Elise watched intently as the young water manipulator she was mentoring held out his hands, his brow furrowed in concentration. A small orb of water began to form between his palms, shimmering and rippling slightly in the morning light.

"That's it, just focus on shaping the water into a sphere," Elise said encouragingly. Her long braided grey hair was swept over one shoulder, and her bright blue eyes were warm and patient.

The boy took a deep breath, his palms glowing faintly blue as he channeled his energy. Slowly, the water orb grew a bit larger, maintaining its shape.

"I'm doing it!" he exclaimed, an excited grin on his face. His dark eyes were fixed on the hovering orb.

Elise smiled. "Great job! Now let's see if you can get it to float over to me."

The boy bit his lip, brow furrowing. Carefully he moved his hands apart, straining to levitate the water orb up higher into the air. It wobbled, the smooth surface rippling as it rose. A few droplets broke free from the sphere, splashing back down onto his palms. But slowly, steadily, the orb glided over to Elise and popped as it made contact with her cupped hands, spilling cool water down her wrists.

"Excellent! You're a natural at this," Elise praised, shaking the excess water from her hands. The boy beamed with pride, practically bouncing on his toes.

"Why don't you go practice on your own for a bit?" Elise suggested. "I know you're eager to show your friends your skills."

The young manipulator nodded eagerly and hurried off, already forming another wobbling orb between his hands. It trailed dripping behind him as he searched for a spot to train.

Elise turned to see her boyfriend Trent lingering nearby, his striking grey eyes following the boy's departure. Trent's white hair fell casually across his forehead, and his sharp cheekbones were dotted with light freckles. He had his hands shoved in his pockets, watching the young student thoughtfully.

"So? What did you think of today's lesson?" Elise asked.

Trent shrugged, his gaze still fixed across the training yard. "Not bad, I guess." His voice was a bit gruff, even distracted.

Elise tilted her head, noting the tight set of Trent's shoulders, the way the corner of his mouth tugged down ever so slightly. "You know, you seem a little jealous. Is everything okay?"

Trent's eyes snapped back to her, flashing with surprise. "What? No, I'm not jealous." But his words were too quick. He looked away, a faint hint of color touching his cheeks.

Elise reached out and took his hand, lacing their fingers together. His palm was comforting, warm, and familiar. "You know you'll always be my number one firecracker," she said softly.

The corner of Trent's mouth quirked up, though his eyes stayed fixed on the ground. He rubbed the back of her hand idly with his thumb. "It's not that. Just feels like you've been so busy teaching lately..."

His voice trailed off uncertainly. Elise stepped closer and placed her free hand against his cheek, guiding his gaze back to hers. His stubble was rough against her palm.

"I know, and I'm sorry. But no junior is ever going to replace you in my heart." She rose on her tiptoes and kissed Trent's cheek softly, breathing in the faint scent of oak that seemed to linger on his skin and clothes perpetually.

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A shy smile spread across Trent's face, though he tried to hide it by ducking his head. "Yeah well, you're stuck with me, so..." he mumbled, giving her hand a light squeeze.

Then a sudden mischievous glint sparked in his gray eyes. In a flash, his hands darted out and found her sides, tickling mercilessly.

Elise yelped with laughter, trying to squirm away, but Trent wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her close. She swatted playfully at his shoulders as his fingers danced along her ribs.

"Trent, stop!" she gasped through bubbling giggles.

He silenced her laughter with a tender kiss, his lips gentle yet insistent against hers. Elise melted into the embrace, tangling her fingers in the soft hair at the nape of his neck. The sweet warmth of his mouth made her nerves tingle and her heart race.

After a long moment Trent pulled back just enough to look into her eyes, his face still close enough that she could feel his breath, could count each of the pale freckles across the bridge of his nose.

"I love you," he murmured, the words rumbling from his chest. His thumb traced delicate circles on her lower back.

Elise gazed up at him, this complex man who could be so withdrawn yet have brief, brilliant moments of openness and romance. "And I love you," she replied, meaning it with her entire being. But, something else lurked under Trent's gaze that didn't go unseen by Elise.

They held each other close as the sun crept higher overhead, bathing the training grounds in golden light. Elise listened to the steady rhythm of Trent's heartbeat under her palm.

Elise took his hand reassuringly. "Well, it's almost dinner time. Want to head to the cafeteria with me?"

Trent managed a small smile. "Sure."

They gathered their things and made their way through the arched stone hallways of the academy, footsteps echoing on the polished floors. Other students greeted them as they passed, dressed in the same crisp uniforms.

When they entered the expansive cafeteria, the air was abuzz with lively conversations and the clatter of dishes. They grabbed food from the serving counters and joined their friends at one of the long tables.

Elise laughed and talked with the other female students, while Trent ate quietly beside her, occasionally chiming in. Beneath the table, Elise gave his hand a supportive squeeze. He met her eyes with a grateful smile, some of the tension fading from his shoulders.

Elise and Trent made their way through the arched stone hallways of the academy after dinner. Their footsteps echoed on the polished floors as they headed for their favorite spot to spend time together.

The aquamarine water shimmered under the ceiling lights. They sat at the pool's edge, feet dangling in the cool water.

Trent was quiet, staring at the ripples their feet made. Finally, he spoke up, his deep voice hesitant. "I'm a little worried. None of the junior manipulators this year seem to have fire powers like me."

He flicked his wrist, summoning a small flame that danced across his fingertips before closing his hand into a fist, and snuffing it out.

"What if I'm the only one?" he continued, brow furrowing. "Maybe only messed up people end up with such a destructive power." His words held a tinge of sarcasm.

Elise's heart ached at his cynical tone. She took his hand, interlacing their fingers. "Your gift is not destructive, it's beautiful. And so are you."

She conjured a crystal of ice in her palm and held it up to the light. "My power could be called destructive too. But together, we balance each other perfectly."

The ice melted away under the radiant heat from Trent's skin. Elise squeezed his hand, meeting his stoic gaze. "Don't give up hope, you'll find someone like you."

Trent was quiet for a moment before responding in his deep, measured voice. "You always know just what to say." He wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Thank you."

Finally, they headed inside hand-in-hand, walking the quiet lamp-lit halls until they reached Elise's room.

Trent brushed a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Sleep well," he murmured. "See you tomorrow."

Elise touched his cheek fondly. "Sweet dreams."

After a goodnight kiss, she watched him walk away down the corridor before closing her door.

As she got ready for bed, Elise hoped Trent knew how much she cherished him, his powers and all. She would remind him as often as needed that he was perfect exactly as he was.

And she would be ready whenever he needed reassurance or simply a listening ear. They balanced each other beautifully, like sunlight and snow. Together, they could weather any storm.

Like and Comment on for more...

Hello my chingus,

I hope we enjoyed the first chapter. I will do my very best to update as often as possible. I said I was going to drop the first chapter in the new year, but I was impatient. I just had so many ideas and found myself writing this chapter. Also, I found out that I would have a very busy new year. So, the sooner, the better, I guess.

Whose POV should I write next?

Stay well and healthy...

Annyeong

"Cream Soda - EXO"