Celebrate, research, or jealousy?

Zhodan steps forward, looking at the empty space where the portal closed.

"We won't be seeing them again anytime soon." His voice carries relief and wariness. 

The group collectively lets out a breath they've been holding, but the lingering tension in the air remains.

Jay spins around with a cheeky grin.

"Did you see their faces when they ran? Priceless!" He laughs, breaking the tension.

The others chuckle despite themselves, the adrenaline slowly wearing off.

Zhodan gives Jay an exasperated look while trying to hide his own amusement.

"You really do have a death wish, don't you?" He shakes his head, but his tone is lighter.

The rest of the group starts cleaning up the battle damage, still recovering from the unexpected turn of events.

The group prepares to leave the chamber, with Zhodan taking one last look at the ancient runes.

Jay notices Zhodan's concern and approaches him.

"Hey, we stopped them this time. Let's focus on getting home." He places a reassuring hand on Zhodan's shoulder.

Zhodan nods, though his eyes still linger on the runes.

"You're right. We should regroup and plan our next steps." He turns away from the chamber.

The others follow, creating a protective circle around Zhodan as they head toward the exit.

As they reach the exit, Jay pauses.

"By the way, nice shot Yokijo. That could've hit him." He winks at her.

Yokijo simply rolls her eyes but can't suppress a small smile at the compliment.

Nokai's expression darkens slightly at Jay's comment, though he tries to hide it.

"Yeah, she's quite skilled." He says gruffly, subtly positioning himself closer to Yokijo.

Jay notices but doesn't comment, keeping his teasing to himself this time.

The group emerges from the chamber into bright sunlight, and Jay stretches dramatically.

"Well, who's up for a victory celebration?" He suggests with a grin.

Nokai seems to relax slightly at the change of topic, though he still watches Jay warily.

Zhodan clears his throat, addressing the group with a more serious tone.

"Actually, I think we should investigate what caused their sudden retreat." His brow furrows thoughtfully.

The mood shifts back to business as the others turn their attention to him.

Jay flops dramatically onto the grass.

"Can't we just celebrate first? Research later?" He looks up at Zhodan with exaggerated puppy eyes.

Nokai seems to agree with Jay's sentiment, but holds back from expressing it directly.

Yokijo laughs at Jay's antics while Zhodan maintains his serious expression.

"We could split up. Those who want to celebrate can, while others investigate." She suggests.

Jay immediately perks up at this compromise, bouncing back to his feet.

Nokai visibly brightens at the idea, glancing at Yokijo.

"That's actually a good idea." He nods in agreement, his earlier tension seemingly forgotten.

Zhodan sighs but nods reluctantly, knowing it's the best compromise he'll get.

The group starts heading in different directions, with Jay already pulling Nokai toward the nearest tavern.

"Don't worry Zhodan, we'll meet back at the guild later!" Jay calls over his shoulder.

Zhodan watches them go with a mix of amusement and exasperation.

Yokijo approaches Zhodan, noticing his contemplative expression.

"Those two really need to work on their subtlety." She says with a knowing smile.

Zhodan shakes his head but can't help but chuckle softly at the truth in her words.

Zhodan starts walking toward the library, gesturing for Yokijo to join him.

"You're welcome to help me research." He offers, his scholarly nature taking over.

The afternoon sun casts long shadows as they walk, heading toward the heart of the city.

Jay bursts into the tavern with Nokai following closely behind.

"Finally, some good ale and a warm fire!" He declares dramatically, heading straight for the bar.

Nokai settles into a corner booth, his eyes scanning the room with protective instinct.

Nokai's voice carries a hint of frustration as he addresses Jay.

"You know you can't keep flirting with everyone, right?" His jaw tightens slightly.

Jay simply laughs and orders two pints of ale, completely unfazed by the comment until he they sit at the bar top.

Jay clutches his chest in mock offense, almost spilling his ale.

"Who, me? I'm just being friendly!" He winks playfully at Nokai, clearly enjoying this.

Nokai rolls his eyes but can't hide the slight blush creeping onto his cheeks.

Nokai's gaze drifts toward the door as if hoping Yokijo would walk in, though he tries to hide it.

He takes a long sip of his ale, attempting to appear casual but failing miserably.

Jay notices and grins mischievously, opening his mouth to tease.

Before Jay can speak, Nokai cuts him off with a warning glare.

"Don't." His voice is low but carries a clear threat.

Jay raises his hands in surrender, still smirking as he takes another drink.

The tavern door swings open and in walks Zhodan and Yokijo.

Nokai's attention immediately shifts to Yokijo, though he tries to appear nonchalant about it.

Jay watches this with obvious amusement, leaning back in his chair with a knowing smile.

Zhodan approaches the group, carrying several scrolls and books.

"I found some interesting texts about the runes." He begins spreading them out on the table.

Nokai scoots closer to make room, accidentally bumping his shoulder against Yokijo's in the process.

Yokijo glances at Nokai, a small smile playing on her lips at his flustered reaction.

She moves her chair slightly closer to get a better look at the research materials, their arms now touching.

Jay can barely contain his laughter at the scene unfolding before him.

Zhodan continues his lecture on the runes, oblivious to the obvious tension between Nokai and Yokijo.

"These symbols were definitely related to something powerful." He points to a complex diagram.

Nokai attempts to focus on the research, but his fingers unconsciously brush against Yokijo's.

Yokijo turns her hand slightly, allowing their fingers to intertwine beneath the table.

Nokai freezes momentarily, then squeezes her hand back, his face growing increasingly red.

Jay starts making exaggerated coughing noises to draw Zhodan's attention to them.

Jay finally loses it and loudly clears his throat.

"Hey Zhodan, did you notice our resident lovebirds over there?" He gestures dramatically at Nokai and Yokijo.

Zhodan finally looks up from his books with confusion.

Both Nokai and Yokijo shoot Jay death glares while still holding hands under the table.

Yokijo quickly retracts her hand, her face flushed with embarrassment.

Nokai busies himself with examining the scrolls, avoiding eye contact with everyone while still red-faced.

Jay leans back in his chair with a satisfied smirk, thoroughly enjoying their discomfort.

The tension at the table becomes almost unbearable, with everyone avoiding eye contact.

Zhodan finally seems to pick up on the awkward atmosphere, though he's not sure why.

He clears his throat and awkwardly returns to studying his research materials.

Zhodan launches into a detailed description of the magical properties of the runes, oblivious to the relief on everyone's faces.

The group gradually relaxes back into their usual dynamic, though Nokai and Yokijo keep a noticeable distance.

Jay can't resist one last comment about 'interesting magical properties' under his breath.

Zhodan shoots Jay a stern look, finally catching on to his brother's antics.

"Focus, Jay. These runes might be crucial to defeating xuhuan and the dark star king." He says firmly.

The conversation shifts back to serious research, with everyone thankfully staying on track.

As the evening wears on, the tavern grows quieter and the candlelight dimmer.

Zhodan finally stands, stretching his stiff limbs.

"We should head back to the guild hall. The librarian will be closing soon." He begins gathering his books.

Jay slumps dramatically over the table.

"Already? But we just got comfortable!" He whines.

Nokai silently helps Yokijo gather her things, their earlier awkwardness now replaced with mutual exhaustion.

The group begins making their way to the door, with Zhodan leading the way.

"At least we made progress today." He says, though he too seems reluctant to leave the warm tavern.

Jay falls into step beside Nokai, nudging him playfully as they walk.

Nokai shoves Jay back gently, but can't help a small smile at his friend's teasing.

The cold night air hits them as they step outside, causing everyone to huddle closer together.

Yokijo walks slightly ahead, her footsteps crunching softly in the snow.

Jay whispers to Nokai, though not quietly enough to be private.

"So... about earlier with Yokijo..." He wiggles his eyebrows suggestively.

Nokai's cheeks flush red again as he elbows Jay hard in the ribs.

Jay lets out an exaggerated 'oomph!' and stumbles dramatically.

"Hey! Violence is not the answer!" He clutches his side, still grinning mischievously.

Yokijo glances back at the commotion, suppressing a smile at their antics.

Zhodan sighs heavily, turning to walk backward so he can face the group.

"Enough with the theatrics, you two. Save it for your stage show." He gestures to the guild hall ahead.

Nokai shoots one last warning look at Jay before focusing on catching up with Yokijo.

The group arrives at the guild hall/inn, the familiar scent of burning firewood and roasted meat wafting from inside.