As Asta and Lilith made their way back to their dorms, the events of the day weighed heavily on Asta's mind. The memory of the mysterious girl, the unsettling thoughts about Laplace, Orpheus, and the strange visions left him feeling drained and anxious. Lilith walked beside him, casting concerned glances his way, but she seemed to sense that now wasn't the time to press him further.
The corridors of the Academy were quieter now, with most students having already retreated to their rooms. The ice-covered walls reflected the dim light from the enchanted torches, casting a cool, bluish glow that only added to the eerie atmosphere. Asta found himself lost in thought, his footsteps echoing softly in the silence.
Just as they rounded a corner, they nearly collided with someone coming from the opposite direction. Asta and Lilith both stopped short, startled by the sudden encounter.
"Oh! I'm sorry," the girl said quickly, her voice soft but clear. She stepped back, clutching a stack of books close to her chest. It was Evangeline, the bookish girl from their earlier classes. Her neatly braided hair and glasses gave her an air of studious seriousness, and she seemed slightly flustered by the unexpected meeting.
"It's okay," Asta replied, recovering from the surprise. He recognized her immediately from Professor Frau's class. Despite her quiet demeanor, she had impressed him with her knowledge and composure.
Lilith, always polite when not teasing Asta, offered a small smile. "No harm done. You're Evangeline, right? We're in the same class."
Evangeline nodded, adjusting her glasses with a free hand. "Yes, I remember. You're Lilith, and you're Asta," she said, her eyes flicking between them. "I've seen you both in the Royal Class."
Asta gave a polite nod, though his mind was still somewhat preoccupied. "Yeah, that's us. We've been in the same classes all day, actually."
Evangeline smiled shyly, her gaze dropping slightly as if unsure whether to continue the conversation. "It's nice to finally meet you both. I've heard a lot about you, Asta… your wind magic is really impressive."
Asta felt a pang of guilt, realizing he hadn't really paid much attention to her during the day. "Thanks, but I've got a lot to learn. You really seem to know your stuff, though. Your answers in class were spot on."
Evangeline blushed slightly at the compliment, looking a bit embarrassed. "Oh, I just study a lot. I've always been interested in magic theory, so I spend most of my free time reading and practicing."
Asta nodded, appreciating her dedication. "That's impressive. It really shows in class."
Evangeline smiled, clearly pleased by the acknowledgment. "Thanks. I actually spend a lot of time in the library. It's quiet, and there are so many resources there that you can get lost in for hours. If you ever want to go over some of the material together, I'd be happy to help. Sometimes it's easier to understand things when you discuss them with someone else."
Asta considered her offer, aware of how much he had to catch up on. "That might be really helpful, actually. I've been trying to keep up, but there's a lot to cover."
Evangeline's eyes lit up at his interest. "Great! We could meet after classes, maybe in the library. It's usually pretty empty in the evenings, so we'd have plenty of space to go over things."
As Evangeline spoke, Lilith, who had been trying to keep her composure, felt a sharp pang of discomfort as the conversation continued. The idea of Asta spending extra time with Evangeline, especially in such an intimate setting as studying together, didn't sit well with her. However, given the vast difference in their social standings, Lilith knew she couldn't express her unease without it seeming petty or out of place.
She forced herself to smile, though the effort made her feel even more awkward. "That sounds like a good idea," she said, her voice strained but polite. "Asta could definitely use the help, especially with catching up on everything."
Her words were meant to be supportive, but the tightness in her tone betrayed her true feelings. She glanced at Asta, hoping he wouldn't notice the slight edge in her voice, though deep down, she knew he probably would. Despite her efforts to remain composed, her discomfort was palpable, and she could only hope that Evangeline didn't pick up on it.
Evangeline, however, seemed blissfully unaware of the undercurrent of tension. She smiled warmly, pleased that her offer had been well received. "Great! I'm sure we'll make a lot of progress together."
Asta, noticing the subtle shift in Lilith's demeanor, felt a twinge of guilt. He knew how much she cared about him, and he could sense that she wasn't entirely comfortable with the idea. But he also didn't want to dismiss Evangeline's kind offer, especially when he genuinely needed the help.
"Thanks, Evangeline," Asta said, trying to keep his tone neutral. "I'll ask Lilith, and we'll figure out a time that works."
Lilith nodded, her smile still in place but her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions. She forced herself to stay composed, reminding herself that she and Asta had a strong bond. Even if she felt a little awkward about the situation, she trusted him—and she didn't want to let her insecurities get the better of her.
As they parted ways with Evangeline and continued toward their dorms, Lilith walked beside Asta in silence for a few moments. Her mind raced, trying to process her feelings and find a way to express them without sounding unreasonable. Finally, she took a deep breath and looked at Asta, her voice soft but tinged with vulnerability.
"Asta," she began, "I know it's important for you to catch up and that Evangeline can help with that… but I just wanted to say, if you ever feel overwhelmed or need anything, I'm here too. We're in this together, right?"
Asta looked at her, understanding the deeper meaning behind her words. He reached out and gently took her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "Of course, Lilith. We're always in this together. And I promise, if I ever need anything, you'll be the first person I turn to."
Lilith smiled, the tension in her chest easing slightly. Asta's words were comforting, and while the situation with Evangeline still made her feel a little uneasy, she knew that her relationship with Asta was strong enough to weather it.
"Thank you," she whispered, leaning into him as they walked. "I just… I don't want to lose what we have."
"You won't," Asta replied softly. "I'm not going anywhere."
Lilith looked up at him, her expression softening as she heard his words. The tension that had been lingering between them seemed to ease, if only slightly, and she offered him a small, grateful smile.
"Good," Lilith said quietly, her voice carrying a hint of relief. She hesitated for a moment, then added, "You know, we've both had a long day, and I was thinking… how about we have dinner together tonight? Just the two of us."
Asta's eyebrows lifted in mild surprise. "Dinner? That sounds nice, actually. Where were you thinking?"
Lilith shrugged lightly, a thoughtful look crossing her face. "There's a quiet little spot in the gardens, near the west side. I thought we could bring some food from the dining hall and eat outside, away from the noise."
Asta smiled at the suggestion, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. "That sounds perfect, Lilith. I'd love that."
"Great," she replied, her smile widening, though there was still a hint of something unspoken in her eyes. "Let's meet at the dining hall in about an hour? I'll grab us something nice."
"Sure thing," Asta agreed, nodding. "I'll meet you there."
With their plan set, Lilith gave Asta's hand a final, gentle squeeze before letting go. "Alright, I'll see you soon, then."
Asta watched her as she turned and walked down the hallway, her steps lighter than they had been just moments ago. He could still feel the warmth of her hand in his, and it brought a sense of calm that he desperately needed after the tumultuous day.
An hour later, Asta made his way to the dining hall, his thoughts a little more settled after a brief moment of rest. He found Lilith waiting for him near the entrance, holding a basket filled with an assortment of food. She looked up as he approached, her face lighting up with a smile that chased away the lingering shadows of the day.
"I hope you're hungry," Lilith teased as she handed him the basket, her eyes sparkling with a playful glint. "I might have gone a bit overboard."
Asta chuckled, taking the basket from her and peeking inside. It was filled with all sorts of treats—freshly baked bread, a variety of cheeses, fruits, and even a small bottle of wine. "Looks like you've got a feast in here. I definitely won't go hungry."
Lilith grinned, a touch of pride in her expression. "Good. I figured we could use something special tonight."
Together, they made their way through the Academy's winding paths, heading toward the gardens on the west side. The evening air was cool and refreshing, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and the faint hum of magical energy that always lingered in the air. As they walked, the stress of the day seemed to melt away, leaving only the comfortable silence between them.
When they reached the garden, Lilith led Asta to a secluded spot near a small fountain, surrounded by tall hedges that provided privacy and a sense of peace. The last rays of the setting sun bathed the area in a warm, golden light, casting long shadows across the grass.
"This is perfect," Asta said as he set down the basket and began to unpack the food. "I didn't even know this part of the garden existed."
Lilith nodded as she spread out a blanket on the ground. "Not many people come here. It's kind of a hidden gem. I found it by accident one day when I just... needed a break from everything."
Asta glanced at her as he laid out the food, noting the way her expression softened as she spoke. "It's nice," he agreed, sitting down beside her on the blanket. "A good place to train."
They settled in, sitting close together as they began to eat. The conversation flowed easily, with Lilith recounting a humorous story from one of her earlier classes, and Asta sharing a few lighthearted moments of his own. The tension that had hung over them earlier seemed to dissipate, replaced by the comforting rhythm of their companionship.
As they ate, the sky above them darkened, the stars beginning to twinkle in the deepening blue. Asta poured them each a glass of wine, and they clinked their glasses together in a silent toast.
"To surviving another day at the Academy," Lilith said with a playful smile, though her tone held a note of sincerity.
Asta smiled back, his eyes reflecting the starlight. "To surviving," he echoed, his voice softening as he looked at her.
For a moment, they sat in silence, sipping their wine and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere. Asta could feel the weight of the day slipping away, leaving only the warmth of the present moment. He glanced over at Lilith, noting the way her eyes sparkled in the soft light, the gentle curve of her smile.
"Lilith," Asta began, his voice low, "I just want to say… thank you. For being here, for doing this. I know things have been crazy lately, and I'm really grateful to have you by my side."
Lilith looked at him, her expression softening as she reached out to take his hand. "You don't have to thank me, Asta," she said quietly. "I'm here because I want to be. We're in this together, remember?"
Asta squeezed her hand, feeling a swell of emotion rise in his chest. "Yeah, we are. And I'm glad for that."
They sat together in the quiet of the garden, the sounds of the night surrounding them—a gentle breeze rustling the leaves, the distant chirping of crickets, the soft trickle of water from the fountain. It was a moment of calm in the midst of the storm, a reminder that they had each other.
As the night deepened, Asta and Lilith eventually packed up the remains of their dinner, their conversation lingering in the comfortable silences and easy laughter that had come to define their relationship. They walked back to the dorms side by side, the warmth of the evening lingering between them.
When they finally reached Asta's dorm, Lilith hesitated for a moment, standing just outside the door. Sensing her lingering unease, she looked up at Asta, her expression gentle but concerned.
"Are you sure you're okay?" Lilith asked, her voice soft and tentative.
Asta paused, surprised by her question. He could see the worry in her eyes, and it made him realize just how much the day's events had affected her as well. He offered her a reassuring smile. "Yeah, I'm okay. It's been a long day, but I'll be fine."
Lilith nodded, but the uncertainty in her eyes didn't fully fade. "If you ever need to talk, I'm here, you know that, right?"
Asta felt a warm surge of gratitude. "I know, Lilith. I really appreciate it. And I promise, if I need anything, I'll come to you."
She returned his smile, though it was tinged with lingering worry. "Good. We both need some rest tonight."
"Yeah, we do," Asta agreed, his tone lightening slightly.
Lilith took a small step back, giving his hand a final squeeze before letting go. "Alright, I'll see you tomorrow. Goodnight, Asta."
"Goodnight, Lilith," Asta replied, watching as she turned to head down the hallway toward her own dorm.
Asta stood in the doorway for a moment, watching her walk away. He could still feel the weight of her concern, and it stayed with him as he stepped into his room and closed the door behind him.
Inside his dorm, Asta leaned against the door, exhaling deeply. The day had been overwhelming, and while Lilith's unease lingered in his mind, he knew he had to focus on getting some rest. Tomorrow would bring its own set of challenges, and he needed to be ready for whatever came next.
As he prepared for bed, Asta's thoughts drifted back to the strange visions and the unsettling conversation with Laplace in his dream. The weight of everything that had happened was heavy on his mind, but he knew he couldn't face it all tonight.
Climbing into bed, Asta tried to push the thoughts away, letting the quiet of the night soothe his mind. He closed his eyes, hoping that sleep would bring some clarity, or at the very least, some much-needed rest.
But even as he drifted off, the feeling of unease remained, a quiet whisper at the edge of his consciousness, reminding him that there was still so much left unresolved.
I figured a short break in the story would be nice. My laptop's GPU fried itself so now I'm just writing now QwQ