The morning sunlight filtered through the curtains when Louise slowly opened her eyes. Every muscle in her body ached faintly, the memories of last night's storm of emotions still shimmering at the edge of her thoughts.
"Good morning, Louise," Sora said softly from beside her, propped up on one arm. His gaze was warm and mischievous. "Still sleepy?"
At the sound of his voice, Louise froze. It took a moment for her thoughts to catch up—and then her entire face turned crimson.
Oh no... what have I done? I actually... I actually—!
A flood of embarrassment rushed through her. This is all his fault! That shameless, ridiculous man!
Louise threw herself at Sora in a fit of flustered outrage, her small fists pattering harmlessly against his chest. "It's your fault! All of it! What am I supposed to do now? Everyone will laugh at me!"
Sora only laughed and caught her gently, pulling her into his arms. "Louise, you're adorable when you're angry. But even more so when you're shy."
"You—stop saying embarrassing things!"
He looked down at her, eyes softened with affection. "Then let's get ready for breakfast."
Louise winced slightly as she tried to sit up, still sore from the night before. Noticing, Sora reached for her uniform. "Don't strain yourself. I'll help."
Before she could protest, he moved with quiet care—tidying the rumpled sheets, helping her dress properly, and straightening her collar with surprising gentleness.
Flustered beyond words, Louise could only mutter, "I can do it myself…" though she didn't stop him.
"It still hurts a bit?" he asked. When she nodded faintly, he smiled. "Then I'll carry you."
Without waiting for permission, Sora lifted her easily into his arms.
As they made their way down the hall, students who passed by stared—some curious, some envious. Louise buried her burning face in his chest and clung to his sleeve, wishing she could disappear.
At breakfast, Sora sat down and settled her carefully on his lap. The headmaster frowned at the unorthodox display but said nothing.
Across the table, Chuluk raised an eyebrow. "Since when did Louise become so obedient?"
Louise's cheeks flamed again. She said nothing and focused on her food. Sora, all smiles, occasionally wiped the corner of her mouth or offered her a drink like an attentive waiter.
"This is unbelievable," Chuluk muttered, half‑amused, half‑teasing. "Sora, feed me some fruit too."
Sora glanced sidelong at Louise, whose only response was a quick glare before she looked away. With that, he speared a piece of fruit and held it out to Chuluk. "Here."
Under the surprised stares of nearby students, Chuluk went red and accepted the bite.
"Louise," she said slyly, "you should eat more papaya. It's good for, you know—growth."
Louise blinked. "Really?"
Before Chuluk could stop her, she dutifully picked up a slice and ate it.
Chuluk was left speechless. She's not mad? Not even jealous? She just... believed me? Somehow, that felt like losing. There was no fun in teasing someone who didn't fight back.
Sora watched the exchange with obvious amusement. Perfect. Peace and balance among the girls—long live harem harmony.
From her corner of the table, Tabasa looked up from her book, gaze quiet and knowing.
"Tabasa," Sora said playfully, handing her a forkful of papaya, "you should have some too. It's supposed to be good for you."
Tabasa froze for a heartbeat, then closed her book with a resigned sigh. She accepted the fruit without a word, cheeks faintly pink, then returned to her reading as if nothing had happened.
The hall buzzed lightly with quiet laughter and chatter. For once, everything felt calm—peaceful, almost domestic.
That morning passed like any other at the academy, filled with small glances, teasing words, and an air of warmth that none of them would soon forget.