CHAPTER 145: 145- KISS UNDER THE MOON

Alex moved toward the counter.The aunty chef, sitting behind it on a wooden chair, stood up at the sight of him and offered a stiff smile.

Alex returned the smile warmly."Hello, Aunty Chef. Good morning. I’m glad you’re okay."He leaned casually against the counter as he finished the sentence.

The chef nodded, her eyes softening."I am too, kid. I am too."

She turned and disappeared into the kitchen for a moment, then returned carrying a steaming hot meal: a juicy steak, two half-fried eggs, and golden toast on the side.

Alex nodded gratefully and scanned his bracelet. The display blinked as 2 credits were deducted.He took the tray and made his way to his usual spot—the corner table.

Hati trotted silently behind and sat down beside him.

After finishing their meal in peaceful silence, Alex stood up and took the tray back.

As they exited the cafeteria, Alex stretched slightly and looked down at Hati."Let’s go back to the infirmary first and check on Selene and Rina."

"Woof!"Hati barked in cheerful affirmation, tail wagging.

As they reached the infirmary, it was already crowded—filled with people meeting their loved ones.

Alex and Hati carefully made their way through the crowd and approached the beds where Selene and Rina were resting.

On Selene’s bed, Sara sat beside her daughter, who was munching on a piece of chocolate like a little girl.On the bed nearby, Rina was seated, giving an awkward smile while holding a blue, shimmering box of chocolates.

Alex stepped forward and said,"H-Hello."

Selene instantly stopped chewing, wiped her mouth, and tried to hide the chocolates behind her back.

Rina stood up and walked over with a concerned expression."Are you okay?" she asked softly.

Alex nodded."Yes, I’m fine. How are you guys? I saw you were sleeping earlier, so I left."

Rina replied,"I’m okay... and Selene—"

She glanced at Selene, who nodded quickly, cheeks puffed and mouth still half-full of chocolate.

"Ahem," Rina cleared her throat. "She’s okay too."

Sara turned to Alex, her gaze warm."Alexander, how are you? And... thank you for saving Selene again."

Alex smiled and shook his head."No, they were the ones who brought me to the infirmary."

Sara nodded, then looked at Selene—who was now blushing and staring down at her lap.Sara’s smile widened.

She turned back to Alex and said,"The academy is sending all students on missions as the year comes to a close. I’m taking Selene with me to Ice Phoenix City. Why don’t you come with us?"

Alex paused, falling into thought.

Inside his mind—White Alex: "Go, go! Let’s go!"Black Alex: "We’re going. Stop shouting."

Alex glanced at Sara, then at Selene, and nodded."When are we leaving? Do I need to prepare anything?"

Sara’s smile widened further."We’re leaving tomorrow. Just pack like you would for a mission. You’ll be there for a few months."

Selene’s eyes widened. Her already blushing face turned redder. She clenched her fists tightly, struggling to contain her emotions.

Alex nodded."Okay then. Should I meet you at the teleportation tower in the early morning?"

Sara nodded.Then she turned to Rina and asked gently,"Would you like to come too?"

Rina shook her head."No, I want to go on a mission alone. I want to become stronger—like my mother."

Sara nodded with approval."That’s a good goal. Best of luck, then."

Alex left after saying goodbye and walked toward his aunt’s room.He muttered,"I hope she’s okay."

He knocked on Serene’s door.A small hatchet (peephole hatch) opened.An emerald green eye scanned the corridor. As it fell on Alex, the hatch suddenly closed.

The door opened. Serene stood sideways and whispered,"Come in, hurry."

As Alex and Hati entered, Serene looked around the corridor once more, then shut the door.

Without waiting, Alex hugged her tightly.He whispered,"I’m glad you’re okay, Aunt Serene."

She smiled and patted his back, teasing,"Did your height increase again?"

Alex broke the hug, gave her a sigh in response, and walked into the lounge, sinking into a cushioned chair.

Serene followed with a smile—but her face soon turned serious."Are you okay, Alexy?"

Alex nodded."Yes, Aunt. I just wanted to check on you before I leave tomorrow for Ice Phoenix City."

Serene’s eyes widened. She narrowed them, asking sharply,"Ice Phoenix City? Why?"

Alex raised both hands in mock defense."Calm down, Aunt. The Ice Phoenix Matriarch invited me."

Serene relaxed and nodded, walking over to bring a porcelain kettle.She poured warm, steaming tea into cups.

Hati raised his head from the rug near the fireplace—hoping it was food—then, disappointed, lay back down.

Serene handed Alex a cup and leaned back into her cushioned chair, speaking in a serious tone:"Be careful. Ice Phoenix City stands at the border of an SSS-rank danger zone."

Alex took the cup, sipping the warm, slightly sweet tea.He asked,"What about you, Aunt? What are your plans?"

Serene gave a stiff smile."I have to return to the Seraph frontlines. We barely have an army left. I’ll be busy... I won’t be able to see you for a while."

Alex nodded, understanding the gravity of her words.

They talked quietly until the sun dipped below the horizon.Then, Alex left and returned to his dorm room.

As he entered, he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep like a log.

Far away from Alex’s dorm room, a couple stood on the balcony of the academy tower, watching the moon.They held hands, their fingers interlaced, gazing at the glowing orb in the night sky.

Lyra turned and looked into Riven’s violet eyes."What are you thinking?" she asked softly.

Riven turned his head toward her, staring into her clear blue eyes."I was comparing something," he said, his voice calm."Whether tonight’s full moon is more beautiful... or your eyes."

Lyra smiled, her voice dropping to a whisper."So?"

Riven leaned closer, his nose brushing against hers.He slipped his hand around her waist, pulling her gently into his arms."So..." he whispered.

Lyra closed her eyes in anticipation, her breath catching.Riven’s heart pounded in his chest as he closed the gap between them—and kissed her lips.

The softness of her lips engraved itself into his memory.Then—Her tongue slipped into his mouth.

Riven responded in kind, meeting her halfway.Their tongues met, igniting sparks in their minds.They kissed deeply, arms wrapped around one another, lost in the moment—forgetting the world.

Eventually, Riven slowly pulled away, breathless.He looked at her—eyes still closed, lips glossy under the moonlight.A smile stretched across his face—warm and genuine.

"That was the answer," he said quietly.

Lyra opened her eyes and looked into his, then nodded without saying a word.She turned back toward the moon.

Riven leaned in again, whispering near her ear. His warm breath sent a shiver down her spine."Now... you’ll remember this moment every time you see the moon."

Lyra smiled and nodded again—without turning to face him.She kept her eyes on the moon.

Riven reached out, took her hand in his once more, and stood silently by her side.