As they stepped away from the main corridor and navigated the quieter, shaded stone pathways leading toward the academy SLOPS YARD, the overwhelming weight of student stares finally began to disappear.
Yet, Elara didn't loosen her grip on Rex's arm for even a fraction of a second; she walked practically glued to his side, her head resting comfortably against his shoulder while her fingers remained tightly laced around his sleeve.
Rex glanced down at her, a faint, thoughtful frown crossing his face as he broke the quiet rhythm of their steps.
"You're an S-Class second-year, right?" he asked casually, his dark eyes studying her profile. "So... how the hell did someone like you even manage to climb up to S-Class in the first place?"
Elara blinked, a soft, self-deprecating chuckle slipping past her lips as she adjusted her grip on his arm.
