The Black Bulls hideout was rowdy as usual, laughter and shouting bouncing off the walls like spells in a duel gone wrong. Tonight's chaos, however, had a reason—celebration. The team had successfully completed a large-scale beast-clearing mission, one that had drawn praise from even Julius Novachrono himself.
Naturally, that meant drinking.
And when it came to drinks and danger in the same breath, no one embraced it better than Vanessa Enoteca.
Kael sat near the edge of the common room, arms folded, sipping juice instead of ale. He wasn't avoiding the party—just observing. Watching Asta arm-wrestle Luck, watching Charmy scream about someone eating her backup snacks, and watching Vanessa, dancing barefoot on a table, mug in hand, swaying with reckless elegance.
Her pink hair sparkled in the lantern light, eyes hazy with joy, laughter like bells in the storm.
Kael had seen many powerful people.
But there was something more dangerous—and beautiful—about Vanessa in her element.
---
A Drunken Declaration
"Kael!" she called out mid-spin, nearly kicking Magna in the face. "Why aren't you dancing, pretty boy?"
He raised an eyebrow. "I didn't realize I'd signed up for a ballet recital."
Vanessa grinned and leapt off the table, landing with surprising grace for someone who had just downed her third mug.
She stumbled toward him, grabbing his wrist.
"Tonight, you live! No brooding in corners. No mysterious eye glinting under moonlight." She leaned in. "And definitely no skipping drinks."
"I don't drink," Kael said simply.
"You do now." She shoved a smaller mug into his hand. "Don't worry—it's enchanted. Can't get drunk unless you want to."
Kael stared at it, then gave a resigned smile. "Fine. One sip. For the squad."
He took a drink. It was warm, sweet, and surprisingly comforting. Like fire wrapped in silk.
"See? Not everything that burns is bad," she said with a wink.
He coughed lightly. "Strong words for someone who fell off a rooftop last week."
"That was style," Vanessa declared. "You wouldn't understand."
---
Cloaks and Conversations
Later that night, after the others had either passed out or wandered off, Vanessa and Kael sat outside under the stars, sharing quiet.
She offered him her cloak when she saw him shiver slightly, even though he didn't need it.
"Most people forget I'm not always the party girl," she murmured, half-laying on the bench.
Kael glanced over. "You mean the unpredictable, powerful witch who can bend fate?"
She snorted. "That too. But underneath it... I get lonely."
Her voice was quieter now, stripped of charm. Honest.
Kael looked at her more closely. Her mascara was slightly smudged, her eyes distant.
"I've watched everyone grow around me. Some stronger, some falling in love... others breaking and getting up again. But I've always felt like I'm dancing to keep from breaking."
Kael didn't speak for a moment. Then, slowly, he held out his hand.
She looked at it.
"What's this?" she asked.
"A silent promise," he said softly. "If you ever fall, I'll catch you."
Her eyes widened slightly. Not from the words—but the certainty behind them.
> [System Alert: Emotional Bond Triggered – Vanessa Enoteca: Affection Level 2/5]
[Trait Gained: Thread of Trust – When fighting within 10 meters of Vanessa, coordination improves, and Kael can predict her movements for seamless combination attacks.]
Vanessa reached out and took his hand.
"You're different, Kael," she said after a long pause. "Not just strong. But... kind."
He gave her a faint smile. "I learned long ago that power without kindness makes monsters."
She scooted closer, leaning against his shoulder. "That... sounds like someone who's lost a lot."
"I have," he admitted. "But I don't plan to lose anything else."
---
Threads That Linger
Vanessa didn't say anything more. She just closed her eyes, shoulder still pressed to his, her breathing slow and even.
As the stars passed overhead, Kael stayed still.
His mind flickered with old memories—his previous life, the system, the danger of growing too attached.
But his heart beat steadily.
There were connections he was beginning to forge—real ones. Not born of manipulation or magic, but through the simple act of being there.
> [System Checkpoint Reached – "Shared Silence"]
[Perk Path Expanded – Bond Arc: Vanessa Enoteca Available]
---
The Morning After
The next morning, the hideout was... less lively.
Asta was unconscious with a fork in his hand. Magna had a pineapple duct-taped to his face. Charmy was snoring in the fridge.
Vanessa, miraculously, looked flawless.
She winked at Kael as he entered the common room.
"You made it through your first Bulls party," she teased.
"Barely."
"Next time, you're dancing."
Kael smirked. "Only if you're not using me as a pillow afterward."
Vanessa grinned wider, her cheeks faintly pink. "Deal."
> [System Log Updated: "Vanessa's Cheers" – Chapter Complete]