The sun dipped low behind the trees, casting long shadows over the secluded training field. Saber stood, panting lightly, dirt-streaked and sweaty, but there was a fire in his eyes—a quiet determination that refused to dim.
Carlos clapped his hands once, sharply. "This is the last attempt," he said, voice firm. "Then we'll call it a day."
Saber gave a thumbs up, then dropped into a crouch, muttering to himself like an instructor in his own head. Bend and be horizontal. Jump from the hill when starting. Land with the toes first. He launched forward, dashing with newfound grace, then landed with precise control.
Carlos watched, eyes narrowing—until a wide grin spread across his face.
Saber, catching his breath, looked up. "I think I finally got the hang of it."
"That was incredible!" Carlos beamed. "You're really mastering the dash move. Remember, control and precision are key. You've got the power—now it's about how you use it."
"Thanks, Carlos," Saber said with a tired smile. "Couldn't have done it without your help. You really know how to explain things."
Carlos looked away, rubbing the back of his neck. "Oh, it's nothing. I'm just glad I could help. You've got a natural talent, Saber. Just keep practicing, and you'll be unstoppable."
"With you as my mentor," Saber chuckled, "how can I go wrong?"
Carlos blushed faintly. "Mentor, huh? I like the sound of that. Let's meet here again in the morning for the next three days. I'll help you refine the move."
"Sounds like a plan." Saber nodded. "Thanks again, Carlos."
"Looking forward to it. See you tomorrow."
"Aye aye, captain."
Covered in dirt and scratches, Saber returned to the guild. Chloe spotted him instantly and raised an eyebrow.
"Well, look who's back! Did you wrestle a mud monster or something?"
Saber grinned. "It went great! I've got the dash move under control now."
Ergo sauntered in, a sly smile curling her lips. "Oh, Saber," she purred, "you look so rugged and… dirty. I like it. Maybe you need someone to help clean you up?"
Saber laughed. "If you insist, Ergo. I could use a little... personal attention."
Chloe rolled her eyes. "Careful, Saber. She might eat you alive—and not in the fun way."
"Oh, Chloe, you're just jealous," Ergo teased. "But don't worry, there's enough of Saber to go around."
"You know you're my favorite, Chloe," Saber said, still grinning. "But Ergo does have a point."
Chloe mock-gasped. "Please. I'm not jealous. Just don't come crying to me when she's done with you."
"I promise I'll be gentle... at first," Ergo added with a wink.
"You guys are impossible," Saber chuckled.
"That's the spirit," Chloe smirked. "We're going to need that energy."
"Just try not to dash into any walls," Ergo teased.
"I'll do my best."
The two women walked away, laughing. Chloe turned once, her smile dropping as she muttered under her breath.
"But he's my friend..."
Later, in Saber's modest room—bed, desk, scattered belongings—he flopped onto his mattress, legs waving weakly.
Suddenly, the door burst open.
"Hey, Saber! What's up, dirt boy?" Chloe grinned, hands on hips.
"Chloe!" Saber shouted, startled. "Ever heard of knocking?"
"Where's the fun in that?" She shrugged. "So, how was your little training session? Did she give you a gold star?"
"Very funny. It went well, actually."
"I bet Ergo was thrilled. Probably planning her next move to get her claws into you. Bet you enjoyed that little 'bath' moment, huh?"
Saber laughed. "Come on, Chloe. That was just a joke. And she's not that bad... right?"
"She's a predator," Chloe snapped. "Waiting to pounce. You should be careful."
"Jealous?" Saber teased.
"Of her? As if!" Chloe crossed her arms. "I just don't want to see you get hurt."
"Sure, sure."
"Anyway," she huffed. "You're spending the afternoon with me tomorrow. We're going shopping."
"Shopping? Again? Didn't we just go?"
"I need a shopping buddy. And you need a break."
"Alright, alright."
"Good. Don't keep me waiting, or I'll drag you out in whatever you're wearing."
She slammed the door behind her.
Saber stared at the door. "Was she upset? Did our jokes hurt her?"
The Next Morning
Golden light washed over the training field. Saber was already sweating as Carlos watched the sunrise with a serene expression.
"This feels good, right?" Carlos asked.
"Yeah, but..." Saber flopped dramatically. "I need water."
Carlos sat beside him.
"How's the guild?" he asked casually.
Saber groaned. "There's a bit of a situation between Chloe and Ergo."
Carlos raised an eyebrow. "What's wrong?"
"Chloe's acting weird. She barged into my room and started ranting about Ergo. Doesn't trust her. And I don't get why."
Carlos nodded knowingly. "Sounds like jealousy. She probably sees Ergo as a threat."
"But why?" Saber asked, genuinely puzzled.
"Feelings are complicated, Saber. Maybe she just needs a little reassurance. Try to show them both there's no reason for rivalry."
Saber exhaled. "Easier said than done."
Carlos smiled. "Wait for the right moment."
"You're right," Saber said, standing. "Better not keep her waiting."
After a hot shower, Saber relaxed in the guild's cozy common area, enjoying the warmth of the fire. Footsteps approached.
"Well, look who's all cleaned up." Ergo smirked. "What's the occasion?"
"Just getting ready to meet Chloe. Shopping trip."
"Shopping, huh? Good luck. Chloe's a handful."
Saber laughed. "But it'll be fun."
Ergo raised an eyebrow. "You're not worried about getting too close to her?"
"She's a good friend. It's just shopping."
"Just don't let her dress you in anything ridiculous."
"I'll try."
Ergo laughed and walked off.
At the Guild Entrance
Chloe waited, arms crossed but smiling.
"There you are! I thought you bailed."
"Wouldn't dream of it."
They headed out into the busy streets. Stalls lined the roads, alive with chatter and the smells of street food.
"Look at all these stalls!" Chloe said with glee. "We're going to find so many cool things today."
Saber grinned. "You really love this, huh?"
"Of course. Plus, you need new gear."
"So it's really about dressing me up?"
"Maybe."
They stopped at a stall. Chloe held up a jacket. "Try this on."
Saber obliged. "How do I look?"
Chloe appraised him. "Very handsome."
They laughed, continued browsing, and eventually spotted bracelets with the guild emblem.
"Let's get matching ones," Chloe suggested.
They put them on together.
Soon, they settled at a cozy outdoor café. Chloe smirked.
"So, Mr. Hero. Plan for today?"
"Trying to keep up with you."
"You're doing well. But let's play a game. Whoever blushes first pays for lunch."
"You're on."
Chloe fed him a bite of dessert. He blushed slightly. Then he returned the favor—she blushed.
"Ha! You blushed," Saber declared.
"Fine," Chloe laughed. "You win this round."
Suddenly, chaos erupted nearby. A group of boys were bullying a disabled kid in a wheelchair.
Saber's eyes narrowed.
The insults flew—cruel, mocking, merciless.
Then came a blur. A kick to the knee, a flip, another knee shattered. Saber moved like lightning, tearing through the bullies. Chloe calmly sipped her coffee.
"What a peaceful day," she mused.
Saber cracked jokes mid-fight.
"Guess you're one leg short of a comeback."
"Hope your family jewels are still on sale."
Chloe chuckled. "I think he's really feeling the price of that one."
Once the dust settled, Saber knelt beside the kid.
"You okay?"
"Yes," the boy said, smiling. "Thank you... both."
Saber blinked. "Both?"
Chloe gave him a thumbs-up. "Great teamwork, Junior!"
Saber threw his hands up. "What did you even do?!"
Arm in arm, they walked off.
"You're not just a pretty face, Saber," Chloe said softly. "That was really something."
"Just doing what's right."
"You're a good guy. Maybe too good."
"I'll take that as a compliment."
Evening – Clock Tower
The golden glow of dusk bathed the town as Chloe led Saber to a stone staircase.
"This is our final destination," she whispered, pulling his hand.
The view from the top stole his breath.
"Why—what—why did I even—what did I do to you?" Saber stammered, winded.
"Sorry," Chloe teased. "I forgot my alien translator."
They stood in silence. Stars blinked awake in the pink-orange sky.
"Thanks," Saber said quietly. "This might be the best gift I've ever gotten."
"Gift?"
"When you share something important with someone, it becomes a memory. And what's more valuable than that?"
Chloe smiled. "That's what friends are for. You did great today, Saber. I'm proud of you. But... there's another gift I want to give."
She blushed, stepping closer.
"Close your eyes."
Saber obeyed. A soft kiss landed on his cheek.
His eyes flew open.
"Whaaaat?!"
Chloe dashed down the stairs, red-faced, stopping at the corner to cover her mouth.
"I did it," she whispered. "I finally did it. I touched my lips to his cheek."
Above, Saber clutched his cheek, stunned.
"She did it," he thought, face bright red. "She finally did it… she gave me a k-k-kiss."
And somewhere in the air, their thoughts crossed:
Is this really happening?