Isn't this a Date!?

Luciel… wanna go out with me tomorrow?

Those words from her echoed in his mind like a cassette recording on loop. His mind spiraling into utter chaos, as his neurons clashed for ideas, as to what she really wanted. His heart pounded in his chest, louder than any monster's roar, louder than any sword clash.

“Luciel?” a soft tap snapped him out of his chaotic state.

“Y-Yes…?” a stammered response followed, his cheeks slightly burned a soft crimson.

“You seem out of it…” she tilted his head, curious as to what he’s thinking. “Is something wrong?” she leaned closer, their faces nearly touching.

Luciel looked away, seemingly embarrassed at the thought of seeing her up close. “N-Nothing much… just thinking….”

Stupid, it’s just Lilith, what are you embarrassed about!? he thought.

She then giggled, teasing him slightly. “Oh about yesterday… W-Well, you don’t have to worry, I’m not picky anyway.”

“Ah?” his brain short-circuited.

Yep, this is definitely a date.

The next day finally arrived—the day Lilith has been waiting for. She waited outside of the campus, dressed in a long-frilled blue dress, with a simple handbag to measure.

Luciel arrived not long after, nervously tugging at the sleeves of his shirt. He wore something simple: a mere plain black slacks and a clean button-down, with the top collar awkwardly open.

Usually his hair is messy, but just for today, it is well styled. He looks presentable, but at the same time—stiff.

Lilith’s eyes suddenly brightened, after seeing him again. “Luciel!” she waved, stepping closer with a bright smile. “You look… handsome today…” she squirmed, her cheeks turning red.

“You look cute today…” he said, resting his hands behind his back

“C-Cute!?”

“Well it’s the truth, just accept it!”

She laughed, turning around playfully in her dress, smiling cheekily as she face him once more. “What do you think of my dress?”

Luciel looked away briefly, then slowly turned his eyes back to her. “It suits you so much… you’re beautiful…”

Lilith blinked, caught off guard by his remark. “Oh wow… thanks… Did not expect you to say it…”

“Was I not supposed to say that?”

“Oh no, I’m just glad you did…” she smiled, quickly grabbing him by his arm.

The two stood there for a moment, the mood oddly soft, until a bird chirped in the distance and Lilith broke the silence. “Alright! Where are you taking me, Sir Paladin?”

“I’m not a paladin just yet, but what? I thought you already had a plan!?”

“I just asked you out… it’s up to you!”

He nearly collapsed on the spot. “Y-You’re kidding.”

She winked. “Nope.”

And so, their awkward, yet unforgettable day began.

“Hey Luciel, let’s go to that store!” dragging him towards the store.

“Don’t just spend all our money in just one store!”

“I won’t, silly…” she said with a twirl, already eyeing the cute trinkets displayed at the storefront. “Ooh, look! Isn’t this adorable?” She held up a small, plush bunny wearing a knight’s helmet.

“Isn’t that oddly specific?”

“But it does remind you of someone, right?” she teased, leaning in just a bit closer to his side.

Luciel then groaned, finally understand her, “Great, so now I’m being compared to a bunny, huh?”

“I mean it matches you perfectly. You’re awkward, yet you show your braveness as well.”

“You really don’t hold back, do you?”

“Nope!” she chimed, laughing as she danced from shelf to shelf, the store’s bubbly atmosphere matching her energy.

She then took the bunny, and handed it to the cashier with a smile. “I’ll take this one miss! Oh and this one… and this one—”

“So much for not spending all our money in one store…” Luciel sighed, looking at how many Lilith bought.

“These are all important, you know,” she said, almost pouting.

As the cashier rang up the items, she chuckled softly. “This couple is such a treasure…”

After a few more shops, and a couple of sugar-laced snacks, the two found themselves walking along a quieter path, beside a tree-lined canal. The sun casted soft ripples on the water, and a gentle breeze tousled her hair.

“Hey… this is nice…” she muttered, leaning her head on his arm, her voice quieter than earlier, “I haven’t had a day like this—like ever.”

Luciel chuckled, stealing glances at her, “Yeah, same for me.”

For a moment, the world seemed to have slowed down between them. The warmth of the setting sun, and their own warmth, filled the atmosphere in this world they just made.

Then she suddenly turned to him, holding out the knight bunny. “Hey Luciel, this is for you…”

“But you bought this…?” he looked at her, confused.

“But I want you to have it… Think of it as a charm or something…” She tilted her head, her expression unreadable.

Luciel then pursed his lips into a soft smile, as he took the plush from her hands.

“Thanks, Lilith… I’ll appreciate this.”

She grinned, “Anytime, Sir Bunny!”

“Don’t call me that…”

“Too late, Sir Bunny!”

And the two walked on, laughter echoing softly under the sun. But all good things must come to an end.

“I guess that’s it for today, huh…? I wanted more…” she pouted, still unsatisfied by today’s events.

“We can have more of this… if you want to…”

Lilith chuckled softly, her eyes locking with his as she leaned in closer. “I guess we’re thinking the same thing…” she whispered, the corners of her lips curled into a knowing smile.

Before he could respond, her hand gently cupped his cheek—and then, with barely a moment’s hesitation, she leaned in toward the other.

Smooch.

It was soft. Warm. Fleeting… yet it somehow lingered, as if time itself paused just to savor that moment. Luciel’s mind went blank. His heart didn’t.

There’s no way I’m getting any sleep tonight.

Author notes: Hello there reader! Apparently I was able to write another chapter, so why not add a wholesome one at that. Tomorrow, if chance presents itself, 3 chapters will be released tomorrow, as we enter a new arc after that!

Eledale Academy Arc ends in 3 chapters! The Elven Village Arc Enters!

Next - Chapter 11: The Dungeon of Elvyr
Release Date: 25th of July, 2025 GMT +8

On the 29th of July, there will be a bonus chapter, since it's my birthday, so yeah!