The Royal Knights Selection Exam was a storm of competition, ambition, and veiled hostility.
Asta thrived in the chaos.
His anti-magic sword slashed through constructs with controlled fury, his presence raw and undeniable. But even when the crowd roared his name, his eyes searched only for one person.
Yuno stood across the field, radiant as ever in his calm, wind-wrapped poise. But something about the way he held himself was off—too stiff, too careful.
Asta noticed it right away.
When the day's matches finally ended, Asta ducked around the barracks, ignoring the looks and whispers. The nobles had begun to talk—about Yuno's eyes, about Asta's touch, about the way they moved around each other.
He found Yuno alone, leaning against a stone pillar in the shade behind the arena. His arms were crossed, but his eyes weren't sharp. They were distant.
"Talk to me," Asta said simply, voice low and direct.
Yuno looked up, startled—but not surprised.
"It's nothing."
"Don't lie to me."
Yuno sighed, eyes flicking away. "They're watching us. Everyone. They talk. Wonder what we are. What we mean to each other."
Asta stepped into his space, crowding him gently against the pillar. "Let them."
"Asta—"
"No." His voice was firmer now. "If anyone's got a problem with what we are, they can take it up with my sword."
Yuno's lips twitched, but the worry lingered. "You know it's not that simple."
Asta reached out, brushing Yuno's hair back from his face. "You think I care what nobles say? You think I'm scared of people figuring it out?"
Yuno stayed quiet, breathing shallow.
Asta leaned in until their foreheads touched again—a habit now, a way to bring Yuno back to the center of everything.
"I'm not scared of being seen with you," Asta murmured. "I want them to see. Let them see who you belong to."
Yuno's eyes widened just slightly. That quiet claim—firm, possessive—always undid him in a way nothing else could.
Then Asta's hand slid down to the small of Yuno's back, pulling him forward with quiet strength. Their bodies pressed together, hearts syncing in rhythm.
"You're mine, Yuno," Asta said, lips grazing his jaw. "And I'll shout it louder than any of them."
Yuno exhaled shakily, resting his head against Asta's shoulder now. "You're the only person who ever makes me feel safe and seen at the same time."
"You're the only person I ever need," Asta replied, pressing a kiss just under Yuno's ear. "Forget the rest."
They stayed there until the sun dipped low behind the castle. No one dared interrupt. Not even the wind.