Two days had slipped by, and Ariana was caught in the whirlwind of her indecision. She exchanged brief pleasantries with Orion each morning—a simple "Good morning" and a return "Good night"—but nothing more. Despite this, the group chat with Mina and Kira remained lively, filled with debates and unsolicited advice.

Mina: "I'm telling you, Ari, you've got to go for it! Orion's interested, and this is, like, peak romantic drama material!"

Kira: "Or, you could just not. Focus on what matters: your weapon. Day is your partner, and your synchronization is your lifeline."

Ariana sighed, her fingers hovering over the keyboard before she finally responded.

Ariana: "I just... I feel like sneaking around behind Day's back might hurt our connection. What if it messes with our synchronization? He's already so protective, and if he finds out—"

Mina: "If he finds out, then you deal with it. But think about you for once! You're more than just Day's meister—you're Ariana. You deserve to explore whatever this is with Orion if it makes you curious."

Kira: "Or you could avoid the drama altogether. You're playing with fire, Ariana. Day's temper isn't exactly subtle."

Ariana groaned, flopping back onto her bed. She appreciated their opinions, but the conflict inside her remained unresolved.

Ariana: "I just... don't want to lose what I have with Day. But I also feel like Orion might have answers to questions I didn't even know I had."

Mina: "Then go get those answers! If Day's your partner, he'll understand eventually. And if he doesn't... well, maybe Orion's aura is the kind of grounding you need."

Kira: "You don't have to sneak around. Be honest with Day about wanting to talk to Orion. If he trusts you, he'll listen."

Ariana stared at their messages, her mind a tangle of worry and intrigue. Finally, she typed out a single reply.

Ariana: "I'll think about it. Thanks, guys."

Mina sent a string of heart emojis, while Kira followed up with a simple, "Just don't be stupid."

Closing the chat, Ariana took a deep breath, her resolve beginning to solidify.

Ariana turned over in her bed, her gaze falling on Day. His chest rose and fell steadily, and she assumed he was asleep. Hesitating for a moment, she softly called his name.

"Day?"

To her surprise, he turned over, his sharp eyes catching hers in the dim light. "Yeah?"

She gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "I thought you were asleep!"

A smirk tugged at the corner of his mouth. "Sometimes I fake it, you know. Makes it easier for you to do my work without arguing."

Her jaw dropped in disbelief. Grabbing the nearest pillow, she swung it at him. "You're the worst!"

Day laughed, blocking the half-hearted assault with his arm. "I'm just saying—it's effective."

As the laughter subsided, Ariana sat up, her expression shifting into something more serious. Her gaze met his, and for a moment, the room fell silent, save for the faint hum of the heater.

"What's with the look?" Day asked, his teasing tone fading as he noticed her change in demeanor.

"I need to talk to you," she said, her voice steady but uncertain. "About us. About being partners."

Day raised an eyebrow, propping himself up on his elbow. "Okay... What's on your mind?"

She hesitated, unsure where to begin. This was the moment she'd been dreading—and the one she couldn't avoid.

Ariana hesitated before reaching out, her fingers brushing against Day's hand. She took a deep breath and gripped it tightly, her voice trembling as she spoke. 

 "Day," she began, her eyes searching his. "Do you think you could ever hate me?"

 Day's expression softened immediately, his free hand reaching to brush a stray strand of hair from her face. "No," he said, his tone firm and honest. "Not a chance. What's going on?" 

 Her lips quivered as she met his gaze, a single tear slipping down her cheek. "I need to tell you something. About Orion." 

 Day's brows furrowed at the name, his hand instinctively tightening around hers, but he didn't say anything. He just waited.

Ariana swallowed hard and continued. "He's been texting me. Nothing inappropriate, I promise. But... he asked me to dinner, and I haven't told you because... I didn't know how. I didn't want to risk... us." 

 Day's jaw tightened, but his eyes stayed locked on hers. "And why are you telling me now?" 

 "Because I'm worried," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "Worried about our connection. About what this might do to us as partners. I didn't want to keep anything from you, but I was scared of how you'd react."

 For a moment, silence hung between them, heavy and uncertain. Day finally exhaled, leaning back slightly. He got up and walked out of the dorm room silently.

Ariana started shedding silent tears quickly texting Mina and Kira telling them what happened.

Ariana's fingers trembled as she typed out a message to the group chat, tears blurring her vision.

Ariana: I told Day about Orion... He didn't say a word, just walked out. I think I messed everything up.

The response was almost instant.

Mina: WHAT?! He just left? That's so dramatic! I mean, what were you supposed to do? Not tell him? You did the right thing, Ari!

Kira: Calm down. Give him space. If he's as loyal as he seems, he'll come back when he's ready.

Ariana wiped her cheeks, staring at their words but finding little comfort. She wanted to believe Kira was right, but the weight of Day's silence felt unbearable.

Her phone pinged again.

Mina: You're way too good for all this drama. Maybe this is a sign you should see Orion and figure out what he wants.

Kira: Mina, shut up. That's not helping.

Ariana let out a shaky sigh, her heart torn between guilt and worry. She couldn't bring herself to reply, tossing her phone onto the bed as she curled up, her thoughts spiraling.

Minutes felt like hours as she waited, each passing second stretching her anxiety further. What if he doesn't come back?

It felt like the night was lasting forever for Ariana. She couldn't rest, not knowing if Day would come back. She got up and left her dorm room, walking out into the school's garden, trying to clear her head.

The cool night air brushed against Ariana's skin as she stepped into the garden, its silence broken only by the soft rustle of leaves and the distant hum of cicadas. She wrapped her arms around herself, her thoughts swirling like a storm. What if Day doesn't forgive me? What if I ruined everything?

She wandered aimlessly, her footsteps crunching softly on the gravel paths. The moonlight cast an ethereal glow over the garden, the flowers and trees seeming to shimmer under its silver rays. Ariana stopped at the edge of a small fountain, the water's gentle trickle providing a momentary sense of calm.

Her phone vibrated in her pocket, snapping her out of her daze. She hesitated, pulling it out to see a message from Kira.

Kira: You're not in your dorm, are you?

Ariana glanced around, suddenly feeling exposed.

Ariana: Needed some air. I'm in the garden.

The response came quickly.

Kira: Stay there. I'll come find you.

Ariana sighed, staring at the rippling water as she waited. Moments later, she heard soft footsteps behind her and turned to see Kira approaching, her fiery red hair glowing faintly in the moonlight.

Kira didn't say anything at first, simply standing beside Ariana and gazing at the fountain. After a moment, she spoke, her voice calm and steady. "You're overthinking this. Day cares about you too much to let something like this break what you have."

Ariana shook her head, her voice barely a whisper. "I should've told him sooner. He must feel so betrayed."

Kira crossed her arms, glancing at Ariana with a raised eyebrow. "Betrayed? You told him because you didn't want to hide anything. That's not betrayal—it's honesty."

Ariana bit her lip, her gaze dropping to the ground. "But what if I've messed up our connection? What if this changes everything?"

Kira placed a hand on Ariana's shoulder, her touch firm yet reassuring. "Your connection with Day isn't that fragile. He'll come around—he always does. You just have to give him time."

Ariana nodded slowly, the tension in her chest easing ever so slightly. "Thanks, Kira."

Kira smirked. "Don't thank me yet. Now, come on—let's get you back to your dorm before Mina freaks out and wakes the whole school looking for you."

Ariana managed a small laugh, letting Kira lead her back toward the dorms. As they walked, she couldn't help but glance at the path ahead, her heart heavy but hopeful

The night Kira stayed over, Ariana had finally managed to get some decent rest. Kira's calming presence, coupled with her casual humor, helped distract Ariana from the lingering tension. A day passed, and the buzz around the academy was all about the much-anticipated Weapon Ball.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting warm hues of orange and pink over the campus as Ariana sat at her desk, staring at her reflection in a small mirror. Mina was bustling around their dorm room, pulling dresses and accessories out of her wardrobe with unbridled enthusiasm.

"You have to wear something dramatic!" Mina exclaimed, holding up a flowing black gown with glittering silver accents. "Something that screams mystery and allure."

Ariana barely smiled, her mind still clouded with thoughts of Day. "I don't know, Mina. I'm not sure I even want to go."

Mina huffed, placing the dress in Ariana's lap. "You have to go. It's the weapon ball! You're Day's meister—you belong there just as much as he does. Plus, it's masquerade-themed! No one will even know if you're upset. You'll just be a stunning mystery in a mask."

Scraps leaned casually against the doorframe, munching on an apple as he chimed in. "She's right, you know. Everyone's going to be there, and it's not like you to back down from something fun. Besides..." He grinned. "You'll have me and Mina to keep you company."

Ariana glanced at the mask Mina had set on her desk—a sleek, black creation adorned with delicate silver filigree. She picked it up, turning it over in her hands. The idea of hiding behind it, even for just one night, was oddly comforting.

Mina, catching Ariana's hesitation, smirked. "And think about it this way: behind that mask, no one will even notice those tear marks you've been hiding so well."

Ariana shot Mina a playful glare, but her friend's humor managed to bring a faint smile to her lips. "Fine," she relented, standing up with the dress in hand. "But only because I know you'll drag me there anyway."

"That's the spirit!" Mina cheered, clapping her hands. "Now, let's get you looking like the belle of the ball."

A sharp knock echoed through Mina's dorm room, startling Ariana as she adjusted her mask. Mina hurried to the door, pulling it open to reveal Kira and Solis standing in the hallway.

Kira stepped inside first, her presence radiant as always. She wore a deep crimson dress that shimmered like molten fire, the color perfectly matching her aura. The fabric was adorned with tiny jewels that caught the light, making her seem as if she were glowing. Her mask, a delicate creation of gold and red swirls, added an air of mystery to her fiery elegance.

"Wow," Mina gasped, clapping her hands together. "Kira, you look like you just stepped out of a fantasy novel."

Solis followed closely behind, his orange suit a bold yet tasteful complement to Kira's dress. The tie he wore had subtle golden accents that mirrored the sparkle of Kira's gown, and his mask, a sleek design in burnt orange and gold, brought the whole look together.

"You two look amazing," Ariana said softly, her earlier hesitation momentarily forgotten as she took in their coordinated outfits.

Kira smirked, flicking a strand of hair over her shoulder. "Of course, we do. But the real question is—" Her eyes swept over Ariana, appraising her. "—are you ready to turn some heads tonight?"

Mina practically bounced with excitement, pushing Ariana forward slightly. "She's almost ready. Just needs a final touch or two!"

Ariana, wearing the black and silver gown Mina had chosen for her, fidgeted with the mask in her hand. Kira stepped closer, her sharp eyes catching every detail. "You're not nervous, are you?"

"Maybe a little," Ariana admitted.

Kira chuckled, reaching out to adjust a strand of Ariana's hair. "Relax. Tonight's about having fun. Forget Day for a while, forget Orion. Just focus on enjoying yourself."

Solis gave her an encouraging nod. "Kira's right. You're going to kill it out there."

Mina grabbed the mask from Ariana's hands and placed it gently over her face. "And there we go," Mina said, stepping back to admire her work. "Now you're perfect. Ready to make some jaws drop?"

Ariana looked at herself in the mirror, the mask hiding her lingering insecurities. For the first time in days, she felt like she could breathe. "Okay," she said, a small smile breaking through. "Let's do this."

With that, the four of them headed out, the anticipation of the weapon ball sparking an energy that even Ariana couldn't resist.

As Ariana, Kira, Solis, and Mina entered the grand ballroom of the weapon ball, the scene took her breath away. The room was bathed in shimmering gold and silver lights, the dance floor alive with couples swaying to the music. The soft glow of chandeliers hung above, reflecting off the floor and the elegant attire of the guests.

Ariana couldn't help but notice how everyone looked. Kira and Solis, with their radiant coordination, were easily one of the most striking pairs in the room. But beyond that, the faces of those she knew stood out as well.

"Look at them," Mina whispered, nodding toward Eleana, who was standing with Zephyr by the punch bowl. Eleana looked stunning in a sleek black dress that shimmered in the light, while Zephyr was impeccably dressed in a dark green suit. They were laughing together, but the tension between them was still palpable.

Kai was standing across the room with a small group of friends, his sharp eyes scanning the room with disinterest. He caught Ariana's gaze for a moment and gave a small nod, though his expression remained neutral, as always.

"Look at Jin," Kira said, nodding toward the corner where Jin stood, looking stiff in his formal attire, but undeniably handsome. His suit was a dark navy with silver accents, his hair perfectly styled. He seemed somewhat out of place, though, not quite in his element at such an event.

Then there were the teachers—Madame Verlaine, Leon, and Andros—standing in a group near the edge of the room. Madame Verlaine looked like she had stepped right out of a high-end fashion magazine, her dress sparkling like the night sky. Leon, ever the charismatic presence, wore a deep purple suit. His eyes glinted as he spoke animatedly to Andros, who was in a more reserved gray suit. His usual calm demeanor contrasted sharply with Leon's energetic one.

Ariana's heart skipped when her gaze landed on Orion and Theseus standing at the far end of the ballroom. Orion, ever the enigmatic figure, was dressed in a dark, tailored suit with subtle green and gray accents, his heterochromatic eyes gleaming in the dim light. His aura, faint but still noticeable, seemed to swirl around him, giving him an ethereal quality. Theseus stood next to him, his appearance strikingly similar to Orion's but with more warmth in his demeanor, dressed in a similar suit. They were talking quietly, though Ariana couldn't catch their words.

"Everyone looks amazing," Ariana said, taking it all in. She felt a slight wave of nerves hit her again, but Kira's reassuring presence was enough to keep her grounded.

"You included," Kira teased, giving her a little push. "But I think the biggest head-turner is still you."

Mina laughed, looping her arm through Ariana's. "We're gonna have so much fun tonight. Dance, mingle, and just enjoy ourselves."

Solis, ever the quiet one, simply nodded. "Let's not waste any time then."

With that, the group headed further into the room, Ariana feeling both nervous and excited. The night was just beginning, and despite the chaos in her personal life, tonight felt like a chance to leave it all behind, even if just for a few hours.

As the night went on, Ariana, Kira, Solis, and Mina were immersed in the energy of the dance, laughing and enjoying each other's company. The music was upbeat, and everyone seemed to be having fun, even amidst the tension that always seemed to linger between them. Jin, who had mostly been keeping to himself, had finally come over to join their group, and everyone was surprised to see him so relaxed, even smiling as he leaned in.

"So, Jin," Mina began, her eyes sparkling with curiosity, "where's your partner? We haven't seen her around tonight."

Jin hesitated for a moment, then pointed towards a group of girls standing at the far end of the room. The group of girls were all chatting, and Ariana's gaze followed Jin's finger, only to find herself staring at one of the most surprising sights of the night.

There, standing among the girls, was Jin's partner—except she wasn't what they expected. The girl wasn't in her usual weapon form. Instead, she appeared as a fully human girl, her long dark hair flowing effortlessly around her shoulders and her eyes sparkling with an otherworldly sharpness. She was dressed in an elegant, flowing gown that contrasted with the typical outfits Ariana had seen the weapons wear. The most shocking part was the aura around her—a strange, ethereal presence that made her seem almost too perfect to be real.

"Wait..." Kira blinked, clearly surprised. "That's your partner?"

Jin nodded, his face softening as he looked toward her. "Yeah. Her name is Yara. She usually stays in her weapon form—she's a set of tonfas—but tonight... she's decided to go for the human version."

Ariana, who had been watching Yara with fascination, couldn't help but feel a little taken aback. It wasn't just that she'd never seen Yara in her human form before; it was the way she stood out, radiating a kind of energy that was hard to ignore. She was stunning, and Ariana could see why Jin had been so quiet about her before.

"Wait, you've never seen her like this?" Jin asked, noticing their surprised expressions. "I guess she doesn't like to show this side of herself too often."

Mina, still in awe, laughed. "I had no idea you were partnered with someone like that, Jin. You're lucky."

Jin simply shrugged, but there was a small, contented smile on his face as he looked at Yara. There was a gentleness in the way he looked at her that none of them had seen before, a quiet protectiveness.

"I didn't expect her to come out like this either," he admitted. "But she's usually so serious. Tonight, she wanted to try something new."

Ariana, feeling a little out of her depth, glanced at Kira, who gave her a playful nudge. "Looks like Jin's got a hidden soft spot," Kira teased.

"Don't get any ideas," Jin replied with a smirk, but the warmth in his eyes betrayed the teasing tone.

As the night continued, Ariana found herself thinking about what it would be like to have a partner as unique as Jin's. Someone who could shift between forms so seamlessly and hold such an aura of mystery. But before she could think too much about it, the music shifted, and Mina immediately dragged her toward the dance floor.

"Come on, we're going to dance. No more staring at mysterious girls in masks," Mina said, winking at Ariana, pulling her along.

As the night progressed, the tempo of the music slowed, and couples started to sway in time with the rhythm. The soft glow of the chandeliers reflected off the dance floor, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Ariana found herself lost in the movement of the night, the energy around her making everything feel surreal.

Scraps, who had arrived late, walked over to Mina with a mischievous grin. "Mind if I steal you for a dance?" he asked, offering her his hand. Mina looked at Ariana for a moment, a silent question in her eyes, before giving Ariana a playful smile.

"I'll be fine," Ariana reassured her. "Go have fun."

With a wink, Mina took Scraps' hand, and the two moved gracefully toward the dance floor. Kira and Solis were already off to the side, laughing and dancing with abandon, enjoying the night in their own way.

Ariana stood off to the side, watching her friends. The music was calming, but the lingering tension inside her made it hard to fully enjoy the moment.

Just as she started to drift into her thoughts, she felt a presence behind her, familiar and steady. She turned around to see Orion, his posture relaxed but confident, his ever-present smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"Would you care for a dance?" Orion asked, his voice low and smooth.

Ariana's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she hesitated, unsure. She glanced at the dance floor where Day had been earlier. But he hadn't come back yet.

"I..." Ariana started, her words caught in her throat. She wasn't sure what to say, torn between the weight of the situation with Day and the offer in front of her. Orion's gaze never wavered, waiting patiently for her response.

"I'd like to," Ariana said quietly, nodding, though her stomach fluttered with nervousness. She placed her hand in his, and Orion led her onto the dance floor, his steps measured and graceful. As the music enveloped them, Ariana couldn't help but feel both nervous and oddly comforted by his calm demeanor.

"Don't worry," Orion said softly, sensing the tension in her. "I won't bite."

Ariana managed a small laugh, though the unease still lingered in her chest. As they began to move together, she couldn't help but feel the sharp contrast between dancing with Orion and the quiet moments she shared with Day. There was a softness to Orion, but it felt more... calculated, almost as if he was carefully gauging each moment.

"How are you holding up?" Orion asked, his voice a little softer now, the playful tone replaced with something gentler. "I know things are complicated with you and Day."

Ariana swallowed, unsure of how much to say. "I'm trying to figure things out. It's just... hard." She glanced at him, catching his gaze. "I didn't expect things to get so complicated."

Orion nodded, the corner of his mouth curling up into a small, understanding smile. "Complicated relationships are nothing new. But it's important to do what feels right for you, not for anyone else. You have to live with your choices, after all."

As the song continued, Ariana's thoughts drifted again, this time to Day. Would he be upset if he saw them? Or was he already too far gone, lost in his own emotions? The dance with Orion felt distant, almost like a momentary escape from the whirlwind of feelings she was trapped in.As the night progressed, the tempo of the music slowed, and couples started to sway in time with the rhythm. The soft glow of the chandeliers reflected off the dance floor, creating an almost dreamlike atmosphere. Ariana found herself lost in the movement of the night, the energy around her making everything feel surreal.

Scraps, who had arrived late, walked over to Mina with a mischievous grin. "Mind if I steal you for a dance?" he asked, offering her his hand. Mina looked at Ariana for a moment, a silent question in her eyes, before giving Ariana a playful smile.

"I'll be fine," Ariana reassured her. "Go have fun."

With a wink, Mina took Scraps' hand, and the two moved gracefully toward the dance floor. Kira and Solis were already off to the side, laughing and dancing with abandon, enjoying the night in their own way.

Ariana stood off to the side, watching her friends. The music was calming, but the lingering tension inside her made it hard to fully enjoy the moment.

Just as she started to drift into her thoughts, she felt a presence behind her, familiar and steady. She turned around to see Orion, his posture relaxed but confident, his ever-present smirk playing at the corner of his lips.

"Would you care for a dance?" Orion asked, his voice low and smooth.

Ariana's heart skipped a beat, and for a moment, she hesitated, unsure. She glanced at the dance floor where Day had been earlier. But he hadn't come back yet.

"I..." Ariana started, her words caught in her throat. She wasn't sure what to say, torn between the weight of the situation with Day and the offer in front of her. Orion's gaze never wavered, waiting patiently for her response.

"I'd like to," Ariana said quietly, nodding, though her stomach fluttered with nervousness. She placed her hand in his, and Orion led her onto the dance floor, his steps measured and graceful. As the music enveloped them, Ariana couldn't help but feel both nervous and oddly comforted by his calm demeanor.

"Don't worry," Orion said softly, sensing the tension in her. "I won't bite."

Ariana managed a small laugh, though the unease still lingered in her chest. As they began to move together, she couldn't help but feel the sharp contrast between dancing with Orion and the quiet moments she shared with Day. There was a softness to Orion, but it felt more... calculated, almost as if he was carefully gauging each moment.

"How are you holding up?" Orion asked, his voice a little softer now, the playful tone replaced with something gentler. "I know things are complicated with you and Day."

Ariana swallowed, unsure of how much to say. "I'm trying to figure things out. It's just... hard." She glanced at him, catching his gaze. "I didn't expect things to get so complicated."

Orion nodded, the corner of his mouth curling up into a small, understanding smile. "Complicated relationships are nothing new. But it's important to do what feels right for you, not for anyone else. You have to live with your choices, after all."

As the song continued, Ariana's thoughts drifted again, this time to Day. Would he be upset if he saw them? Or was he already too far gone, lost in his own emotions? The dance with Orion felt distant, almost like a momentary escape from the whirlwind of feelings she was trapped in.

The moment the dance ended, Ariana felt a rush of conflicting emotions flood through her. The connection she'd shared with Orion felt almost surreal, like a dream she wasn't ready to wake from. As the last notes of the song echoed through the room, she gave him a polite smile.

"Thank you for the dance," Ariana said, her voice soft but sincere.

Orion's eyes glinted with amusement, and with a smooth motion, he took her hand and pressed a gentle kiss to it, his cool lips sending a shiver up her spine. "Anytime," he replied, his voice warm despite the coolness of his aura. Without another word, he turned and walked off, disappearing into the crowd.

Ariana felt the air around her suddenly feel too heavy, the weight of the night pressing in on her. She needed space. She excused herself from the dance floor and slipped away from the crowd, her footsteps light against the smooth floor as she made her way toward the exit.

As she stepped outside, the cool night air immediately hit her shoulders, sending a sharp chill through her skin. She wrapped her arms around herself instinctively, trying to shake off the unease that had started to creep back in. But the chill of the night wasn't the only thing that caught her attention.

A warm, comforting presence greeted her from around the corner. She could feel it before she saw it—a familiar, almost grounding energy. It was like the warmth of the sun, but without the harshness. As she rounded the corner, she saw Day standing there, leaning casually against the wall. His posture was relaxed, but there was an unmistakable intensity in his gaze as he watched her approach.

"Needed some air?" he asked, his voice low but steady. There was no anger in his tone, no bitterness—just a quiet understanding that immediately eased the tension in Ariana's chest.

Ariana paused, her eyes locking with his. The night air suddenly felt less cold as she stepped closer to him. "Yeah," she said, her voice steady despite the fluttering in her chest. "I just needed a break from everything."

Day straightened up and pushed off from the wall, his eyes softening as he watched her. He didn't say anything at first, just took a small step forward, closing the gap between them. Ariana felt her heart race again, but this time, it wasn't from confusion—it was from the familiar comfort of being near him.

"You okay?" Day finally asked, his expression unreadable, but there was a concern hidden in his eyes.

Ariana exhaled slowly, finally letting the weight of the last few days settle into her voice. "I'm sorry for everything, Day. I didn't mean to push you away, and I didn't want to hurt you. I just... I don't know what to do." She paused, her voice cracking just slightly. "I don't want to lose what we have. I don't want this to mess with our connection."

Day took a step closer, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek, his thumb brushing against her skin in a way that felt like reassurance. "Ariana, I don't want to lose this either," he said quietly. "But I need to know you're being honest with me. All of it. I can't do this if we're not both all in."

Her breath hitched as she met his gaze, the sincerity in his eyes making it impossible to look away. Slowly, Ariana nodded.

For a while, she and Day stayed silent, the only sound between them being the distant chatter from the ongoing party. The air around them seemed to grow warmer as Day's aura slowly spread up his arms, its heat radiating softly. His aura, a comforting yet intense presence, began to warm her body, and she leaned into him instinctively, allowing herself to bask in the heat.

Day, sensing her relaxed response, broke the silence. His voice was low, yet it held an underlying warmth, matching the aura surrounding them. "Do you want to go back to the party, or should we head to the dorm?" he asked, his tone laced with curiosity, but also a hint of concern. He seemed to genuinely want to know what she preferred as if giving her the choice between continuing the night with the others or escaping to the quiet solace of the dorms.

Ariana stayed still for a moment, the warmth of Day's aura slowly seeping into her skin, wrapping around her like a blanket on a cold night. She closed her eyes, allowing herself to lean into him, feeling the comfort and steadiness of his presence. The world around them seemed to fade for a moment, leaving just the two of them in their quiet space.

Finally, she opened her eyes and pulled back slightly to meet his gaze, her heart still racing but now for a different reason. The tension in her chest had loosened, replaced by a strange sense of calm. "I think I just need a little more time," she said softly, her voice steady now. "I don't want to go back in there yet."

Day's expression softened as he nodded, understanding without needing any further explanation. He gently pulled her closer again, his aura continuing to pulse around them, offering her a sense of peace. "Then we don't have to," he replied quietly. "We can just stay here for a while. No pressure."

Ariana gave him a small, grateful smile, her heart lightening at his words. She could feel the sincerity in them, and it made all the difference. It was moments like this that reminded her why their connection had always been so strong.

"I'm glad you're here," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. She looked up at him, the warmth from his aura and his proximity grounding her in a way she hadn't realized she needed.

Day nodded again, his hand gently resting on her shoulder. "You don't have to say anything more," he said, his tone reassuring. "We'll figure it out together. No matter what."

Ariana closed her eyes, letting the quiet moment between them settle in. The party, the drama, the uncertainty—everything felt far away for a little while. In this moment, all that mattered was the simple, reassuring presence of the person standing in front of her.

After a while, Day gently pulled back, his expression soft as he looked at her. "So, do you want to go back to the dorm?" he asked again, his voice a little lighter now, as if he was willing to let her choose.

Ariana considered the question for a moment, her gaze flicking toward the direction of the party. The laughter, the music, the bustling crowd—they felt so distant now, and yet, she knew they couldn't avoid facing it forever.

"Maybe just a little longer out here," she said, her voice steady as she looked back at Day. "Let's just stay like this for a bit."

Day's lips curled into a small, understanding smile as he nodded. "As long as you need."

They stood there together, the cool night air mixing with the warmth of Day's aura, just enjoying the quiet solitude, away from the noise of the party and the world for a while.