That night, under the stars, Serena and I shared a quiet warmth that needed no words. Just being beside her, feeling her presence, made the world feel still and safe. Her beauty was radiant, but it was her gentle soul that captivated me most.
Still, something tugged at me from within—a question I couldn't shake. Eventually, I broke the silence.
"Serena..."
"Yes, Naoki?" she answered with a tender smile.
"Why did you fall in love with me? Back then… I was just a flirt. A failure. The weakest of all the hero candidates."
She burst into a small laugh. "Pfft! So that's what's been bothering you? Honestly, it's true. You were the most shameless flirt at the academy. Every time a pretty girl passed by, there you were. You skipped classes, picked fights, and your swordsmanship? Terrible."
I groaned, covering my face. "Thanks for the ego boost..."
But then her voice softened.
"Still… even back then, I fell in love with you, Naoki."
