Duelcrest Academy

When I woke up I suddenly felt that something was wrong. As my hand touched the cold mattress by my side, my heart immediately dropped.

«Sophia...»

I sat on the bed and turned on the light with my wand. As I did so, I noticed a piece of parchment on the pillow pressed against mine. I immediately picked it up to read it:

"Don't worry, idiot. I'm not abandoning you or something. I'm just getting things ready for our date. Be a good kid and get some breakfast. I'll see you soon.

Love you."

"Who does she think I am?"

But I couldn't help but get giddy reading those last two words written in Sophia's spidery handwriting. I got up quickly and took a shower.

"I do miss the morning cuddles though..." I thought as I enjoyed the hot water washing over me, "maybe I really am a big baby!"

But as I put on a clean uniform, I started to feel even more excited and nervous than the night before.

"What's going on... we've pretty much lived together since we became a couple. It's not like today is going to be any different just because she said it was a date."

But I couldn't help it. As I passed in front of the mirror, I stopped and started to do my best to rein in my hair.

"If I had it long like Sophia, I could try a fancy style... I wonder if she would like it if I let it grow."

It had always been so unruly that I never bothered to try. Just looking at how long it took Sophia to brush hers made me not want to consider the idea.

"I'd like to brush her hair sometime... she's always refused so far. Maybe she thinks I'll ruin it."

In the end, there was not much I could do. But as I was about to leave something occurred to me. I quickly searched through Sophia's side of the drawer until I found a hair clip. I tucked my hair back, exposing my forehead a little more than usual.

"I don't know if this looks good or not... but it's a date... I don't want to just go out as usual. She's obviously put a lot of effort into it."

For good measure, I loosened my tie and unbuttoned my shirt. But then I quickly reversed my decision.

"I look like a sleazy person... calm down... What would Amy say? 'Lizzie. You're overthinking as usual...' I wish she was here to give me some tips... but right now she's probably yelling at me not to think about her right before my first date."

For once I could smile about it. Talking to Sophia had really made a difference. Amy had to become a guardian angel for me, not some kind of haunting ghost.

"Although she could've easily played the part when she was angry."

I left the room with a small chuckle.

I had woken up before the usual time, so when I arrived in the dining hall it was completely deserted. I quickly grabbed my food and began a solitary breakfast.

I was halfway through my toast when I caught a glimpse of someone poking their head in.

"Was that Sophia? Mmmh..."

I was pretty sure that was the case, but I decided to pretend I hadn't seen her.

"Maybe she wants to surprise me when I get out of here... I don't want to spoil her fun."

But I couldn't help devouring my breakfast and almost choking on it. After coughing and drinking a lot of water, I tentatively made my way out of the dining hall.

I looked ahead, left and right, but there was no sign of Sophia.

"Where is-"

«H-hey!»

That sudden greeting almost gave me a heart attack.

«EEEK!» I turned, my heart pounding, «What the hell ar-...»

I immediately fell silent. Sophia was pressed against the wall, as if she wanted to fuse with it and disappear. Her face was flushed and turned away from me.

"What..."

I opened and closed my mouth like a fish out of water.

Sophia's hair was pulled back into a ponytail. Her bangs had been pushed to the side by an expensive looking hairpin. And that was not all, she looked like she was wearing make-up. It was very light, but it was enough to accentuate her deep eyes and slightly colour her pale cheeks.

«I knew it... I look weird, don't I?» Sophia said, confronted by my silence.

That finally brought me back down to earth. I quickly approached her and stroked her cheek.

«What are you talking about, you're beautiful. Gorgeous. Exceptionally attractive. Sublime. Irresistible...»

«I've got you, I've got you, you can stop!» said Sophia quickly, apparently unable to withstand this shower of compliments, «Thank you! You look very cute too!»

«Just cute?» I said, pouting, but I couldn't really get over how beautiful she was.

I jumped as Sophia took my head in her hands.

«Extremely cute,» she whispered before kissing the exposed part of my forehead.

I thought smoke was going to come out of my ears as she pulled away from me. I could faintly smell some cologne on her.

«Looks like you dressed up a bit too,» Sophia commented with an uncharacteristically acute giggle.

«Oh this...» I put my hand over the spot she had just kissed, «This is nothing compared to what you did... you really went all out,» I said as I continued to stare at her. I really couldn't get enough of her face.

«Don't get used to it. It was a pain... but Celeste really insisted...» she said.

«I guess I'll have to forgive her for teaching you that naughty stuff now!»

«I think you'll have to thank her by the end of the day,» Sophia said with a grin.

«What do you mean?» I asked.

Celeste had definitely helped her set this whole thing up. But what did she have in mind?

«You'll see... shall we go?»she said in a mysterious tone, offering me her hand.

«Sure...»

For some reason, taking it and locking fingers with her felt very different than usual.

"Why do I feel so shy? It's just... the usual, isn't it?" I thought.

But when Sophia came close enough for our shoulders to touch, my mind went blank. I turned to look at her and saw that she was as flustered as I was.

"Why are we acting like this..."

Maybe... maybe it was because our relationship had progressed so quickly that we had missed a crucial step in it. It somehow felt like we were back at square one, when we had just started being a couple, even though we had gone much further than holding hand by now.

«S-so... where are we going?» I asked, trying to break the awkward atmosphere.

«To class,» Sophia replied.

«To class?! On a Sunday?» I asked in surprise.

«Yes. No one will bother us there.»

«No one will bother us...»

My mind immediately conjured up a wild image: Sophia, lying on the lectern and...

I felt her hand pinch my cheek.

«I know what you're thinking. You're such a fucking idiot!» Sophia sighed.

«What is it with you and reading my mind lately,» I chuckled.

«When you spend so much time with someone as stupid as you, you end up figuring out their excidinly simple thought patterns,» she spat out.

«...Ouch! That's a burn worthy of the good old Sophia!»

«I'm glad I haven't lost my touch,» she said with a smile.

And with that, we were back to our usual routine. Awkwardness couldn't last long between us. We had become far too comfortable with each other.

«Let's go inside,» Sophia said and opened the door.

I followed her and turned on the light with my wand. Sophia went to our usual places.

«What are we doing here?» I asked as I slid onto the bench to sit close to her.

«I thought we could read this together.»

She took a book from under the desk.

«What? Read together?» I glanced at the volume she was holding.

«Mastering Pyromancy: An In-Depth Study of Fire Incantations... Sophia, what is this?»

«I borrowed it from Celeste. She thought you might like it,» she said, opening it to the first page.

«But... why would you want to read something like this with me?» I asked.

I could think of a reason, but... it would have been so boring for her. Could this really be called a date?

«It won't be boring. Don't worry...» she said with a smile.

«Can you stop doing this? You are starting to freak me out!» I exclaimed, but I couldn't help smiling, «Are you sure though?»

«I'm sure. You'll have to explain it to me though, because I really don't understand this sort of stuff. I just want you to share with me something that you enjoy. Don't worry, I've got lots more stuff planned for later.»

I could feel my eyes welling up with tears from the huge wave of affection that was rising inside me. So I moved closer to her until our shoulders touched again, and began to read at her side.

It was certainly exciting to share something you liked with other people. But that excitement could easily turn into disappointment if the other person looked like they didn't care at all.

But it didn't go that way. It was obvious to me that Sophia couldn't give a damn about fire magic, but she listened attentively and even asked questions.

"If this date was her way of making me fall even more in love with her, she's already succeeding."

Soon, however, my mind began to drift away from the book and concentrate on something else. We were so close that the scent of the perfume she wore had enveloped me. And as Sophia bent over the book to read a rather complicated term, her new hairstyle gave me a perfect view of her exposed nape.

«Is there something written behind my neck too?»

I was immediately brought back down to earth.

«I have been discovered.»

I said, unable to deny the evidence.

Sophia sighed:

«I guess this wasn't such a good idea... I had to think a bit about the box since we're stuck in here,» she muttered, looking down.

"I'm such an idiot..."

I quickly grabbed her chin to make sure she was looking straight at me.

«No, please don't say that! I love this, I really do. You taking the time to learn a little bit of my passion for magic... it's so sweet. It's just that you're so beautiful that it's really hard for me not to look at you.»

Sophia immediately blushed, but looked at me with a defiant expression.

«I see... you're getting distracted... how about this then!?»

Sophia kissed me with such force that she made me audibly gasp.

"When did she get so good at this?" I thought, closing my eyes.

But it was over in an instant.

«What?!» I asked, dumbfounded.

«If you want the rest you better concentrate on reading,» she smirked, wiping her lips.

«How am I supposed to concentrate after that?! but if you want to play this game…»

I moved even closer to her, so much that my leg got on top of hers.

«What are you…?!» Sophia exclaimed, while I put an arm over shoulder and brought her body against mine, «How are we even supposed to read like this!?»

But after she sighed again, we resumed reading together, squashed together like sardines.

«That was the most uncomfortable reading session I have ever had,» Sophia said as we walked out of the classroom.

«It was fun though. Thank you!» I chuckled.

«It was... but now it's my turn!» she said with an ominous tone.

«Your turn?»

As Sophia opened the door to the courtyard, I immediately understood what she meant. The swords I saw resting in a corner only confirmed it.

«It's been a while, hasn't it?» said Sophia, tossing one to my feet.

«I don't know if I've missed this...» I said, grabbing the sword and unsheathing it.

«Oh... sorry...» Sophia said immediately, lowering her eyes again.

"Why does she keep doing this... and she says I'm being hard on myself. She had to organise a date in this hellhole... I'm loving this."

«I'm just messing with you Sophia... we just did something I like, it's totally fine to do something you enjoy now. It's our date, we should both have fun,» I said, moving closer to her and patting her head, «and I like sparring with you, by the way. Just don't hit me too hard!»

«Oh, you know I will!» she replied, her spirits rising instantly.

If fighting her copy had made me feel good about my progress as a swordswoman, sparring against the real thing made me understand what my true level was.

Sophia could have fought with a blindfold on and I wouldn't have been able to land a single blow. I couldn't help but stare at her ponytail going left and right as she danced around me, playing like a cat with a mouse.

«Remember to look at the sword and my feet, not my face,» Sophia admonished me, smacking my stomach lightly with the width of her sword.

«I'm finding it... hard to do!» I shouted, lunging forward, only for her to dodge and smack me in the bottom.

«Hey!» I complained, stepping back, «that's sexual harassment!»

«I don't want to hear that from the creepy girl who stares at my neck while I'm reading!»

«That's different!»

«How about this... land a hit and I'll let you kiss it,» Sophia taunted me with a smirk.

«So cocky...»

But I immediately went on the offensive with newfound determination. My blows were easily dodged or parried... but I had something in mind. I made sure to keep her as close as possible, and just as she parried my blow:

«Gravity surge!» I shouted, drawing my wand with my left hand.

«WHAT?!» cried Sophia, dropping to her knees.

But my sword was already resting on her shoulder. I released the spell, grinning at her.

«You... cheater!» Sophia blurted out, red in the face.

«You didn't say anything about me not being able to use spells.»

«I... you... fine!» Sophia muttered, clenching her fists.

Much to my surprise, my girlfriend loosened her tie and, after unbuttoning her collar, shifted her shirt so that one side of her neck was completely exposed.

«Just because today is a special occasion...» she said with a meek look in her eyes.

For a second I thought I was going to die on the spot. She was just too cute for this world. But this was an opportunity I couldn't waste.

I moved closer to her and put my hands on her shoulders. I slowly tilted my head. I could feel Sophia shiver as my breath tickled her skin.

A few seconds later I was on the floor, massaging my butt after Sophia had violently pushed me away from her and onto the ground.

«W-what the hell did you just do to me?!» she shouted in disbelief, touching the spot where I had just left a hickey on her skin.

«Um... marked you as mine?» I replied with what I hoped was an apologetic smile.

«YOU DID WHAT!? I told you you could kiss it... now... what am I going to do? This is too close to my face! I can't hide this! Am I going to have to stay locked in our room until it disappears?» she wailed, desperately trying to look at the spot on her neck and failing miserably.

«Ah, you finally called it our room!»

«Idiot... she's going to tease me endlessly about this...» she said, looking defeated.

«Oh... Celeste... yes, it's going to hurt. You have my sympathy... wait, why are you looking at me like that?!»

Sophia's eyes were locked on mine. Before I could do anything she had me pinned to the ground, holding my wrists tightly.

«What are you doing?! Not my ears, please!» I begged immediately, remembering the torture I had endured a few days ago.

«Ears... that sounds fun. But no... I'm just making sure you're really sympathetic about this!»

My mind went blank as Sophia made me suffer what I had inflicted on her earlier.

«There... now we are even!» she said, standing up and giving me a nasty look. After a second, she headed for the door.

«Sophia!» I said, getting up quickly.

"Did I go too far?"

«Relax, idiot...» she said, turning to smile at me, «I'm just going to get our lunch. I'm not mad.»

«Are you telling the truth?» I asked, batting my eyelashes jokingly.

«What am I going to do with you?»

Sophia shook her head before giving me a quick kiss.

«That's it?»

«You'll have to wait a while for the rest.»

After watching her walk out the door, I rolled onto my back on the grass. My hand went to the spot where Sophia had left her mark. It still itched, but I was really glad it was there.

Today had really been a fantastic day and it was not over yet.

But it would be. I felt a tear trickle into my eye.

"Even now... I just can't help it, can I?"

I did my best not to cry. I would have told Sophia about it... but first I wanted to enjoy everything she had planned for me.

"I just want this day to never end..."

When Sophia returned about ten minutes later, I was able to greet her with a smile.

Our lunch turned out to be a collection of sandwiches that she had made by taking various dishes and sticking them into bread. Apparently our friends had donated some of their food to give us some variety. It wasn't the prettiest lunch, but it was different enough to make me feel very happy.

«This really feels like a romantic picnic!» I giggled as Sophia laid a tablecloth on the grass.

We didn't talk much as we ate, just enjoying each other's company. This courtyard was probably one of my favourite places in this hell of a school. Sure, the perpetually sunny weather made it feel very fake, but I still had a lot of good moments here, training with both my girlfriend and Celeste.

As we finished eating, I slowly let myself go and laid my head in Sophia's lap. She didn't complain and started to brush my hair.

«Let's take turns, okay?» I said, closing my eyes a little.

«It's okay... we have some free time. You can even take a nap if you want!» she said, taking a strand of my hair and rolling it around her finger.

«I love you Sophia. Thank you for doing this for me... I can't wait to see what else you have in mind.»

«You'll see. I have something very special ready for you. But first... is it a problem if we stay with the others for a while?» she asked.

«The others?» I repeated in surprise.

«I know a date should be something we do alone, but... I kind of needed help for something I think you'll enjoy... even if it's going to be hell for me.»

«That sounds very interesting!» I said, immediately feeling completely awake even in this relaxed position.

«Of course...» Sophia sighed, «but I'm going to have my share of fun as well! Anyway, let's stay here alone for a while first.»

«This really feels more like my birthday than a date!» I exclaimed happily, turning around to put my face between her tights.

«Don't move like that!» but she just let me have my way again, «When is your actual birthday by the way? I just realised I never asked you.»

«It's in June, on the 13th. I kinda forgot, too. I never thought to celebrate it... you know, since we are here. But today you show me that we probably should.»

«So you are actually older than me... I was born in August.»

«Oh! That's perfect then!» I got up from her lap, «Time for me to dote on this little girl!» I giggled and patted my thighs.

«It's only a two month difference,» she muttered, but accepted my offer anyway.

«You're as stiff as ever... relax Sophia, I won't do anything funny, I promise,» I said, stroking her cheek.

«I don't really know if I should believe you... but that's not the issue. I still can't help feeling a bit nervous, but... I'm getting better, aren't I?» she asked as she relaxed her muscles a bit more.

«You are. You're doing great, I'm proud of you, Sophia.»

«Thank you...» she said, closing her eyes.

It didn't take long for her to fall asleep.

"She probably didn't sleep at all last night... the make up hides it really well. Celeste really is a master at these things," I thought, smiling at Sophia's serene expression.

We stayed like that for who knows how long. My legs felt a bit uncomfortable, but I didn't dare wake her up. When she did, she got very flustered.

«Why didn't you wake me up? How much did I sleep?»

«I have no idea. I just enjoyed looking at your sleeping face!» I chuckled.

«Creepy... but thanks. I think we should go now. I have no idea how late it is. Celeste will eat us alive if we don't show up.»

As it turned ou we were just in time for...

«A tea party?» I repeated the answer Sophia had given me when I asked her what we were doing.

«A special one. You'll see.»

Celeste opened the door as soon as we knocked.

«Here they are!» she said, looking at us with a grin.

Inevitably, her eyes found their way to our necks.

«Oh... you naughty girls!» she giggled.

Sophia's grip on my hand suddenly became very painful.

«Stop gloating and let us in!» she blurted out.

«Sure, sure, just hold back a bit now, okay? I'm still innocent and pure!»

«Sure, and I'm Skylark's biggest fan!» Sophia said, shoving her away.

It turned out that Celeste wasn't the only one in the room. Nicole and Penny were waiting for us at the table.

«Hey! I see you are enjoying your date!» Nicole exclaimed with a grin.

«You're so red we could warm the tea on your forehead!» said Penny.

«Shut up!» I said, sitting next to her.

But I was smiling. To be teased about something like this... I couldn't get mad about it.

When I turned my attention back to Celeste, I saw that she had disappeared, along with Sophia.

«Where did they go?» I asked, trying to get up.

«They're in the bathroom! Don't worry, you'll understand in a minute. Have some tea,» Nicole said, tinkering on Celeste's desk and placing a steaming mug in front of me.

"In the bathroom?!" I thought, confused. But I decided to wait and see what was going on.

My decision was soon put to the test when I began to hear some strange noises coming from Celeste's bathroom.

Soon I could clearly hear Sophia's irritated voice:

«It's way too tight!»

«Stop being a baby and suck it up!»

«What the hell are they doing in there?»

Nicole and Penny laughed together.

«Oh this is nothing, you should have heard them yesterday. Your girlfriend sounded like Celeste was skinning her alive.»

I looked at her with my mouth agape, my curiosity growing. I had to wait a good ten minutes before she was satisfied.

Celeste was the first to emerge from the bathroom, looking exasperated and with a sweaty brow.

«How can you put up with that girl... give me some tea!» she said before sitting down at the table.

The door opened again and... my heart leapt.

Sophia was wearing a beautiful dress. The rich green satin hugged her figure perfectly, thanks to a tight corset that cinched her waist. It was probably what she had complained about earlier. The fabric was embellished with silver trim, making it look even more glamorous.

I swallowed as my eyes fell on her bare shoulders and upper arms. The puffy and flowing maniche gave her a chic and elegant look. The skirt was a little short for her, as Celeste was a little taller, so I could see her feet sticking out, a stilish pair of high heels on them.

«Aren't you going to say anything? I look weird, don't I?»

My eyes went up to look at her face. Her eyes were a little moist, the embarassed tears sparkling like the little tiara adorned with emeralds on her head.

«You look like a princess...»

«Oh... fuck, this is so embarrassing!» blurted out Sophia.

But even those rash words couldn't dispel the allure that she exuded. But the atmosphere suddenly changed when she took a step forward and fell on her butt on the floor.

Nicole, Penny and Celeste immediately burst out laughing as I rushed over to help her.

«Are you okay?» I asked, trying not to laugh myself.

«I'm fine... how are you even supposed to walk with these things on?» she said, taking the heels off and throwing them away.

«Hey! Those are expensive!» Celeste complained.

«Shut up! You can buy enough of them for an army, you stupid rich girl!» she blurted out, as I helped her to her feet.

I chuckled, but soon stopped when Sophia stood up and I realised how close she was. She was just too beautiful. Even after I sat down at the table, I could only stare at her.

«Looks like you got the effect you wanted, Sophia,» Nicole giggled.

«Are you sure I don't look strange?» asked Sophia again, looking at me.

«No you don't... you should dress like this more often,» I replied immediately.

«No fucking way. Putting this thing on was torture. But I'm glad you like it,» she said, finally smiling.

«I... of course. But... why did you...?»

«While you were telling me about your stupid date ideas... you said you wanted to take me shopping and make me try on embarrassing outfits... we can't really do that here, so I thought this would come close,» Sophia replied.

My mind went blank. It was just too much. Before I knew it, I was crying like a baby.

Sophia quickly took me into her arms:

«Why are you crying now?!» she said, patting my back.

«I-I'm sorry... I'm just too happy...» I sobbed, «You're too good for me. Who would do something like this just from listening to my stupid mumbling...»

«When it's about you, nothing can stop this idiot!» I heard Celeste say before I felt her hand ruffle my hair.

«So you are the crybaby of the couple, eh?» said Nicole, patting my leg.

«I told you she's actually very lame!» said Penny, tapping me on the shoulder.

«You guys... thank you... thank you so much!»

I laughed and cried at the same time. At that moment, surrounded by people who cared about me, even the bad thoughts couldn't touch me.

Slowly but surely I managed to regain some composure.

«Thank you... this is really a treat for the eyes...» I said while sniffing, «thank you for putting up with this for me Sophia, and thank you for helping us Celeste.»

«Oh... I don't think you should be thanking me just yet,» my friend said in response, her lips twitching in what seemed to be a suppressed laugh.

«What are you...!?» I suddenly felt my arms being restrained.

Penny and Nicole had come up behind me and were holding me still.

«Let's take her to the bathroom, girls!»

«WHAT?!»

But my destiny seemed to be already decided. I was dragged inside, where another expensive-looking dress was waiting for me on a cloth hanger. It was yellow and full of frills.

«Wait... you want me to put that on?! Why does it look so much less mature than the one Sophia is wearing?!»

«Oh, this is from when I was a bit younger, isn't it cute?» asked Celeste with a devilish grin.

«SOPHIA YOU SET ME UP!» I shouted.

But in the end, I couldn't help but accept my grim fate. When I got out, I could barely look ahead.

I could faintly see Sophia getting up and coming closer. She seemed shorter than usual now that I was the one wearing heels.

«You're very pretty... you are beautiful,» she said.

«Shut up...»

But she took my head and forced me to look up. I could see her face coming closer.

«Not in front of the others!» I blurted out.

«So bashful...» Sophia blew into my eyes, making me squint.

«YOU...! I hate you!» but I soon started to laugh.

It was so absurd to be in this situation. Both of us wearing beautiful clothes that were so out of the ordinary.

«Thank you... this is very funny,» I said.

«Stop thanking me... I'm having fun too!»

We probably would have kissed seriously in front of the others if Celeste hadn't pushed us towards our seats.

«Ok lovebirds, save it for later. Let’s spend some quality time together now!» she said giggling.

We talked for a long time. For once, there was no talk of escape plans, points or the secrets of the Academy. If anyone had walked into the room, they would have thought it was just three normal girls having fun. And two oddly dressed idiots who couldn't help blushing when they met each other's eyes.

I laughed so hard at Sophia and Celeste's antics that I almost fell over.

But as time went on, I couldn't help but starting to feel gloomy. This fantastic day was coming to an end. I could feel it.

Time was running out... soon I would be forcefully awakened from this beautiful dream where I'd been able to feel like a normal girl in love... just for a little while.

At the end, after getting back into our uniforms, we said goodbye to our friends. Not before I had unleashed so many more thanks on them. I took Sophia's hand and we slowly walked away.

«Sophia... I...»

«If you say thank you again, I'll make sure you can't talk anymore.»

«Alright... what do we do now? It's very late.»

«Are you hungry?» Sophia asked.

«Not really. My tummy hurts from laughing too much anyway.»

«I see... then let's get to the main event,» she said.

Those last two words lifted my mood a little. It wasn't over yet.

Sophia led me to the entrance hall and up the stairs.

«Where are we going?» I asked.

«You see... I recently found out that, after they repaired the school, they didn't actually close the roof off.»

My heart skipped a beat. The roof... that was the place where...

«Here!» Sophia said, slapping her hand on the wall in front of us. Immediately a door appeared before us.

«Won't we get in trouble for this?» I asked worriedly.

«There's nothing in the rules about not going on the roof. I just broke the enchantment that hides the door. If they cared, they'd have left the magic circle deactivated.»

«You're right...»

We both stepped into the small room and the pavement beneath us lit up. Soon we were up there, where our love story had become reality. The sun had already set and night was coming.

«We're a bit early...»

«Early for what?»

«The stars... I want to watch them with you... is that too cheesy?» she asked.

«It's very romantic... I didn't know you liked that kind of thing.»

«Oh, that's not why I like them,» Sophia said as she walked to the edge of the roof, «I told you I read a lot when I was little. Unlike you, I wasn't really into magic, but... space... that always fascinated me.»

«I see, so you were more of a scientist type... it's kind of hard to imagine you that way!» I giggled and moved to her side.

«Are you calling me stupid or something?»

«No... it's just that you're more the athletic type now... and you barely touch the books because they're about something you don't care about.»

«I wish I had brought something to read here... all my books are back at the castle.»

«Pity, we could have read them together.»

She looked at me in surprise:

«Are you interested in astronomy too?»

«Not really... but if you like it, it must be interesting. Why don't you talk to me about it while we wait for the stars to appear?»

«Sure!» Sophia seemed thrilled at the prospect.

As it turned out, she was actually very good at explaining things, much better than me. But as I listened on, I understood that maybe she wasn't really a science type after all. The reason she liked space was a little different.

«Can you imagine... being such a small grain of sand in a huge ocean... it's overwhelming, isn't it? But still... with how long the universe has been around... we still managed to be born at the same time, meet and fall in love...»

"She's actually very romantic..."

«That's... true,» I said, getting a bit teary-eyed again.

Sophia looked at me intensely.

«I'm sorry Sophia. I'm such a pain lately, aren't I?»

«Elizabeth... it's okay, we can talk about this.»

«Not now... later...» I said, «we still have some time, don't we?»

«All right, but then...» she took my hand, «the stars are starting to come out... Elizabeth, would you like to dance with me?» she asked, pulling me towards her.

«Dance? I... have never done anything like that...»

«It's all right... I still remember a bit of the old lessons they gave me when I was little. I'll guide you.»

She put my hands at her sides and her arms around my neck. We slowly began to dance in place.

«Sophia...»

«It's okay... it's okay.»

She began to hum in my ears. It was a soft, relaxing tune. I closed my eyes and let her voice lull me.

«What is this song?» I asked after a while, «it's nice.»

«I don't really know... I think someone used to sing it to me when I was little... maybe a nanny.»

«You don't remember?»

«No... I think I forcibly removed everything from back then. But this song stuck with me. I used to sing it when I felt lonely... so pretty much every night. But lately I haven't really needed to. Thanks to you. You filled that huge void in my life, Elizabeth.»

«Sophia, I...»

But before I could speak, Sophia pulled me by the hand. We approached the stands from which everyone had watched us fight last September. There were two pillows hidden behind them.

«What...?»

Sophia moved them, placing them next to each other before lying down on one of them.

«The floor is quite hard, as I found out yesterday.»

«You were here yesterday... but the door?»

«I had Celeste fix it.»

«You really planned everything, didn't you?»

«Yes... now don't leave me alone on the floor like an idiot.»

I complied. But as soon as I lay down, I froze. This sky, which had once been blazing with the result of our fight, was now filled with a myriad of stars.

«Woah...»

«Beautiful, isn't it? This is a real northern sky... I guess you don't really see them so bright down south.»

«They're beautiful... almost like you!»

«Idiot...»

She grabbed my hand and locked fingers with me.

«Do you want to talk now?»

«I...»

«Elizabeth... this day was my way of trying to help you. But it doesn't seem to have worked, so we need to talk about it.»

«It helped... I felt really, really happy... but... now it's almost over.»

«I see... we can do it again!»

«But... soon... Penny will die. Then it'll be Wilhelm's turn, and after a while... it'll be us.»

«I'll do my best not to let that happen... I promised you... but I guess that's not enough, is it?»

The bright light in the sky began to fade due to my tears.

«I'm sorry... I... want this to go on forever. I want the world to stop spinning... I want this starry sky to be frozen in time and these days to never end...»

I heard Sophia sigh at my side.

«You know that's impossible Elizabeth... and if it were, would it really be for the best?»

«What do you mean? Don't you want to be with me forever? To be happy with me?» I asked.

«Of course I do... but if we were to live forever... I don't think what I feel would be as strong as it is now.»

«What do you mean?»

«Human life is very fragile, Elizabeth. Of course we have it hard, having a set expiration date in front of us. But a lot of other people just die suddenly... without even having the chance to say goodbye to the people they love.»

«Are you saying that we are lucky?»

«We are not. But it could be worse. At least I had the chance to spend time with you today. And the memories we made together... I'll cherish them until the time comes for me. It's because we don't live forever... that these moments are fleeting, that they are so important.»

The tears flowed again, but I was so sad that I didn't even feel like sobbing.

«I... know... I know that death is inevitable, but... this is way too soon. I'm still so young, Sophia! Is it wrong that I want to live more?! Is it wrong that I want to stay by your side longer? I want to grow old with you, Sophia! I do not want to die in this place... how can I continue to be happy when I feel that my time is running out?»

Sophia brought me closer to her.

«I feel the same way, Elizabeth. But... not the last part. I'm happy... I've never been so happy in my life.»

«How...»

Sophia's hand pointed up into the starry sky above us.

«Do you see that star? It's called Sirius. It's the brightest one. It's beautiful, isn't it?»

«Yes... but...»

«One day... even that star will disappear. Unlike us, it'll probably take a billion years. But its life will end just like ours.»

«I wish I could stay with you for a billion years.»

«That's not the point, Elizabeth. The moment its light will fade, leaving a dark spot in the sky, is not important. What matters is how brightly it shines now. It's awesome, it makes me happy just to see it and it makes my heart beat faster. Just like my love for you.»

«Sophia... I love you too.»

«Then shine with me, Elizabeth. My world used to be dark and gloomy, but then you came into it and brought so much joy into my life.»

«That goes for me too. But I don't feel like I can shine anymore...»

«Then I'll share some of my light with you.»

Sophia, moved, climbed on top of me, covering the starry sky. But the view was no less beautiful.

«I will never leave you alone. Until the last moment. Be it in a few months or when we are old grannies. So please... stop running away from happiness. We all have a right to it. Let's shine as brightly as we can so that even your dark thoughts will be forced to go back to their corner.»

As she kissed me, I realised. This was the best day of my life. Even if death was hiding in every corner of my mind... Sophia was just much stronger than it. Did I really want to let her do all the work and drag me along? No...

Now, more than ever, the words Amy had said to me became so important.

"Precisely because our lives could end at any moment, we have to make sure we enjoy every happy moment we can."

For a normal girl, this date would probably have been a day like any other. A happy one, but nothing special. But for me, with the grim destiny that awaited us, it was as bright as Sirius.

So... did I want to spend my remaining time feeling like this, dreading the moment of my death?

The answer was easy. Putting it into practice was the hard part.

"But if I think about this moment... maybe I can make it."

As Sophia separated from me, I smiled at her:

«Let's shine together, Sophia!»

«Finally a real smile!»

«I just thought... when I get these bad thoughts, I can just think of you kissing me under this starry sky... it's such a powerful memory that will surely help me think straight.»

«A powerful memory...»

In the moonlight I could faintly see Sophia's cheek turning pink.

«L-let's make an even more powerful one...» she said, offering me her hand.

I felt myself blush as I immediately understood what she meant.

«Alright...» I said and took it.

In silence we left the roof and began to walk towards my room.

«Sophia... you don't have to do this,» I said after a while.

«I want to... I-I always wanted to... do it today.»

This realisation stunned me. I hadn't even considered how far she was willing to go.

"But this atmosphere... it feels like we're really going to end up..." I thought as we arrived at my room.

The sound of me closing the door behind me was deafening. Sophia walked over to the bed with hesitant steps. I looked at her almost in a trance.

«Are you going to stay there all night?» she asked after a while.

«No but... aren't you nervous?» I asked.

«I am... but I want to do this. I'm ready this time, Elizabeth. Thank you for waiting for me,» she said, patting the mattress by her side.

I walked over, my ears filled with inner screams:

"I'M NOT READY AT ALL! WHAT AM I SUPPOSED TO DO?"

When I sat down and Sophia put a hand over my thigh, I almost jumped up to the ceiling.

«Relax Elizabeth...» she said, «we can't take it slow, relax,» she said squeezing my hand.

Taking deep breaths, I managed to regain some composure.

«We don't have to do it if you don't want to, Elizabeth...» Sophia said after a while.

«No!» I exclaimed immediately, «Sorry, it's just... I wasn't really expecting it and I needed to prepare myself. I want to... do it.»

«Well... then... where do we start?»

My nervousness immediately disappeared at that question.

«What kind of question is that?» I chuckled.

"Of course I'm doing it with Sophia... everything will be fine."

«Excuse me if I'm not an expert...»

«Well, I'm not either... but this has to be the first step,» I loosened her tie as I leaned in for a kiss.

I could feel her tinkering with mine at the same time. After we were done I gently pushed her down on the bed, smiling.

«Black, uh? Very mature!»

«You have bad taste in bras, like in panties...»

«What does it matter... they are both about to come off anyway.»

I really enjoyed seeing her finally be embarrassed again at that comment. But she soon smiled, her eyes filled with love and trust:

«I'll be in your care.»

I was right. It certainly didn't go perfectly. It was our first time and we really had no idea what we were doing. But I loved every second of it. Every single expression on her face, the way our fingers were intertwined and the way our bodies complemented each other perfectly.

At the end, I happily hugged Sophia from behind, enjoying the feel of her skin pressed against mine.

«Thank you, Sophia. I have never been so happy in my life,» I whispered into her ear.

«I told you to stop thanking me... today was the happiest day for me too.»

«Now I really feel like I can fight anything. How can I feel bad after what happened today?»

«I don't know how I feel about you thinking about this to fight your bad thoughts...»

«I meant the whole day, not just us having sex dummy!»

«Sure...»

«You must think I'm very easy, doing it on the first date...»

«Idiot...» she chuckled.

«Sophia...»

«Yes?»

«Let's be happy together.»

«Of course.»

«Also, can we sleep like this tonight?»

«I want to take a shower first, I'm so sweaty and...! Don't sniff me, you idiot!» she said as I buried my head in her hair.

«What am I going to do with you... let's stay like this for a while,» she sighed after a bit.

I closed my eyes, my mind replaying all the wonderful memories we had made together.

In the end, the world hadn't stopped moving. Tomorrow would come and with it fear and uncertainty. Maybe Sophia couldn't save me after all... but she didn't have to. The dark thoughts wouldn't have vanished into thin air. But now I felt I could finally face them. I'd found a guiding star and I would have followed it to the end.

So that when the time came to say goodbye, I would’ve done so without any regrets.