This could end either ways.
When it was lunchtime, Diana made her way to Akko Kagari's table, trying her best not to seem awkward and out-of-place(although she definitely felt that way). All she had to do was stick to the plan: flirt with the brunette in a manner that is both subtle and charming.
"I hope Jenson was right," Diana said to herself. She approached Akko in a casual manner. When the chirpy witch noticed her, she grinned widely.
"Hey, Diana!" Akko said. "What's up?"
Diana had to pause for a second, to take in how amazing the school hero looked. Her red eyes shone like rubies, her auburn hair was fluttering in the wind in such a perfect manner, and her smile was almost blinding.
It was like our protagonist had come across an extremely hyper but attractive goddess.
"Nothing," replied Diana nonchalantly- or, at least, she tried to. "And you?"
"Prof. Ursula wanted to talk to me about my, uh, 'less than satisfactory grades'," Akko said sheepishly. "I've improved a little in broom flying, thanks to you, but I totally suck at everything else. I mean, have you seen me trying to create a potion that doesn't turn me into some weird mushroom/witch hybrid? Sure, Sucy loved it but I mean, that's just her. And don't even get me started on Numerology. I can't memorize any of those stupid formulas! But anyways, the Professor said she'll find someone to tutor me."
Diana blinked rapidly as she tried to process all of this. "So, basically, you just need someone who has time to teach you everything?"
"Yep," Akko nodded affirmatively. "Except for Potions. Sucy's got that covered, obviously. And Lotte's teaching me Magic Astrology."
"I see," Diana nodded. "I'm usually very busy, but if you want, I could make space for you. I'm sure I can arrange something."
"Really?!" Akko's eyes widened. "Gosh, that is so nice of you Diana! And I have to admit, a bit out of character."
"It's nothing, really," Diana shrugged. "Spending time with you is enjoyable."
"Did you just call our sessions enjoyable?" Akko grinned. "Are you finally accepting the fact that we're good friends and not just acquaintances?"
"Wh-What's that?" Diana looked in another direction, desperate to leave. "Oh, look, Hannah and Barbera require my assistance. I'm afraid I must go now, Akko. Farewell for now."
And so the blonde walked away at top speed, leaving a very happy and amused Akko.
"That was hilarious!" Ursula laughed uncontrollably.
Diana and the Astrology professor were both sitting in her office and drinking tea. Or they tried to. After Diana told her teacher what had happened, the poor older witch's tea had come out of her nose.
"I don't appreciate you guffawing in such a manner," Diana calmly took a sip of her tea. She couldn't deny that her cheeks felt slightly warm. "I simply told her that I might not hate our sessions as much as she thought."
"Yeah, but the fact that you ran away as quick as you could," Ursula replied. "Now that deserves to be guffawed at. That was nowhere near actual flirting, Diana. What you said could've been platonic as well."
"Who said anything about me intending to make a romantic remark towards Akko?" Diana raised an eyebrow. "I'm simply taking Jenson's advice because I feel that it would enable us to become excellent friends. I don't have those sort of feelings for her or for anyone else. And even if I did, I believe that there is no point in taking such an idiotic risk."
"Sure, sure," Ursula giggled. "A-Anyways, I called you here because I've found someone who can help you with your training. But she wants to see if you're worth teaching, first."
"What could that mean?" Diana asked. "Would she like me to go on some sort of errand for her? Because if she in fact does, you should understand that I dislike people who cannot complete their own tasks."
"N-No," Ursula shook her head. "Did you bring your Astrology textbook with you?"
Diana stared at her for a moment, then realized what the professor meant. They had agreed to address the Dragon Oath book as the Astrology textbook at an earlier date, in order to keep even the name of it a secret.
"Of course," Diana said as she got out the red and gold book. She then gave it to Ursula, who began to flip through the pages.
"Um, let me just find that one spell..." the teacher said to herself. "...Oh! Here it is! Take a look, Diana."
The blonde peered at the page Ursula had stopped at. A spell that went by the name of Humber Tatiana was being described in heavy detail.
"Your job is to learn and preform this spell," said the bespectacled witch uneasilly. "A-Although I'm not quite sure why she'd want to give you such an advanced spell to learn, I'm sure you'll get the hang of it. After all, half-breeds and dragons are excellent learners. Now, I've already spoken with Principal Holbrooke, and she agreed to let you use the new field for practice. It's well hidden, so the other students won't be able to see anything. I'd advise you to try practicing at night, after your night patrol, but if you feel too tired or anything..."
"No, it is an agreeable arrangement," Diana answered her. "I am unable to sleep as of late. Training at such a time will get my mind off of things."
"Alright, then," Ursula smiled. "I'll give you a permission slip for the rest of the week. Now go lunch. And take care."
"Thank you," Diana nodded as she picked up the Dragon Oath and left.
As usual, Diana entered the cafeteria with grace and dignity.
Akko couldn't help but feel her gaze linger towards the other witch, as she sat at her table eating with her two friends. They spoke constantly and vehemently, but all Diana would ever do was nod with her eyes closed as she took another sip of her tea.
To be honest, Akko wasn't sure how to react when she'd first seen Diana with her new haircut. She thought people such as Amanda would be the only ones to style their hair in such a unique manner.
But Diana's haircut was quite different from Amanda's. It was unruly, sure, but it had still maintained its fluffiness. And short hair made the blonde look rather... charming.
She acted charming, too. Like when she saved Akko from falling down the stairs. And when she consoled her during their not-really-first broom flying session together. Diana was beginning to act a lot like a prince, Akko thought to herself. She let out an audible sigh of happiness, which, unfortunately, caught the attention of Amanda.
"Oi, Akko," she nudged her. "Your cheeks are kinda pink."
Akko blushed even harder. "I-It's nothing! Nothing at all!"
"You're a terrible liar," Sucy stated. "Let me guess. You're crushing on someone."
"NO I'M NOT!" Akko yelled at her. "I-I was just thinking."
"That can't be good," replied Sucy.
"There's no need to be like that, Sucy," Lott giggled. "But, Akko, if you ever do crush on anyone-"
"WHICH I DON'T!"
"-then please don't hesitate to tell us."
"Yeah, I'd love to know exactly who the guy is," Amanda chuckled. "Although if you two ever did get together, I'd feel bad for him having to put up with your stubbornness."
Jasminka offered Akko a snack before she retorted back at the redhead. "W-Well, anyone who'd date you would have to put up with your dirty mouth!"
"I don't need a man," Amanda smirked. "They're all ugly idiots. Except for Ryan Reynolds. His acting in Deadpool was awesome. And he's pretty hot, not gonna lie."
"It was a nice movie," Akko agreed absently. "He- HEY! You're trying to change the topic!"
"I thought you wanted the topic changed," Lottery said.
"Or maybe you'd rather go back to us guessing your mystery crush?" Sucy taunted her. "Maybe it's Andrew."
"Pardon me," another voice joined into the conversation. It was Diana, much to everyone's surprise. "I believe that me and Akko have some business to attend to."
"D-Diana!" Warmth crept up to Akko's cheeks. "Uh, w-what's up?"
"Have you already forgotten?" the blonde raised an eyebrow, hands on her hips. "I agreed to help teach you Numerology."
"O-Oh, yeah!" Akko grinned. "Let's go! I'm done eating, anyway. B-Bye, everyone!"
As the two witches walked away together, the other six sitting at the table were quiet.
"...Uh, guys?" Amanda broke the silence. "Did I miss the time when Diana and Akko became chummy, or what?"
"About that crush we suspect Akko has..." Sucy scratched her chin. "She has been staring at Diana since that haircut."
"And she does talk about her more than usual now..." Lottery agreed. Constanze simply nodded.
"... Sooooo... she's about as straight as Cavendish's hair, then...?"
"Ugh," Akko slammed her head on the table. "I HATE NUMBERS!"
"Mm-hmm," Diana nodded. "I noticed."
The two were sitting in the library, a decision Diana immediately regretted once she realized how uncontrollably loud Akko could be. She lost count of how many times the librain told Akko to be quiet.
"You're thinking too hard about it," she explained as she reached for the eraser in Akko's hand. "Perhaps we should start over."
Their fingers brushed slightly, but to them it was like an electric current had run through the rest of them. Akko's cheeks turned red, and Diana looked away, embarrassed.
"Er," she set down her quill. "Would you like to take a break?"
"Oh god yes," Akko hurriedly agreed. "I can't believe they're making us study when Halloween is almost here."
"Halloween...?" Diana tilted her head in confusion, which Akko honestly found adorable. "You mean that day when people wear costumes and knock on complete strangers' doors to get candy?"
"Yep," the brunette smiled. "I don't suppose you've gone trick-or-treating, before?"
"No," replied Diana. "What have you decided to dress up as? You could always go as a witch, since you already have the costume."
"Nah, too boring," Akko yawned. "I've gone as Shiny Chariot every year, but I want to do something different this time. Ooh, I know! I'll be a classic black cat! What do you think?"
"A cat..." Diana repeated slowly, picturing her fellow classmate when ears and a tail. "No doubt you'd steal a few hearts."
"T-Thanks," said Akko, slightly taken aback by the compliment. "Maybe you could come with me? You could be a vampire! Or a werewolf!"
"I'll give it some thought," the blonde said. She didn't really have any interest in this holiday, but if it meant spending the day with Akko, then maybe she'd consider taking part in it. "Would you like a snack? I brought a few tea biscuits with me."
"Sure!" Akko clapped her hands together. "Thinking makes me hungry."
They ate the thin cookies quietly. Well, Diana ate them quietly. Akko continued to chat as she stuffed her mouth.
"Whensh yer birdday?" Akko asked. When Diana gave her a puzzled look, she swallowed her biscuit and repeated the question. "I said, 'when's your birthday?'"
"March 16," Diana replied. "And you?"
"I was born on June 23, dammit. You're a month older than me."
"Good. I was worried that the opposite would be true. You act lIke a child."
"Dianaaa" Akko pouted. "I'm not that childish."
The look she gave the blonde certainly made her seem like a six year old. Diana started to giggle, until eventually, she was laughing so hard that she might very busted her gut. Akko watched her, amazed at how musical her laughter was, and how beautiful she looked when she smiled. They found themselves grinning at each other absently.
"Ah!" Diana blinked. "Class is starting. We should leave."
Before she could get up, she felt Akko grab hold of her upper arm. She turned to look at the school hero.
"I-I just wanna say..." she stuttered. "That this... this was fun! A-And maybe we should hang out more often. And... I'm free this Saturday, if you'd like to go to town with me. I never really got to check out the shops and stuff..."
"Oh, uh," Diana felt her face heat up. "Well, the best time to go would be at 10 a.m., so I'll come round to your room and pick you up at that time."
"That's perfect!" Akko squealed. "It's a date... uh, no, wait, I mean, not a date, obviously."
"Obviously," Diana agreed. They both packed their bags and went to class.
Magic History is hard to focus on, especially when a cute brunette keeps sending you smiles and waves from across the room.
Diana tried as hard as she could to ignore Akko, but she found it harder and harder to contain her own smile. Hannah and Barbera looked at their best friend curiously, following her line of gaze until they realized what she was looking at. They were still confused.
"Kagari," the professor called out. "You can flirt with Cavendish at the end of the day. Please pay attention for now."
Akko and Diana simultaneously turned red. A few students giggled quietly.
I never thought I'd wish for something like this, Diana thought to herself. But can someone please make this day end quickly?
Patrolling the school at night was one of the many duties Diana had taken up due to her inability to sleep. Luckily for her, nothing seemed to be amiss, so she was able to travel to the new field and get to work.
Setting the Dragon Oath down on the grass, she turned to the page with Humber Tatiana and began to read. The spell was a Class S type, which Diana assumed was very advanced. It was meant to attract millions of fireflies, and if successfully preformed, the fireflies would form any message you wanted in the sky.
A pointless trick, really. But if she wanted to impress her soon-to-be trainer, then she had no choice.
Grasping her wand firmly, she said the incantation. "Humber Tatiana!"
...
Nothing. Not even one firefly.
"Huh?" Diana said. "But I had the right stance... and I used the proper wand motions... not to mention my clear pronunciation. What went wrong, then...?"
She took a look at the spells description again.
'This spell can summon fireflies that will light up the night sky with any message you desire. However, when it is being preformed, the caster must think of a happy memory.'
"... Ah," Diana crossed her arms in dismay. "A happy memory. No wonder... I don't have many of those..."
Diana.
"What?" Her head snapped up in alarm.
Diana, what nonsense are you saying?
"W-Who's that?"
Nevermind that now. What do you mean, you don't have any happy memories? Don't you remember?
"Remember... what?"
Shiny Chariot, of course! Have you already forgotten that time when you traveled to Japan and witnessed Shiny Chariot's brilliant fireworks? Don't you remember how all those magnificent colours filled you with excitement?
"... Yes, I do," Diana smiled at the memory.
Let's try this again, then. Think about this memory and say the incantation! Ready? 3... 2... 1...
"Humber Tatiana!" Diana cried out, pointing her wand at the sky. Just then, specks of light began to accumulate at the tip. After a fee seconds, she had gathered an infinite amount of fireflies. She grinned gleefully and whispered:
"Please send my message to Professor Ursula."
Ursula was having a cup of tea with amother who preferred to stay in the shadows of the room. They were discussing what seemed to be an important matter when all of a sudden...
"Oh!" Ursula gasped. "Look! She did it!"
The other figure peered out the window, and then retreated to her corner. "Hmph. So she did. I had little doubt she would."
"Stop that," the professor giggled. "You don't have to act all mysterious."
"Ah, but I do," her visitor replied. "The readers enjoy a little mystery."
Although Ursula had no idea what that could mean, she continued to sip her tea and stare out the window, silently cheering for her blonde pupil..
Akko was the only one left awake, since Sucy fell asleep early and Lotte slept while reading her books. She decided to look out the window and gaze at the stars. But it turned out there was something else waiting for her.
What seemed to be words etched across the midnight sky read:
'Don't forget our plans for tomorrow.'
Akko smiled broadly. She didn't know how she knew, but she knew this was the work of a certain blonde witch.
"I won't," she said to herself before going to sleep.
