As Asher and Mika made their way through the academy halls, Mika continued to lecture him on the importance of taking training seriously. "You've got so much potential, Asher. You could be one of the top Ranger Officers if you actually applied yourself. I don't understand why you keep—"
Mika's words trailed off as Asher suddenly let out a snort, trying to contain his laughter. His lips twitched as if he were on the verge of cracking up.
Mika stopped mid-sentence, frowning. "What's so funny?"
Behind her, towering over Mika with a broad grin on his face, was **Bran Ironheart**, Asher's best friend. At 6'4", Bran was an imposing figure, but that didn't stop him from making ridiculous faces, crossing his eyes and puffing out his cheeks in exaggerated expressions, all aimed at cracking Asher up.
Try as he might, Asher couldn't keep a straight face. His shoulders shook with suppressed laughter until he couldn't hold it in any longer. He burst out laughing, his voice echoing through the empty corridor.
Mika spun around, eyes narrowing as she spotted Bran still pulling faces behind her. "Seriously? Bran?!"
Bran flashed Mika an innocent look, shrugging as though he hadn't been caught in the act. "What? I didn't do anything."
"Sure, you didn't." Mika's expression darkened as she placed her hands on her hips, glaring at both of them. Asher was still laughing, trying to catch his breath. Bran, seeing his success in making Asher laugh, joined in, their chuckles filling the hallway.
Annoyed, Mika huffed and—without warning—delivered a swift smack to both of their heads. "You two idiots!" she snapped, though there was a hint of a smile pulling at the corner of her mouth. "This is serious. We're not kids anymore."
The hit was more playful than harsh, but it shut them up long enough for her to regain her composure. Asher and Bran rubbed their heads, chuckling softly as they followed her into the classroom.
Inside, Bran plopped down on the floor next to Asher, stretching his long legs out as if he owned the place. "Come on, Mika, lighten up. You're always so serious." He gave her a playful wink. "And by the way, you're looking extra stunning today."
Mika rolled her eyes, clearly not amused. "Cut it out, Bran."
But Bran wasn't one to give up easily. He leaned back, flashing her a charming grin. "Hey, it's true. You're the strongest and most beautiful girl in the academy. You know I've got good taste."
Mika's eye twitched in irritation. Without missing a beat, she walked over and delivered another swift hit to Bran's head, knocking him back into reality. "Keep dreaming, Bran," she muttered as she made her way to a seat in the corner of the classroom, still fuming.
Bran rubbed the back of his head, unbothered by the hit. "Ah, one day you'll see the light, Mika."
Asher, still recovering from the earlier laughter, shook his head at Bran. "You never give up, do you?"
"Never," Bran said confidently, still sprawled out on the floor like he had no care in the world. "You gotta aim high, right?"
As Mika sat in the corner, attempting to burn off her frustration, the three of them settled into their usual dynamic—Asher the laid-back observer, Bran the relentless flirt, and Mika the no-nonsense force keeping them both in line.