Elion burst out laughing.
The sound echoed in the large lounge, breaking the heavy tension that had been sitting between them. Even Liora blinked in surprise at how suddenly he laughed.
Celeste's cheeks turned red again.
"Why are you laughing?" she asked, clearly embarrassed.
"Nothing," he said, still smiling. "You just looked… kind of cute."
"Don't be ridiculous!" Her cheeks puffed out in anger. She crossed her arms lightly but said nothing more.
After a moment, Elion's laughter faded. His expression grew thoughtful as he turned his gaze toward Liora.
"I'm curious, though," he said calmly. "Why did you come find me instead of a professor when you were in such a precarious situation?"
Liora tilted her head slightly.
"When Celeste was in that state, wouldn't it have been safer to call a teacher?" he continued. "You can't really trust me that much, can you? It just makes no sense."
