There was no noise from downstairs.

Had she woken up too early? Noelle looked through her bedroom window to be sure, but apparently she was on time, Yami said they would leave right after sunrise, he just hadn't specified how long after it would be exactly.

She put her clothes quickly and went downstairs. Everything was so quiet she could even hear the birds singing outside, mornings were never like this in the Black Bulls' hideout, must be because she was never the first to get out of bed. By the time she's awake, Luck, Magna and Asta were already being as loud as they could.

But today, the only one she found in the dining room was Asta, who was already eating his pod potatoes like crazy. When he sees her, he swallows it all quickly and almost chokes.

— Good morning, Asta.

— G-good morning, N-noelle — he said, regaining his voice.

— Is everything ok?

— Yeah, I was just eating a little too fast.

Noelle sits in the chair in front of Asta. Being close to him was much harder than before, much more than she'd thought it would be after she'd confessed to him, she felt like her heart was going to burst out of her mouth.

Since that day, the two of them weren't close at all, they never did anything just the two of them again, it'd be too embarrassing, she wouldn't be able to focus on anything else, just Asta and the fact that now he knows about her feelings for him.

— Where are the others? — she asked.

— They must still be sleeping, I've been awake since 5 am.

— 5 am? That's too early!

— It's just that I couldn't wait any longer, this is going to be my first time on the beach ever!

— And why haven't you woken everyone up yet?

—That's because I had to finish eating first, these are the last pod potatoes we had and if Charmy, Luck or Magna woke up, they would try to steal it from me.

— Yeah, obviously that was it.

There was nothing to answer after that, or rather, Noelle didn't know what else to say. The two were already silent for a few minutes, a deafening silence, it seemed that they had been there for hours.

— Are you two the only ones awake? - Finral showed up, to save the day, breaking the strange mood.

— Apparently, yes. — she replied. — we were told to wake up early, but even Yami isn't up yet.

— Then why didn't you wake him up?

—Me? I'm royalty, remember? Besides, he's very aggressive in the morning.

— You go then, Asta, he's not so bad when you wake him up.

— Why me again? — Asta spoke up, but soon dropped his voice. — Oh, okay then, there's no use on trying to change your mind anyway.

Noelle found that very weird, he never agreed so easily to wake up Yami. Did he do it just so he wouldn't be alone with her again?

He had been acting like this towards her for a few days now. At first it was as he said it would be, he didn't avoid her, but as the days went by, he looked for her less and less, and it was always weird when they were together.

Was it really that bad? Had she made everything worse and now he couldn't bear to be alone with her for even a second? She felt a bitter taste in her mouth, wondering if he hated her now.

No, there must have been some other reason. He probably thinks he's doing her a favor by staying away, maybe he thinks it would save her from more embarrassment.

But didn't he realize he was making it even worse?

After Asta left to wake up Yami, Charmy was the next to wake up, after her it was Luck and Magna, and after him, Gauche. Soon, all the Black Bulls were out of bed. Charmy made a quick breakfast for everyone and before she knew it, Noelle was already taking a lift on Vanessa's broom and everyone had taken off.

Yami hadn't said what their mission would be exactly, all she knew was that it involved a sea temple, so she felt her magic would be important now, and that made her a little nervous.

They arrived at the beach around 11 am, the mission would be on the next day, so they'd have all day to enjoy the beach, and when night came, they'd all sleep in a hotel nearby.

Noelle was wearing one of Vanessa's bikinis under her clothes since all her bikinis had been left at Silva's castle. She tried to choose the least flashy bikini possible, but she still felt it embarrassing. She didn't want to show up like that in front of everyone, but at the same time she was still curious to know what Asta would think.

I have to stop thinking about it. She said to herself. No matter what he thinks, he just liked her as a friend anyway.

After some minutes of silence, Noelle hears someone scream

— Someone help me!

Noelle turned to where the voice seemed to have come from and saw the tip of a gray head in the midst of the waves. It was Asta, he was drowning!

— ASTA!!

— What is it, Noelle? — Vanessa asked beside her.

— He's drowning!

She quickly removed the robe that covered her bikini and dropped it on the floor, ready to go and save him, but before she could, someone else was already ahead of her, a boy she'd never seen before.

He was tall and didn't look the same age as them, his hair was black and tied in a big braid.

— Are you okay, man? — he said to Asta after bringing him to the sand.

Asta was breathing heavily, he spat out some water before answering.

— I am, thank you.

— Have you gone mad? — shouted Noelle. — What was that? You scared everyone to death!

— I think I got so excited about the sea that I forgot I couldn't swim — he said with a laugh.

— You're so stupid, if it weren't for him who appeared out of nowhere to save you...

— Oh, it was nothing, I'm glad I could help! — he said.

— Of course it was. I couldn't have died today, I still have to become the Wizard King! — replied Asta. — What is your name?

— Kiato, it's a pleasure to meet you. He turned his eyes to Noelle. — and what is your name?

— Noelle Silva, I'm royalty.

— Royalty, eh? — he smiled and, unexpectedly, took Noelle's hand and kissed it — I'm delighted to meet someone so important and so beautiful at the same time.

Noelle's face was now redder than ever. It was so sudden, but still, she couldn't say she didn't like it, after all, that's how she expected her as a royal to be treated.

— I hope we can meet another time, Noelle Silva.

— I-I... Ah... — Noelle didn't know what to say, suddenly all the words she knew were gone from her mind and all that was left was stutters. She was so ashamed.

— N-noelle, we have to go now, I think lunch is ready. — Asta stood between them. — Besides, I'm sure Kiato has more important things to do.

— A-actually I... — Before he could finish, Asta was already dragging Noelle to the opposite side, who, because of her state, hadn't said anything.

— See you later, Kiato! — Asta gave him a nod and the two walked out of there.

— Asta, what are you doing? — Noelle asked, snapping out of her trance.

— I don't trust that guy.

— Why not? He saved you just now!

— Yeah, but I don't know, I felt something in his ki when he hit on you.

— like what?

Before she could hear the answer, Yami arrives, along with Vanessa, who looks worried.

— Ah there you are, I was looking for you two! How did you guys get this far? — asked Yami with his cigarette in his mouth.

— Asta, are you okay? — it was Vanessa's turn to ask. Asta just smiled and nodded.

— Bakasta forgot he couldn't swim and was swept away by the current, long story — replied Noelle.

— What do you want to talk to us about, Captain Yami?

— It's about the mission we're going to do tomorrow, I want you to be prepared, especially you. — He looked at Noelle. — The water temple is at the bottom of the sea, the only way to get there is to cast a spell so that everyone can breathe underwater. Do you think you can do it?

— I think so, but I want to train a little more tonight just to be sure..

— Yeah, you do that. Surpass your limits - said Yami — Oh, and also, lunch is ready.

They went back to their table to eat the food Charmy had prepared. Then, hours after lunch, when she'd just returned from a swim, Noelle was startled by a voice calling her, a female voice unknown to her.

— Hey, you're Noelle, aren't you?

— Yea...

— Kahono, come back here! — Said a voice following her further away that she soon recognized was Kiato's, but the girl didn't seem to care to what he was saying and continued:

— I'm Kahono, Kiato's sister, he told me he met you earlier today. He wants to know if...

— Kahono, I'm serious... — He reached her, now Noelle could see how nervous he was.

— ...if you want to take a walk along the beach with him today at sunset.

Kiato didn't say anything after that, just scratched his head a little, blushing with embarrassment. She couldn't help but look at Asta, he was sitting in the sand near the waves splashing water nonstop at Luck and Magna.

— So, you up?

Now she whished Asta were close by, she wanted him to hear it. How would he react? Would he be... jealous?

No, she pushed those thoughts out of her mind, she couldn't keep wondering about what he would think, after all, she already knew where his heart was, she needed to get over him soon. And what better opportunity to do that than now?

— Of course, I was already planning to do that anyway, a company would be nice.

That made Kiato crack a smile.

— So I'll see you here at 6? — he asks. Noelle responds with a nod.

She looked at Asta again, and this time she was surprised to see that he was also looking at her. He held his gaze for a long time, making her turn around, wondering if he was even looking at her or not.

Did he have to be looking at tha direction just as she was talking to Kiato?

After the two brothers left, Noelle saw Asta coming out of the water, he was heading towards her. Asta had gone into the sea with his shirt and all, but now with him wet, she could get a clear view of his muscles underneath. Had he gotten bigger? Noelle averted her eyes, trying not to think about it too much.

— Was he that guy from before? What did he want? — Asta asked as he got under the umbrella.

— Oh nothing, he just asked me if I wanted to go for a walk on the beach later today.

— And you rejected him?

— I said no problem.

— But... weren't you going to train tonight?

— Yes, that's why I'd like having someone keep me company.

— So can I come along? Two companies are better than one, aren't they? Besides, I also need to workout.

— Really? I thought you didn't like him.

— What? N-no, I didn't say that, I said I didn't trust him very much. — Asta corrected her. Was he stuttering? — if I go along, I'll be able to know for sure.

— Well... o-okay, if you want to...

Why did she say that? The words left her mouth without thinking, and now she couldn't undo the invitation anymore. But what could she do? If she said no, that would be admitting that she would be going on a date with Kiato, and she didn't want Asta to think that.

Or did she?

But what good would that make now? she thought again. He doesn't like you, you know that, why does it have to be so hard to stop thinking about him?

That day was getting weirder and weirder. He'd been avoiding her for days, but suddenly now he was volunteering to spend time with her. Why such a sudden change? What had gotten into him today? It was making her even more confused, she didn't know how she was going to get over him if he was around her all the time.

[...]

The sun was a few inches off the horizon by the time Noelle finished getting ready. She had spent too much time in her room just choosing what to wear, she thought about borrowing one of Vanessa's clothes, but she didn't want to bother her with that again, she would have to go with some of her clothes, even if she found it too simple.

— Hey, Noelle! Are you ready or not?

— Can you wait just a little longer, Bakasta? — she replied, putting on her dress. — I'm finishing it here!

After a few seconds, Noelle opens the bedroom door, facing Asta, who was staring at her in surprise.

— Wow Noelle, y-you look...

— Are you going somewhere, Noelle? — Charmy asked as she passed down the hall.

— Yeah, we're going to the beach to train — she replied.

— I've never seen anyone go training all dressed up. — she laughed — but anyway, have a nice date, you two.

Oh no, was she insinuating that...

— No... it's n-not what you're thinking! We're actually going with someone else... — There was no point in continuing, Charmy was already gone. Noelle snorted.

— Let's go — she said to Asta.

As the hotel was just a few steps from the beach, the two got there in no time. Noelle quickly spotted Kiato on one of the mounds of sand, he was standing there, admiring the view of the sea. The sun was setting right on the horizon line. The sky was cloudless that day, it was really a very beautiful view.

— Hey, Kiato! Noelle waved from a distance as she approached him, smiling.

— Noelle! he said once he saw her. — ...and Asta! What a surprise!

— When Noelle said she was coming to train, I decided to come along, I hope it won't be a problem.

— No, no worries. — he said without much enthusiasm.

— Are you going to train your magic too? — Noelle asked.

— Yes, but I'm no magic knight like you, my magic is sound magic.

— Like what? Do you sing?

Kiato answered Asta with a melody. His voice was so harmonious that Noelle could hear it for hours, she had never heard anyone sing so well.

— Gee, that was... so beautiful, — she said.

— Thanks, Noelle. — He ran a hand through his hair again, blushing slightly. — my sister also has the same magic as mine, our dream is to become idol singers

— Idol? — Asta asked confused.

— Don't you know what it is? — They both shook their heads negatively — Basically, we want to be very famous singers, to live off our music.

— If your sister is as talented as you are, I'm sure they'll make it! — Noelle said with a smile.

Time passed quickly and soon the whole beach was dark, with only the moon illuminating the starry sky. In the end, the "date" just felt more like a meeting between friends, for a few moments Noelle had even forgotten that it was supposed to be something romantic, but it'd been good anyway. She was happy to see that she was able to repeat the spell she'd done that day in the forest, proving to herself that it wasn't just a fluke, now she felt much relaxed for tomorrow's mission.

— Noelle — Kiato called to her as she rested on the sand, — I think I'll be going now.

— But... we didn't even stay that long!

— I know, but I'd rather not get in the way of you two. I noticed there's a spark there.

Noelle's heart started to race again.

— S-spark? W-what spark? There's no spark!

— No need to hide it, I figured it all out from the time we spent here. I know when I don't stand a chance, clearly something is going on between you and Asta.

Noelle sighed in defeat. There was no hiding it, she was still in love with him, even if she didn't like that idea at all.

— Kiato, I'm sorry...

— It's okay, it's always nice to make new friends. — He gave her a comforting smile. — My sister will also love to be your friend, she always complains that there aren't many girls our age around here.

— I would also love to get to know you guys better, I hope to have the opportunity soon.

— Goodbye, Noelle. I also hope to see you again.

[...]

Asta was doing sit-ups in the sand when Noelle walked over to him. He stopped immediately when he saw her standing in front of him, her expression not looking like a happy one.

— What happened, Noe-

— Kiato is gone — She interrupted him. — are you happy now?

Asta kept quiet for a while, but this time it wasn't because he was confused, he knew exactly what she was talking about.

— Noelle, listen, I...

— I thought we were fine, you said nothing would change, but then things got weird between us all of a sudden and then I didn't know what to do anymore.

— I know, I'm sorry, I just wanted to say... — Asta started to speak, but Noelle cut him off again.

— But today you've completely changed, we've been more closer today than we have all these past few weeks, and it's making me very confused. Why are you doing this? Can't you see I'm doing all this because I'm trying to get over y-

Without waiting her to finish, Asta pulls her face close and kisses her. Noelle didn't have time to close her eyes, it was all in the heat of the moment, her heart was now pounding like crazy, she was having trouble breathing but still couldn't take her eyes off his.

— I'm sorry for these last few weeks, I should have told you sooner, but I didn't know what I was feeling — he sighed. — It's been a while since I've been thinking of you as... more than a friend, but I was willing to let that feeling go because I felt like I was betraying Sister Lily. I had promised her that we would get married one day and I wanted to keep that promise. And I also thought you couldn't stand me.

Noelle started to laugh, not only because she found the whole situation funny, but also because she couldn't contain her relief, the happiness that this moment brought.

It was everything she'd hoped for, everything she'd ever dreamed of and, during most of the time, she didn't even know she wanted it.

— I've never come close to hating you, Bakasta.

— I know, now I know that. — He gave her a smile. His face was red, it was the first time she'd seen him blush. — and when you told me everything, I... well, I froze. I wanted to be loyal to my feelings for Sister Lily but then I couldn't stop thinking that I might have made the wrong decision, I thought it was too late to turn back and I tried to ignore what I felt, but then today happened and that guy showed up...

— Oh, so everything that happened today was out of jealousy?

— Oh, come on! He came out of nowhere, and he is even taller than Yuno, that should be a crime! — he joked. Noelle started to laugh at his speech.

The two sat down on the sand again. Noelle hugged her knees as it was starting to get cold. Asta now faced the sea, thoughtfully.

— But he's a nice person, I hope we can meet him and his sister once more when the mission is over.

— Yea, me too — He turned to her — You didn't agree to go out with him to make me jealous, did you?

— Make you jealous? Of course not, I'm royalty, I don't need that — She rethought her speech — Okay, maybe just a little bit.

— Either way, it worked really well.

Her entire face was flushed, and Asta's was even more so after what he said. Her hand slid across the sand until it found Asta's hand, and he didn't let go. They were silent for a while, enjoying the peace that the sound of the waves brought. Noelle felt so calm that she could sleep right there, she wanted that moment to last forever.

— Asta

— hm?

— Could you... k-kiss me like that again?" she asked. — slower this time.

He leaned in close and kissed her again. His kiss was sweet, his lips were soft, and this time she could close her eyes.


Author's notes:

That was way too long, sorry for that. I thought about cutting it, but then the next chapter would be shorter than usual because It'd only be the ending scene, so I preferred to do it that way

Also, next story I want to write something 18, we'll see how that goes...

Bye for now!