Zeref was the first to break the silence when we hit the town square. The sunset burned gold across the plaza, perfect mood for awkward exits.
"I'll head back first," he said, his voice too casual, too quick. "Guild business. Reports. You know… leadership things."
Yeah. Sure. Leadership things. Translation: avoidance.
"Bye, Zeref," I waved, forcing cheer.
He nodded once and walked off, cloak snapping behind him like he owned the damn wind. The air felt heavier once he was gone.
Kael stayed, standing beside me like he wasn't sure where to put his hands. I turned to him, brow arched.
"You sure it's fine for you to hang out with me all the time? You've got your own guild to run."
That hit him square in the chest. His ears went pink. "Uh. About that…"
Oh no. He was stammering. Kael never stammers.
"I… kind of gave up the lead position," he admitted, scratching the back of his neck. "I'm vice now."
My brain froze. "You...what?"
