The classroom was quiet except for the faint sound of a broom sliding across the floor. Afternoon sunlight streamed through the tall windows, casting golden streaks across the polished floorboards. The light filtered through the half-drawn curtains, creating soft, shifting patterns that added a gentle warmth to the otherwise orderly space. The desks sat in perfect rows, their surfaces spotless—a reflection of Professor Goodwitch's unyielding demand for discipline.
Sin, dressed in his usual casual attire—a white sleeveless jacket over a simple t-shirt, short black cargo pants, and tennis shoes—hummed a light tune as he worked. He swept the corners of the room at a pace so leisurely it was almost defiant as if finishing the task too quickly would rob him of the chance to savor the moment. Behind him, seated at her desk, Glynda Goodwitch kept her sharp gaze trained on his every move, ensuring he didn't cut corners during his punishment.
Sin glanced over his shoulder, briefly meeting Glynda's eyes before she returned to grading papers. "This detention thing isn't so bad," he began, leaning the broom against the wall with a grin. "I mean, great company, an intimate setting, no one else to bother us... What's not to like?"
Glynda didn't look up. Her pen moved across the paper in precise strokes, the faint scratch of ink the only sound for a moment. Finally, her calm, measured tone cut through the silence. "Mr. Sabre, if you put as much effort into your studies as you do into testing my patience, you might actually avoid getting into trouble in the future."
"You're right," Sin admitted, crouching to sweep the last bit of dust into a waiting pan. Standing upright, he straightened his jacket, his grin never wavering. "But then I wouldn't get to spend time alone with the most enchanting woman in all of Vale."
Glynda sighed, adjusting her glasses with a precise motion. "Charming words won't shorten your detention, Mr. Sabre."
"My words are charming, are they?" Sin replied, his grin widening, amusement laced in his tone.
She didn't respond, her focus fixed on the paper in front of her. For a moment, silence hung between them, broken only by the faint scratch of her pen against the page. Sin dumped the dustpan into a nearby bin, then leaned casually on the broom, letting his gaze linger on her. It wasn't just her appearance—the sharp lines of her features, the way the sunlight highlighted her blonde hair—that caught his attention. It was the way she carried herself: every movement purposeful, her focus unwavering, exuding confidence that was as attractive as it was intimidating.
He tilted his head slightly, his grin softening into something almost thoughtful. "You know," he said, his voice lower now, smooth and warm, "Since I've been so well-behaved during my punishment, maybe I could have a reward of some kind. Maybe dinner? Then I could show you just how charming I can be."
Glynda finally looked up, her piercing green eyes narrowing slightly. "Mr. Sabre, do you enjoy testing my patience?" Her tone, though firm, carried the faintest edge of weariness. "Or is pushing your luck a hobby of yours? Either way, let me assure you—if you continue, your next punishment will make this detention feel like a vacation. Why do you insist on getting into so much trouble?"
Sin set the broom and dustpan aside, stepping closer to her desk. Leaning forward, he met her gaze with an unflinching intensity, his playful smirk softening into something more genuine. "Maybe I just think you're worth it," he said, his voice rich and steady as his fingers brushed lightly over hers, the contact brief but unmistakable.
The sound of Glynda's pen stopped abruptly. For the first time, she looked up at him, her green eyes wide and, for the briefest moment, unguarded. A faint blush bloomed across her cheeks, a subtle crack in her usual composure. She quickly set the pen down, her movements careful as she tried to reassert control over herself.
"That will be quite enough, Mr. Sabre," she said, her voice clipped and precise. She turned back to her papers, but the slight tension in her posture betrayed her. "Your detention is over. You are dismissed."
Sin, undeterred, stepped closer, wrapping his fingers lightly around her hand before she could pull away. He let his thumb trace a slow, repeating circle on the back of her hand, his touch firm yet teasing, lingering just enough to make her pause. "Well, since I'm a free man now, how about I treat you to dinner? Or," he added, his voice dipping lower, "we find a private room somewhere, and I'll cook for you."
Glynda's hand tensed beneath his touch, her lips pressing into a thin line. For a moment, her green eyes locked onto his, the faint flush on her cheeks deepening. Then, with a sharp breath, she pulled her hand back. "Leave," she said quietly, her tone steady but carrying the unmistakable weight of authority.
Sin gave her a soft smile, stepping back with his usual easy grace. "As you wish, Ms. Goodwitch. But for the record, I meant every word."
With that, he strolled out of the room, his trademark confidence intact. The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Glynda to exhale heavily. For a moment, she stared down at her hand, his warmth and the faint, phantom sensation of his touch still lingering. Shaking her head, she picked up her pen again, though her thoughts seemed far from her work.
As the sun dipped below the horizon, Sin left the classroom with a satisfied grin, feeling the freedom of his day finally opening up. The warm hues of twilight bathed Beacon's courtyard in gold and crimson, casting long shadows across the cobblestones. He let out a breath as he held the image of Glynda Goodwitch in his mind, she really as beautiful in that moment.
"What I would give to go out with her" he sighed as he continued on.
He didn't expect to find her waiting for him.
She stepped out from the shadow of a nearby archway, her golden eyes catching the fading sunlight as they locked onto him. Dressed in a casual yet striking attire—a dark celia halter top and tight jeans that clung to her—she moved with the quiet grace of a predator who knew the world would bend to her will. Her lips curved into a faint, teasing smile as she approached.
"Trying to charm the faculty now, Sin?" Her voice carried that playful lilt, layered beneath her usual commanding tone, as if she were humoring him.
Sin blinked, momentarily caught off guard. "You make it sound like I'm the problem," he replied, recovering with a grin. "What brings you out here?"
"I was passing through," Cinder said lightly, though the glint in her eyes suggested otherwise. "But now that you're here…I seem to recall you offering me dinner about a week ago" She paused, tilting her head slightly, her gaze sharp yet amused. "What are your plans for the evening?"
Sin opened his mouth, ready to fire back with one of his usual quips, but the words caught in his throat. This wasn't just Glynda or some student he could joke with—this was her. His grin faltered slightly as nervous energy crept in, and he scratched the back of his neck, glancing briefly away.
Sin's mouth went dry, and for a moment, he faltered. "Uh, well… I was thinking… maybe we could catch a movie? Or grab lunch or an early dinner? Or, uh, you know… just see what happens?" He cleared his throat awkwardly, his usual confidence nowhere to be found. "If… if you want to, that is."
She didn't respond right away. Instead, she studied him, her golden eyes narrowing slightly, as though weighing his every word. The silence stretched, the air growing heavier under the intensity of her gaze. Sin shifted his weight, his heart hammering in his chest.
Finally, Cinder's expression softened, her smirk turning into something almost… amused. "You're awfully nervous for someone who was bold enough to flirt with a teacher, Sin," she said, her tone teasing but laced with something warmer. She stepped closer, her presence commanding as always.
Her hand lifted, a single finger tracing along his jaw and down to his chin in a slow, teasing motion. His breath hitched slightly, her touch sending a shiver down his spine as her golden eyes stayed locked on his. "You've been patient," she murmured, her tone velvet-smooth, her smirk deepening. "And I do have the time today, let's go. Show me how charming you've become."
Cinder led the way, her stride confident and unhurried, her golden eyes scanning the storefronts. Sin followed close behind, his gaze inevitably drawn to her swaying hips. The smooth rhythm of her movements was hypnotic, and he couldn't tear his eyes away no matter how hard he tried. His breath caught as his gaze traced the curve of her waist, the arch of her back, and the way her fitted attire clung to her figure like it was made for her.
For a brief, dangerous moment, his imagination ran wild. He pictured himself stepping closer, his hands sliding to her waist, pulling her against him, his hands then wrapping around her as he kissed her neck. The thought caused his chest to tighten at the mere idea of holding her like that, of being so close he could feel her heartbeat against his. The scent of her—soft and faintly floral—lingered in the air, teasing him with every step she took.
Sin shook his head slightly, trying to banish the thought, but his face was already burning. He shoved his hands deeper into his pockets, forcing his gaze to dart away from her, though it was useless. His eyes found her again in an instant, and all he could do was follow, his heart pounding louder with each step.
She stopped abruptly, and Sin barely avoided running into her. "This one looks interesting," Cinder said, gesturing to a boutique with elegant displays of formal and semi-formal attire. Her tone was casual, but the faint smirk tugging at her lips suggested she was fully aware of the effect she was having on him.
Sin stepped ahead to open the door for her and as she passed him, her hand brushed against his jawline, her touch light and fleeting. She didn't speak, but the faint warmth in her expression and the upward tilt of her lips conveyed more than words ever could. Sin froze for a moment, his breath catching as her faint perfume lingered in the air between them before he followed her inside.
Inside, the boutique was pristine, the kind of store where even the air felt expensive. Rows of clothing, ranging from casual sophistication to full evening gowns, lined the walls, their fabrics shimmering faintly under the soft lighting. Cinder strolled through the racks, her fingers trailing lightly over the hangers as she browsed.
Sin tried to keep his composure, but the space felt stifling with her so close. He lingered near the mirrored displays, catching his reflection and running a hand through his hair as he shuffled nervously. Every time Cinder paused to inspect something—a sleek jacket here, a flowing dress there—he couldn't help but wonder what she would look like in it. The thought of her stepping out in something new and showing him was enough to make his heart pound.
"Wait here," she said finally, vanishing into the changing room with a selection of clothes draped over her arm. Sin watched the door close behind her, shifting awkwardly as he stood alone near the displays. The boutique staff paid him no mind, but he felt out of place all the same. His gaze darted to the fitting room door every few seconds, his mind racing.
Sin's nerves twisted in his stomach as he waited outside the changing room, wondering if Cinder would step out and ask his opinion on the outfits, hoping she would just so he could see more of her.
The door to the changing room clicked open, and Cinder stepped out with the same effortless confidence she carried everywhere. Her first selection was a casual yet refined ensemble: fitted black slacks that flattered her long legs and a tailored white blouse with gold embroidery along the cuffs and collar. She struck a subtle pose, one hand resting lightly on her hip as she turned slightly to give Sin a full view.
"Well?" she asked, her golden eyes meeting his, amusement flickering in their depths.
Sin blinked, his brain stalling for a moment as he took her in. "Beautiful," he said, the word slipping out without hesitation, his voice soft with genuine admiration.
Cinder's lips twitched into a smirk. "A good start," she said, her tone smooth and teasing as she disappeared back into the changing room.
A few minutes later, she stepped out again, this time wearing a deep crimson cocktail dress. The fabric shimmered faintly under the boutique's soft lighting, hugging her figure before flaring out slightly at the hem. A high slit ran up one side, revealing just enough of her leg to be tantalizing without crossing into overt territory. Cinder gave a slow turn, her hands trailing over the smooth fabric as her gaze stayed locked on his.
"Still beautiful?" she asked, her voice carrying a playful lilt.
Sin's throat felt dry as he tried to form a coherent thought, but all that escaped was a slightly strained, "Y-yeah."
Cinder smirked again, clearly enjoying herself. "Just 'yeah'? I must be losing my touch," she teased before vanishing behind the door once more.
Outfit after outfit followed—each one more stunning than the last. A tailored black suit with a fitted blazer and matching trousers, paired with a cream silk blouse that added a touch of softness to the sharp, commanding ensemble. Next was a striking, asymmetrical one-shoulder gown in deep sapphire blue, the fabric cascading down one side like liquid elegance, leaving the other side daringly exposed. Finally, a shimmering silver two-piece ensemble—a cropped top with long sleeves and a high-waisted floor-length skirt—that balanced boldness and sophistication in equal measure.
With every appearance, Sin's composure cracked further. He could only sit there, frozen, his thoughts grinding to a halt as his mind repeated the same word over and over: "Beautiful."
By the fourth or fifth outfit, Cinder arched a brow, her smirk deepening. "I'm starting to think you have a bias, Sin," she teased, turning on her heel and disappearing into the changing room again.
Sin exhaled shakily, his heart was pounding so hard it felt like it might burst. His nerves shot from the onslaught of magnificence she had unleashed.
The next outfit was a flowing emerald-green evening gown with a plunging neckline and exquisite silver embroidery along the hem. The fabric swayed as she stepped out, its movement almost hypnotic. Cinder carried herself with a seductive elegance, her every step a temptation, her gaze sharp and knowing. She ran a hand along her hip, striking another pose with a small tilt of her head.
"What do you think, Sin?" she asked, her tone feigning innocence as if she didn't already know the effect she was having on him, "Still beautiful?"
Sin could barely meet her eyes, his face burning as he forced himself to answer. "N-no...Perfect," he stammered, his voice barely above a whisper.
Cinder's smirk curved into something softer yet no less confident, the kind of smile that made it clear she enjoyed every second of his reaction. She let the word linger between them for a moment before tilting her head slightly. "What's wrong, Sin?" she asked, her tone smooth and teasing.
She strode over to where he was sitting, each step unhurried, and leaned forward, bending down to meet his gaze. Sin froze like a deer in headlights as her golden gaze, divine in this moment, locked onto his. "What happened to that bold confidence you had earlier?" she asked, her voice as gentle and alluring as a siren's call.
He tried to answer, but the words tangled together in his throat, refusing to form. His eyes betrayed him, moving from her eyes to her lips, then drifting lower, past her neck, and to her chest. The gown dipped low as she bent over, offering him an unobstructed view of her breasts. He froze completely, his face burning hotter than the sun.
Cinder noticed exactly where his gaze had landed, and a soft, amused chuckle escaped her lips. With a touch as gentle as a ghost's, but as charged as a succubus', she curled a finger under his chin, tilting his head back up to meet her eyes. "Maybe after dinner," she whispered, her voice a promise wrapped in silk.
Her finger brushed against his chin one last time as she stood upright, her hair swaying elegantly with the motion. Without another word, she turned and strode back to the changing room, the light catching the smooth waves of her hair as it cascaded over her back.
Sin exhaled sharply, the breath escaping as though he had been holding it for hours, yet it felt like he hadn't breathed in days. His heart hammered in his chest, each beat like a battering ram threatening to break free of his ribcage. He slumped further into his seat, his hand pressed against his chest as if that would somehow calm the storm inside him. He took another shaky breath, but it was no use. She had him completely undone.
Finally, after a longer pause than usual, Cinder's voice called out from the changing room. "Sin? Could you come in here for a moment? I need your help."
Sin froze, his brain scrambling through a hundred possibilities, each one more flustering than the last. His cheeks burned as he cleared his throat awkwardly. "Uh… help with what, exactly?"
"Just come in," she said, her tone laced with a playful edge, low and sultry enough to send his thoughts spinning.
He swallowed hard, his movements almost robotic as he pushed the door open. She stood with her back to him, her figure framed perfectly by the boutique's soft lighting. The dress she wore left him utterly breathless. The black fabric clung to her form like a second skin, its deep red accents tracing intricate, flame-like patterns along the bodice and down her sides. The zipper sat low on her back, just above the small curve of her waist, its edges slightly parted to reveal a teasing glimpse of her bare skin.
Sin's eyes lingered on the undone zipper for a moment, but then they moved instinctively, tracing the elegant dip of her spine and the way the dress flared slightly at her hips. Her hair was swept off her shoulders, cascading down one side like liquid gold, further emphasizing the exposed beauty of her back.
She glanced over her shoulder, lifting her hair with one hand as her golden eyes flicked to his. "The zipper," she said simply, her voice carrying a subtle, amused warmth that made his chest tighten.
Sin's hands trembled slightly as he stepped closer, his breath hitching as he reached for the zipper. His fingers fumbled for a moment, the soft fabric brushing against his skin as he carefully slid it upward. The quiet sound of the zipper closing seemed deafening in the small space, each inch making his pulse race faster.
Cinder's smirk deepened as she turned her head slightly, catching his gaze. "I'm glad you approve," she teased, her words wrapped in a velvet-like allure that left him speechless. "But if you want to see more, we might have to go somewhere else."
Sin's heart nearly stopped at her words. "I… I'd like that," he stammered, his face burning as the words escaped in a broken whisper. His nervous tone only seemed to amuse her further.
Cinder chuckled softly, turning back to the mirror to adjust the dress. After a beat, she spoke, her voice calm but carrying an unmistakable finality. "Good. You can take me somewhere nice—I'm sure you won't disappoint me."
Her golden eyes caught his reflection in the mirror for just a moment before she returned to examining the fit of the dress.
Cinder's eyes flicked up and down Sin, taking in his flustered state with an air of amusement. She allowed the moment to stretch, the intimacy of the small space and the subtle warmth of her gaze leaving him entirely off balance. Tilting her head slightly, her eyes sharp yet unreadable, she gave him just enough time to drink her in one last time.
"It's your turn now," she said at last, her tone light but leaving no room for argument. "I can't be the only one looking good at dinner."
Sin's mouth opened, but no words came out. With a faint smirk, she stepped back, giving him just enough space to edge past her and out of the booth. His thoughts were a tangled mess of nerves and awe as he left, the sound of her soft chuckle following him as he moved through the boutique.
Left alone, Cinder turned back to the mirror, her smirk fading as she studied her reflection. Her fingers traced the edges of the flame-like embroidery along the dress. It fit her perfectly, as she expected, yet her focus wavered. She wasn't thinking about herself—not really.
Her mind drifted to Sin. The way he looked at her. The way he had always looked at her, even back when she first started training him in Mistral. Unlike everyone else, his gaze wasn't clouded by fear, envy, or ambition. He looked at her like she mattered, like she was someone worth caring about—not just someone to use or fear.
And she knew how he felt about her. She had seen it in his eyes so many times, back then, in the way he spoke to her, the way he listened to her, the way he sought her out when no one else could or would help him. She remembered the way he fought for her that night, stepping in without hesitation when she was ambushed, even though he was still just a boy. That unwavering loyalty, that determination to stand by her even when the odds were stacked against him—it was something she hadn't forgotten.
His feelings were genuine. She could see it in everything he did, even now. And that was something she wasn't used to, something entirely foreign to her. People didn't look at her like that—not without wanting something in return. But Sin? Sin cared without expectation, without conditions, even knowing the things she had done.
As much as she hated to admit it, even to herself, the thought unsettled her.
"Why do you make me feel this way, Sin?" she wondered, her reflection offering no answers.
The sound of the changing room door opening snapped Cinder from her thoughts. She turned and saw Sin standing there, holding a suit draped over his arm. Her eyes flicked to his face for a moment before dropping to the outfit, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. With a subtle gesture, she motioned for him to go in.
"Don't keep me waiting," she said, her tone calm yet teasing, stepping aside and taking a seat on a plush chair outside the changing rooms. She crossed one leg over the other, her back straight and poised, exuding confidence as she rested her hands lightly in her lap. But as the sound of rustling fabric reached her ears, her thoughts lingered on him.
Inside the booth, Sin struggled with the distant familiarity of the outfit. His usual sleeveless jackets and casual style were nowhere near this level of refinement—something he hadn't worn in years. The suit brought back memories he preferred not to dwell on, of a time when appearances mattered far more than they should have. Adjusting the jacket's shoulders and fiddling with the tie even after getting it just right, he exhaled slowly, steadying himself before stepping out.
Cinder glanced up as he emerged—and for the first time, she paused. The suit fit him like a glove, the sharp lines of the white pinstriped jacket and trousers giving him a clean, commanding presence. The blue dress shirt beneath added a soft vibrancy that complemented the crisp elegance of the white tie. Sin hesitated under her gaze, his posture initially unsure, but within moments, his expression shifted. He straightened his shoulders, a flicker of the boldness she remembered from Mistral shining through.
Her approving smile deepened slightly, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of something else—something softer. "Killing it on the first try," she said, her voice warm with approval, yet tinged with an almost imperceptible hint of nostalgia. She couldn't stop the memories from creeping in—the boy he had been and the confidence he used to carry, even when his world was falling apart. He hasn't lost it after all.
Sin scratched the back of his neck, his usual bravado flickering back to life. "You think so?"
She stood, smoothing her dress as she approached him, her heels clicking softly against the floor. Her fingers brushed his lapel, lingering for just a moment longer than necessary. "I know so," she said simply, her tone steady, though a small part of her hated how much she meant it.
At the front of the boutique, Cinder stood at the edge of the counter, leaning slightly against it in her black dress with red flame-like accents. Her posture was relaxed, a playful smile gracing her lips as she motioned toward the clerk. "Your treat, I assume?" she said lightly, her tone carrying a teasing lilt.
Sin smirked in return, stepping forward without hesitation. Sliding his card across the counter, he finalized the purchase without a word, ignoring the knowing glance Cinder shot his way. He arranged for Cinder's new outfits and his own casual clothes to be delivered to their respective dorms at Beacon, ensuring nothing would get in the way of their evening plans.
As they stepped out into the cool evening air, the vibrant orange hues of the setting sun painted the streets of Vale in warm, glowing light. The crisp white of Sin's pinstriped suit stood out sharply against the rich tones of dusk, the blue of his dress shirt adding a touch of sophistication to his polished appearance. A faint breeze tugged at the edges of his jacket, while the rhythmic click of Cinder's heels echoed beside him.
An older couple passed by, the man glancing their way before leaning slightly toward his wife. "Now there's a sharp-looking pair," he murmured, just loud enough for Sin to catch. His wife chuckled softly, nodding in agreement. "Off to an important evening, no doubt," she added, her voice carrying a note of admiration as she gave them a kind smile before they continued on their way.
Sin's smirk grew as he heard the comment, glancing briefly at Cinder, who remained composed but couldn't entirely hide the faint curve of amusement on her lips.
She glanced at him, her expression unreadable for a moment before a faint smirk curved her lips. "Looking smooth, Sin."
Sin grinned, reaching up to pinch the edge of the fedora he'd added to the ensemble. He ran his fingers along the brim before flipping it in his hand and placing it on his head with practiced ease. "Smooth criminal, maybe," he replied, his voice laced with playful charm.
Cinder's smirk widened, her golden eyes glinting in the twilight. For a moment, the two simply stood there, the energy between them crackling in the cooling evening air. Her gaze lingered on him, as though seeing something she hadn't noticed before—or perhaps something she hadn't wanted to admit.
"Shall we?" she asked at last, her tone calm yet carrying a trace of amusement as she gestured toward the city.
"After you," Sin said, stepping into place beside her with the same newfound confidence he carried in the suit. Together, they made their way toward one of the most exclusive restaurants in Vale—a place Sin had been saving for a special occasion ever since arriving for the Vytal Festival.
The restaurant sat perched on the top floor of an elegant tower, its floor-to-ceiling windows offering a sweeping view of Vale's glittering lights below. Inside, the atmosphere exuded refinement—crystal chandeliers cast a soft, amber glow over the tables, while the low hum of conversation mingled with the delicate strains of a piano in the background. The air carried a faint hint of vanilla and lavender, adding to the ambiance of quiet luxury.
Sin's gaze swept across the room, taking in the finely dressed patrons, the immaculately set tables, and the absolute elegance of the décor. It wasn't unfamiliar to him—places like this were a reminder of the life he left behind in Mistral. For a fleeting moment, he thought of the life he ran away from, the boy he had to grow out of too quickly. His hands rested lightly on the table, steady, though a part of him wished he could ignore the memories tugging at the edges of his mind.
Cinder, on the other hand, looked completely at home. She sat with an ease that matched her dominant confidence, one hand resting lightly on the table as she perused the menu with practiced ease.
"You've grown quiet," she remarked, glancing at him over the top of her menu. Her voice carried a teasing edge, but her eyes flicked over his face, searching for something deeper.
Sin chuckled softly, the sound low and self-reflective. "I guess it's been a while since I've been in a place like this," he admitted, leaning back slightly. "Feels like another life."
Cinder tilted her head slightly, her eyes gliding over him as she set her menu down. "It's been a long time since I've seen you in a place like this," she said smoothly, her tone carrying a hint of intrigue. "You still wear a suit well, though. That air of power and command suits you."
Sin raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "I don't know about power and command," he replied lightly, "but I guess I've had practice—sitting next to him so many times."
Her gaze lingered, sharp and assessing, the flicker of amusement in her eyes giving way to something deeper. "More than practice," she countered, her voice dropping slightly. "You carry it with you. That feeling of power. You were born to sit at the head of the table."
Sin chuckled, though the sound carried a hint of self-awareness. "I've been at plenty of tables. Doesn't mean I liked the view."
Cinder's lips curved into a knowing smirk. "And yet, here you are again. Different table, different view… but still the same you."
Sin leaned back in his chair, his fingers brushing idly against the edge of the table. "Maybe," he said quietly. "Or maybe it's just the suit doing the heavy lifting."
Cinder's eyes glinted with amusement, her smirk softening just enough to make the moment feel personal. "Don't sell yourself short, Sin. The suit's just the finishing touch. The rest of it? That's all you."
Her words hung in the air for a moment, and for once, Sin found himself at a loss for a clever retort. The weight of her observation wasn't something he could brush off easily, and the faint flicker of pride in her tone wasn't lost on him. "Maybe I can dress like this without being like him," he thought to himself, a quiet desire building in his chest.
The arrival of the waiter gave him an excuse to regroup, and they placed their orders. As the waiter disappeared, Sin leaned back slightly, his gaze drifting to the window. The glittering lights of Vale stretched out below them, but his thoughts lingered on the woman sitting across from him.
"You really do look perfect in everything you try on," he managed to say without stumbling, his tone soft but earnest. "Though my favorite is still that red dress with the gold highlights."
Cinder tilted her head slightly, leaning forward to rest her chin on the back of her hand. A slow, taunting smirk spread across her lips. "And yet, I get the feeling that even if I was wearing that one right now, you'd rather see me out of it."
Sin's face turned bright red as he looked away, completely unable to respond. Words tangled in his throat, his usual confidence stripped away under her gaze. Cinder chuckled softly, closing her eyes for a moment, her rare laughter carrying an air of genuine amusement. It wasn't often that she allowed herself to enjoy moments like these, but the way Sin fumbled under her teasing made it far too satisfying to resist.
Standing outside her dorm, Sin hesitated. The day had gone better than he could have imagined, and now, standing here with her, he couldn't shake the thought that a simple "goodnight" wasn't enough. His mind raced, weighing his options, but for once, his usual confidence felt like a distant memory. He thought about leaning in—just a little—testing the waters, but the fear of ruining everything stopped him cold.
Before he could act, Cinder moved. Her eyes met his, glinting in the dim light of the hallway. There was something unreadable in her gaze, a mixture of amusement and warmth that sent his heart racing. Slowly, she reached out, her touch feather-light as her fingers tilted his chin upward. The world seemed to narrow, the quiet hum of the dorm fading away as his entire focus locked on her.
"Goodnight, Sin," she said softly, her voice carrying none of its usual sharpness. It was almost... tender. Then, without hesitation, she leaned in, her lips brushing his cheek—a fleeting glimpse of everything he ever wanted. The warmth of her kiss lingered, leaving a sensation that spread through him like wildfire.
Sin stood frozen, his breath caught in his chest as his thoughts collided in a whirlwind of disbelief and elation. His bravado—his armor—shattered in an instant, leaving him completely vulnerable in a way he hadn't expected. A blush crept up his neck, spreading across his cheeks, and he cursed silently at how exposed he felt under her gaze.
Cinder pulled back, the faintest curve of a smirk playing on her lips as she watched his reaction. Her eyes softened, just for a moment, before she turned away. The rhythmic click of her heels echoed down the hall as she walked back to her dorm, her posture as composed and commanding as ever. But there was something in her stride—something almost imperceptible—that felt different. Lighter, maybe. As though she, too, felt the significance of the moment but wasn't ready to let it show.
Sin remained rooted to the spot, his fingers brushing absently against his cheek where her lips had been. His mind reeled, reliving every second, searching for meaning. "Was that just her being playful? Or... was it more than that?"
The sound of her door clicking shut snapped him out of his daze, but the blush remained, his face burning with an intensity he hadn't felt in years. Slowly, a small, genuine smile crept across his lips. "Goodnight, Cinder," he whispered, even though she was already gone. His voice was soft, almost reverent, as if speaking her name made the moment more real.
Turning away, he began the slow walk back to his dorm. The campus was quiet, the stars above glittering in the night sky, but his thoughts were anything but calm. For all the bravado and charm he presented to the world, her actions removed all of it with expert ease and replaced it with a permanent mark in his memory.
Emerald glanced up as Cinder entered the room, her expression carefully neutral. She noticed something subtle—Cinder's smirk seemed softer, almost different—but she said nothing, returning her focus to the task at hand.
Mercury, lounging on the couch with his feet propped up, broke the silence. "So, what's the deal with that kid? You spent a lot of time with him today," he said, his tone dripping with cocky indifference.
Cinder's eyes flicked to him, cool and unwavering. "Consider it catching up with an old friend," she said, her voice low and commanding. "I did tell you before that I trained him when he still lived in Mistral."
Mercury leaned back, rolling his eyes. "Yeah, yeah. I still don't see what makes him worth the time. He's just some young punk with a loud mouth."
"Like someone else I know," Emerald muttered, her voice carrying just enough edge to draw Mercury's sharp glance.
Before he could reply, Cinder's smirk returned—colder, sharper. "You don't have to see it. Tomorrow, you will challenge him to a match."
Mercury sat up slightly, mild surprise flickering across his features before it dissolved into amusement. "You want me to fight him?" he asked, his tone carrying a hint of mockery. "Fine. Easy win."
Cinder's gaze didn't waver, her tone steady and unyielding. "You'll see for yourself what he's capable of. And I'll get to see how much he's improved since then."
For a moment, the room fell silent, the weight of her words hanging in the air. Mercury exchanged a glance with Emerald before shrugging, his smirk returning. "Whatever you say, boss lady. Just don't blame me when I stomp him into the ground."
Cinder didn't reply, she sat at the edge of her bed and removed her heels, her thoughts lingered on the day's events, "He helped destroy a Gloom Widow. He still has potential… but tomorrow, I'll know for certain just how far he's come." Her gaze hardened slightly, though the faintest hint of a smile ghosted across her lips. "I have confidence that you'll win, Sin. Just don't disappoint me."