Back in the dorm, Loko soaked in the bathtub, knees hugged to her chest, half her face submerged in the water.

She gazed at the sliver of leg peeking above the surface, cheeks flushed pink.

During the fight, she hadn’t noticed—but now, replaying the moment, she actually thought… Shilufei had a certain charm.

Of course, Shilufei had always been pretty. But by “charm,” Loko meant an unexpected, inappropriate flutter had stirred in her chest.

Not for any deep reason—just because she’d been too close to Shilufei then, and Shilufei had acted surprisingly “soft.”

Thankfully, Shilufei soon returned to her usual self, and the impulse faded.

Still, a restless itch lingered in Loko’s chest.

Bubbles rose steadily where she exhaled beneath the water.

After a while, she stood up.

Cool air hit her skin; she shivered, snatched the towel from the wall, and sat aside to carefully dry her hair.

Glancing at the small basin of murky water nearby, she sighed.

Dust on clothes? A brush or rinse would fix it. But dust tangled in long hair demanded meticulous care—and Loko’s hair was especially long, making washing a hassle.

Fed up, she simply poured a basin of clean water over her head.

Steam curled gently from her damp skin.

When Loko came downstairs, towel wrapped around her head, Shilufei had already changed. Only her hair remained slightly damp—otherwise, perfectly ordinary.

She sat on the sofa, legs crossed, an alchemy manual in hand. A plate of pastries rested on the coffee table; she occasionally plucked a cookie and popped it into her mouth.

Loko settled beside her, fanning her flushed cheeks. Then she reached for the pastries too.

Absorbed in reading, Shilufei hadn’t noticed—until their fingers brushed.

They jerked back as if shocked.

Shilufei’s gaze lifted from the book to Loko.

“Ah, Loko. Done with your bath?”

Her tone was calm, as if nothing happened.

That quiet composure made the flustered Loko feel oddly ashamed.

“These are from yesterday. Help yourself.”

She picked up a pastry and held it out. When Loko hesitated, she wiggled it gently.

“Something wrong? Don’t like them?”

“No…”

Loko wouldn’t admit she’d been reminded of the Princess who loved “feeding” her.

After accepting the pastry with a quiet “thanks,” she didn’t eat it. Instead:

“Oh—Shilufei. I ran into Teacher Flora on my way back today.”

Only then did she take a bite.

At the name, Shilufei’s brow furrowed slightly.

“Teacher Flora? Is she giving you trouble again?”

“Mm… No, no.” Loko swallowed quickly and shook her head.

“She just reminded me to attend class tomorrow. Seems she’ll teach something new.”

“Your book’s alchemy-related, right? I heard Teacher Flora’s skilled in that. You could learn from her.”

“I never said I wouldn’t go…” Shilufei muttered.

Loko offered an awkward smile. She wasn’t blind—Shilufei’s dislike for Flora was obvious.

Last time, Loko had tried to soothe her, but Shilufei had already branded Flora a bully.

“Anyway… you’ll come with me tomorrow, right?”

To stop Shilufei’s “self-study” from causing chaos, Loko swallowed her pride.

“…Mm.”

After a pause, Shilufei gave a quiet nod.

“Oh! Shilufei—could you do me a favor?”

Loko turned away abruptly and pulled off the towel.

Emerald-green hair cascaded down like a waterfall.

She shook her head; strands swayed, releasing a sweet, clean fragrance.

Before Shilufei could wonder why, Loko’s voice came:

“My hair got dusty earlier. Could you check if it’s clean?”

Realizing it was her fault, Shilufei had no choice but to help.

She reached out, parting Loko’s strands with gentle fingers.

The hair felt like fine silk beneath her touch—so soft she almost didn’t want to let go.

Fresh from the bath, the scent bloomed strongest now.

Unconsciously, Shilufei leaned closer to the back of Loko’s head.

Eyes closed, Loko felt the movement. “Shilufei… why did you sniff just now?”

“I… ahem. Dust has a weird smell sometimes. Wanted to check.”

Shilufei didn’t believe her own excuse—but Loko nodded. “Your sniff was too light.”

“Worried you’d mind…”

“It’s fine.”

Permission granted, Shilufei’s motions grew bolder—though she held back, resisting the urge to bury her nose in Loko’s neck.

Loko stayed still, yet puzzled.

Somehow… Shilufei’s warmth felt closer. Rising.

Was it the dampness in her hair?

She stayed silent, not wanting to interrupt.

Five minutes passed before Shilufei reluctantly pulled away.

“All clean, Loko.”

Somehow, the words carried a hint of regret.

Loko turned, shook her hair once more, tied it up with a hair tie from her pocket, and smiled.

“Thanks, Shilufei.”

At the sweet tone, Shilufei’s hand—poised to turn a page—paused.

Then, faintly, the corners of her mouth lifted.

“No problem.”

*She* was the one who should be thanking Loko.