Auren took a slow breath.
You can do this, he told himself.
He didn't want to regret staying silent forever.
Even if the answer hurt.
Even if things became awkward.
At least… he would finally be honest.
Footsteps approached along the stone path.
Auren turned.
It was her.
Elira Dawncrest.
She had just finished her training class.
A small glow of light magic still surrounded her hands as she walked.
When she noticed Auren standing there, she looked slightly surprised.
"Auren?" she said.
Her voice was soft, as always.
"Are you waiting for someone?"
Auren swallowed nervously.
"Yes… actually."
Elira tilted her head slightly.
"For who?"
Auren looked directly at her.
"For you."
For a brief moment, Elira seemed confused.
Then she smiled gently.
"Oh. Did you need something?"
The moment had come.
Auren felt his heart beating faster than ever.
For years he had kept these feelings locked inside his chest.
But now the words were finally reaching his lips.
He looked down for a second.
Then back at her.
"Elira… can we talk?"
She nodded.
"Of course."
They moved toward a quieter area near the academy garden.
The sun was slowly lowering beyond the mountains.
The evening air felt calm.
Peaceful.
But inside Auren's heart, a storm was raging.
They stopped near a small fountain.
Water flowed gently, creating a soft sound in the quiet space.
Elira looked at him with curiosity.
"You look nervous," she said kindly.
"Did something happen?"
Auren let out a small laugh.
"I guess… something like that."
For a moment, he couldn't find the right words.
His mind felt empty.
But his heart knew exactly what it wanted to say.
Finally, he spoke.
"Elira… we've known each other for a long time."
She nodded slowly.
"Yes. Since junior classes."
Auren looked at the ground.
"I've always admired you."
His voice was calm.
But every word carried deep honesty.
"You're kind to people."
"You help others without expecting anything back."
"You treat everyone equally."
Even people like me.
He didn't say the last sentence out loud.
Elira listened quietly.
Her expression softened.
"Auren…"
But he continued speaking before she could interrupt.
"For a long time… I kept these feelings to myself."
He clenched his hands slightly.
"Because I thought… maybe it was selfish."
Maybe someone like him shouldn't dream about someone like her.
But today, he had decided something.
Even if it changed nothing.
Even if the answer hurt.
He wanted to be honest.
Auren raised his eyes and looked directly into hers.
"Elira…"
His voice became softer.
But clearer than ever.
"I like you."
The words hung quietly in the air.
The sound of the fountain continued behind them.
For a few seconds…
Neither of them moved.
Elira's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
She clearly hadn't expected that.
Auren forced himself to continue.
"I know I'm not someone special."
"My magic is weak."
"I'm not from a strong family."
"I'm not someone impressive."
He smiled faintly.
"But… my feelings are real."
The wind moved softly between them.
Auren lowered his head slightly.
"I don't expect anything."
"I just wanted you to know."
Silence followed.
A long silence.
Elira looked down at the ground.
She seemed deep in thought.
Auren waited patiently.
Every second felt like an hour.
Finally…
Elira spoke.
"Auren… thank you for telling me."
Her voice was gentle.
But also careful.
She looked up at him.
"I didn't know you felt that way."
Auren nodded slightly.
"I know."
Elira took a small breath.
"I'm… honestly surprised."
She looked conflicted.
Not uncomfortable.
But uncertain.
"You're a very good person, Auren."
Her words were sincere.
"I respect you a lot."
Auren felt both warmth and fear in those words.
Because sometimes…
Respect is not the same as love.
Elira looked away for a moment.
Then she said quietly,
"I need time to think."
The words were simple.
But heavy.
Auren nodded slowly.
"That's okay."
He forced a small smile.
"Take as much time as you need."
Elira looked relieved.
"Thank you for understanding."
For a moment they just stood there.
The sun had almost disappeared now.
The sky slowly turned darker.
Finally Elira stepped back slightly.
"I should go now."
"My family is expecting me."
Auren nodded again.
"Of course."
She hesitated for a second.
Then she smiled gently.
"I'm really glad you told me."
Then she turned and began walking down the path.
Auren watched her go.
The sound of her footsteps slowly faded.
Soon…
He was alone again.
The sky above had become dark blue.
Stars were beginning to appear.
Auren looked up at them quietly.
His heart felt strange.
Not broken.
Not happy.
Just… uncertain.
He didn't know what answer she would give.
Maybe yes.
Maybe no.
But at least now…
She knew the truth.
Auren closed his eyes for a moment.
A gentle breeze passed through the garden.
But far away…
Beyond the peaceful academy walls…
Something terrible had begun to move.
Deep in the shadows of the world…
The Demon Lords were awakening.
Ancient creatures of destruction.
Their armies were gathering.
And very soon…
The peaceful days of Aether High Academy would come to an end.
A storm was coming.
A war that would shake the entire world.
And when that day arrived…
The quiet boy who had just confessed his love…
Would be forced to reveal a power that no one could even imagine.
Even if the world never knew it was him.