I kept eating with Laura, noticing how shy she was. Not awkward shy—more like careful, guarded.
She picked at her food, never really looking at me, but I didn't mind. Something about her made the silence feel… comfortable.
Then the siren blared, sharp and sudden. My tray nearly slipped from my hands, and I caught it just in time.
Laura jumped too, almost spilling hers. I shot her a glance, and for a split second, I could see her startled eyes.
We both bolted for the arena, weaving through the crowd.
The same judges were there, standing high above the floor, calling out courses for each class. I squinted at the lists, looking for Class A.
I started walking toward it, but I felt her presence behind me. I glanced over my shoulder. Of course, she was following me.
"Why are you following me?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"It's my class too," she said, voice clipped, like it was obvious.
I snorted softly. Of course it is, I thought, shaking my head.
We kept talking as we walked. I caught a teacher's gaze lingering on her for a moment. He made this sharp tch and walked off.
I didn't ask; Laura didn't say anything. She just kept moving, expression unreadable.
Finally, we arrived at the classroom. First course: Mana Application with Selene as the teacher. I pushed the door open, holding it for her.
And then I noticed. Everyone in the class was staring. I mean, seriously staring. Laura's tall, her presence just… draws attention. I could feel her stiffening beside me. She tried to shrink back, hiding behind me, and I couldn't help but smirk.
Some of the students looked at us, whispered, and slowly backed off. Ah, they think she's my girlfriend, I realized. Funny, but it actually made things easier for her.
I found a desk toward the middle and sat down. I patted the seat beside me. She slid in, choosing the window side. She looked… trapped, in a way.
Sunlight spilled over her hair and shoulders, and I noticed the curve of her side profile, the way her eyes flicked nervously toward the teacher, the faint tension in her hands.
I let my gaze linger. Maybe a little too long. She didn't look at me, but I caught the tiniest twitch at the corner of her eye.
Her heart was probably racing a little. Good, I thought, smirking to myself. You're not as untouchable as you pretend.
We sat like that, side by side. Outside, the world moved at its usual pace. But inside, I couldn't help thinking: this girl… Laura… she's more than just another student.
And I didn't even know why I felt that way.
Selene's eyes narrowed at me, and before I could blink, a glowing mana ball shot straight at my head. I leaned back, letting it whiz past me, landing with a soft thud on the floor behind me.
"Hey! Eyes here!" she snapped, her hands on her hips. "Lovebirds, you two! Eyes on me!"
I raised an eyebrow. "Sure," I said casually, glancing at Laura.
Her cheeks flamed instantly. I smirked. Heh, she's flustered. Looks like the teacher completely misunderstood our relationship.
Class went on, the soft murmur of mana practice filling the room, until Selene's sharp voice cut through.
"Lucien Vale," she said, pointing at me. "Explain the origin of mana."
I froze for a second, blinking. Mana origin… oh, right. That game explanation I had read last night flashed in my mind. Perfect. I could work with that.
I stood, letting my chair scrape softly against the floor. All eyes were on me. Laura was watching, eyes wide, fingers gripping the edge of the desk.
I cleared my throat. "Mana originates from the elemental resonance between the world and living beings. It's an energy that flows through every particle, every life form, responding to will and intention…" I paused, letting the words sink in. "…It adapts based on the user's focus, morality, and emotional state. In simple terms, mana is… the world's heartbeat manifesting in us."
The room went quiet. Even Selene's sharp gaze softened. She opened her mouth, then closed it. Finally, she said simply, "You're… right."
A moment later, she spun on her heel, gesturing to the class. "Class dismissed."
The students began packing their things, muttering among themselves, but Selene didn't move toward the door. Instead, she turned back to me, her expression cold and precise. "Lucien Vale… you stay. Here. Alone."
I blinked, standing there, and watched as Laura hesitated near the door. Her steps faltered, like a puppy unsure if it should leave or stay.
I chuckled softly. "You're like a lost puppy," I said, loud enough for her to hear. "Wants to stay with his owner."
She froze for a second, then gave the tiniest huff before settling near the door, not leaving.
Selene closed the classroom door with a quiet click, and the sound made the room feel smaller, tighter. She started walking toward me, slow, deliberate, like every step measured.
My stomach twisted slightly—not fear, exactly. More… anticipation.
Selene's eyes locked on mine.
Every instinct in me told me to stand taller, to meet her gaze.
But there was a tension, sharp and electric, as if something unspoken hung between us, waiting to snap.
And I couldn't look away.