In Passing
Marion was on his way back to the dormitory. Evening hung heavy over the academy towers, and all he wanted was some peace and quiet. But when he turned the corner, he stopped short.
Right there in the corridor, half pressed against the wall, Rico and Xin were stuck to each other. This wasn't harmless hand-holding anymore—Rico's kisses were greedy, impatient, and his hands were already roaming far up under her skirt.
Marion swallowed, his face burning hot. "Hey, get a room!" he blurted out—louder than he meant to.
Xin pulled away from Rico for a second and looked Marion straight in the eye. Her blue eyes sparkled with curiosity, and she said with complete seriousness, "That sounds like a good idea."
Marion's jaw dropped. "What?"
Rico snorted and laughed so loudly it echoed down the hall. "Hahaha! Unfortunately there aren't any mixed dorms here. So no room for us."
Xin nodded thoughtfully, tilting her head. "Then we'll have to rent a room in the city." She turned back to Marion as if he'd just provided the brilliant idea of the day, and smiled. "Marion, you have the best ideas."
Marion felt the blood rush to his head. "I— that— that's not what I meant at all!"
Rico threw his head back laughing and smacked Xin playfully on the hip. "Hear that, babe? Even Marion's giving us tips for our love life."
Xin furrowed her brow as if considering something important. "But… do we need a bed for that? Or can you do it without?"
"Oh my God!" Marion covered his face with his hand as if he wanted to sink into the floor. "Please. Don't keep talking. I do not want to know."
Rico grinned wider than usual. "Aw, come on, man. You should be happy you inspire us."
Marion pressed his lips together, turned around, and stomped off, his ears burning bright red. Behind him he could still hear Rico's laughter—and Xin saying earnestly, "A room in the city really is a good idea."
The Friends' Laughter
That same evening Marion sat with Tobia and Manuel in the cafeteria. He'd meant to eat quickly and disappear into bed, but after the first bite he noticed Tobia giving him a sideways look.
"Brother," Tobia began, his voice brimming with anticipation, "we heard you had another experience today."
Marion felt the blood rush straight to his face. "What do you mean?"
"Oh, come on!" Manuel slapped the table so hard the cups rattled. "You walked past Rico and Xin. While they were making out."
"That… was pure coincidence," Marion protested, staring at his plate.
"Coincidence!" Tobia burst out laughing. "And then that line—'Get a room!' Hahahaha!"
Manuel rolled his eyes theatrically. "Dude, you're a born romantic. Should've tossed them the key while you were at it."
Marion grimaced. "Stop it. That was embarrassing enough."
But they didn't let up.
"And you know what the best part is?" Tobia could barely speak through his laughter. "Xin took it seriously! She actually wants to rent a room in the city now!"
"Marion, you're her dating coach!" Manuel practically folded over the table laughing. "The master of love advice! Next she'll ask you what color the curtains should be!"
Some students at the neighboring tables glanced over, curious about the racket. Marion wanted the floor to swallow him.
"I didn't mean it like that," he muttered, hands buried in his hair. "It was just something I said…"
"Sure, sure," Tobia grinned. "And now they think you're their best man."
"Best man!" Manuel slammed the table again, making the bread jump. "Hahaha!"
Marion just shook his head. Why do I always end up being the idiot…
They kept giggling for minutes while he stared silently at his plate.
But deep in his chest, the uneasy feeling remained: Xin had meant it. And he couldn't stop wondering where this was going to lead.
Xin's Question
The evening was quiet, the dormitory almost empty. Marion sat on his bed, staring into nothing. Tobia and Manuel's voices still echoed in his head—their booming laughter about his "room idea." He wanted to forget it. He just wanted to sleep.
Then something moved in the shadows.
"Marion?"
He jerked upright. Xin stood in the doorway, half lit by moonlight. Her blue hair shimmered, and her eyes looked unusually serious.
"What are you doing here?" he asked, his voice sharper than he meant.
Xin stepped closer slowly and sat down at the foot of his bed as if it were the most natural thing in the world. Her fingers nervously played with a strand of hair. "I wanted to ask you something."
Marion sighed, rubbing his forehead. "What?"
She lifted her head and looked him straight in the eyes. "Is it really your wish that Rico and I rent a room in the city?"
Marion blinked. "What?"
"You said it," Xin continued, her voice quiet, almost unsure. "'Get a room.' If that is your wish, then… then I want to do it."
For a moment Marion didn't know whether to laugh or scream. "That was a saying! A dumb comment, understand? I didn't mean it seriously."
Xin kept looking at him, still serious. "But if it is your wish, then I will do it. No matter what."
Something inside Marion flinched. That total seriousness—that unshakable no matter what—scared him. At the same time it made him raise his voice, harsher than intended.
"Of course it's my wish!" he snapped. "Do whatever you want! If you want a room in the city—fine! I don't care!"
Xin blinked. For a split second she looked hurt—then a smile spread across her face. "Good. Then I will do it."
She stood up so suddenly he barely had time to react. "Thank you, Marion."
And before he could answer, she turned and vanished quietly into the corridor, soundless—as if she had never been there.
Marion sank back and buried his face in his hands. "Why… why is she like this?" he muttered.
He didn't know his harsh words were a command to her.
He didn't know she was bound to him by name magic—and that every sentence from his mouth sounded like an instruction to her.
All he felt was a knot of frustration and fear tightening in his chest.