[Third Chapter For the #Gift.]

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Three days passed since the incident in the cafeteria. Today was Sunday, a day of rest for all the students and the staff of the academy.

However, today was a special day for Adrian.

Maybe so, he hasn't been able to sleep properly for the past three days, and though the nightmares have a hand in it as well, he still prefers to believe it is the former.

However, he forgot one crucial thing.

"I don't have the right clothes to wear..." He muttered his head down. "Damn it, of all the things, it has to be this."

He could've gone shopping but time wasn't on his side. He promised to be ready at 8 o'clock.

"Am I gonna mess up my first date in a fantasy world?" He mumbled inwardly.

Right, he is going out on a date today. (At least he considers it a date.)

His partner is none other than his classmate, neighbor, and friend - Aria.

(Reminder: He asked her out after the Joint Class.)

Adrian paced his room, frustration building as he realized how unprepared he was for his date with Aria. He glanced at the clock—7:30 AM. He had only half an hour left to figure something out.

"Think, Adrian, think," he muttered, scanning his wardrobe once more. It was mostly filled with his combat training uniforms and casual, worn-out clothes. Nothing that seemed appropriate for a date.

Just then, there was a knock on his door.

'Oh, no! Has half an hour already passed? That quick?!'

'Is it Aria? Is she calling me because I was late?!'

Adrian's heart skipped a beat as he rushed to the door, his anxiety spiking. As he opened it, he was greeted by the sight of Kairen standing there, holding something in his hands.

"Kairen?" Adrian asked, his voice a mix of surprise and relief. "What are you doing here?"

Kairen offered a small, knowing smile. "Can I come in?"

Adrian nodded, stepping aside to let Kairen enter. Once inside, Kairen placed the package he was holding on the bed.

"You look worried about something," Kairen observed, his gaze steady on Adrian.

Adrian sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, I am. I have an important meeting, and I realized I don't have the right clothes to wear."

Kairen's eyes widened but he hid it quickly. "In that case, this will be useful to you."

Adrian's eyes squinted in confusion as he looked at the package on the table. "What is it?"

"Open it and see," Kairen encouraged.

With a mix of curiosity and hope, Adrian unwrapped the package. Inside was a neatly folded set of clothes— not so stylish but simpler, yet comfortable outfit perfect for a casual yet special occasion.

"This..." Adrian was too stunned to say anything. "Wait..."

"How did you know I needed this?" He asked his tone suspicious.

However, Kairen's answer was ready. "I heard it from Lila, she heard it from the person you are going to meet."

"Oh," Adrian nodded guessing Aria must have talked with Lila.

"Try them on first, see if they fit you." Kairen suggested.

Adrian quickly took the clothes to his bathroom, feeling a surge of relief and gratitude. He changed into the outfit, the fabric feeling comfortable against his skin. The clothes fit him perfectly, highlighting his lean physique without being too tight.

Stepping out of the bathroom, he found Kairen waiting patiently. "How do I look?" Adrian asked, a hint of nervousness in his voice.

Kairen smiled, giving a nod of approval. "You look great. I'm sure your meeting will go well."

Adrian felt a wave of relief wash over him. "Thanks, Kairen. I really appreciate this."

Kairen waved off the gratitude with a casual hand. "No problem. Just make sure you enjoy yourself today and relax. And since my work here is done, I will take my leave."

"Oh, ok." Adriana nodded and accompanied him to the door. "Thanks once again."

Kairen nodded and started leaving. After walking a bit, his calm expression changed into a scared one. "Women are scary... Too scary..."

"How did she even know his sizes?" He mumbled to himself. "She even knew he didn't have any clothes..."

"Adrian... just be careful..."

______ ___ __

10 minutes later. Adrian stood beside Aria's door and took a deep breath, trying to calm his racing heart. He knocked gently, hoping he wasn't too early. The door opened almost immediately, revealing Aria in a simple yet elegant dress, her hair neatly styled. She looked both surprised and anticipated to see him.

"Good morning, Adrian," Aria greeted with a slight warm smile.

"Good morning, Aria," Adrian replied, feeling his nerves settle slightly at her friendly demeanor. "You look... beautiful."

Aria blushed faintly, her smile widening. "Thank you. You look great too."

Adrian couldn't help but feel a swell of pride, knowing that his last-minute outfit was a success. "Shall we go then?"

Aria nodded, stepping out of her room and closing the door behind her. They walked down the corridor together, the atmosphere filled with a mix of excitement and anticipation. Adrian tried to keep the conversation light, asking what she wanted to do first.

"I thought we could start with breakfast at the café by the lake," Aria suggested. "It's a nice, quiet spot, and the view is beautiful."

"Sounds perfect," Adrian agreed, feeling a bit more at ease with the plan in place.

They left the academy under the gazes of many. Many of them were directed at him, some of them even emitting a faint killing intent. Adrian even felt as if he was stealing Aria from the Academy, but he quite liked the feeling.

As they made their way to the café, they chatted about various topics—classes, training, and their interests outside of the academy. Adrian found himself genuinely enjoying Aria's company, her new easygoing nature helping to alleviate his initial nervousness.

He knew her cold and indifferent personality might have been a cover-up or a way to save herself from unnecessary talk and trouble. And she opened up to him made him happy in its own way.

"The scenery here is quite beautiful..." Adrian commented as they walked past the lake in the south of the city. "The cafe's owner certainly picked a good place."

"Thank you," Aria muttered.

"Huh, why are you thanking me?" Adrian asked confused. "...Wait... Don't tell me you are the owner of this restaurant."