The sky above Fleedorb was painted in twilight orange, with shadows long and winds soft. In the courtyard where they had sparred over seventy times, Reina stood quietly, her hair brushing against her shoulder in the breeze. Ryu approached casually, sword strapped across his back like always.
But this time… the air was different.
Reina turned as he came near. She wore her academy uniform, polished and neat—clearly dressed for travel. A military badge shimmered faintly at her waist.
> "You're leaving," Ryu said flatly.
She nodded.
> "The Royal Knights leave tomorrow morning. I'm joining them."
He remained silent. The news wasn't unexpected—Reina was the top of their generation, after all. But still, a strange weight settled on his chest.
Reina took a breath.
> "I didn't come here to spar."
Ryu blinked.
> "No training today?"
She stepped closer, just enough to make him subtly straighten his back.
> "I have something to say."
Her voice was calm, but her fingers clenched faintly behind her back. The fearless, unbeatable Reina—the same girl who never lost a duel—now looked nervous.
> "Ryu… I like you."
It wasn't loud.
It wasn't dramatic.
Just simple and clear.
Ryu's eyes widened. His mouth opened… but nothing came out. The silence hung heavy between them.
> "I've liked you for a while," she continued, barely meeting his eyes now. "But I didn't want to say it unless I knew I'd be gone. Maybe for months. Maybe years."
Still, no answer from Ryu.
He looked away for a second, then scratched the back of his neck. For someone who could shatter boulders with his bare fists… he suddenly looked very, very small.
> "I… I'll think about it…" he mumbled.
It was barely audible. But Reina heard it. She blinked, surprised—not because he didn't say yes, but because of the faint red in his ears and the rare softness in his tone.
He wasn't rejecting her.
He was… overwhelmed.
Ryu never showed this side to anyone—not the instructors, not other students, not even rivals.
Only Mina had seen him get flustered.
Reina smiled—a gentle, knowing smile—and took a step back.
> "I'll wait to hear your answer someday," she said, turning around. "But don't make me wait forever."
She walked away, her silhouette fading with the sun.
Ryu stood there long after she left, rubbing his face with both hands.
> "What the hell was that…" he muttered, still dazed.
From a nearby hallway, Mina peeked with a teasing grin.
> "Told you she liked you, big brother."
Ryu jumped slightly, turning to her in panic.
> "How long were you standing there?!"
> "Long enough to enjoy it," Mina giggled.
He sighed and looked at the sky.
Reina was gone—for now.
But something had changed in his heart.
And deep inside, he felt he didn't want to keep her waiting too long.
To be continued...