Laura approached her mailbox in the academy hallway, feeling the usual mix of curiosity and routine. The afternoon sun cast golden beams through the windows, illuminating the small space where students often gathered to check for correspondence.
When she opened her mailbox, her eyes widened. Inside was a bundle of papers, folded neatly and held together with a small ribbon. Laura pulled it out, her brow lifting in surprise as she recognized Fie's handwriting on a small note attached to the top:
"For when you need a laugh or a reminder of how awesome you are. -Fie"
Laura felt a smile tug at her lips as she unfolded the first sheet. It was a drawing of herself as a knight, standing on the edge of a cliff with her sword held high. The sun was rising in the background, its rays shining dramatically behind her, and there was even a fluttering cape added for extra flair. Laura chuckled at the exaggeratedly heroic pose and the comical addition of a tiny snow owl perched on her shoulder.
The next drawing made her laugh outright. It depicted herself and Fie standing back-to-back, holding hands. Surrounding them were a group of thoroughly beaten-up Ouroboros members, each one comically sprawled on the ground with stars circling their heads. Laura noticed that Fie had drawn herself with an oversized grin, holding twin guns, while Laura looked stoic and powerful, sword at the ready.
Another sketch showed Rean standing in front of Class VII, his face set in an exaggeratedly serious expression. He had his hand raised, presumably delivering one of his typical motivational speeches.
The fourth drawing gave Laura pause, her expression softening. It was a recreation of the dream Fie had shared with her—the one where Laura saved her. In the drawing, Laura was depicted as a gallant knight once again, slicing through ropes that bound Fie. Fie, tied to a post, looked both grateful and mildly annoyed, her signature mix of sass and sincerity shining through even in cartoon form.
Finally, Laura unfolded the last drawing. It was simple but endearing: Fie blowing a kiss toward Laura. The kiss was drawn as a pink heart flying through the air, with Laura depicted blushing and reaching out to catch it. The exaggerated redness of Laura's cheeks made her laugh softly, but she also felt a warmth blooming in her chest.
Laura held the stack of drawings close to her, her heart brimming with affection. Fie's artistic style was rough and unpolished, but the love and humor in each picture were undeniable. These weren't just random sketches—they were little snapshots of Fie's thoughts, feelings, and memories with her.
Folding the drawings carefully, Laura tucked them back into the ribbon and resolved to keep them safe. She couldn't wait to see Fie later and thank her.
As she made her way back to her dorm, Laura found herself smiling brighter than she had in days. This playful, heartfelt gesture was so quintessentially Fie, and Laura wouldn't trade it for anything.