The late afternoon sunlight filtered into the lounge of the Class VII dorm, casting a warm golden glow across the room. Laura was seated on the couch, carefully polishing her sword, her movements calm and methodical. Fie entered the room, her footsteps so light that Laura almost didn't notice her until she spoke.

"Hey, Laura. Got a sec?"

Laura looked up, setting her sword aside and offering Fie a warm smile. "Of course. Is something on your mind?"

Fie plopped down beside her, tucking one leg under herself and leaning back casually. Her green eyes held a spark of excitement, but there was something else there too—hesitation.

"Well," Fie began, scratching the back of her head, "I wanted to tell you something. It's good news, but, uh, it's kinda a big deal too."

Laura straightened, giving Fie her full attention. "I'm listening."

Fie took a deep breath and grinned. "I passed the Bracer tests. It's official—I'm going to be a Bracer as soon as we graduate this spring."

Laura's face lit up with pride and joy. "Fie, that's wonderful news! Congratulations. I knew you'd succeed."

Fie's grin widened, and for a moment, she soaked in Laura's enthusiasm. But then her expression softened, and she looked down at her hands. "Thanks. I'm excited... but there's more to it than that."

Laura tilted her head, concern flickering in her blue eyes. "What do you mean?"

Fie hesitated, her fingers fidgeting with a loose thread on her sleeve. "Being a Bracer means I'm gonna be on the move a lot. You know how it is—missions in different regions, sometimes far from home. And that means... well, there'll be times we won't see each other for a while."

Laura's heart sank at the thought, and her smile faltered. She reached out, placing a comforting hand over Fie's. "I see. That's... difficult to hear, I won't lie. I'll miss you terribly when you're away."

Fie nodded, her lips pressing into a thin line. "Yeah, same here. I've been thinking about it a lot. I love you, Laura, and I don't want distance to change what we have. But, you know, it's part of the job. Sometimes I'll have to be gone for weeks, maybe even longer."

Laura's hand tightened around Fie's as she took a steadying breath. "I understand, Fie. Truly, I do. It's a part of who you are, and I've always admired your determination to help others. Even if it means we'll be apart sometimes."

Fie looked up at Laura, her gaze vulnerable yet filled with gratitude. "You're handling this a lot better than I thought you would. I mean, not that I thought you'd freak out or anything, but... you're always so composed."

Laura chuckled softly, her free hand brushing a stray strand of Fie's hair behind her ear. "I'm not as composed as I may seem. The thought of being apart from you for long stretches of time... it hurts. But we've built something strong, haven't we? Distance doesn't have to change that."

Fie's lips curved into a small smile. "Yeah. I mean, we've got ARCUS. We can message each other, maybe even call when we have time."

"Exactly," Laura said, her tone warm and reassuring. "And when we do see each other again, those moments will feel all the more precious. It will give us something to look forward to, no matter how far apart we are."

Fie leaned into Laura, resting her head on her shoulder. "You're way too good to me, you know that?"

Laura smiled, wrapping her arm around Fie and holding her close. "I simply love you, Fie. That's all there is to it."

Fie closed her eyes, letting the warmth of Laura's embrace wash over her. "Love you too."

They sat like that for a while, the crackling of the fireplace filling the silence. Though the thought of separation lingered in the back of their minds, the strength of their bond felt unshakable in that moment. Whatever challenges the future held, they knew they'd face them together—even if it meant being apart sometimes.