Nina's Perspective

I tried opening my eyes felt too lazy to do so. Keeping them closed I felt strangely comfortable being attached to something warm and soft. Almost as if. . . I quickly opened my eyes as I realized I was in Arata's room clinging to him.

That's right! I spend the night in his room. I felt my cheeks grow red as I looked up at him but he was still asleep. I guess he was right, it was fun to sleep over and have a conversation before bed but it's morning now, so I should get going.

I moved away from him and was about to get up. Then all of a sudden Arata moved his body completely embracing me. I'm guessing he moved naturally since he still seemed to be asleep.

In turn, I got so nervous that I just stood still. I couldn't move. Or rather I didn't want to move. I knew I should've just pushed myself away and kept silent about this whole thing, but I couldn't. It just felt warm and comfortable.

I then found myself pulling him closer to me, returning the embrace as I closed my eyes and lost consciousness once more.

Arata's Perspective

I happen to be in a serious dilemma at the moment. I woke up to Nina clinging to me, anytime I tried to shake her off she wouldn't move. She would hold on to me harder each time I tried.

I could forcefully push her off but I'm afraid I'll hurt her in the process. Not to mention, this isn't a pleasant position to be in. If someone saw us like this they would most definitely get the wrong idea. I always did think of her as the 'clingy' type.

"You never hug me like that," I heard a familiar voice speak from beside me. Turning my head I noticed Mia let out a big yawn as she scratched the side of her tousled hair. Dammit. She saw.

"G-Good morning, Mia," I said nervously looking back and forth between Nina and her. "Listen, I-" before I could finish explaining myself the door swung open.

"Yo, Arata, I'm leaving now, are you comin- Oh?" Leon let out as he silently stared at the scene before him trying to understand what was happening.

Then another man that looks exactly like Leon walked in. The only difference between them was their hair color. "Hey Leon, have you seen Nina, she wasn't in her room- oh?" Creon, Nina's dad, said as he noticed what was happening.

Shit! I thought feeling myself getting embarrassed. "It's not what it looks like!" I said frantically. They both turned simultaneously and stared at each other for a second then back at me in complete silence. Both with questioning expressions on their face.

Then another, smaller figure happily marched into my room. "Morning brother- uh?" Hanna said before noticing what was happening.

"Tsk," I let out with a click of my tongue. Just how many people are gonna keep barging in? Following my train of thought I focused my mana into gravity, slamming the door shut with only the wave of my hand.

"Help me out here she won't let go," I said a bit in a panic as I tried to pull her off. But in return, she pulled in closer. "HAH!" I yelped in embarrassment, my face completely red by now.

Looking back up I saw that no one seemed to move. Both Leon and Creon looked like they were holding in their laughter. While Hanna. . .

"Hey Nina, what are you doing?" Hanna said as she was the only one to try and do something. She quickly hopped onto my bed and attempted to forcefully move her aside. "Get off of him!" She exclaimed, shaking Nina while lightly smacking her face, trying her best to wake her up.

In return, Nina began moving around. Turning her body until she ended up rolling atop me. She then sat up slowly while rubbing her eyes, gradually opening them. Then placing both her hands on my chest for support she looked down at me.

She first looked around at all the people in the room showing a confused expression. "Huh?" she let out, quickly looking back at me. Realizing the situation immediately her face turned completely red.

"AAHH!" she yelled in embarrassment bringing her arm up and slapping me hard across the face before quickly getting up and running away.

"What's her problem," Hanna said as she witnessed her actions. As for me, I slowly got up from bed completely embarrassed while rubbing my face with my hand. "And you!" Hanna spoke angrily, turning her attention to me.

"Huh?" I let out, getting startled. "Me?"

"What was she doing here in your room? Huh?" she asked as if accusing me while taking a step closer to me. "And what were you doing holding her like that?" she continues, getting even closer.

"Huh? I- I-," hearing her words I couldn't form a response and quickly hid my face as she raised her hand.

"Pervert! Pervert! Pervert!" she exclaimed, smacking me with every word. "I can't believe you right now!" she said with one final smack.

Mia that was next to us began giggling.

"You're here too?" Hanna let out, just having noticed her, then turned back to me with an angry face once more. "Even in front of Mia, you're such a pervert!" following her words she went ahead and grabbed Mia and took her away. "come on, let's go," she said leaving my room.

"Bye, brother," Mia said in amusement while being dragged away. Letting out a sigh I got off my bed and noticed that Leon was about to speak but judging by his expression I knew he was only going to poke fun at me.

Before he got the chance to I spoke up. "I don't want to talk about it," I said, not even bothering to look at him as I began to get undressed. "Let's just go," I added, changing into my normal clothes.

"Alright," Leon said as both he and Creon still held in their laughter.

"Well, I'll be going now," said Creon. "Good luck with the lady," he added while patting my shoulder, mocking me as he walked out of my room.

That's his daughter he's talking about. I thought, trying to forget everything that had just happened. "You ready?" spoke Leon right when I got finished changing.

"Let's go."

-----

As we passed the main gate of the Royal Palace, I immediately broke away from Leon and began to walk around the garden by myself.

After looking at the beautiful flowers that made up this garden I found myself back on the trail with arched flowers. As I reached my hand to grab one of the many beautiful flowers I felt a presence coming from behind me.

Quickly turning around I found Asia who was sneaking her way behind me. By the position of her arms, I could only guess she was about to cover my eyes without me knowing. "Ah!" she let out, startled at my unexpected reaction. "You. . . Noticed me!?"

"Yes, because I don't slack off on my training," I said, looking back at her. "How have you been progressing on your training with lightning?"

"I've been wanting to show you!" she exclaimed, regaining her excitement. "I've been working really hard."

"Let's see it then," following my words she closed her eyes and focused on her mana. Then, bringing her hand up she lightly touched my shoulder.

When she did, I felt a strong electrical shock permeate throughout my shoulder. Yesterday when she did it I was barely able to feel it and now this? She really did work hard. "How did I do?" she asked curiously with wide eyes, waiting for my response.

"You did great," I said, massaging my shoulder. I hope it doesn't go numb. "Way more than I expected out of you," hearing my praise seemed to have made her even happier. "It's time for the next step."

"Haha! Come on! Show me! Show me!" she said excitedly, showing a wide smile while shaking my body wildly. "I want to learn!"

"Alright, alright," I said in an attempt to calm her down. "You know how mana feels a little different after you altered its charge with wind magic?"

"Uh-huh!" she let out, nodding her head.

"Well, just create and gather a bunch of that mana then release it," I explained. "But be very careful not to lose control or things might get ugly," I added, thinking back to how I almost blew myself up in this part of the process.

Hearing my waning she gave me a serious nod. "Start small," I continued. "Place both of your index fingers together and try to make a stable current run from one end to the other," I said while giving her a demonstration.

After I told her what to do she immediately got to work. Putting both the tips of her fingers together. After a few minutes of practice, sparks were visible popping out of the tip of her fingers.

Until finally, she had succeeded in making a small tendril of lightning run through both of her fingertips. Although very faint.

"Haha! I did it! I did it!" she cheered in excitement while jumping up and down, then stopped as she noticed my impression. "Are you not happy?" she asked with a downcast expression.

"Of course I'm happy," I told her. I'm just surprised she did it in a short amount of time. I thought. "You did great," I added while putting a hand on her shoulder.

"W-Whats the next step?" she asked, her voice soft as her cheeks turned red.

"Well, that's about it," I said bringing down my hand, thinking I made her uncomfortable. "You just need to practice it more to be able to call it out."

"T-That's it!?" she said shocked. "So that means. . . We can't train together anymore?" her face fell as she spoke.

"We can still train together if you want," I pointed out. "Lightning magic is very fast and difficult to get used to, so I could help you out," I said, but in turn, she remained quiet. When she didn't respond I added. "That is if you want to."

"Yes! I want to!" she said quickly which left me a bit shocked. After noticing my expression she started shifting awkwardly as if she wanted to say something.

"What's wrong?" I asked, picking up on her odd behavior.

"W-Well. . . It's just that. . ." she started to say turning red once more. "I-I've been m-meaning to ask you. . ." she stuttered. "If w-we could maybe. . . become. . . F-Friends?" she asked, frightened at what my reply would be.

Hm? Does she perhaps have a hard time making friends? I know for a fact that her family has a high standing if not she wouldn't even be able to come inside the Royal Palace. Actually, ever since we moved to the Arumani mansion I haven't made any friends either, apart from my family. Well, there's Shina but we parted ways so who knows what she's doing? Maybe she has it rougher than I do.

"Yes, of course. I'd very much like to be your friend," I told her showing her a smile. "I enjoyed spending time teaching you," What if I had just outright said no? But of course, I wouldn't do that.

After a moment of silence, her face got even brighter. "I had fun spending time with you too!" she exclaimed, speaking quickly.

Then there was another awkward moment of silence as we just stared at each other. "Anyway. . ." she continued, turning her body away from me. "Ever since we met, not one time have I seen you act like a noble," she pointed out. "I actually thought you were a commoner given the way you dress but then word got around that you were of the Arumani house."

Hearing her words I instinctively looked down at my outfit. "I like my clothes," I said a bit hurt by her words. Other nobles carry themselves with tight fancy suits along with neatly combed hair. As for me, I wear baggy clothes with a rubber band to tie my hair in place.

Her eyes widened as she picked up on my hurtful tone. "Oh, no! I don't mean it in a bad way!" she said quickly, feeling guilty. "It's just that. . . You're not like other nobles I've met."

"Is that so?" I let out. I'm guessing she means the greedy and arrogant types, like Alexander.

"Anyway, I heard your house disbanded because of an incident that took place at the last generation's Royal Banquet," she pointed out. "So I was quite shocked to meet someone from your house. If I may ask. . . Where did you go?"

"My family went to a rural village named Sahvil. I lived there thinking we were nothing special. . . Maybe that's why I don't carry myself as a noble, because I don't see myself as one," I answered.

Having listened to my response she let out a small smile. "It must have been a big change having to move here into the capital and living in a big fancy house."

"It sure was," I spoke softly, showing a smile as I thought back to how I almost got lazy living the rich life. When suddenly my mind immediately snapped back to reality. "Wait!" I exclaimed. "How did you find out I was from the Arumani house?"

"Huh!" hearing my words, she stiffened. "W-Well. . . Uh. . ." she started to say. "Everyone is notified once a high noble like yourself enters the Royal Palace."

"Oh? So did you just get here earlier than me? Is that how you found out?" I asked to which she shook her head up and down rapidly. "I know you're also of a high-standing family, so which one is it?"

"Hm," she let out, looking frustrated as if she didn't know what to do. "I. . . Can't tell you that," she finally answered.

"I bet all I have to do is ask around and I'll get my answer," I said. "So even if you don't tell me there is a high chance I'll have it by the end of this day."

"P-Please don't," she said while looking up at me, her eyes ones of desperation. Seeing this I immediately realized that there was something wrong. Why doesn't she want to tell me? Maybe it's a personal thing. Maybe I should just drop this subject.

"I was only joking," I finally said. "If your wish is for me not to know then for your sake I'll refrain, for now."

Hearing my words a smile formed on her face. "I know that sooner or later you'll find out, so how about this," she began to say. "I'll tell you what family I'm from on the day of the Royal Banquet. But promise me something. . ." she stopped speaking while looking away from me.

"I'm listening," I said, speaking over her prolonged pause.

"Promise that. . . You won't look at me any different!" she exclaimed. Her voice full of determination as she stared straight into my eyes.

"I promise," I said not knowing what the big deal was since we were both from high-standing families.

"Ha!" she let out happily. "You promised so no matter what you can't break it!"

"Yes, yes. I get it," I replied letting out a sigh. And just then in the distance, I heard Leon Calling for me. "I guess it's time to go," I said turning my head toward the direction of the voice and then back to Asia.

Hearing this her face fell but showed a smile anyway. "will you be coming here tomorrow?" she asked

"Yes," I replied. "My father said that he was going to come here every day to help with preparations until the Royal Banquet began."

"I see," she said relieved at the news of me coming here every day. "I'll be here as well, "

"I'll see you tomorrow then," I told her to which she smiled in return. "Goodbye," I said then walked away. Taking one final look back I saw her happily waving me off.

After meeting up with Leon at the front gate, we immediately took off. Back at the house. Our tutor had gotten here a little earlier than usual, either that or Leon and I stayed too long at the Royal Palace.

But I had missed most of the lessons and they were already outside practicing the dance. The pairs were Hanna with Mia, Theodore with Nina, and Alexander with Ada. I apologized to our tutor for my tardiness but she only waved it off and asked me to practice the dance for today.

"Arata! You're finally here!" Theodore said relieved as I approached while Nina looked a bit uncomfortable in my presence away. "Take my place, I need to take a break," he said already breaking away from Nina.

"Sure, that's fine," I said taking his place as Nina's dance partner. "Hey," I greeted Nina as I stood in front of her, noticing that her cheeks were slightly red.

"H-Hey," she replied turning to face away from me. I haven't seen her since that incident took place this morning. I hope she doesn't hate me.

"We should get started now," I said, extending my hand for her to take. Looking intently at my hand she slowly reached for it, as she did I noticed her own hand twitching.

I heard her gasp as I felt her soft and warm hand wrap around mine. Awkwardly, she put the other around my waist. I did the same, pulling her close. As I did I thought I saw her cheeks grow red while her eyes widened slightly but quickly narrowed again.

"Listen. . ." she spoke. "About this morning. . ." I knew it, she's upset about what happened. I thought as I couldn't bring myself to look her in the eye. "I'm sorry that I slapped you."

"Eh?" I let out confused while hearing her words. Is she the one that feels guilty about it? I mean she did slap me pretty hard. But she had every right to. "It's all right. . ." I replied, locking eyes with her and showing the most gentle smile I could muster. "It's not your fault," I added while squeezing her hand lightly against mine.

For a second, she just stared at me turning even redder. Her distraction caused her to miss a step, making her stumble. "Careful!" I said and in desperation, I quickly yanked her hand which I was holding onto, causing her to be pulled close to me. As our bodies collided she let out a yelp.

"Are you okay?!" I asked in worry as I put my arm around her so that she wouldn't fall backward.

"I-. . ." she began to say. Slowly looking up, our faces were a little too close for comfort. "AH!" seeing my face only inches away from hers, she let out a high-pitched yell before pushing me away. "I-I'm sorry!" she said, running away.

"Lady Nina!" our tutor called. "We still have yet to finish today's lesson! Where are you going?"

So she's still mad about what happened this morning, huh? "What was that?" Theodore asked watching the whole show as he sat down to rest.

"It seems like Nina isn't feeling well," I told him. Then, going down on one knee I raised my hand to him. "So will you do the honors of dancing with me?" I joked.

Taking my hand he rolled his eyes. And so, I ended up continuing the dance lessons with Theodore that day. It wasn't awkward this time since we had both practiced together the day before.