The morning sky over Valtherion was bathed in golden light, illuminating the long corridor that led toward the training grounds. The hem of Mathien's cloak swayed gently with his steady, firm steps.
Behind him, Hana walked in a half-hurry, slightly bowing her head, though she couldn't hide the blush on her cheeks. Her fingers clutched the white apron over her uniform skirt, trying to cover up the awkwardness that lingered from earlier that morning.
Mathien said nothing. But his eyes… glanced. More than once. Quietly.
Hana, with her new bangs… looked like a sweet pastry from another world. Her small face, her wide eyes, her cheeks flushed with shyness—all of it made Mathien want to—
Bite.
'If she were a pastry… she'd be strawberry-flavored,' he thought. 'Sweet, soft, and addictive.'
"Why are you walking so far behind?" Mathien finally muttered, without looking back.
Hana flinched, quickly closing the gap with two hurried steps. "Sorry… I was just… keeping my distance."
