The feast had slowly regained its rhythm after Lila's unexpected defense of Hiroshi. Although some skepticism remained in the room, the tension had softened, and Hiroshi felt a little less like an unwanted guest. As plates were cleared and noble conversations resumed, Hiroshi noticed Lila retreating from the table, slipping quietly out onto one of the open balconies overlooking the city.
Curious, and feeling oddly compelled to thank her, Hiroshi excused himself and followed. The crisp night air greeted him as he stepped onto the stone balcony, the gentle hum of Elandrial's magical energy making the atmosphere feel almost ethereal. Lila stood at the edge, gazing down at the softly illuminated city, her ears twitching slightly as she noticed Hiroshi approaching.
"You didn't have to do that back there," Hiroshi said, leaning against the railing beside her. "But... thanks."
Lila shuffled slightly, her tail curling around her feet as she lowered her gaze. "They were being unfair," she murmured. "You're trying, even if they don't see it."
Hiroshi chuckled. "Trying is kind of all I know how to do."
Lila was quiet for a moment, her amber eyes reflecting the city lights. Then, softly, she asked, "Have you ever felt like you don't belong?"
The question caught Hiroshi off guard. He turned to look at her, noting the hesitant way she clutched her arms, her ears flattening slightly.
"Every single day," Hiroshi admitted. "Back in my world, I was just some unlucky guy barely making it through college. Here, I'm supposed to be some prophesied hero, but let's be real—I have no idea what I'm doing."
Lila's ears perked slightly, her expression shifting from nervous to understanding. "It's the same for me," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Beastfolk aren't always welcomed in elven cities. Some think we're... uncivilized. Others just see us as outsiders."
Hiroshi frowned. "That's messed up."
She nodded. "I try to stay quiet, unnoticed. It's easier that way."
A gust of wind brushed past them, carrying the scent of blooming nightflowers. Hiroshi glanced at Lila, seeing something new in her posture—something guarded, but not out of hostility. More like she was afraid to be seen too much.
"You didn't stay quiet today," Hiroshi pointed out.
Lila hesitated before giving a small smile. "Because I didn't want you to feel alone."
Something about that hit Hiroshi harder than he expected.
"You know," he said after a pause, "I think you and I have a lot more in common than I realized."
Lila blinked, her tail flicking slightly behind her. "Maybe."
They stood in silence for a while, watching the city glow beneath the moonlight, neither feeling the need to fill the quiet.
For the first time since arriving in this world, Hiroshi felt like he had someone who truly understood him.