Since their last group mission, Lin Qin and Aileen had grown noticeably closer. They occasionally went to the library together to discuss magic. Sometimes, when they ran into each other in the cafeteria, they naturally sat down to eat together.
Aileen took the initiative to ask about Lin Qin's training and remind him not to overwork himself. In return, Lin Qin showed her a few tricks for controlling magic. His advice often hit the mark, helping Aileen immensely.
One day, while Lin Qin was training at the Warrior Division, Barker came over and asked in a lowered voice, "Hey, Lin Qin, are you and that Water Element girl, Aileen, dating?"
Lin Qin didn't stop swinging his sword as he replied, "No."
"Not yet?" Barker said skeptically. "Everyone's seen you two together all the time. The way that girl looks at you isn't exactly ordinary."
Lin Qin finished a set of swings, came to a stop, wiped away his sweat, and looked at Barker. "We're friends right now. We do missions together and discuss magic. As for anything else, we'll see what happens."
Barker paused, then grinned. "You've got a pretty open mind, kid." He patted Lin Qin on the shoulder. "Aileen's a good girl—talented and nice, too. You're a lucky guy."
Lin Qin neither agreed nor disagreed. He did think Aileen was wonderful, but he had no clear idea of what "dating" meant, nor any particularly strong desire for it. He enjoyed the way they helped each other improve and felt comfortable together.
A few days later, Aileen came to find Lin Qin, looking a little hesitant.
"Lin Qin, there's something I wanted to ask you," she said quietly.
"What is it?"
"Yale and the others are organizing an outing to Crescent Moon Lake, outside Fenlai City. Reynolds and George are going, too. They... asked me to see if you wanted to come along." After she spoke, Aileen watched him nervously.
Lin Qin's first instinct was to refuse. An outing would take up a lot of his training time. But when he saw the hope in Aileen's eyes, he remembered that Yale and Linley were his friends, too. Taking a break now and then didn't seem like such a bad idea.
He thought it over, then asked, "How long will it take?"
"Just one day. We'll leave in the morning and be back by evening," Aileen said quickly.
"Sure," Lin Qin agreed.
A radiant smile immediately spread across Aileen's face.
The weather was beautiful on the day of the outing. Crescent Moon Lake was picturesque, and Yale had brought plenty of food. Linley, Reynolds, and George were all there, and the mood was relaxed and cheerful.
Lin Qin was still quiet for most of the time, but he stayed by Aileen's side. He listened as she told him about the plants by the lake, and reached out to steady her when she nearly slipped. Aileen, in turn, thoughtfully got food for him and handed him water.
On the way back, everyone rode on horseback. Aileen and Lin Qin fell behind the group.
The setting sun stretched their shadows long. Aileen looked at Lin Qin beside her, quiet but reassuring, and worked up the courage to speak.
"Lin Qin," she said softly, her cheeks faintly red. "What... what are we to each other now?"
Lin Qin reined in his horse and looked at her. Aileen's eyes were clear, filled with nervousness and anticipation.
He thought for a few seconds before answering. "You're an important companion. I feel at ease when I'm with you." He paused, then added, "I hope you'll stay by my side, so we can grow stronger together and see a wider world."
It wasn't a sweet confession. If anything, it was rather plain. But Aileen understood what he meant. An important companion, moving forward together. For Lin Qin, that was already an exceptionally serious promise.
The blush on her face deepened, but her smile shone brightly. "Mm!" She nodded emphatically. "I'll work hard so I won't hold you back."
They exchanged smiles, and an unspoken understanding settled between them.
When they returned to the academy, Lin Qin walked Aileen to the girls' dormitory.
"See you at the library tomorrow?" Aileen asked.
"Sure," Lin Qin said, nodding.
Lin Qin watched Aileen go upstairs, then turned and left. He felt calm, but something seemed different. Beyond training, his life now had a clear place for someone—Aileen.
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