Saint Stella; Girls Dormitory
It had been a day and a half, yet the storm within my heart remained unappeased. Every breath I took felt heavy, as if weighted by some unseen force. Curled up in the farthest corner of my small terrace, I stared out at the sky, hoping its strange patterns and soft clouds would somehow soothe me. It was a beautiful day—a bright, serene sky, gentle warmth filtering through the air. But to me, Varvara Gauthier, the gentle weather held no comfort. I could feel the cold whispers of regret and failure lingering at the edge of my mind, as persistent as shadows that refused to disappear with the dawn.
I had heard it all. After I lost consciousness, Gleren came for me. Knowing he was there brought a brief spark of joy—I could almost feel my heart flutter at the thought, remembering how safe and warm his presence had felt. But now that joy was mixed with something darker. Gleren had gotten hurt because of me. My hands clenched around the fabric of my skirt, and my heart felt as if it had sunk down to my feet. How could I ever face him? The guilt gnawed at me, relentless, as if determined to remind me of my failures.
"It's my fault… Miss Maria…" I murmured to myself, as if saying the words aloud could release the burden I carried. Maria had been taken, abducted right from under my nose. If only I were stronger. If only I had acted sooner. I called her my friend—my dearest friend—yet I had failed to protect her. It was… pathetic.
"…Gleren…" His name slipped from my lips, soft as a breath, though it felt like the wind took it from me, carrying it to some far-off place where my heart ached to follow. I didn't know how he was now or if he was even okay. The thought of seeing him again made my heart twist. I wanted to see him—I needed to see him—but the shame held me back, leaving me confined to my solitude, drowning in these thoughts that refused to give me peace.
Just then, the doorbell rang. My thoughts broke, scattering like mist, as I blinked, slowly turning toward the sound. Who could it be? I hadn't planned for any visitors, nor was I expecting any packages. A slight frown touched my face as I forced myself to stand, feet dragging, head still lost in a fog of emotions. I peered through the door viewer, my breath catching as I saw who was standing there.
"Gleren!"
I felt my heart race as I hurriedly unlocked the door, barely registering that I was still wearing my pajamas. The fabric was thin, light—certainly nothing I would wear in front of anyone, let alone Gleren—but the thought didn't cross my mind as I opened the door in one sudden, reckless motion.
The sight of him was like a balm to my heart and a dagger to my pride all at once. He stood there, a bag of what looked like fresh fruit in one hand, his face showing an odd mix of surprise and… something else as his gaze traveled, seemingly frozen in place. His mouth was slightly open, words perhaps just beginning to form, as the bag slipped from his fingers to the floor.
"Hi…" His voice was barely above a whisper, and for a heartbeat, we both stared at each other.
"Ah!" I squeaked, the realization finally hitting me with a force that sent my face blazing red. The light fabric of my pajamas did nothing to hide the embarrassing details of my appearance. With a shriek, I scrambled back, trying to pull the door closed, as if I could somehow erase the last few moments.
A Few Minutes Earlier
The castletown buzzed with life as I, Gleren Stasis, made my way through Saint Stella, the paths crowded despite the recent disruptions at the Academy. With classes canceled, it seemed that only the students had been shaken. The townsfolk, on the other hand, moved through their routines as if nothing out of the ordinary had happened, their conversations and laughter filling the air with a comforting sense of normalcy.
In my hand, I held a bag of fresh fruit—a simple gesture of care, but also a way to break the tension I knew had been weighing on Varvara. I'd run into Shinra earlier, and she'd given me directions to the girls' dormitory, which was just a short walk from the Academy. The sight of me carrying fruit must've amused her because she couldn't resist teasing, pulling me into an unexpected kiss on the cheek and saying, "Master, I did well today—don't I deserve a reward?"
I couldn't help but chuckle at the memory. Shinra's playfulness was something I'd grown used to, her confidence unshakeable. Her antics didn't bother me, but I knew they stood in sharp contrast to the quiet intensity that Varvara carried. Thinking of her now, I felt a strange, unsteady flutter—a feeling I hadn't often encountered, not even during some of my more dangerous assignments. Strange to be nervous about a simple visit to a friend.
Reaching the entrance of the dormitory, I found myself marveling at the security level here. A soft, automated voice broke the silence, completing its analysis of my face: "[Identity confirmed; Gleren Stasis of Saint Stella Academy. Dangerous weapon; None. Ability; Shadow manipulation. State your purpose for entry.]"
I blinked, not quite prepared for the formality. "A… a sick visit?"
The door clicked open, and for a moment, it felt as if I'd stepped into another realm. The dormitory was luxurious and pristine, with a blend of modernity and tradition. I could even pick up on a faint floral scent in the air, calming and soft. I smiled, amused by the thought of Varvara living in a place like this, alone but comfortable, wrapped in these quiet comforts.
I took a deep breath as I made my way up to Room 303, feeling oddly tense. Strange—this was just a friendly visit, no mission, no ulterior purpose. Just a simple check-in. Still, the warmth in my chest suggested that, at least for me, it meant more.
I reached her door, raised my hand, and rang the bell, then took a step back, trying to steady myself. In my mind, I ran through a quick greeting, forced myself to smile, but nothing could have prepared me for what I'd see when the door finally swung open.
***
"Ah!" I, the very stupid Varvara stumbled backward, clutching the fabric of my pajama top, suddenly hyperaware of how little it actually covered. My cheeks burned as I realized what a sight I must have been—a disheveled mess, standing here in nothing but a flimsy set of pajamas with Gleren's wide eyes staring right at me.
"Kyaa!" I shrieked, feeling the full weight of my embarrassment crash over me like a wave. But it was already too late—he had seen everything. My thin, almost transparent pajamas had left nothing to his imagination, exposing every detail. I covered my face with my hands, completely mortified.
In the corner of my vision, I could see Gleren, still frozen by the door, his expression somewhere between shock and embarrassment. It was almost… cute. His face was slightly flushed, his mouth still hanging open, as if he were as stunned as I was. I couldn't bring myself to look at him directly, but even so, I could see the way his eyes shifted uncomfortably, glancing at the floor, the walls—anywhere but at me.
"I… I'll be right back!" I managed to stammer, my voice barely a whisper as I spun around and fled to my room, leaving Gleren standing awkwardly by the door with the bag of fruit he'd brought for me. As I closed my door, I leaned against it, my heart pounding wildly.
What was I thinking, answering the door like that? Why hadn't I thought about what I was wearing? I hadn't even considered it when I opened the door. All I could think of was that Gleren was here—right outside my door, standing there like some sort of dream made real.
I touched my cheeks, feeling the heat radiate from them. Taking a few deep breaths, I tried to calm myself, forcing my heart to slow down. This was Gleren, after all. Gleren, my friend, my classmate—the boy who had risked his own safety to help me. And here I was, acting like a complete fool, unable to even greet him properly without practically throwing myself at him in… in this state.
A small, quiet part of me wondered what he must be thinking right now. Did he see me as some silly, helpless girl, incapable of handling even a simple visit? The thought made my heart ache slightly, and I quickly brushed it aside, trying not to dwell on it.
I hurried to change into something more appropriate, my hands fumbling with my clothes as I tried to push down the nervousness that lingered within me. I settled on a white one-piece dress, simple but neat, hoping it would be enough to hide the embarrassment of my earlier appearance. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, I took a steadying breath and made my way back to the living room.
***
I waited by the door, trying to process what had just happened. I had… definitely not expected that. I ran a hand through my hair, staring at the bag of fruit that now lay on the floor, its contents scattered around my feet. The image of Varvara in that thin pajama was still fresh in my mind, despite my efforts to push it away.
My face grew warm, and I forced myself to focus on anything else—the clean, polished floor, the faint smell of lavender in the air, the sound of quiet footsteps somewhere down the hall. Anything to distract myself from the image of her standing there, blushing and wide-eyed. I shook my head, trying to clear my thoughts.
"It's not my fault," I muttered under my breath, though I wasn't sure who I was trying to convince. There was no way I could have known she'd open the door like that, and yet… I still felt a twinge of guilt.
After a few more minutes, I heard soft footsteps approaching, and I quickly straightened, brushing myself off as Varvara entered the room. She had changed into a simple white dress, her hair down, giving her an unexpectedly soft, gentle appearance. She looked… different, somehow. Not just in appearance, but in the way she held herself. There was a hint of shyness in her movements, a slight hesitance in the way she glanced at me, almost as if she were seeing me for the first time, too.
"P-please come in…" she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She gestured toward the sofa, and I nodded, carefully stepping inside. The room was pristine, every surface spotless, and a faint scent of something sweet lingered in the air—a scent that was somehow calming, soothing.
I followed her to the sofa, my eyes taking in the small details of her living space. It was a simple room, but neat, organized, and comfortable in a way that felt… personal. This was Varvara's space, her own world. I couldn't help but feel a bit honored to be here, as if I were being let into a part of her life that she rarely shared with others.
"How are you feeling?" I asked, breaking the silence. My voice sounded louder than I intended, and I winced, glancing at her nervously. She blinked, looking slightly startled by the question.
"Ah… as you can see, I'm fine now. Feeling much better even," she replied, offering a small, tentative smile. But there was a sadness in her eyes, a lingering heaviness that she couldn't quite hide.
"I'm glad…" I said softly, feeling a pang of relief mixed with something else—a warmth that I couldn't quite put into words. Seeing her here, safe and sound, felt like a weight lifting off my shoulders. I hadn't realized just how worried I'd been until now.
---
Varvara's Perspective
As I looked at Gleren, my heart ached with a mixture of gratitude and guilt. Here he was, coming all the way to see me, to check on me, and yet… I couldn't shake the feeling of shame that clung to me, a reminder of my own weakness, my own failure.
I took a breath, glancing at the tea set on the table. My hands trembled slightly as I poured the tea, watching the pale green liquid fill the cup, my reflection shimmering faintly in its surface. The silence between us was comfortable, yet it felt fragile, like something that could shatter with the wrong word.
"I felt… pathetic," I admitted softly, my voice barely audible. I didn't dare look at him as I spoke, my gaze fixed on the cup in my hands. The words felt heavy, like a confession, and for a moment, I wondered if he'd judge me for it, for admitting my weakness so openly.
But instead of scorn, Gleren's gaze softened, his eyes filled with something I couldn't quite name. Compassion, perhaps? Understanding? I didn't know, but the warmth in his expression eased the ache in my chest just a little.
"Well, everyone has days like that, don't you think?" he said, his voice gentle, reassuring. He wasn't mocking me, nor was he pitying me. It was as if he understood, as if he knew what it felt like to carry that weight, that burden of failure.
I wiped away a stray tear, feeling a bit foolish for crying in front of him, but unable to stop myself. His words reached me, breaking through the darkness that had clouded my thoughts. There was a sincerity in his voice, a quiet strength that made me feel… safe, somehow.
"If only I was stronger…" I murmured, my voice barely a whisper. The words were bitter on my tongue, but they were the truth. I had failed because I was weak, because I hadn't been able to protect the people I cared about.
But Gleren only smiled, his gaze steady and unwavering. "We all have moments like that," he said, his voice steady. "But what matters is how we move forward. I'll bring Maria back. I promise you that."
His words took me by surprise, and for a moment, I could only stare at him, feeling a warmth spreading through my chest, melting away the last of my doubts. He was serious—there was a determination in his eyes that left no room for doubt.
"Will you come with me?" he asked, his voice gentle but firm, as if he were offering me a choice, a chance to prove myself once more.
For a heartbeat, I felt as though the world had stopped, as though everything had narrowed down to this one moment, this one question. And without hesitation, I nodded, my heart swelling with a new sense of purpose, a new resolve.
"I will. No—please, let me come with you," I replied, my voice steady, my eyes meeting his. In that moment, I felt as though I had found something I had lost, a piece of myself that had been missing.
---
Gleren's Perspective
Seeing the light return to her eyes, seeing her smile once more—it was worth everything. We spent the rest of the evening talking, sharing stories and laughter, catching up on all the little things we had missed in the chaos. Her laughter was like a balm, a reminder of why I cared so deeply, why I was willing to risk everything for her.
---
Gleren's Perspective
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm, golden glow across the room, I felt a sense of peace settle over me—a rare, quiet contentment that I hadn't felt in a long time. Talking to her, sharing stories, and seeing her genuinely smile felt like discovering something I didn't know I'd been searching for. For once, there was no mission, no imminent danger—just the two of us, here in this moment.
After a while, I knew it was time to leave, though a part of me didn't want to go. I stood, offering her a small smile as I gathered my things, the bag of fruit still partially full after she'd insisted I share some with her. She followed me to the door, lingering for a moment, as if she had something she wanted to say but couldn't quite find the words.
"Thank you for coming," she said softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her gaze met mine, and for an instant, I saw a spark of something I couldn't quite name—gratitude, maybe, or something deeper, a vulnerability she had allowed me to see, even if just for tonight.
"It was nothing," I replied, my tone light though my heart felt unexpectedly heavy. "Besides, I couldn't let my friend recover all alone, right?"
Her lips curved into a gentle smile, one that held a trace of sadness but also something else—a quiet, newfound determination.
As I turned to leave, I felt her hand on my arm, stopping me in place. I glanced back at her, surprised, and she seemed to hesitate before speaking.
"Gleren…" she began, her voice trembling slightly, "I… just… don't ever think you're alone in this." Her gaze softened, as if she, too, were feeling the weight of something left unspoken. "If… if you ever need someone to stand by you, I'm here."
My heart skipped a beat. For a moment, the world seemed to still around us, her words hanging in the air like a promise. I nodded, a lump forming in my throat as I searched for a response but found none that felt right.
And then, with a quiet smile, I turned and stepped out into the cool night air, the door closing softly behind me. I breathed deeply, the memory of her words lingering in my mind, echoing with each step I took back toward the Academy.
Tonight had been more than just a visit. It had reminded me that there was more than duty, more than missions, more than the endless challenges we faced. There was trust, friendship, and maybe, just maybe, the beginnings of something deeper—a bond that might carry us through whatever trials awaited us.
As I made my way back, the stars above seemed to shine a little brighter, a silent witness to the quiet promise we had made, to stand by each other—no matter what lay ahead.