"Can I sit?"
Elion's brain short-circuited.
"Uh—"His mouth opened. Noise came out. Words did not.
"S-sure," he finally managed, forcing calm into his voice even as panic thundered through his chest.
He turned to Aria.
She was frozen stiff, eyes wide, mouth slightly open.
For a moment, Elion genuinely feared the two girls might start fighting right there in the middle of mana theory.
But Aria breathed out slowly, forced her expression neutral, and scooted over.
Just enough.
"Thank you..."
Mira slipped into the seat beside Elion and even shifted closer, shoulders nearly touching. The faint scent of her perfume brushed against him, warm and sweet.
The entire class witnessed it.
No way. No way. NO WAY.
Everyone's thoughts aligned.
Romance scandals were not rare in their year.
But this?
The first year's academy halls would explode the second class ended.
Professor George cleared his throat loudly.
Ahem.
Everyone jolted, snapping their eyes back forward.
"Moving on..."
