The next day Kawaii~Chan and I brought the cake we made together to Aphmau's house. After we presented it to Aphmau, we threw a small party. It lasted until late afternoon and I left a bit earlier to study a book of colors Aphmau gave me.

I sat under a large oak tree and skimmed the pages, reading each color aloud in hopes to memorize them quicker. I got so engrossed in studying all the many colors I had no idea someone was watching me.

It was soon sundown and I stood up, my legs numb from sitting for so long. The cool breeze felt nice as I tucked the book away in my bag that was slung over my shoulder. I tried to walk carefully so I wouldn't faceplant into the ground.

As I walked I began to feel something...strange...as if being watched. I drew my sword and looked around my surrounding. "Show yourself!" I called out.

Surprisingly, the one hiding came out from the bushes. A small gasp sounded from my lips as I lowered my sword. "Nicole!? What are you doing here??" I asked thrilled to see her.

"Hi Dante." Nicole smiles her dazzling smile as she continued, "Sorry for startling you. I was going to call out to you earlier but you seemed so peacful reading that I didn't want to disturb you."

I smiled widely, "It's fine. But what are you doing here?" I asked.

"Can't I come visit my old home now and then?" She asked with a slight chuckle.

"Oh yes sorry. What I mean is, why are you here so suddenly? Before you usually send a letter."

"This time I just wanted to you your surprised face for once haha. And because I heard there was a newcomer so I thought I would come say hello." Nicole responded.

"Wonderful! Why don't we go into town and I can introduce her to you. She is quite lively but very sweet." I said fondly. The memories of baking the cake together played through my mind.

Nicole smiled before taking ahold of my arm. "Remember when we used to walk like this together? After a long day of training and us helping Lucinda out with being testers for her new potions?" Nicole asked.

"I do. Those were great times. I wish they could have lasted longer." I said as we began to walk together.

Nicole let out a tired sigh as she seperated herself slightly but still had ahold of my arm. We talked as we headed towards the gate, reminiscing the days we used to spend together.

Those days were great. I had always thought I was in love with Nicole. Even though the time we spend together was only ever as friends and never as lovers but I have to admit, I had a very large crush on her. But now, it seems the feelings I once held for her were no more than what a pair of friends feel for another. At one point I planned to confess to Nicole but that was until her father had fallen ill and she had to leave to go back home.

"How is your father?" I asked after remembering the reason she left Phoenix Drop in the first place.

"He's well....." Nicole said, a hint of sadness in her voice "But he isn't recovering as fast as we hoped. He's still bedridden. But at least he is still his usual self. He refuses to lay down and keeps trying to get up out of bed." Nicole laughed with joy but sadness.

I hugged her shoulders closer to me in hopes to make her feel better. She smiled and laid her head against me as we walked the rest of the way to the gate in silence.

(Ohhhhhhh a love rival maybeee??)