Chapter 27 – Warmth in the Night
Later That Afternoon
The day passed uneventfully after what had happened between Phyro and Lana. Classes continued, students chatted about the latest guild recruitments, and Argenia was slowly returning to normal after the dungeon reveal.
But for Lana, nothing felt normal.
Her mind kept replaying the moment in the hallway. The way Phyro's touch had lingered, the way his voice had sent shivers down her spine, the way she had… reacted.
She had never felt anything like that before.
And now, hours later, she wanted to be near him again.
It was late when Lana stood in front of Phyro and Klein's dorm. She had been pacing for the past five minutes, mentally arguing with herself.
Why am I even here?
This is stupid. This is—
Before she could talk herself out of it, she took a deep breath and knocked.
The door swung open, revealing Klein. He blinked at her, then raised an eyebrow.
"Yo," he said. "What's up?"
Lana hesitated for a split second before blurting out, "Can I come in?"
Klein didn't even question it. "Yeah, sure," he said with a shrug, stepping aside.
As she walked in, she heard him mutter under his breath, Not my problem.
Phyro was sitting on his bed, looking to see who was at the door. When he noticed her, his eyes widened slightly.
"Lana?" He tilted his head. "What are you doing here so late?"
Lana froze. Now that she was here, standing in front of him, the words she wanted to say felt impossible.
She clenched her fists, her cheeks burning before she finally forced herself to speak.
"…Do you want to cuddle?"
Silence.
Phyro blinked. His crimson eyes widened as his face instantly turned red. "H-Huh?"
Lana bit her lip, looking away. "I—I just… I don't know, okay? I just… wanted to."
The room was dead silent.
Then, to her relief, Phyro exhaled and nodded, his own face heating up.
"…Yeah," he said softly. "I'd like that."
Klein had already grabbed his stuff and was halfway out the door.
Before he left, he smirked.
"At least I'm not L mans."
As he walked out, he heard Phyro's voice in his head—a mental thank you.
Klein smirked. Yeah, yeah, you owe me one.
Phyro and Lana settled onto his bed, lying side by side. At first, it was awkward.
Neither of them knew where to put their hands or how close was too close.
But as the minutes passed, it felt natural.
Phyro's arms wrapped around her, his warmth surrounding her. Lana rested her head against his chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat.
Neither of them spoke. They didn't need to.
Lana exhaled softly, melting into him. His body heat, his scent, the steady rise and fall of his chest—it was soothing.
She felt safe.
After a few moments, she tilted her head up, looking at him. He looked down at her.
Their eyes met.
The room felt smaller. The air felt thicker.
Slowly, Lana leaned in.
Phyro did too.
Their lips met in a gentle, hesitant kiss.
It wasn't rushed. It wasn't desperate.
It was soft, warm, and real.
When they pulled away, they stared at each other for a moment.
No words. No teasing.
Just understanding.
Lana smiled softly before nuzzling back into his chest. Phyro tightened his arms around her, closing his eyes.
They fell asleep holding each other.
Klein's Return
By the time Klein returned, the room was quiet.
He peeked in to see Phyro and Lana still in each other's arms, both peacefully asleep.
He paused, then smirked.
"Oh, I'm never letting him live this down."
End Of Chapter