After finishing lunch at the cafeteria, Janica and I walked side by side down the cobbled streets of the academy, the early afternoon sun casting soft shadows over the stone paths.
The wind carried a faint floral scent from the garden walls nearby as we made our way toward the commercial district.
It was a bit quieter than usual—students scattered here and there, most of them either dozing off from heavy meals or rushing to afternoon electives.
The perfect in-between time.
Janica kept her hands folded in front of her as she walked, her gaze fixed ahead, but I could feel the tension still lingering in her steps.
After a minute or two of silence, she finally spoke.
"You… did you have something to talk about with me?"
I looked over at her, feigning nonchalance. "No. But maybe you might."
Her eyes narrowed. "I don't."
"Is that so? Then let's just consider this invitation of mine… as a small date of ours."
She stumbled a step. "D-Date?!"
