The following morning dawned bright over the Angel's City, the marble spires catching the early sun and scattering gold across the streets below. The air was fresh, scented faintly with blooming sky-lilies from the gardens, and the distant sound of temple bells rolled through the clear sky.

Nero arrived first, his presence as bold in casual wear. He had chosen a light gray top that clung comfortably to his frame, short jeans that gave him an unrestrained look, and sneakers of the same muted shade that completed the simple but sharp ensemble. The contrast of the soft gray against his dark blue hair and those piercing crimson eyes gave him an air both approachable and dangerous—like a wolf hiding its fangs.

Then she appeared.

Khione stepped into view with her usual calm grace, but today her presence was different. She wore a delicate summer dress, the fabric light and flowing, dyed in pale shades of blue and white that caught the sunlight and shimmered like frost over water. The dress swayed with each step, her movements so fluid they seemed sculpted rather than natural. Her long white hair was tied into a ponytail, loose strands brushing her cheeks, leaving the slender column of her neck exposed. The sight of her bare, pale skin—untouched and luminous—made her seem like a statue brought to life, ethereal and unreachable.

Her gaze, as always, was cool and steady, her ice-blue eyes carrying no hint of vanity, though she must have known how breathtaking she looked.

Nero's lips curved faintly. He did not hesitate, did not stumble over his words, but spoke with his usual boldness, his voice low yet firm.

"You are truly beautiful."

The compliment hung in the air, sharp and genuine, carrying more weight because it came from him—someone who rarely wasted words.

Khione did not fluster or avert her eyes. She did not blush or stumble in reply. She simply inclined her head, the faintest motion, her icy composure unbroken. And yet, there was a subtle shift, an almost imperceptible softness in her gaze as she acknowledged his words.

It was nothing more. And yet, in the quiet of the morning, beneath the golden light spilling over the city, the simple gesture carried a resonance stronger than any spoken thanks.

A sleek black sedan rolled smoothly down the gravel path leading from Leclair's mansion, the polished surface gleaming beneath the rising sun. It came to a gentle stop before the pair, its doors opening with a quiet click. The driver, dressed in a crisp uniform, remained silent, waiting.

Nero moved first, his posture casual but his movements deliberate as he turned to Khione. Extending his hand, he offered a simple gesture of courtesy. She did not hesitate, placing her slender hand in his, the contrast of her cool skin against his warmth striking in its own way. With composed grace, she stepped into the car, her summer dress brushing lightly against the edge of the seat as she settled inside.

Once she was seated, Nero followed, sliding in beside her. The faint scent of leather and polish filled the air, the car's interior a perfect blend of luxury and subtlety. The door shut with a muted thud, and a moment later the vehicle began to glide forward, leaving behind the gates of the mansion.

The journey toward the heart of Angel's City began in quiet comfort. Sunlight spilled through the tinted windows in warm slants, catching on the edges of Khione's ponytail and highlighting the pale glow of her skin. She sat with perfect poise, her ice-blue eyes calm yet thoughtful as they lingered briefly on the passing scenery before turning toward him.

Their conversation came naturally, starting with the one subject that bound them tightly: their fight.

"You were reckless," she said softly, her tone even but carrying weight. Her gaze sharpened slightly, recalling the clash of fire and ice, the destruction they had wrought in the training ground. "Next time, I'll win. That much, I promise."

Her words weren't spoken out of pride, but conviction.

Nero smirked, leaning back against the seat, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.

"I'll be waiting for that. Don't disappoint me."

She studied him for a moment, then narrowed her eyes slightly, shifting the topic with the same bluntness she carried on the battlefield. "That ability you used… partial dragonification. What exactly was that?"

The air in the car seemed to still for a moment.

Nero tilted his head lazily, as though considering whether to indulge her curiosity. His lips curved into a knowing grin, the edge of mischief glinting in his eyes. Finally, he shrugged, as if it were the most unimportant thing in the world.

"A secret."

The single answer left her silent, her expression unchanged, though her mind was undoubtedly turning, analyzing, searching for answers. She gave no outward reaction, but there was a faint gleam in her eyes—an acknowledgment that this, too, was something she would overcome in time.

The car continued forward, carrying them deeper into the city. And so, with quiet words exchanged between flame and frost, their official date began.

Their first stop was a plush toy store, a charming little place tucked between two larger boutiques, its display windows overflowing with soft colors and round, huggable shapes. A hand-painted sign hung above the door, adorned with smiling stars and pastel ribbons, giving the shop an almost whimsical atmosphere. The moment they stepped inside, a warm bell chimed above the door, and a wave of gentle sweetness greeted them—the faint smell of cotton, fabric, and something almost like sugar lingering in the air.

Nero glanced sideways at Khione. On the surface, she still wore her usual mask of composure—her back straight, her expression calm, her lips barely curved—but her eyes betrayed her. Ice-blue irises darted from shelf to shelf, taking in the mountain of plushies in every possible form: bears, cats, rabbits, dragons, even oddly-shaped vegetables turned into cuddly toys. For someone who carried herself with the dignity of a queen and the coldness of frost, her subtle fascination was almost comical.

Acting like this made her look extremely cute, so much he wanted to tease her all day but unfortunately he couldn't.

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