We're sitting in the cafeteria when a guy walks up to me.
"Hi, Eline. I know you already turned me down once, but... maybe you could give me a chance? Just one date?"
I look at him.
"I'm really not interested. No matter how many times you ask me."
He pauses, then nods. "Yeah... okay."
Ivy watches him go. "Wow... he's actually handsome. Tall too... and built... like some kind of prince charming."
Rin hums. "Confident too. Not many people would ask you out over and over like that."
"He carries himself well," Ivy adds. "Not awkward, not pushy... just persistent." Ivy tilts her head. "Hmm... he's kind of my type. Did you look into him?"
"Only because he kept approaching me." I lean back slightly. "Alaric Voss. First son of a leading merchant house in the Land of Coin. Their trade network spans multiple regions, with direct ties to major powers. He's next in line to inherit it all."
Ivy's jaw drops. "Wow—wow—wow. Seriously? He's not just super handsome, he also has a really strong background?"
Rin grins. "I know, right? And she still turned him down without thinking."
"There's nothing to think about."
Ivy leans forward. "Well... what if Luna wasn't in the picture?"
"Still a no."
Rin leans in slightly. "Okay, let's be real for a second... have you ever looked into Luna?"
"...No."
Ivy frowns. "You didn't?"
"I didn't feel the need to. Besides... if she was, she would've come up already."
Ivy leans in. "Okay, but humor me—what if your people missed it? What if she's from the Land of Truth?"
I don't answer.
Ivy opens her mouth—
Rin nudges her. "Ivy... read the room." She exhales. "Don't be ridiculous."
The conversation drops.
...Then so be it. If that were the case... I don't think it would change what I feel for Luna.
I exhale. I need some fresh air.
"I'll see you girls later. I want to go somewhere real quick before the next class."
—
A quiet breath leaves me as I lean back slightly. The rooftop is calm, open to the sky, clouds drifting slowly overhead while the wind brushes against my face. I like it here. It settles me.
But still—
This is so frustrating. Why does Luna keep switching seats? It's irritating. Ugh. What do I even do now? I'm stuck with Mira again for the second class.
I facepalm.
I tilt my head up, letting the breeze clear my thoughts, when I hear a voice—soft, a girl's voice speaking in Ehlyra, a language from the Land of Bloom.
I understand it, of course. I know multiple languages. It's necessary where I come from—the Land of Veil. You don't survive there without it.
The voice repeats the words again and again, like she's practicing. I turn slightly, searching for the source, and my gaze settles on her.
She's sitting a few steps away, headphones on, eyes on her phone as she repeats the words quietly under her breath. She says it again, carefully this time, like she's trying to get it right.
I can't see her clearly at first—then I catch a glimpse of her.
...I freeze.
...Heat rushes to my face.
She lets out a small laugh, glancing down at her phone, then repeats it again—this time in the common language.
I stop breathing.
...Yes.
That's exactly what it means.
She's been saying it this whole time, in a soft, heartfelt voice.
Aera vaehlen thaîr? Will you bind your life to mine.
My heart starts pounding in my chest. Without thinking, the words slip out.
"...Yes."
A breath catches in my throat.
"I do. I will bind my life to yours..."
"...Luna."
The bell rings, loud and sudden.
She looks up, startled, pulling her headphones off. She doesn't notice me—just stands, opens the rooftop door, and leaves.
I can't move.
My hand lifts, covering my face.
"...She just proposed to me."
Heat spreads through my entire body as I sink down onto the rooftop floor, a shaky breath leaving me.
"...And I said yes."
My heart pounds so hard it almost hurts. My body feels weak, like I can't even stand.
I squeeze my eyes shut.
"...Luna—!"
My voice comes out sharper this time, like I can't hold it back anymore.
My face burns as I press my hands against it. I take another breath, then another, and slowly lower them.
"...I meant it. With all my heart."
—
I make it to class early for once. I walk in, scan, step into the room and head straight to the back.
I set my things down and exhale. That rooftop helped. I feel calmer now. At least—I did.
The class starts, and I'm already settled when I realize Eline is still not here.
Well, that's new. She's always composed. Always on time.
Then—the door opens.
I look up.
...Eline.
She steps in, slightly out of breath.
"Sorry, professor. I'm late."
The professor glances at her briefly, then nods. "Take your seat."
As she walks up, our eyes meet—and she pauses.
Then she continues and takes the seat next to me.
Hmm. Why is she late? That's not like her.
I glance at her again. Something's definitely off.
"Are you okay?" I whisper, leaning slightly closer. "You're... really red."
Before I even think about it, I reach out and press the back of my hand against her forehead.
"...Are you sick? Do you have a fever?"
That definitely doesn't help. If anything—she turns even redder.
Her whole body tenses before she suddenly covers her face with both hands, her shoulders shaking slightly.
Oh man. Uhhh... what do I do? Okay.
"Here," I say, quickly grabbing my water bottle and offering it to her. "Drink some water."
She hesitates, so I add, "Ah—don't worry, there's no poison in it... I already drank from it, though."
She slowly takes it and takes a small sip, but somehow turns even redder.
Oh my god. Am I making it worse?
She hands it back, avoiding my eyes. "...Thank you."
I take the bottle—and our fingers brush. We both freeze, then pull back at the same time.
My face heats up instantly.
Wait—why am I blushing now?
She covers her face again and drops forward, burying it in her arms on the desk like she's trying to disappear.
Damn... oh no. Now I'm actually worried. Is she really that sick? Because from where I'm sitting, she looks like she's about to pass out.
—
The lecture ends and I start gathering my things.
"Are you okay?" Luna asks. "Do you want to go to the nurse's office? I'll help you."
I shake my head lightly. "No... I'm okay. Don't worry."
"...You sure?"
"Mhm."
She pauses before asking, "Ready to walk to the next class... together?"
We step out into the hallway. I start walking slowly, and somehow, she slows down too, matching my pace.
"So... what are you doing for your electives, Eline?"
"I'm part of the student council. I'm the vice president."
"Wow, Ms. VP," she says with a small laugh. "Do you like it? I don't think I could handle long meetings. That kind of thing isn't for me."
"What? No way... me too. I dread it, honestly. It's not fun for me. I'd rather be doing something else."
"Then why stay as VP?"
"Because that's what's expected of me. And people voted for me. If I weren't a second year, I'd probably be the president instead."
"Hm... that sounds tough. I'm sorry," she says.
She pauses, then adds with a small smile,
"But I'm pretty sure they saw something in you to put you in that spot."
"...Anyway, this is my class. I'll see you tomorrow," she says.
Then—she smiles.
—
I step inside the classroom, and not long after, the professor walks in.
During the lecture, I see Luna pass by.
My classroom is the last one down this hall. The only thing past it is the bathroom, so... she's probably heading there.
She glances my way, and somehow, our eyes lock. She smiles at me, so I smile back before she continues down the hall.
That alone is enough to make me blush. I sit there, smiling to myself before forcing my eyes back to the board.
Then, a minute later, I see her again—walking back, slower this time, her eyes on her phone.
...Hmm.
Please—just look at me.
Come on...
Just one look... please.
Come on...
Come on, Luna...
Then—
She looks up.
Our eyes meet again.
And she smiles.
...Oh... my... god...
I close my eyes and cover my mouth, feeling my smile spread from ear to ear.
A piece of paper slides onto my desk.
I glance sideways.
Rin.
She's already looking at me, barely holding in her laughter.
I look down at the note.
Rin: Hey... everyone and their dogs can see you squirming.
Don't deny it. I've been watching you and Luna exchange glances and smiles this whole time.
Even Mira saw it.
Mhm. I saw her looking at Luna like the grim reaper.
My face burns, but I grab my pen anyway.
Eline: I don't care about Mira. I only want my Luna :)
She looks up at me, shaking her head, a surprised smile on her face.
Rin: Eline... you are so gone.
I let out a quiet laugh.
Eline: I know, Rin... my god.
—
After Discrete Numbers, I head straight to work. The night stalls are already setting up, lights flickering on one by one as the sun goes down. I park my motorcycle and walk over to the shop, slipping into my usual spot behind the counter.
I really like this job. Playing instruments, teaching people—it clears my head and keeps me from overthinking everything else.
Live band night is tomorrow, and of course my boss told me I need to prepare something—play and sing.
...Do I get paid extra for that?
I exhale lightly.
I wonder what to sing.
Maybe I'll just go with a slow love song. Something simple. Acoustic.
I pick up an acoustic guitar and start strumming, humming softly as I work through a few chords. A couple of customers glance over, drawn in by the sound, and I give them a small smile before focusing back on the rhythm.
Then—
I hear a familiar voice.
"Luna."
I look up.
Huh.
Mira.
"...Are you into musical instruments now?"
"Nope," she says immediately. "We need to talk about Eline."
"Come on. Even here? You're still pestering me about her?"
"Yeah," she shrugs. "So listen."
I give her a look.
She reaches into her bag and pulls something out. "Give this to her."
It's a keychain—two koi fish curved into a yin and yang, and she's holding the other half.
Ahh... I knew it. They both love keychains. It's like they're collecting them like Labubus. And Mira wouldn't be giving her another one if this wasn't already their thing.
"After this, I'm done bothering you about her," she says. "Mark my words."
I look at her, then at the keychain again. I guess I should just take it—even if I don't want to. She's getting annoying at this point, and I don't want anything to do with her.
"...Alright. You better hold up to that."
I take the keychain and slip it into my pocket.
Hopefully, this is the last time.