Morning sunlight streamed through the windows, awakening the academy.
When Fox Lian and Emma walked side by side into the dining hall, they immediately felt the amused gazes from all directions.
"Word is someone had a nightmare and cried last night?" A phoenix-clan classmate leaned over, winking mischievously at Fox Lian.
Fox Lian's hand froze on his spoon, ears reddening visibly, tail whipping behind him to hide. His violet eyes glared at Emma, who was pretending to sip porridge seriously—she must have told!
Emma felt his stare, lifted her head with feigned innocence, though the corners of her lips betrayed a smile.
"Is it true, really true?" A bird-clan girl fluttered over, curiosity sparkling. "Did Fox Lian dream the goddess Emma didn't want him? And cried?"
Pfft—
A ripple of suppressed laughter spread around them.
Fox Lian's face darkened from red to black, wishing he could sink into the floor. He muttered through clenched teeth to Emma: "You just wait…"
Emma finally laughed aloud, nudging him under the table to remind him to mind his image.
At that moment, Gu Liang arrived with her tray, dragon tail thumping noisily as she sat across from them. She glanced at Fox Lian with glee, then said to Emma: "Hey, maybe you should consider another partner? Someone who doesn't cry over a dream?"
Fox Lian's tail bristled instantly, violet eyes narrowing dangerously: "Gu Liang!"
Cangming appeared just in time, setting a cup of calming herb tea before Gu Liang, steady voice smoothing the tension: "Gu Liang, don't tease."
She snorted but refrained from further provocation, instead turning eagerly to Emma: "But seriously, Emma, how did you comfort him last night? Share your method! In case my guy here…" She gestured at Cangming, "…ever has such a silly dream."
Cangming: "…" He hardly looked like someone who would.
Fox Lian nearly laughed in outrage, pulling Emma close, declaring to Gu Liang: "No need for concern! We're perfectly fine!"
Emma found his mix of embarrassment and stubborn pride utterly adorable. She leaned into him, kissed his tense jaw softly, and murmured: "Alright, don't be upset. Dreams are always the opposite—I'd never leave you."
As she spoke, her hand slipped under the table, gently grasping the stiff tip of his tail, soothing it with a rub.
Fox Lian froze, fur instantly settling, tail tip unconsciously nuzzling her palm. The blush at his ears spread down his neck. He cleared his throat, trying to maintain composure, but the upward curve of his lips and the tail's gentle wag betrayed his improved mood.
Around them, a chorus of knowing "ooohs" erupted.
Gu Liang rolled her eyes, downing her tea in one gulp.
Well, that was enough dog food to choke on.
It seemed today's breakfast in the dining hall would be served with the pungent flavor of romance.