Ryu stared at her for a long moment before chuckling in disbelief.
"I still can't figure out where all the food you eat goes."
The thought lingered, and for a fleeting second, he wondered if her large appetite came from years of not being properly fed at the orphanage. A pang of pity struck him, though he quickly brushed it aside.
"Fine," he said at last, "there's a restaurant up ahead. Let's go."
The streets were busy as always, filled with voices and footsteps. Arya tried to keep up with Ryu's long strides, but a sudden gust of wind blew her hat off. She chased after it, weaving through the crowd until it finally landed on the ground. Just as she bent down to grab it, another hand reached out at the same time, brushing against hers.
Startled, Arya pulled her hand back. Her wide eyes lifted to the stranger's face—and froze.
"Eli? W-what are you doing here?"
Elijah's eyes mirrored her surprise, then softened into a smile that was all too familiar.
"I live around here, silly. I should be asking you that." He dusted off her hat and placed it gently back on her head.
"I'm so glad I ran into you," Arya whispered before throwing her arms around him. Eli hugged her back and then carefully loosened her hold when she wouldn't let go first.
"Why are you here? And alone?" he asked, scanning the crowd. His brows drew together when he saw no one with her.
"I came to get some clothes. And I'm not alone—Ryu came with me."
"Ryu?" he repeated, curiosity sparking in his tone.
"My partner at the academy. Come on, I'll take you to him." Arya tugged him forward, already spotting the restaurant sign where Ryu had gone.
Inside, Ryu turned, ready to ask Arya what she wanted to eat—but she wasn't there. His sharp gaze searched until he found her… but she wasn't alone. A tall, broad-shouldered boy stood by her side. He had ocean-blue eyes, strikingly handsome though not quite enough to outshine Ryu himself. Straightening his clothes, Ryu walked toward them.
"Ryu, this is Elijah," Arya said quickly, sensing the tension. "He's my best friend from the orphanage—he was adopted years ago. Eli, this is Ryu, my senior, partner, and… new friend."
Recognition flickered in Elijah's eyes. He bowed slightly, a smirk tugging at his lips.
"Your Majesty," he said, the words laced with a teasing mockery.
Ryu tilted his head, studying him, until memory surfaced. Elijah—the adopted son of Duke Christon, one of the wealthiest men in the kingdom. They had crossed paths before, at the king's birthday banquet.
"Nice to meet you," Ryu replied evenly.
"You two already know each other? That's perfect!" Arya clapped her hands, excitement bubbling in her voice.
Ryu cleared his throat. "Alright, Ary, enough introductions. We still have shopping to do."
"It's Arya," she corrected softly.
"Same thing." His lips quirked faintly before turning to Elijah. "Hey, want to join us?"
"Sure," Elijah answered with a smile, and the three of them sat down.
Ryu grabbed the menu first, scanning it with casual interest.
"Hmm… Sophie, do you want mango or pineapple juice?"
Before Arya could speak, Elijah cut in smoothly.
"She can't take pineapple. She reacts badly to it."
"Oh? Allergic?" Ryu asked, not noticing how Arya lowered her head in embarrassment.
"Something like that," Elijah said vaguely.
Ryu raised a brow. "I don't get it."
Elijah leaned back, then added lightly, "We'll all have burgers and orange juice. Arya, would you go place the order?"
She nodded, took the menu, and headed off.
As soon as she was out of sight, Elijah leaned closer to Ryu, voice dropping low.
"Yeah, it's true. Last time she ate pineapple, she tried to kiss me. Not that I minded." His smirk was shameless.
Ryu choked, coughing as his ears burned pink. His eyes flicked to Arya just as she returned with a waiter carrying a tray.
"Oh, and she eats a lot," Elijah added, amused.
Ryu chuckled quietly. "I already know. Honestly, I think it's cute."
"The food's here!" Arya announced with a bright smile, taking her seat again as the waiter set down the tray.
Ryu's gaze lingered on her lips, heat curling in his chest. It would be nice to feed her pineapple someday… He cursed himself inwardly for the thought.
Noticing she had ordered only one burger, he frowned.
"Just one? I thought you were starving."
"I was… but I don't really feel like eating anymore," she admitted.
Elijah's eyes softened knowingly. "Arya, what are you afraid of?"
Ryu blinked in surprise. How did Elijah see right through her?
"There's a ball at the academy tonight," she confessed. "And… I'm terrible at dancing."
"Skylar Academy?" Elijah repeated, and she nodded.
His grin widened. "No way. I go there too. This is fate, Arya. Don't worry—you'll be fine."
Ryu's jaw tightened as he rolled his eyes. The way Elijah said her name made his suspicions grow—Eli clearly liked her. But this was his game, his challenge. He wasn't going to lose.
"Come on, Sophie. Eat up," Ryu said, pushing his burger toward her. Elijah mirrored the gesture.
Arya tilted her head, blinking in confusion at the two of them before smiling shyly and digging in.