The morning sun spilled golden light over the floating cliffs of the Verdant Ridges, casting long shadows over the winding bridges and ethereal plants. The others had split off in pairs or small groups to explore the nearby markets and spirit trails, laughing and enjoying the peaceful break from battle and training.
Hana glanced at Kael while they walked toward the open-view platform near the edge of the ridge. "Hey, um…" she said softly, brushing her hair behind her ear. "Since everyone's out… would you maybe want to… go on a little walk with me? Just us."
Kael tilted his head. "Like training?"
She quickly shook her head. "No—uh, not training. Like… a walk. A date. I mean—not a real date! Just… a friend date."
Kael smiled. "A friend date. Got it."
Hana's face turned a shade pinker than her crimson hair ribbon. "Y-Yeah."
They spent the next couple of hours strolling through the hanging gardens, sharing small snacks from the floating vendors, and watching glimmerflies dance above the cliffside lake. Kael listened as Hana told him stories about her childhood with Eri, and Hana laughed as Kael tried (and failed) to catch a spirit koi in a shimmer pond game.
At one point, they sat near a glowing willow tree, Hana leaning a little closer than usual. Kael didn't move away.
By the time the twin moons began to rise, they walked back together—quiet, but peaceful. Hana walked a step ahead toward the inn, her heart still fluttering from the day.
Kael paused just before stepping inside. He heard two familiar voices behind one of the open hallway windows.
"Come on, Eri," Tetsu was saying. "You've noticed it too. Hana's totally into Kael."
"Of course I have," Eri giggled. "She's been like that for weeks. She blushed every time she looked at him today."
Kael froze. His eyes widened slightly, a soft red coloring his cheeks.
"I'm just waiting for her to say it," Eri added with a playful tone. "But knowing Kael, she'll probably have to spell it out."
Kael blinked. Hana… likes me?
Still trying to process it, he quietly stepped away and entered his room. Hana had already changed and was curled up on her bed, her back to him, pretending to be asleep—but her ears were red.
Kael lay down slowly, staring up at the wooden ceiling, replaying the words.
He didn't say anything.
But he smiled.