Our relief fortnight was fast approaching. A break (frequently, fourteen days long) in classes taking place somewhere between the end of the first third and start of the last third of a semester (term).
In other words, we were nearing the mid-term break. So everyone wanted to spend their few time on academy grounds resting or engaging in lighthearted activities.
The break was needed this period for students to have some rest, especially the ones participating in the sword magic exposition. It was a lead up to the sword magic tournament.
...
An early morning, Laia was stepping out of the girls dormitory dressed in an admirable light green gown that vividly intensified the beauty of her greyish green hair.
Very similar to the semiprecious stone; nephirite.
I ran past her jogging, from her point of view she imagined me as a prince charming of some sort.
Sweat fell in fine drops from my forehead much like a sprinkler reflecting the sun's light. She came to a halt.
This in turn made me stop as well, "Hey, what's up Laia?" I turned to face her wearing my usual gentle smile, you'd be able to tell I was someone who wasn't easily angered.
"Oh, um.. hey, good morning Mister Nyx."
Sheʼs known for greeting me formally although I rarely make anything of it "Likewise, are you headed somewhere?" she was dressed in that manner at least.
"I'm going to the bookstore, I want to see what books I can take home for our mid-term break.." she seemed to love reading, something I wasn't aware of.
"Sounds like fun, twist my arm why don't you... would it be okay if I came along?"
And for some reason she seemed to have had a flushed face, it'd been happening a lot recently.
Oblivious was the best word to describe me, then again I wasn't entirely to blame, I was just too much of a gentleman to harbor thoughts like that.
Half an hour later...
I'd changed into something more comfortable. Just a simple grey button up shirt with dark blue pants. I had to freshen up from the running so I did apologize to her for the long wait even if it didn't take much time.
"It's fine.."
"So shall we? Miss Laia?" I was the one who initiated our ambulation, as should any gentleman when accompanying a lady.
I didn't fail to compliment her attire either, "I have to say, your hair with that dress really accentuates your exquisite facial features.." did I go a bit too strong on the compliment or was that the right compliment to use for her.
Maybe it didn't matter provided it was a sincere remark.
"Uhhh th-thanks! You also look v-very nice!" it might have made for a better compliment, had she not been so squeamish on speaking.
"Ah, thank you. It's just my usual non-combat attire but I'm glad you think it's nice.." I looked at my clothing as I spoke.
At the bookstore...
I attempted to reach the book Laia was looking for, but unfortunately, I was unable to reach it due to my height.
Laia's quiet laughter at the situation made me chuckle as well, as I wasn't tall enough either.
Although Laia was slightly taller than me, the difference was barely noticeable. I was 120 centimeters tall, while she was around 122 centimeters.
Despite the occasional comments I received about my height, I did my best not to be bothered by it.
Into the minutes, we were both seated on a chair next to each other reading our respective books we'd picked up.
Laia indulged herself in some magic theory study of ancient times, she felt it was an interesting read because it set in motion one of the biggest revolutionary trends in magic; the duality concept.
A form of magic that enabled one to gain affinity strongly for two elements and ascertain compound magic. But that's not our focus.
"You look so focused, what're you reading Mister Nyx...?"
I displayed the book, "It's a romance novel called love by daybreak, one of Vena Ameliaʼs greatest works.."
She was mesmerized. I was so engrossed by the book she thought it had to do with magic.
In as much as I love magic I'd chosen to focus less on it for the meantime. Maybe I'd pick it up again during the break period.
"Is it strange?" I noticed her reaction was a bit, unusual.
"A bit... I didn't take you for the kind of person that'd like romantic novels especially the ones written by Vena Amelia.."
"I absolutely adore the romance novels she has written. They provide an insightful exploration of human emotions and offer a unique perspective on the female psyche." I was very open about the kind of things I liked and also quite expressive.
"That's nice, I think it's admirable of you." she mildly smiled at me.
Moments later we exited the bookstore, and with all the books that Laia would need during the academy's break period.
Hidden in plain sight, Belitha watched us closely "Hmm, what're they doing together.." she soliloquized, "My goodness it shouldn't be this hard to talk to someone." being childhood friends, it was natural that one of us would've developed feelings for the other.
Belitha seemed to have been going through that now. It made it harder for her to strike up a conversation with me.
"Chill, remember what you've been reading in the books Belitha, talking with the guy you like is easy... unless he's your childhood friend... No! No! No! You just have to walk up to him and be confident!"
"What guy?"
"Just the person I've known since I was–" she cut her words short the moment she realized I was the one asking the question.
She squealed immediately.
Laia and I watched her panic, surprised as to why she behaved in this manner. If she thought she was hiding then she wasn't really doing a good job, she stuck out like a sore thumb.
"I-uh! Uh! Well..." she was bereft of words.
We understood very little of what she was saying, "Uh, I don't know what you mean by that but we were just about to go grab some lunch, would you like to tag along?"
She was even more surprised now, "So what you're saying is that... you want me to dine with you?" it was a bit strange in my opinion, naturally I'd have asked her first if she was available.
"Of course, we'd love to have you.." I subtly responded.
"Well then.." she cleared her throat as she uttered an iconic "ahem" sound in the process, "...I suppose I have no choice other than to accompany you, since you basically begged me to."
...
I was delighted to have encountered Laia and Belitha, two angelic souls with remarkable qualities.
Laia was one of the most gentle people I had ever met, and her considerate nature was truly remarkable.
Belitha, on the other hand, is a transcendent being with a captivating beauty that has earned her the love of her friends around the world.
I have yet to meet anyone who exudes such a cool demeanor and sweetness as Belitha does.
After lunch...
I had a wonderful time with Belitha and Laia, and I was delighted to see them off before planning a return to my dorm. I thoroughly enjoyed their company and it was a great day overall.
Prepared to leave, something stopped me. I witnessed Rosemarie being dropped off by a carriage.
She wore a beautiful black dress which was not her usual wear.
But I'd always notice her from the colour of her hair. It was extremely hard to miss. The brilliant red colour tinged with orange. Simply beautiful.
"Nyx?" she saw me.
We were just meters from each other...