Arnold, Kuro, and Akari gathered together after their matches, each of them exhausted but filled with a sense of accomplishment. Without a word, they broke into grins and pulled each other into a group hug.
"Let's party!" Akari exclaimed, raising her fist with a triumphant smile.
Kuro laughed, still a bit sore from his match but grinning wide. "Now that's the spirit! I know a place that serves the best ice cream for celebrations."
Arnold nodded, catching his breath as he slung an arm around his friends. "Sounds perfect. We deserve it after today."
The three of them made their way out of the arena, their laughter echoing as they planned out their little celebration, ready to unwind after giving it their all.
Akari, mid-lick of her ice cream cone, raised an eyebrow as she watched the two boys in front of her squabble like little kids. "Yah, what?" she asked, her tone bored but amused.
"I said it first, so listen to me," Kuro huffed, crossing his arms.
"No, I said it first," Arnold shot back, matching Kuro's stubborn stance.
"I will," Kuro insisted, puffing up his chest.
"I will," Arnold repeated, refusing to back down.
Akari rolled her eyes, still licking her ice cream. "Are you two actually going to say something, or should I just... go?"
Suddenly, both boys blurted out at the exact same time, "Will you go to the ball as my partner?"
Akari froze, ice cream halfway to her mouth. She looked between them, wide-eyed, while the boys waited, both slightly pink and refusing to meet each other's eyes. She snorted, trying to hold back a laugh. "Wow, you two are really subtle," she teased.
They both looked at her with expectant puppy eyes, each silently hoping for a yes. "You know," she said with a smirk, "I could just take this ice cream cone as my date. It's less dramatic, and I'm sure it won't argue."
Kuro and Arnold groaned in unison. "Not fair, Akari!" they protested, looking genuinely deflated.
"Alright, alright, I'll think about it," Akari said with a wink, leaving the boys standing there, wondering which one of them she'd actually choose.
" when will you think ball is tomorrow" kuro said impatiently
" Yah yah " Arnold said
Akari took another casual lick of her ice cream, clearly enjoying the suspense she was building. "Maybe I'll let you both know... tomorrow morning," she teased, giving them an exaggerated wink.
Kuro practically fell to his knees, throwing his hands up toward the sky. "Tomorrow morning? I can't handle this torture, Akari! Have mercy!"
Arnold clutched his chest dramatically, looking as though he might faint. "What did we do to deserve this agony? Just tell us—end our suffering!"
Akari couldn't hold back her laughter. "Oh, come on! You're acting like it's the end of the world!"
"It is the end of the world!" Kuro insisted, hands on his head in disbelief. "What if we don't make it to tomorrow? I'll be left in suspense for all eternity!"
"Yeah!" Arnold chimed in, looking absolutely devastated. "Akari, please, just a hint—anything!"
"Fine, fine," Akari sighed, putting them out of their misery with a smirk. "Just remember, you guys asked for it." She turned with a mischievous grin, leaving them both flailing in dramatic despair, now even more desperate to know her answer.
As Akari closed the door to her room, she leaned against it with a sigh, the playful smile fading into thoughtful contemplation. She paced a bit, glancing occasionally at her reflection in the mirror.
"Who do I choose?" she thought, feeling the weight of her own indecision. On one hand, Arnold's charm and sincerity made her smile in ways she hadn't noticed before. Then there was Kuro—playful, always pushing her buttons, yet fiercely loyal and genuine.
She flopped onto her bed, staring up at the ceiling. "They really put me on the spot, huh? Both of them went all dramatic for this."
Akari sighed again, hugging her pillow as she continued weighing her options, feeling both the pressure of the decision and a faint smile as she thought about how serious they were about it.
The next morning, as the girls gathered outside Akari's room, ready to take her for her grand makeover, the boys were still there, standing awkwardly with hopeful expressions. Neither of them had gotten their answer yet, and the tension was palpable.
Kuro fidgeted, trying to appear casual, but his impatience was showing. Arnold, equally anxious, shot Kuro a glare. They had both been hoping to hear from Akari last night, but now they were stuck, waiting for her decision.
"Akari, we're ready!" one of the girls called out excitedly from outside her door.
Akari, wearing a mischievous smirk, opened the door and looked at the boys with a teasing expression. "You two still haven't figured it out?" she asked, leaning against the doorframe.
Both Kuro and Arnold froze, but then Arnold spoke up, his voice a bit too eager. "Are you ready to decide?"
Akari raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the moment. "Well, I haven't decided yet," she said, and at that, the boys' faces dropped.
She turned to the girls, who were waiting, practically jumping in place. "Alright, alright, I'll let you have your makeover. Let's see what you've got," she said, winking at the boys.
As she stepped out, the boys exchanged glances. They were still left hanging, wondering if they would ever find out who Akari would take to the ball—or if they'd both be left wondering forever.
Akari stepped out of the makeover room, and Kuro and Arnold immediately turned to look at her. They had been anxiously waiting, and the moment they saw her, their expressions shifted from impatience to disbelief. She was... stunning.
Her makeup was simple yet elegant, accentuating her natural beauty without overwhelming it. Her hair cascaded down her back in soft waves, shining like moonlight. The gown she wore, which she had carefully chosen, fit her perfectly, highlighting her figure and making her look every bit the princess she could have been in another life.
Akari smirked, noticing their eyes widen ever so slightly, though they quickly regained composure. "What? You two act like you've never seen a girl in a dress before," she teased, raising an eyebrow at them.
Kuro cleared his throat, his expression going from surprised to teasing. "I wasn't expecting that. Guess you're pulling out all the stops for the ball, huh?"
Arnold grinned, trying to play it cool. "Well, now we definitely know why you took so long. Looks like someone's trying to outshine us."
Akari rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smirk that tugged at her lips. "Enough with the jokes. We have a ball to attend, so let's not waste time, okay?"
The boys chuckled, and with that, they finally moved toward the exit, all of them aware that tonight was going to be unforgettable.
As they made their way down the hall, Kuro and Arnold couldn't hold it in any longer. They had been quiet for most of the time, but now, both of them couldn't resist the burning question any longer.
"So," Kuro started, trying to sound casual but failing miserably, "who exactly are you taking to the ball, Akari?"
Akari smirked, her eyes twinkling with mischief as she glanced at them both. "What do you mean, 'who'?" she said, feigning innocence. "I'm going with both of you."
The boys stopped in their tracks, staring at her in shock.
"What?" Arnold blurted out, unable to contain his surprise. "You... you're going with both of us?"
Akari shrugged nonchalantly, the corners of her mouth turning into a playful grin. "Why not? It's just a dance, isn't it? No harm in a little fun."
Kuro crossed his arms, trying to act unbothered but clearly flustered. "Wait, so... you can't even pick one? We've been stressing about this for days, and you're just going to waltz in like that?"
"Exactly," Akari teased, flicking her hair back. "It's my decision. And don't worry, I'll make sure to give you both the attention you deserve."
Arnold raised an eyebrow, a half-smile playing on his lips despite his frustration. "Well, I guess if I have to share you, I'll take it," he said with a wink.
Kuro, clearly not convinced, groaned. "This is going to be a disaster."
Akari just laughed, knowing very well that tonight would be full of unexpected surprises, but that was the fun of it. "Let's just get there first. The night's still young, and I'm sure we'll all have a great time."
And with that, they made their way to the ball, the air filled with both excitement and a bit of tension. It was going to be a night to remember.
As Akari, Kuro, and Arnold arrived at the grand ballroom, the atmosphere was electric. Nobles, knights, and dignitaries from all over had gathered to witness the prestigious event. The Duchess and Queen stood near the center, watching eagerly, their eyes fixed on the trio as they entered.
The ballroom was a marvel of opulence. Glittering chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting soft golden light on the polished floors. Long tables lined the edges, each laden with refreshments and delicacies. But for now, there was no dance—just an air of quiet anticipation, as guests exchanged hushed whispers, casting occasional glances at the three young figures who had become the center of attention.
The Duchess and Queen were all smiles, but it was clear they were both deeply invested in the upcoming interactions. They watched as the two boys, Kuro and Arnold, stood closely behind Akari, both trying to seem nonchalant but both clearly vying for her attention. The nobles around them exchanged knowing looks and quiet murmurs.
"So, which one do you think she'll choose?" one noble lady whispered to another, both eyeing Akari with interest. "She's got both of them wrapped around her finger."
"Impossible to say," replied her companion with a sly smile. "But whoever she picks, I bet they're going to get a lot more than just a dance tonight."
Across the room, the Duke stood with a stern face, his gaze occasionally flicking over to the trio. He, too, had his eye on the situation. "I wonder who Akari will dance with," he muttered under his breath. "It's all about strategy. She's clever—too clever. She may just play both of them."
As whispers of Akari's decision swirled, the night's events proceeded. First came the awards ceremony, where everyone gathered around to celebrate the students' achievements. Akari was lauded for her excellence in various disciplines—though no one knew exactly how hard she worked to overcome her lack of wings. Kuro's victories in swordplay and Arnold's accomplishments in tactics were also acknowledged.
But the whispers never stopped. Nobles continued to gossip, eyes never leaving Akari, Kuro, and Arnold.
"Did you hear?" one noblewoman asked, leaning in to her companion. "The Duchess is already planning her son's future with Akari. She's hoping tonight will be the turning point."
"Don't be so sure," another whispered. "The Queen is just as determined to make sure her boy gets a chance. Have you seen how Akari looks at Arnold? I wouldn't be surprised if she chooses him."
Meanwhile, Akari, standing between the two boys, tried her best to ignore the incessant chatter around them. She could feel the weight of everyone's gaze, but she couldn't let it faze her. It was all part of the game—one she intended to win.
After the awards were given, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived: the food. Platters of lavish dishes were brought out, and the guests finally let go of their formalities and enjoyed the spread. Akari, still caught in the swirl of gossip, found herself surrounded by the same whispers, but now, there was a subtle shift in the atmosphere.
Everyone was waiting for her decision—the one that would happen during the dance, the final event of the night. The tension was palpable. Would she choose Kuro, the playful yet serious one? Or Arnold, the earnest and dedicated one?
But Akari wasn't concerned about the expectations. She knew the game they were all playing, and she had every intention of playing it to the fullest.
As the night drew on, the ballroom became even more animated, filled with laughter, food, and gossip. But no one could deny that all eyes were on her, eagerly awaiting the moment she would make her choice.
The dance was coming soon. And that was when Akari's true move would be revealed.