Chapter 54: Campfire
As the night descended and the warmth of the campfire flickered in the gentle breeze, **Division 10** relaxed, singing songs and enjoying a rare moment of peace on their journey. The camaraderie was palpable as they danced, laughed, and shared stories. **Captain Elara**, now back in her armor after a day in the dress, noticed **Synoh** stealing glances at her. She smiled softly, feeling her heart flutter, ready to approach him.
But before she could make her move, **Ursa** grabbed her arm and pulled her aside to a secluded spot away from the group.
**Ursa:** (seriously) "Elara, I need to talk to you."
**Captain Elara:** (blinking in surprise) "What is it, Ursa? You're being all mysterious."
Ursa glanced around, making sure no one was listening, then leaned in as if revealing a deep secret.
**Ursa:** (whispering) "I've been investigating, and I think I've figured it out."
**Captain Elara:** (curious) "Figured what out?"
Ursa crossed her arms, her expression grave.
**Ursa:** "Synoh… he has a lover now."
Elara's eyes widened in shock. Her heart skipped a beat at Ursa's words. She hadn't expected this kind of revelation.
**Captain Elara:** (nervously) "What? A lover? Who do you think it is?"
Ursa's face was serious as she laid out her "evidence."
**Ursa:** "Based on what I've seen… the way they talk, how close they've been… it's **Princess Akane**. I'm pretty sure she's the girl he likes."
For a moment, Elara's smile faltered. She tried to hide her disappointment behind her usual composed expression, but there was a slight pout to her lips that she couldn't suppress. Her mind raced. *Princess Akane?* She hadn't considered that possibility, but now that Ursa mentioned it, Elara remembered how Synoh and Akane had talked earlier, how comfortable they seemed with each other.
Elara forced a small smile, but her heart wasn't quite in it.
**Captain Elara:** (trying to be nonchalant) "Oh… I see. Well, if that's the case, I'm happy for them."
Ursa tilted her head, noticing the slight shift in Elara's tone.
**Ursa:** (frowning) "You sure you're okay, Elara? You seem… off."
Elara quickly composed herself, shaking her head with a dismissive laugh.
**Captain Elara:** "No, no, I'm fine! It's just… surprising, that's all."
But deep down, the thought gnawed at her. Was Ursa right? Could Synoh have feelings for Princess Akane? And why did the idea of him liking someone else bother her so much?
As they returned to the campfire, Elara couldn't shake the slight pang of jealousy she felt, despite her best efforts to bury it. She tried to join in the songs and laughter, but her mind kept drifting back to Synoh and Akane. The rest of the night felt more complicated than it had a few moments earlier, and Elara knew she'd need to sort out her own feelings soon.
As the fire crackled and the warmth enveloped the camp, **Captain Elara** sat by herself, lost in her thoughts. Her mind raced with everything that had happened between her and **Synoh**. The teasing from the others, the kiss they shared—it all weighed heavily on her. *We're not official,* she thought to herself, *but everyone keeps treating us like we are.*
The uncertainty gnawed at her. She couldn't help but wonder where they truly stood. Did Synoh feel the same way? Or was it all just a game for him? So many questions circled in her mind, leaving her distracted.
Suddenly, she felt a warm hand gently grab hers, snapping her out of her thoughts. She looked up, and there was **Synoh**, smiling down at her.
**Synoh:** (softly) "Dance with me?"
For a moment, her heart fluttered. All those swirling thoughts vanished as she took his hand and let him pull her up. The two of them joined the others, dancing by the fire. It was a simple, quiet moment, but it felt like it was just the two of them. They moved in sync, finally speaking to each other in a way they hadn't been able to in days.
As they danced, they talked, laughing and sharing stories. The awkwardness from the last few days melted away, replaced by the warmth of their connection. It felt good to finally talk freely again, to feel comfortable in each other's presence.
But then, as the song slowed down, **Princess Akane** approached with a smile, her white hair catching the glow of the firelight.
**Princess Akane:** (sweetly) "Captain Elara, would you mind if I danced with Synoh?"
There was a brief moment of silence. Synoh didn't answer right away, his eyes flickering between Elara and Akane. Elara felt a pang in her chest but masked it with a soft smile.
**Captain Elara:** (forcing a cheerful tone) "Of course. Go ahead."
She stepped aside, allowing Akane to take Synoh's hand. The princess smiled brightly and led him to the dance floor. Elara watched as they danced together, feeling an uncomfortable knot form in her stomach.
From the corner of her eye, she saw **Ursa** standing nearby, arms crossed and watching with a knowing look.
**Ursa:** (quietly to herself) "Just as I thought."
Elara's heart sank a little as she turned away from the scene. *Maybe Ursa's right,* she thought. *Maybe there's something between them after all.*
But she quickly brushed the thought away. Tonight was supposed to be about enjoying their time together, not getting caught up in jealousy or confusion. Still, she couldn't help but feel the weight of what might lie ahead as she sat back down, trying to focus on anything other than the dance happening in front of her.