"But doesn't the school forbid shopping trips?" Arven chimed in, clearly eavesdropping on their conversation.
"Yeah, and who even asks the school?" Cior retorted before grabbing Mateo's hand and teleporting them away, leaving Arven muttering in confusion.
They reappeared in the bustling marketplace, vibrant stalls and shops all around.
"Let's goooo!" Mateo exclaimed, his energy infectious.
"Yo, yo!" Cior responded, matching his enthusiasm.
The two navigated the shops, picking out clothes for Mateo. Cior offered sharp and tasteful suggestions, each met with Mateo's growing approval.
"Your taste is impeccable. Every girl's eyes will be glued to me at the ball," Mateo said, admiring himself in the mirror.
"Of course! I know girls pretty well—they'll definitely be drawn to you," Cior replied casually.
"Wait, how do you know so much about girls?" Mateo asked, suspicious.
"I... have a fiancée," Cior said smoothly, though it was yet another lie.
After finishing Mateo's shopping spree, they strolled past a boutique. Cior's eyes landed on a breathtaking blue and black gown displayed in the window.
"Wow, that's gorgeous," Cior muttered before she could stop herself.
"Yeah, but why would you need it?" Mateo teased, raising an eyebrow.
"Uh... my fiancée would love it," Cior said hastily, avoiding his gaze.
"Are you buying it for her? Do you even know her size?" Mateo asked, looking skeptical.
"Of course, I know her size!" Cior snapped, already calculating her own measurements.
Mateo frowned, scratching his head. "Weird."
Still, they bought the dress. Mateo didn't push further, but his expression clearly read, Something's fishy here.
The boys were getting ready for the ball, and there was a buzz of excitement in the air. They all thought Cior wouldn't be attending, convinced she'd stay behind and focus on her work as usual. After all, she'd been busy styling them for the event and handling everything from their suits to their hair. They never expected her to show up. But here she was, making sure every detail was perfect.
Amaias stood by quietly as she adjusted his suit collar, his gaze lingering on her work. He didn't show it, but there was a small hint of admiration in his eyes. He was always prepared, always cautious, but when it came to Cior, he couldn't help but be impressed by how much effort she put into everything.
"Thanks, Cior," he said with a small, sincere smile. "You didn't have to go this far, but it's much appreciated."
Ziven leaned back in his chair with a grin as she finished tying his cravat, his usual mischievous energy radiating. "Look at you, working hard while the rest of us just get to show off, huh? Are you sure you don't want to join us? You'd be the life of the ball," he teased, tossing her a wink.
Cior rolled her eyes playfully but couldn't hide her smile. "You'd be the one causing chaos if I did. I'll just leave you all to your fun."
Mateo let out an exaggerated whistle when he caught a glimpse of himself in the mirror after Cior finished adjusting his suit. "Damn, Cior," he said, checking himself out. "If I didn't know any better, I'd think you were trying to make me the star of the show." He turned to her with a grin. "But seriously, this suit's perfect. The flowers, the details—you're making us look like we belong on the cover of a magazine. You're the best."
Arven, ever the narcissist, adjusted his mask and struck a pose in front of the mirror. "Well, I guess if you're putting all this effort into making us look good, you're doing your job, huh?" he said with a chuckle. He winked at her and flashed a grin. "But seriously, Cior, this is top-notch. You're like our personal stylist, personal hype machine, and fashion expert all in one. Thanks."
The boys couldn't stop admiring the final result, each of them standing a little taller in their perfectly tailored suits, flowers in their pockets, and carefully styled hair. They weren't just wearing clothes; they were wearing the result of Cior's dedication. And despite all the teasing and joking, they all silently acknowledged how much she had done for them.
Cior stepped back, looking them over one last time with satisfaction. "Well, you all look ready. Don't go embarrassing me out there," she said with a teasing grin.
Amaias gave her a subtle nod of appreciation, but his tone was serious when he spoke. "We won't forget this, Cior. Thanks for everything. You've made sure we look our best, and we won't take that for granted."
Ziven winked again. "Yeah, and if I get swarmed by girls tonight, I'm blaming you for making me look this good."
"You're welcome," she said dryly, but there was a warmth in her eyes.
Mateo slapped Arven on the back. "Don't think you're getting all the attention tonight, Arven. We'll see if I can outshine you on the dance floor," he said with a smirk.
Arven rolled his eyes, but his grin was wide. "Don't be so sure about that, mate. I'm practically born to shine."
Cior just shook her head with a smile, but inside, she couldn't help but feel a sense of pride. The boys were happy, and she had done something she knew they would appreciate—even if they didn't fully understand the effort behind it. It was a silent promise between them: they would look out for each other, and that made all the effort worthwhile.