As I opened my mouth, my lips slightly quivered.
It's ok. You got this!
You can do it!
Are you really gonna let those baseless fears get in between your happiness? So what if you hate commoners? Are you saying that commoners are more important to you than Lancera, who you fell in love with?
That's not just an insult to the Hall brat; it's also an insult to yourself!
And who the heck cares about grades?! You've been enslaved by that stuff for years! Why not take a break? Besides, it's only gonna be for one day.
One day.
How long has it been since you fully relaxed? How long has it been since you didn't have to wear a mask on you?
This is a chance, Asura.
A chance.
I closed my slightly parted lips and pressed them together. Indeed.
It's a chance for more than just a few things.
But just as I was on the verge of making my decision, Lancera, who was staring intently at me, spoke first.
Her eyes were downcast, and the smile on her face looked forced… I don't believe I've ever seen the Hall brat look this way before. "Look. I-If… If you don't want to do—"
"I-I! No! I… I'll go." I squeezed my eyes shut. Yes! You did it! Asura, you did it…
Maybe it's because of the violet-eyed brat's pained expression that prompted me to vocalize the decision that I was so unsure of, but nonetheless, I did it.
"R-Really?!" Lancera's eyebrows lifted, and she grabbed me by the shoulders in agitation. "Are you sure?"
I smiled. "Yeah." Since I already made the decision, I might as well go through with it.
I'll have lots of fun, more fun than I could ever imagine.
Before I could think of anything else, I was almost pushed down to the ground as a huge force jumped on top of me with her arms wrapped around my neck.
Ah?
AH?!
"H-Hey! What are you doing?! Get off! I-It feels too warm!" I pouted. Besides, we're still in public, you dimwit!
But Lancera only hugged me tighter. Helpless, I could only allow her to do so, but not before tackling her abdomen with sharp pokes.
"Hehe." Finally, she released me. Playing a mischievous grin by her lips, the (not-so) little brat giggled. "On the day of our date, you'll be all mine!"
Eh?
My face heated up as I roughly pushed her away. "Watch your words! We aren't gonna be on a-a d-d-d-date! A-And! I'm not gonna b-be yours either!"
But even as I said that, an unmistakable smile crept up my face.
"Whatever you say, my lady!" Intertwining my fingers with hers before I could protest, the Hall brat skipped in front of me, humming a Southern folk song.
I pouted, my face scrunched up like I've just eaten a rotten apple.
How terrible!
Not even repenting for her mistakes!
As I trudged 'lifelessly' along the cobblestone road, I couldn't help but notice the skies that had clouded over.
Ha! Even the heavens are agreeing with me!
Yet…
My mouth curved up indistinctly.
I have to be honest here; I'm really looking forward to the rainbow after this storm.
Would it be a sunny day next Saturday?