Last Night

"That was fun, right?"

"Mhm~ really fun~"

Alice's voice was light and cheerful as she clung onto my hand, her warmth lingering against my palm.

We walked leisurely through the commercial district, the golden glow of lanterns and streetlights painting the bustling night scene around us.

Despite the academy being quieter than usual due to the lack of students, the city itself remained lively—vendors calling out their final sales, couples strolling, and groups of adventurers sharing laughter over drinks at the nearby taverns.

By now, it was well past our dorm curfew, but honestly? Neither of us cared.

We weren't just walking. We were enjoying the moment.

Alice's fingers tightened around mine for a brief second before she spoke.

"I was really nervous, you know, Junior~" she pouted, swaying our joined hands slightly. "Suddenly inviting me like that… and even announcing that you'd introduce me to the others…"