The morning mist clung to the cobblestone courtyard of Veyl Academy's departure grounds. Carriages waited by the gates, laden with provisions, banners of the academy fluttering faintly in the breeze.
Kaen's sharp eyes caught sight of familiar black hair among the gathering crowd. He raised a hand instantly, his fiery grin breaking through the mist.
"Khael!!!! You're here!"
He ran up without hesitation, his voice echoing like a spark of joy across the otherwise quiet field.
Khael blinked, pausing mid-step. His heart gave a strange pull at seeing Kaen's unguarded happiness.
(You're… happy to see me? This guy… I know what's coming, yet still… he smiles like that. Makes me remember those tragedy in the manga.)
Khael straightened, his tone calm but carrying weight.
"Kaen."
The single word carried both greeting and restraint.
