Scene: The next morning — Ironvale Academy courtyard
The clouds were still heavy from last night's rain. Puddles lingered between the cobblestones, and early morning wind brushed past trimmed hedges and still-damp benches.
Aeris sat alone beneath the covered walkway, her arms folded, back slouched slightly. She hadn't spoken since arriving. Her school jacket was unzipped, collar drooping, and she hadn't even brushed her hair properly.
The bruise on her cheek—covered lazily with a thin skin patch—was the only visible trace of last night's clash.
But something deeper was off.
Not just pain.
It was the kind of silence that came from replaying memories over and over, trying to understand where she cracked… and where she almost lost herself.
Then—
"Good morning~!"
A bright, almost theatrical voice echoed from behind her.
Aeris didn't even flinch.
Rin jogged up to her with a grin wide enough to split the clouds in half. She was holding a thermos in one hand and a packet of sweet buns in the other.
"Guess who brought tea and sugar bombs?"
Aeris turned just slightly. Her voice was flat.
Aeris:
"…You."
Rin:
"Bingo! Hey, you sound like a zombie. Did Gallagher prank you again?"
Aeris looked away.
Rin paused for a moment. Her cheer faltered—just for a beat.
Then she sat beside her without asking, setting the snacks between them.
The silence settled. Soft. Not heavy.
Rin uncapped the thermos and poured a bit into the lid, gently offering it.
Aeris stared at the tea.
Rin (quietly):
"You're not okay, huh?"
Aeris didn't answer.
But Rin didn't leave.
Instead, she nudged her gently with her shoulder.
Rin:
"Well, you don't have to be. You just have to cheer up."
Aeris blinked slowly.
"And drink this. Or I'll get Gallagher to try feeding it to you with a straw while dancing."
A smile flickered—just barely—at the edge of Aeris's lips.
She took the lid.
Aeris (softly):
"You're annoying as ever Rin."
Rin (smirking):
"And you're such a dramatic girl. We match."
They sat together for a while—quietly, peacefully.
Then Rin's eyes lit up as she snapped her fingers.
Rin:
"Oh right! I do have real news."
Aeris:
"I'm already regretting this."
Rin:
"The second round of the inter-club exhibition match is next week. And guess who's fighting who?"
Aeris blinked. Slowly.
Rin (grinning):
"STAR versus Orbital Crown."
Aeris sat up straighter, her fingers tightening on the lid.
Aeris:
"…Viora."
Rin:
"Yup. I know she's a monster, but we're not backing down."
Aeris's eyes were distant, locked on some invisible point across the courtyard.
Aeris (whispering):
"Then I'll crush her."
Rin (gently):
"Then let's win this second round. Not because you have to prove something… but because we're doing this together."
Aeris glanced at her.
Rin (grinning a bit):
"You know. For the team. For me. For those sweet buns and tea I bought."
Aeris blinked once.
Aeris (soft, amused):
"…You're terrible at serious speeches."
Rin:
"I try."