much sleep that night.