While Alex and Evelyn were having a romantic moment, their two friends ducked behind the rosebushes to eavesdrop.
Roland's blue eyes widened as he saw Alex embrace Evelyn, and then he muttered, "I'll be damned."
It was completely unexpected.
Roland knew that Alex was affectionate for Evelyn and had a soft spot for her. But he didn't think that it was to this extent.
Even if there was pressure from the confession, to not just accept it, but to go as far as take Evelyn's first kiss...
It seemed like Roland had misread his friend.
Alex had always been the reckless sort.
Roland knew that much from the first time he met Alex and saw him explode his magic circles to take out a Rank 5 monster when Headmistress Lux was there to help.
That fact, and the recent growing affection Alex had been showing to Evelyn...
Roland had thought that Alex would do something like just accept her confession and say 'I love you' in return. But this...
A scene filled with romantic pink aura. Cool and powerful words that promised a future regardless of what may come...
There was being reckless, and there was throwing caution to the wind.
But this... this was running headlong into the storm and daring the gods to smite their love down.
Which, now that Roland thought about it, was perfectly in line with how Alex lived his life.
Marisa let out an envious sigh and said, "It's beautiful..."
Roland nodded. "True love really is incredible..."
Yes, true love. Because what Evelyn and Alex shared had long gone past mere affection.
Roland didn't know how or when it had happened, but it was clear in how those two looked at each other that they weren't just chasing giddy emotions and fleeting happiness.
As expected of a place where young and attractive students mingled, there were already plenty of couples around the academy already.
Roland had stumbled across more than a few while exploring around the academy.
Those couples had been giggly expressions and kisses. Eyes filled with heady and overwhelming affection that seemed to consume both sides.
Roland ignored them, because he could tell. Something like that wouldn't last. And moreover, it would only end in heartbreak. Anything that consumed you whole would leave nothing but ashes in the end.
But the tender warmth in both Alex's and Evelyn's gaze was different. It wasn't an all-consuming flame, but a gentle campfire. Something that would keep going as long as they fed it.
Roland wasn't usually one to wax poetic, but seeing them like that, and also remembering the powerful words Alex said to Evelyn... he couldn't help it. And he couldn't help repeat those words either. "I'm not in love with you, but that doesn't mean I won't love you..." Roland murmured.
It was a powerful declaration. Not a vow or a promise, but a statement. That what Alex felt... No, that what Alex had towards Evelyn wasn't just emotion, but a choice. A conscious decision to choose to love her. One that wouldn't change even if his heart hadn't completely fallen for her yet. And one that would stay even if his heart began to stray.
Roland shook his head in disbelief. "As always, our friend is incredible."
What man would dare to not only press their heart into the hands of the one they loved, but declare that it didn't matter how he felt since he had already chosen to love them?
Roland at least didn't know any who could. There were plenty of romantics who promised great things and made heady vows... But those were only to win the other person's heart.
Alex sounded like that, but he was sincere. The intensity and determination in his eyes couldn't be faked.
And Roland just knew. Alex would rather die than fail to keep his word to Evelyn.
Marisa let out a wistful sigh as she stared at Alex. "Such a man of character and talent... if only his face was a bit better, I'd be swept off my feet too."
Roland bristled. Hearing Marisa's words, he felt... something. And because he did, he reflexively said, "Excuse me?"
Marisa blinked. And then she let out a teasing smile and said, "What? Jealous, Roland?"
"No." The denial came out faster than Roland would have liked, but he ignored that fact and said, "I just... thought you better than to fall for simple appearances, Mari."
Right. That was the issue.
Roland thought that Marisa was a thoughtful and considerate person. To hear that she would pass up on Alex just because his face wasn't to her liking...
Marisa blushed and quickly waved her hands. "T-That's not what I meant! It's just... I mean...! His face really isn't my type! I like yours much better-"
Roland froze.
Marisa froze as well, realizing what she just said. Then her face turned a bright red and she swung her arm. "IDIOT!"
"W-Wait, Mari-"
A giant gust of wind swept through the surroundings.
Before Roland could react, he was suddenly flung into the sky. "Mari!?"
Tears welled up in Marisa's emerald eyes and she jabbed her finger at Roland, shouting. "Dummy! Idiot! Stupid! I hate you!"
===
In the corner of my eyes, I saw Roland get blasted into the air. I chuckled and took a step back from Evelyn. "It seems like you were followed, Eve."
Evelyn turned a bright red and covered her face. "Oh gods... Did they see...?"
I gently pulled her hands down and smiled. "It's fine." I kissed her cheek and said, "It's just Mari and Roland."
Evelyn turned an even brighter red at the kiss. But then she nodded and leaned against me, letting out a content sigh.
I rubbed her back and placed a kiss on her forehead, smiling.
At that time, Marisa walked out from a rose bush. She brushed herself off and then let out a warm smile. "Congratulations you two."
I smiled. "Thanks, Mari."
At Mari's words, Evelyn quickly darted behind me, pressing her face against my back.
I chuckled and said, "Don't mind Eve. It seems like she's still a bit embarrassed."
Evelyn huffed and gently punched my back. "How are you not, Alex...?"
I chuckled and then glanced up in the sky.
Roland had finally reached the peak of his ascent, framed by the sun.
I hummed and said, "As funny as it is to see Roland in the sky... I think you should grab him, Mari. Even if he can heal pretty well, landing from that high up might do some real damage..."
"Hm?" Marisa blinked and followed my gaze. Then she paled and quickly started flying through the air. "Oh gods! Roland! I'm sorry!" A rush of wind exploded, sending rose petals scattering as Marisa raced after Roland's falling form.
I chuckled. "Those two are hilarious together."
It was a bit... No, a lot different from how they interacted in 3D-ED.
Here, Roland was a bit more playful than the serious hero he should be, and Marisa was also more relaxed instead of the cold and aloof beauty.
Another author might have been discouraged or dismayed by how out of character they seemed, but I couldn't help but be happy for them. After all, they went through a lot in 3D-ED. Although not quite the same, I was glad they could have a fun epilogue of sorts here.
Evelyn giggled and slowly stepped out from behind me. She watched Marisa catch Roland and then leaned against my right side. "They are a bit silly together, are they not?"
"Mmhm." I wrapped Evelyn in a one-armed hug and said, "They'll be perfect once they finally admit their feelings to each other and get over the embarrassment."
Evelyn giggled again. But then she let out a content sigh and whispered, "Thank you, Alex."
I rubbed her arm and said, "What are you thanking me for?"
Evelyn looked up with her warm silver eyes and said, "For loving me."
I felt my breath catch at those words. My vision suddenly started blurring so I coughed and turned my head to avert my gaze.
Evelyn reached up and turned my face back, cupping my cheek with her hands. Then she gently brushed the tears away and said, "There is no need for tears, Love."
Staring into her loving silver eyes, I couldn't help but sigh and mutter, "Your love is intense, Eve."
And not in the all-consuming way. It was just... Evelyn's love was so pure and giving.
It was hard not to crumble a bit when faced with it. Especially knowing that... No. Let's not think about that for now.
Evelyn smiled and kissed my cheek. After that, she leaned her head against my shoulder and said, "Because I love you so, Alex. You see me... truly see me. Not just as the princess or as a classmate... but as myself. You care for me as 'me.'" She looked up again, her silver eyes glimmering with unshed tears. "And that is a gift greater than anything I could have ever wished for."
I couldn't respond. Even with
Evelyn giggled and then quickly pecked my lips before letting a content sigh. "I never do tire of your affection." She smiled and leaned back a bit before placing her hands over her heart. "It makes me feel so warm."
I smiled back at her and said, "I'm glad it does, Eve."
Evelyn met my gaze, her eyes warm. But then she paused, averting her gaze as if hesitating about something.
I frowned. "What is it, Eve?"
Evelyn waited a bit longer, as if mulling over something. Then she nodded and looked up. "Can I ask you something, my love?"
I felt my ears heat up at the pet name. But I nodded and said, "Of course, Eve. Anything."
"Then..." Evelyn looked into my eyes and said, "What has gotten you so desperate recently? This past week alone, I have barely seen you. And while I appreciate..." She blushes and says, "I appreciate the affection you have shown me in the brief times we met. It is... almost like you are running away from something. Something terrible." She looks into my eyes, concerned and with loving warmth. "Will you tell me?"
I froze. Dammit... Of course Eve would notice...