Summer ended too quickly for Nell's liking. And still, he couldn't get the image of Light Spinner's smile out of his mind. He found himself daydreaming about her unveiled face – most of all, those sweet black lips.

They pretended the near-kiss in the hills never happened, but Nell was not foolish enough to overlook Light Spinner's brief tears. And like always, he had backed out because he was afraid. He'd never kissed a girl before – what would happen if he was bad at it? Would he spit on her? What if his breath smelled?

But after the first day, she hid her pain remarkably well. Now, they walked along the road to the stadium, where they would be watching Sarah's barrelball game.

"So," Nell asked, "what are the rules, again?"

Light Spinner's hands were covered by a large, cozy muff tonight. "The goal is to make four laps around the quarter-mile course with a lead ball in your hands. Whoever finishes with the ball wins the game."

"Sounds simple enough."

"Not exactly," Light Spinner chuckled. "There are more rules. You can't touch the ground – levitation is the only way to go. Obstacles will be in your way as well, but you're free to touch them – assuming your hands are free. Competitors can knock the ball out of your hands, or slow you down with a simple kinesis lashing. Any other spells against competitors are forbidden. And most importantly...you only get two magic vials to restore your power reserves."

Nell's mouth dropped open. "Damn. How's Sarah's team?"

"They're...alright," Light Spinner said doubtfully. "They have Cerise as their coach."

"Oh, brother."

"It's not as bad as it sounds – she used to be a champion back in the day. But I think her age has affected coaching abilities, just like her teaching." Light Spinner sighed. "Each university has their own team. We're up against Greater Carabi Academy today. They're this super high-end school in Meya that teaches ladies' etiquette as a focus."

"Meyan, huh? What school did you go to then?"

"L'Académie d'histoire ancienne."

"Which means?"

"The Academy of Ancient History. It's a charter school."

"Wow. So you must know a lot about the First Ones then, right?"

She nodded. "Father – my biological father, that is – was working on his Emeth in First Ones' Studies. It was his greatest passion, before..."

She trailed off; Nell chose not to press her. He put an arm around her, and she didn't stiffen this time. "How good is Carabi?"

"Equally mediocre," Light Spinner said. "But...don't tell Sarah that. She's passionate about sports."

Nell grinned, excited to watch the chaos ensue. "I won't."

✧✧✧

The final lap of the barrelball game began; Light Spinner watched from the front stands as Sarah raced to the finish line. As party leader, the Dellaneve human had to finish with the ball, or the game would go into overtime.

Light Spinner held her breath. Sarah danced between the pillars, a shot of white against the black, starless sky. The crowd cheered. People always wondered how the Dellaneve woman got so muscular; this was their answer. The ball was heavy, but Sarah maneuvered through the obstacles deftly, only using small bursts of her power...

She crossed the finish line. Arxia University's fans roared at the victory, and Light Spinner gave a smug smile – Sarah carried the game on her own. Their friend soon walked up with her prize, a bag full of moons.

Sarah clapped Light Spinner on the shoulder. "You finally showed up! I knew it would happen someday!"

Light Spinner's stomach twisted. It wasn't Sarah's fault – she didn't know her friend was a monster. That was why Light Spinner kept her distance. That was why the Dellaneve could never know. "Of course," she said. "Nell didn't even know how barrelball worked."

Sarah's mouth dropped open. "We are gonna fix that."

Nell blushed. "You were great out there. I'd never seen a game before – Cindel wasn't the biggest fan of barrelball. They like cricket instead."

"Wealthy louts," Sarah said with a roll of the eyes and a smile. "Not you, Light Spinner. Anyway," she said, stretching, "I'm even sorer than those losers. Who wants to go to the steam grotto?"

Light Spinner sighed. She disliked uncovering herself, but she did have suitable linens, and perhaps she could finally relax. Relax, and forget.

Sarah transported them to the grotto, taking two crescents and inserting them into the locker. Throwing off her sports gear, she stuffed it in. "Here's hoping I don't forget to take it out this time," she said, still smiling as she paid for Light Spinner's and Nell's lockers. "Moldy garb is the worst."

Nell seemed mildly queasy at that comment, but shrugged, stuffing his clothing into the locker. Light Spinner kept looking at the ground. "You two go ahead. I'll catch up."

Sarah nodded. But just then, her face lit up as her teammates entered. "I'm going to debrief with them, Nell. Is it alright if I leave you and Spinner alone?"

"Uh..." Nell looked embarrassed. "I guess."

Light Spinner smiled, pulling her dress off. Underneath, she wore linens down to the knees. She folded her clothes neatly and placed them into her locker, then followed Nell to one of the springs.

She entered the warm water; Nell sat on the edge, sighing and closing his eyes. With his shirt off, Light Spinner noted his slim, muscular frame. The way his stomach rose and fell when he breathed...

Irritated with herself, she turned away, biting her lip. It's okay. You were never meant to be loved anyway, were you? Nell had figured it out. One of the few people who knew – her teachers, Norwyn, someone – had let it slip.

Nell's hand touched her shoulder, and she flinched. "Sorry!" he said immediately. "Are you alright? You look...glum."

Light Spinner couldn't explain her pain. Not without confirmation that he had realized the impossibility of their feelings for each other. "Just tired," she lied. "I don't find it appropriate to hug you. You're not wearing a shirt."

Nell laughed. "I know. I wasn't going to."

Forcing her tone to stay level, Light Spinner turned away. "I'm sorry. I need silence right now."

"Did I do something?"

Yes. Yes, you did. "No. I just need to rest before I go home."

"But I want to know why you're upset."

"I'm not upset!" she snapped. Nell frowned. "You were trying to bait me in the hills, weren't you?"

"Um...no." He followed her. "I just – I – what are you upset about?"

Light Spinner's gloves were off. She couldn't touch him, or he would die. Shuddering, she shook her head. "You're such a fool."

"Why?"

"Don't play dumb with me. You know what I'm talking about."

Nell's eyes were wide with shame. "Oh, dear...I..." He bit his lip. "I think we should talk about this elsewhere. Okay?"

Light Spinner clenched her fists, putting her face in her arms. "Very well," she muttered. "But I just want to know what I did."

Why couldn't you have done it?

Why are you afraid of me?

❂❂❂

Did you know...

- This chapter is definitely one I'm not sure should be in the story. To be completely honest, I'm afraid it comes off as offensive because of Light Spinner's frustration toward Nell. I'm not a fan of excusing petty, creepy, or predatory behavior in women, and I'm worried some of what she expresses in this chapter borders on "nice guy"/incel territory.

- Sarah was probably the most fun to write in this story, honestly. She has a great sense of humor.

Tell me what you think...

- Will Nell get the courage to kiss Alura? Why or why not?