Outside, Eating Lunch
The afternoon sun cast dappled shadows across the schoolyard as Daniel and Wane sat on a bench, idly picking at their lunches. The conversation had lulled into a comfortable silence, but it wasn't long before Briana approached, her usual bright smile in place.
"Hey, guys! What are you talking about?"
Daniel glanced up from his food, nodding toward Wane.
"We were just talking about the Archangels tournament."
Briana's eyes lit up with curiosity. She plopped down beside them, eager to hear more.
"Oh! I've heard about it, but I don't really know much."
Daniel gestured toward Wane with a knowing smirk.
"Ask Wane—he knows everything about it."
Wane fumbled with his words, suddenly flustered under Briana's focused gaze.
"W-Well, um… there's this elite group called the Archangels—"
"Archangels?" Briana echoed, intrigued.
"Y-Yeah, they're an elite unit of warriors who work directly under General Noah. Each member is strong enough to take on a hundred Nyxborn officers and soldiers on their own," Wane explained, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.
Briana blinked, clearly impressed. She leaned forward slightly, her interest deepening.
"They sound incredible."
Daniel, now fully engaged, jumped in.
"The plan is for Wane and me to enter the tournament together so we can both become Archangels."
Briana's expression shifted, a trace of concern crossing her face as she looked between them.
"Wait… isn't that dangerous? What if you guys get hurt?"
Her brows furrowed, her lips pressing into a thin line. She was genuinely worried.
Wane noticed and quickly tried to ease her fears.
"It is, but the referees are seasoned fighters, and they don't allow people with military experience to compete. It's as safe as it can be."
Briana let out a small breath, visibly relaxing.
"Phew. You had me worried for a second."
Before she could say more, a loud grrrooowwwlll erupted from her stomach.
Daniel smirked.
"You might wanna worry about feeding yourself first."
Briana's face flushed red as she looked down in embarrassment.
"I really should grab something to eat…" she muttered before hurrying toward the canteen.
As soon as she was out of earshot, Wane let out a long sigh of relief, his whole body relaxing.
Daniel, unfazed, took another bite of his food.
"You know… if you like her, you should just tell her."
Wane's face instantly turned bright red.
"W-What are you talking about?! S-Stop spewing nonsense!" he stammered.
"Who's spewing nonsense?"
Briana's voice suddenly cut in.
Wane's soul nearly left his body.
"B-Briana?!" he yelped, his voice a full octave higher than usual.
Briana stood in front of them, lunch tray in hand, her head tilted slightly, one eyebrow raised in suspicion.
"Yeah… that's my name. Why are you yelling?"
"S-Shouting? Who's shouting?!" Wane practically shrieked.
"Umm… you are," Briana said, clearly confused by his behavior.
Daniel smirked, ready to make a comment—
But before he could, the school bell rang.
RIIIIIIING!
"Welp, look at the time! We gotta go!" Wane blurted out, seizing the perfect excuse to escape. Without warning, he grabbed Daniel by the collar and dragged him toward their next class.
Daniel barely had time to wave. "See you later, Briana."
"Uh… bye?" Briana called after them, still puzzled by the whole exchange.