The spring breeze swept gently through the Academy field, carrying the scent of blooming flowers and fresh grass. Rean stood there, gazing at the clear blue sky, hands in his pockets. It was a rare moment of peace, and he let himself bask in it.

"Hey," came Fie's familiar voice from behind him.

He turned, smiling as Fie approached. "Hey, Fie. What's up?"

Without answering, Fie grabbed his hand and started pulling him toward the grass. Rean stumbled slightly but let himself be led.

"Sit," Fie said simply, guiding him to a soft patch of grass. She plopped down behind him, her back pressing against his as she stretched her legs out casually.

Rean chuckled, leaning back just enough to meet her. "Well, this is new. Not that I'm complaining."

"Shh," Fie replied. "Don't ruin the moment."

He laughed lightly and settled in, feeling the warmth of the sun and Fie's small frame against his back. After a beat of silence, Fie's voice came, quieter than usual.

"Alright," she began, "I'm about to get as sappy as you do, so there's no way I'm looking at you while I say this."

"Oh? This I have to hear," Rean said.

Fie ignored his teasing tone and continued. "I just… wanted to say thanks, Rean. For everything. You're the glue that's kept Class VII together. Even when we've all been scattered across Erebonia, you somehow managed to bring us back, and lead us forward."

Rean felt his throat tighten, but he didn't interrupt.

"You're always there for everyone," Fie went on, her voice softer now. "You've been there for me, too, more times than I can count. When I was a mess—when I didn't know who I was or where I belonged—you helped me figure it out. You didn't give up on me."

She paused, and Rean could feel the slight tension in her back.

"I know you carry a lot," Fie said. "You're always trying to be the hero, taking the weight of the world on your shoulders. But you deserve to be happy, Rean. You deserve to get out of the shadow of the Ashen Chevalier and just… be yourself."

The words hung in the air for a moment. Rean swallowed hard, then tilted his head back slightly to address her.

"Fie," he said, his voice warm, "you don't know how much that means to me. Honestly, I don't know what I'd do without all of you. Class VII has been my family, my strength. And you've been a big part of that."

He shifted slightly, as if to glance over his shoulder, but Fie shoved him gently with her back.

"No looking," she muttered.

"Alright, alright," Rean said with a chuckle. "But seriously, thank you. I'll try to remember what you said. And if I ever forget… well, I'm counting on you to remind me."

"Hmph," Fie replied, though the warmth in her voice betrayed her usual nonchalance.

After a pause, she quietly added, "I like your head pats."

"Hm? What was that?" Rean said.

"Nothing," she replied, leaning back into him just a little more.

The two of them sat there in comfortable silence, their backs against each other, as the spring breeze danced around them. Even without looking, Rean could feel the sincerity in Fie's words, and he knew this moment was one he'd carry with him forever.