The soft glow of twilight lingered over Trista as Laura stepped into the dormitory after returning from her visit to Legram. The long train ride home had given her plenty of time to reflect, and her father's words echoed faintly in her mind like a quiet drumbeat.
As Laura entered the lounge, the familiar calm of the dorm washed over her, and she spotted Fie immediately. The silver-haired girl was sprawled on one of the couches, arms crossed behind her head, eyes half-closed as she stared up at the ceiling with her usual laid-back demeanor. Her legs dangled lazily over the armrest, her boots having been kicked off nearby.
Laura couldn't help but smile fondly. Fie in her natural habitat, she thought to herself.
At the sound of Laura's footsteps, Fie turned her head slightly, her green eyes flicking toward her. "Hey. You're back."
Laura nodded, setting her bag down beside the couch. "I am. It was nice visiting home, but it's good to be back here too."
Fie shifted slightly, sitting up just enough to regard Laura properly. "Legram treating you okay? Did you have a good time?" she asked.
Laura smiled. "I did, thank you. I spent some time with my father, and caught up with friends. It was peaceful."
"Cool." Fie yawned and stretched her arms lazily over her head before slumping back into the couch.
Laura held her gaze on Fie and an unexpected warmth rose in her chest—an echo of the affection she'd felt earlier when talking to her father. Watching Fie now, curled up so comfortably, so completely herself, Laura couldn't help but think about all the little moments they'd shared recently.
Fie blinked at her. "What's with the look?"
Laura shook her head softly. "It's nothing." But as she said it, she felt like she needed to express something. It wasn't the kind of feeling she could easily put into words, so she decided on something simpler—something Fie herself might understand.
Laura stepped closer to the couch, and before Fie could react, Laura reached out and placed a hand gently on Fie's head.
"Huh?" Fie muttered, blinking up at her.
Laura's hand was steady, her fingers brushing through the soft silver strands of Fie's hair. "I'm glad to be back," Laura said softly, her voice filled with sincerity. "It's nice seeing you again, Fie."
"Hmph. Well, I guess I missed you too," Fie replied with a faint smile.
Laura chuckled softly, withdrawing her hand after a final, affectionate pat. "Good night, Fie," she said.
Fie cracked one eye open, looking at her through a curtain of silver hair. "Night," she mumbled, her voice quieter than usual.
Laura turned and walked toward her room, a faint smile lingering on her face. As she reached her door, she glanced back and saw Fie still sitting there, one hand lazily resting atop her head as though trying to recreate the feeling.
Laura's heart swelled a little at the sight. It was such a small gesture, but somehow, it felt right. It was as though she'd found a way to say something important without words.
She entered her room and set her things down, pausing by the window to take in the quiet night outside. Her father's voice echoed in her mind again, but this time, it didn't make her feel uncertain.
"She's someone who's truly captured your heart," Laura repeated aloud.