The last bell of the day echoed through Solvayne Academy's halls.
Its deep chime ringing off the stone walls as classrooms emptied in a rush.
Students poured into the corridors like a flood. Talking, laughing.
Dragging their backpacks behind them as they made their way toward the dorms. The cafeteria, or anywhere else that wasn't class.
Kyle Valemont walked beside Eleanora D'Argent. Their steps naturally falling into rhythm. Neither of them spoke.
But the silence between them didn't feel awkward.
It felt heavy.
The late afternoon sun filtered through the tall windows, casting soft golden lines across the floor.
Kyle's white hair caught the light, glowing faintly against his black uniform.
Eleanora's fingers twitched at her sides. Curling and uncurling like she couldn't quite relax.
She'd planned to talk to him later, maybe at the East Garden Café where the quiet hum of people would make it feel less serious.
Safer.
But now, she couldn't wait any longer.
