Standing behind Lucien was a girl with long silver hair, intricately woven into a loose braid that cascaded like a river of moonlight down her back. Lucien turned, his cold, controlled expression shifting into one of immediate, familiar annoyance. Of all the people who could have found him in this mood, it had to be her.
Lucien: Oh. It's you. I was expecting someone… better.
???: (A mocking smile played on her lips). Whaaat? Did I disappoint you, Lucien? Or perhaps you were hoping for that white-haired girl from the exam? Oh, wait- (she feigned sudden realization) -he is a boy, right? How peculiar.
Lucien: Is that all you came here to say? If so, you may go.
Mira: Ahhh, you haven't changed one bit, have you, Lucien? Or perhaps you have-is that why you lost to some nobody?
Lucien turned away, refusing to grant her the satisfaction of a reaction.
Lucien: Why are you here, Mira Ilyselle?
Mira: (She tilted her head, a prideful glint in her eyes.) Hm, is that any way to greet your childhood friend? It's been, what-four years? And this is the warmth I receive? So, how's life treating the great Lucien Valehart? (She laughed lightly, the sound like chiming bells laced with sarcasm.)
Ignoring her, Lucien moved to continue down the hall, but Mira slid smoothly into his path, blocking him with infuriating grace.
Lucien: Move aside, Ilyselle. Your presence is tiresome.
Mira: Didn't I tell you to call me by my first name?
Just as Lucien stepped around her, a professor rushed past, robes fluttering, clearly in a hurry. She bumped hard into Lucien's shoulder, stumbling slightly.
Professor: Oh! My apologies-are you hurt?
He straightened his uniform with a sharp, irritated motion. No.
Professor: Very well. Do mind the hallway, (she said distractedly before hurrying off.)
Lucien's gaze returned to Mira, his patience thinning.
Lucien: And didn't I tell you to stop using my first name?
Without waiting for a reply, he continued walking. Mira fell into step beside him as though invited.
Mira: (Noticing his silent seething, she smirked) If you have something to say, say it to my face. Don't just glare.
Lucien: Why are you following me?
Mira: I'm free at the moment. Isn't that reason enough?
As they turned a corner, they overheard two upperclassmen speaking in hushed, urgent tones.
Student 1: That new kid is finished.
Student 2: No doubt. An officer from the Primarch Assembly came personally to see him.
Student 1: A first-year? Seriously? What could he have done?
Lucien and Mira exchanged a brief, dismissive glance-such drama was beneath their concern-and continued on.
Mira: So? Where are we going?
Lucien: The canteen. But-
Mira: But what? Something wrong?
Lucien: But I don't recall inviting you.
Mira's eyes narrowed, but she matched his pace, a faint smirk still playing on her lips.
When they entered the canteen, the atmosphere was abuzz with lingering excitement. A few students were still gathered, whispering among themselves.
Mira: Looks like we missed some excitement.
Lucien ignored the line entirely and strode directly to the front. Mira followed effortlessly, drawing sharp looks and muttered complaints from those waiting.
Student 1: Is that Lucien Valehart? And who's that with him?
Student 2: Mira Ilyselle. I heard her family just moved back to the capital.
Student 3: (Clicked his tongue quietly) Nobles. They do whatever they want.
No one dared challenge them openly.
Lucien took a seat at an isolated table, but Mira slid smoothly into the chair across from him, uninvited.
Mira: So. Are you going to tell me what happened during your little duel?
Lucien: (He took a deliberate bite of his food) I heard your entrance exam was a success.
Mira: Yes. Unlike some, I actually defeated my opponent. (She paused, studying him) So you did know I was here.
Lucien: I heard. But I don't recall asking why you came.
Mira: It's simple. I heard from your father you were attending Shikai. I was bored. So I enrolled. (She took a graceful bite of her meat bun) Now it's your turn. Tell me about your fight.
Lucien: (He regarded her coldly) Why would I?
Seizing the moment while Mira was still eating, Lucien stood abruptly.
Lucien: Don't follow me.
It was a clean escape-Mira couldn't respond without looking undignified. He walked calmly toward the exit, but just before he stepped out, a flash of crimson hair caught his eye. It was the girl from that morning-the one who'd been chasing Shiro.
Lucien: (Clicking his tongue in irritation, he muttered) He really is everywhere.
Without another word, he disappeared into the hallway, leaving the noise and nuisance behind.