As the crowd around them buzzed with excitement, Valerie's eyes caught the signal from her classmate. Without missing a beat, she leaned toward Zane, her voice barely a whisper as she said, "Till we meet again, handsome." Then, before anyone could react, she pressed a quick, soft peck against his cheek.
Zane froze, cheeks burning with surprise, while Nyx inside his mind let out an amused chuckle. Sera, standing close by, blinked, a flicker of confusion and jealousy crossing her face, but she said nothing.
Valerie smiled mischievously and quickly pulled away, slipping back into the crowd, leaving Zane and Sera standing there, the moment lingering in the air.
Zane rubbed his cheek, still stunned. "What just happened?"
Sera crossed her arms, trying to hide a smirk. "You just got officially noticed. Welcome to Lumina Academy."
Nyx's voice echoed teasingly, "Looks like you've got competition, Zane."
Zane sighed, feeling the weight of new challenges ahead — both on and off the battlefield.