After The crowd erupted into cheers. "Did you see that?! She beat Kael—even after taking down three people back-to-back!"
"Yeah! She's beautiful… and beautifully strong," someone added from the edge of the audience, his voice dreamy with admiration.
The battlefield was still echoing with fading auras and the scent of burned dust as Liora stepped forward, her chest rising and falling with deep breaths. Her calm gaze met Kael's as he stood up, wiping the dirt from his chin. He gave a sheepish smile.
"You really didn't hold back," he said.
Liora extended her hand, a warm smile on her lips. "You put up a good fight, Kael."
Kael stared at the offered hand for a heartbeat longer than necessary, then reached out and shook it. "I'll win next time."
"I look forward to it."
The handshake lingered for a moment—a fraction too long—before they both pulled away, and the moment was gone, tucked beneath the din of the cheering crowd.
Later that day, the cafeteria was buzzing with life. Students from various classes occupied the long tables, trays filled with colorful foods, energy snacks, and glowing spiritual tonics. Kael sat with his tray of curry rice and a blue-flamed vitality drink, surrounded by his close friends: Aarav, Riku, and Mia.
"Man, she totally floored you!" Riku laughed, jabbing Kael's ribs. "But no shame in losing to her, right?"
Kael gave a tired smile. "Yeah… no shame at all."
"Dude," Aarav leaned in, lowering his voice. "Just admit it—you like her."
Kael looked at his plate. "It's not like that."
Mia raised an eyebrow. "Not like that? You've been looking at her like she's the moon and you're stuck on Earth."
Kael chuckled but didn't deny it. His eyes wandered across the room to where Liora sat with some students from her class. She was laughing at something Mira had said, her hair catching the light like strands of silver fire.
"She's... different," Kael said softly.
Aarav grinned. "Yeah, she's different. Like a comet slamming into your chest different."
Kael's POV - A Quiet Walk (Past Week)
It was late evening. The moon floated high above the trees as Kael sat on the rooftop of the dorm building, a warm breeze brushing his face. Below, the training grounds shimmered under soft lights.
He remembered their first sparring match again. The way Liora's expression had shifted—not with arrogance, but with quiet confidence. Every movement she made felt deliberate, almost graceful. And when he lost... she didn't mock him. She simply extended her hand.
"She's too kind for someone that powerful," Kael whispered.
In class, she always answered calmly. She offered help to juniors without hesitation. Even the professors respected her insight. But what struck Kael most wasn't her strength or beauty.
It was how she made him feel—like he wanted to catch up to her. Not out of rivalry, but to stand beside her.
Scene: Post-Library Afternoon
Kael was walking out of the academy's massive crystal-paneled library when he caught sight of her. Liora was reading a scroll on a bench near the courtyard, her brows slightly furrowed.
He almost turned away.
Almost.
But then she looked up. And smiled.
"Oh, Kael! Done with your research?"
He nodded. "Yeah. You?"
"Trying to decipher an old elemental combination chart," she replied, scooting over a little. "Want to try together?"
Kael sat beside her. His heart was louder than it should've been.
Scene: Stargazing (A Few Nights Later)
They were lying on the training hill behind the academy after evening meditation practice.
"So, you always wanted to be a fighter?" Liora asked, eyes on the stars.
"No. I wanted to be a violinist," Kael admitted. "But then... the portals happened. Everything changed."
She was quiet for a moment. Then softly, "I always thought you had a calm energy, like music."
Kael turned to look at her. Her profile against the stars was beautiful—so distant and close all at once.
He didn't reply. He just listened to the silence stretching between them.
Kael's Internal Monologue
Maybe it's just admiration. Maybe it's just respect.
But every time she smiles, it's like something in me softens.
Every time she walks into a room, I forget to breathe for a second.
Is it okay… to feel like this, even if she doesn't look at me that way?
Even if I'll only ever be… a good friend?
Even if she—
"Kael?" Her voice pulled him from his thoughts.
"Hmm?"
Liora smiled, tilting her head. "You looked lost."
"Just thinking."
"About tomorrow's match?"
"Something like that."
She chuckled. "Well, don't get too distracted. I'll be rooting for you."
He looked at her. Just for a second too long.
"Thanks."