It was the 14th of February—Valentine's Day. But this particular Valentine's felt different at Beauxbâtons Academy. Eira had just stepped out of her Magical Plant Care class, brushing soil from her gloves, when she noticed a shift in the air. The atmosphere was unusually warm despite the lingering winter chill, filled with laughter, giggles, and a peculiar sweetness that seemed to float across the grounds.
Couples were everywhere. Students walked hand-in-hand under blossoming pergolas, whispered sweet nothings beneath the trees, and in more secluded corners of the garden, some even shared shy, blushing kisses. It was impossible to ignore. Love had clearly bewitched the entire school.
As Eira walked through the courtyard, it finally struck her—of course. It's Valentine's Day. She gave a small sigh and continued toward the Ombrelune dormitory, threading her way through the scattered crowd of fluttering hearts and overconfident serenaders.
But then, she saw someone who stood out—not because he was holding hands or blushing, but because of what he was holding: a large bundle of red roses. It was Marin.
The sight of him near the girls' dormitory made her narrow her eyes in suspicion. As she neared the old drama tree that stood sentinel near the Ombrelune wing, she called out, "Marin? What are you doing here—and with those flowers? You do know you're not allowed anywhere near the girls' dormitory, right?"
Marin turned at the sound of her voice, his face lighting up. "Eira! There you are—I was just looking for you!" He plucked a single red rose from the bundle and held it out to her with a dramatic bow. "Happy Valentine's Day."
Eira arched a brow and took the rose cautiously. "How many girls have you said that exact line to today?"
Marin blinked, clearly caught. With a grin, he quickly changed the subject. "Anyway, I have to go. Got some chocolates to deliver—lots of girls waiting."
Eira rolled her eyes. "And who exactly are these flowers for?"
"Oh, this?" Marin held up the bouquet. "This is just the first batch. It's for all the girls I know. I'll need to pick up another bundle for the rest."
Eira stared at him, utterly stunned. "For Merlin's sake, Marin—you're twelve! Twelve! And you're handing out roses like a seasoned Casanova. I swear, I should write to your mother and tell her everything you're doing."
Marin simply smirked. "Go ahead. I'm sure she'll be proud. I'm just doing my part—trying to find her a good daughter-in-law."
Eira gaped. "Daughter-in-law? Are you serious? You literally said—at the welcome feast this term—that you didn't want to get married. You said you wanted a harem, like one of those rich Arab princes!"
Marin gasped, feigning offense. "Lies! I never said anything like that. Why are you making things up, Eira?"
"Don't try to paint me as a liar," Eira scoffed. "Fleur was right there. She heard you say it."
The moment he heard Fleur's name, Marin's demeanor shifted. "Fleur? Oh—where is she? Have you seen her today?"
Eira rolled her eyes again. "No idea. Probably stuck in the courtyard, fending off a dozen older boys trying to give her chocolates spiked with love potions."
Marin turned pale. "What?! I have to find her!" Without another word, he took off, flowers clutched to his chest as he bolted across the lawn like a knight on a quest.
Eira shook her head, watching his retreating figure. "Shameless little boy," she muttered with an amused sigh.
Making her way past couples whispering beneath rose-laced archways and students sharing enchanted sweets that shimmered with magic, Eira finally reached the Ombrelune Garden. The scent of roses, lilac, and chocolate floated in the air, sweet and heady.
Inside the Ombrelune Hall, the scene was just as overwhelming. Garlands of soft pink and crimson flowers draped from the ceiling, glittering banners waved with glowing enchantments that read Happy Valentine's Day! Girls were lounging on velvet cushions, writing love letters with quills tipped in golden ink, giggling among themselves and exchanging heart-shaped charms.
Eira ignored it all.
She walked steadily past the crowd, weaving through the romantic chaos until she reached her room. The moment she opened the door and stepped inside, a familiar voice—one she hadn't heard in nearly a year—greeted her.
[Ding]
And despite everything, it made her smile.