The morning sun filtered softly through the dormitory windows, casting a warm glow along the polished wooden floors. Laura stood before a full-length mirror in her room, securing the final clasp of the elegant blue gown she had chosen for her day out. It was a rare occasion to wear something so formal outside of special events, but visiting old friends in Saint-Arkh called for dressing appropriately. The deep sapphire of the fabric paired beautifully with her long, flowing hair, which she'd taken the time to let down and brush to a soft shine.

She adjusted the delicate lace cuffs on her sleeves and gave herself one final look before nodding in satisfaction. This should do nicely.

With a graceful stride, Laura picked up her small traveling bag and headed out into the hallway. The sound of her steps, faintly muffled by the rug, seemed to draw attention as she passed by the lounge.

"Whoa…"

The quiet exclamation made Laura pause mid-step. Turning, she saw Fie standing nearby, rubbing sleep from her eyes. Fie wore her usual disheveled morning attire—her shirt slightly oversized and her silver hair a tousled mess. She blinked a few times, as though still not fully awake, but her wide eyes told Laura everything.

Fie seemed to freeze for a moment, taking in Laura's outfit as though processing it in slow motion. "You look fancy."

Laura couldn't suppress the small, amused smile that tugged at her lips. "Why thank you, Fie."

Fie squinted at her, as if trying to keep up her usual composure, though her faint blush gave her away. "Where're you going? Some kind of royal ball or something?"

Laura laughed softly, shaking her head. "Not quite. I'm heading to Saint-Arkh to visit a few old friends. I thought I'd make the effort to dress a little more appropriately for the occasion."

Fie stared for another beat, her gaze lingering on Laura's gown, then drifting to her hair. It was clear she didn't quite know what to say. Instead, she stuffed her hands into her pockets, trying to sound nonchalant. "Looks nice," she mumbled, her tone dismissive, though the way she glanced away made it clear she was trying to cover her admiration.

Laura tilted her head, her amused smile deepening. "Oh? That's all you have to say?" she teased gently. "You seem quite stunned. Don't tell me I've left you speechless, Fie."

Fie huffed at that, her brows knitting together. "Hmph. Whatever." Her voice was clipped, though the slight pink in her cheeks betrayed her. She turned away, heading toward the hallway leading to the kitchen. "Anyway, hope you have a good time."

Laura chuckled, watching as Fie walked off with her usual slouch and small steps. Just as Fie reached the doorway, however, she stopped suddenly. For a brief moment, she turned to glance back over her shoulder, her soft green eyes meeting Laura's.

There, on Fie's lips, was a quiet, fleeting smile—so genuine and affectionate that Laura felt it warm her heart instantly. It was subtle and vanished quickly, but it spoke volumes.

Laura stood there for a moment longer, her hand lightly resting on the strap of her bag. The image of Fie's rare smile lingered in her mind like the delicate afterglow of sunlight. She let out a quiet breath, her expression softening as she whispered to herself, "That girl…"

Still smiling, Laura gathered herself and continued on her way.