[Alice's POV]
Rel, still lost in thought, didn't notice my approach until I was almost upon him.
He was dressed more formally than usual, the academy blazer buttoned up, a dark blue tie neatly knotted at his throat.
But what caught my attention was the red scarf wrapped around his neck, a splash of warmth against the cool morning air.
"V-V..." he stammered, his body instinctively recoiling as he turned to face me.
His eyes were wide with panic, flashing across his face.
Then suddenly he stopped and blinked rapidly, as if shaking off a bad dream, and his body relaxed.
"Oh... it's you, Alice. Have you been well?"
His voice was gentle, but I couldn't help but feel a little hurt at his initial reaction.
Had he mistaken me for someone else?
"Yes, I've been well, Rel," I replied, trying to keep the disappointment from my voice.
"Are you okay now?"
