"Actually," Bronya suddenly changed the subject, "I'm very curious how you and Orion met."
"We met fighting," Seele replied unhappily.
"Fighting?" Bronya showed a surprised expression. "I thought he only studied."
"You don't know him," Seele said coldly.
"Really?" Bronya mused. "It seems there's still a lot I don't know. But it's okay, we'll have plenty of time to get to know each other slowly in the future."
"The future?" Seele narrowed her eyes.
"Of course," Bronya said matter-of-factly. "We're going to the Military Academy together soon."
Seele suddenly looked at Orion. "You're going to the Military Academy?"
Orion nodded. "Yes, it's decided."
"We both happened to choose the Military Academy," Bronya added with a smile. "What a coincidence."
Seele stood up, her chair making a grating sound. "I'm full."
"Are you leaving already?" Bronya also stood up. "I still wanted to chat more."
"There's nothing to talk about," Seele picked up her scythe. "We're not on the same path." With that, she left without looking back.
The sound of the door closing heavily echoed. Only Orion and Bronya remained.
Bronya stood still, her expression a little stiff. "Did I just... say too much?" she asked softly.
Orion turned and looked at her calmly. "What do you think?"
Bronya bit her lower lip. "I didn't mean to, it's just... when I heard her say she was moving in so matter-of-factly, I just..."
Orion walked over and handed her a cup of tea. "Bronya, Seele is a very important person to me..."
Bronya's hand trembled slightly. "I know," she said softly.
"No, what I want to say is..." Orion looked at her. "You are also very important to me."
Bronya looked up, hope in her silver-grey eyes. "Really?"
"Of course," Orion's voice was gentle. "You are my best friend in the Overworld."
Friend? Bronya's eyes dimmed a few shades. "...I understand." She stood up, quickly returning to her usual demeanor. "I lost my composure today. I will apologize to Miss Seele. See you at the Military Academy."
"Bronya," Orion called out to her. "Thank you for dinner. It was delicious."
A slight smile finally appeared on Bronya's face. "That's good... I'll come again next time."
After seeing Bronya off, Orion walked to the window. Not long after, an urgent knocking rang out. He opened the door to find Seele standing outside, her face a little red.
"I forgot something," she said awkwardly.
Orion stepped aside. "Come in and get it."
Seele walked in but didn't look for anything. "She left?"
"Oh. The Military Academy she just mentioned, is it true?"
"No," Orion shook his head. "It was my own decision. She just happened to choose it as well."
Seele bit her lower lip. "Then I want to go too."
"This isn't a competition, Seele."
"It is to me," Seele stared into his eyes. "You left without a word two years ago, and now that we've finally reunited, you're going to some Military Academy with another woman. Do you think I'd feel good about that?"
"I don't care what she is," Seele interrupted. "I only know that you are mine."
The air suddenly fell silent. Realizing what she had said, Seele's face instantly turned red to her ears. "No, I mean..."
"I understand," Orion said gently. "If you want to go to the Military Academy, I can arrange it for you."
Seele sighed in relief, then remembered something. "That room..."
"If you don't want to live here, you can go back to the Underworld first."
"I'm not talking about that!" Seele was a little annoyed. "I mean, when can I move in?"
"Then... let's make it tomorrow," Seele turned her face away. "To avoid certain people coming every day."
Orion chuckled. "Okay, I'll pick you up tomorrow."
"No need, I'll come myself." Seele turned to leave, but at the door, she looked back. "Orion. Next time... next time if you're going to leave, remember to say it to my face."
Orion looked at her stubborn and serious expression and nodded. "Okay."
Only then did Seele leave contentedly, her steps much lighter.
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