The gentle morning sun filtered through the window, casting its warm glow over Lizzy’s face. She stirred, her eyelids fluttering slightly before she rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Though her body still carried the weight of exhaustion from the previous day’s events, a lingering warmth settled deep in her chest—Suzuki’s words from last night still resonated within her, like a flickering ember that refused to be extinguished.


    She turned to her side slowly, her gaze falling upon him. His chest rose and fell in a steady rhythm, his black hair tousled messily over his forehead, his expression soft in sleep. For someone who had spoken with such confidence the night before, he looked surprisingly vulnerable.


    She reached out and gently tapped his shoulder. "Suzuki, it''s morning. Time to wake up."


    "Mmm… five more minutes," he murmured, half-asleep.


    Lizzy stifled a chuckle, watching his peaceful face with amusement. "You were so bold and cool last night, but now you’re just a sleepyhead? How mischievous," she whispered, unable to hide her smile.


    Later.....


    The academy corridors were packed with students as Suzuki and Lizzy made their way toward the lecture hall. The air buzzed with excited chatter, but amid the noise, familiar voices cut through like knives.


    "Look, it''s that half-breed again."


    "Not only is she a disgrace, but she summoned a human? That''s beyond pathetic! Hahaha!"


    Laughter erupted, sharp and mocking. Lizzy, used to this treatment, kept her gaze down and her steps steady. But something felt different today. Their words, usually like daggers in her chest, failed to wound her as deeply as before. His words are still with me… she thought, a faint warmth blooming inside her.


    Then, she felt something firm and warm beside her. Looking up, she saw Suzuki walking next to her, his fists clenched, his jaw tight with anger. He was furious—furious for her sake.


    She blinked in surprise. Even when no one else cared, he was here.


    The lecture hall was packed, the students buzzing with chatter until a sharp voice cut through the noise.


    "Silence!" The professor’s voice boomed, immediately silencing the room.


    Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.


    "I have an important announcement," he said, his sharp eyes scanning the class before landing on Lizzy and Suzuki with something that looked suspiciously like amusement.


    "Starting today, there will be no more regular lessons," he declared.


    The students exchanged confused glances, whispers rippling across the hall.


    "You are now in your final year. As you all know, the final examination will determine whether you qualify for the Royal Academy of Advanced Studies in the Human Kingdom of Athena."


    He let the words sink in before continuing. "This exam is far from easy. Historically, only ten out of every hundred candidates pass."


    Tension settled over the room. The nervous murmurs grew louder, fear creeping into the students'' expressions.


    The professor smirked slightly before continuing, his gaze flickering toward Lizzy and Suzuki. "The exam was originally scheduled for next week."


    Silence.....


    "But the administration has decided to grant you all a full month to prepare. Details of the examination will be posted on the academy’s notice board in due time. That is all. Best of luck to you all."


    The weight of the professor’s words settled on the students, but Suzuki barely paid attention. His mind was still clouded with frustration from earlier.


    Later that night, back in their shared dorm room, Suzuki let out a tired sigh as he collapsed onto his bed, rubbing his face.


    "Someone’s exhausted," Lizzy teased.


    He groaned. "For some reason, today felt way longer than usual."


    Lizzy chuckled. "You’ll get used to it."


    "That’s amazing," he murmured, still lying on his back. "I don’t know how you put up with that nonsense every day."


    "I had to,"  Lizzy said with a small shrug, her voice carrying a weight of acceptance.


    "I don’t really have a choice."


    Her words made Suzuki pause. There was something about the way she said it—so casual, yet so heavy. He studied her face, and for the first time, he noticed it. The loneliness hidden behind her gentle smile, the weight of years spent in isolation, the unspoken pain she bore alone.


    After a moment, she cleared her throat, brushing a loose strand of golden hair behind her pointed ear.


    "You must be hungry."


    Lizzy placed two wooden boxes on the table, their lids open to reveal neatly arranged, handmade food. Suzuki, still sprawled out on the bed, lifted his head and stared at her in surprise.


    "Huh? Did you make this?" he asked, taking a seat and peering at the meal.


    Lizzy hesitated, her fingers fidgeting as a faint blush dusted her cheeks.


    "W-Well… yeah. But I’m not sure if it tastes good. This is my first time making food for someone else."


    Suzuki picked up a piece, inspecting it before taking a bite. His eyes widened in surprise.


    "Mmm… really? You’re kidding, right? This is amazing!"


    Lizzy blinked, then let out a small, nervous laugh. "Haha… I was a bit worried, but I guess it turned out okay."


    Suzuki smirked. "Wait, why are you looking at me like that? Is there something on my face?"


    Lizzy giggled again, shaking her head.


    "No, nothing... I just—" She hesitated for a moment, then exhaled softly. "It’s just… I’ve been alone for so long. The only person I ever truly trusted was my mothr. But now, she''s… bedridden.The nights have been so lonely, and everyone else has only ever mocked and belittled me."


    Her voice trembled as she averted her gaze. "But when you said those words to me yesterday, that you will help and support me… for some reason, that fear inside me started to fade." A faint, almost fragile smile formed on her lips. "I think… I can trust you, Suzuki."


    A heavy silence fell between them. The only sound was the quiet clinking of chopsticks against the wooden bento boxes.


    Suzuki’s heart skipped a beat. His mind scrambled for a response, but all he could manage was an awkward scratch behind his head.


    "U-Uh… D-Don’t worry," he muttered, looking away. "We’ll be together for a long time… so you’ll get used to it."


    Lizzy stared at him, her golden eyes reflecting the warm glow of their dimly lit room. Her lips curled into a soft, genuine smile.


    At that moment, something inside her shifted, The loneliness that had burdened her heart for so long… the cold emptiness of all those nights, the constant sting of cruel words, the aching solitude—they no longer felt as heavy.


    For the first time in what seemed like forever, she felt warmth, And for the first time in a long, long while… she wasn''t alone.


    —To Be Continued.