Unexpected Gestures

As the evening sun cast its warm hues over Academia Veritas, Frigia found herself eager to escape the chatter and mockery that often awaited her at the academy's entrance. The familiar sight of Rebecca and her entourage engaged in animated conversation was a spectacle she wished to avoid. "I just want to go and lie in my bed in peace," she thought, plotting a strategic retreat through the duel grounds.

Deciding to take the less-traveled back route, Frigia quickened her pace, determined to evade any encounters with the swordsmanship class that often gathered in that area. The shadows of the academy seemed to offer solace, shielding her from the relentless whispers that haunted her.

As Frigia navigated the quieter paths, she stumbled upon a captivating sight—a man sprawled on the ground, arms outstretched, gazing at the sky with an infectious smile. Drawing nearer, she recognized the features—it was Cayden. His radiant smile and the sparkle in his eyes painted a picture of contentment. Unintentionally, Frigia's thoughts veered into dangerous territory.

"He is actually very handsome. Probably the most handsome man in the empire... he even has a nice body. The sweat is kinda... What the hell, Frigia, stop it, stop it, stop it. What are you thinking now? Handsome? Good body? Girl, I know you've been single all your life, but that doesn't mean you think such things about a stranger," she scolded herself, delivering a gentle slap to snap out of her uncharacteristic musings.

Observing a tiny wound on Cayden's face, her concern for the potential scar surfaced. "Oh, looks like he's cut his face. It's a tiny wound, but it might leave a scar on his handsome face... Should I give him some medicine? But we don't even know each other or barely know each other. What if he thinks I'm a creep? And I don't want to talk to him, even if I want to help him..."

Caught in the whirlwind of conflicting thoughts, Frigia paced back and forth, biting her fingernails. Unbeknownst to her, Cayden observed her from a distance as he rose from his peaceful repose. "Frigia? Why is she here? Is she waiting for someone? What is she thinking about so much? I better stay away from her; she definitely seems to hate me," he contemplated, choosing to keep his distance.

Frigia, determined yet conflicted, ran toward the ground and strategically placed a small box of cream where Cayden could notice it. Not wanting to face him directly, she then sprinted towards the safety of the dorms.

Cayden, curious about the unexpected sight, turned and discovered the tiny box of cream. "A medicine to accelerate the process of healing? I don't remember seeing this..." he pondered, scanning the surroundings. In the distance, he caught sight of Frigia making a swift escape. A small, amused smile graced his lips.

"Damn, that was cute. Guess our little ice queen has an innocent side. Hahaha. Was this for me? She could have just come up and handed it over to me. I wonder what's going on in that little mind of hers. Guess she didn't hate me after all. I probably should thank her for this the next time we meet," he mused, watching her disappear into the shadows of the trees.

Frigia hurried to her room, leaping onto her bed and burying her face in the pillow, her cheeks tinged with a blush. "I did it! I did it! I hope he saw it... That way, I'd be able to repay him for saying those kind things about me." Unaware of the myriad ways she would come to appreciate Cayden in the future, Frigia was determined to clear any sense of indebtedness.

"Love has a way of weaving unexpected threads, turning moments into chapters of gratitude and connection."