The noon sun was scorching as the dismissal bell rang at Eastsea Academy, and students streamed out of the teaching buildings in twos and threes.
"Gu Yue, don't be late for practical combat class this afternoon! Teacher Wu is definitely going to make us train extra today!" Xie Xie called toward the silver-haired girl ahead while fanning himself with one hand.
Gu Yue did not stop walking. She merely turned her face slightly and replied blandly, "Mm, got it." Her pace was somewhat faster than usual.
"Big Sister Gu Yue, aren't you going to the cafeteria? They have iced honeydew juice today." Na'er jogged a few steps to catch up, naturally falling into step beside Gu Yue as she looked up and asked. The summer breeze stirred her silver hair and brushed past Gu Yue's long hair of the same shade. To outsiders, the two girls, whose appearances bore some resemblance, made a pleasing sight standing together. Only they themselves knew what complicated relationship and secrets lay beneath that shared hair color.
Gu Yue stopped and looked at Na'er. Their violet and silver eyes met for an instant. Something indescribably complex flickered through Gu Yue's gaze, but was quickly replaced by calm. She raised a hand and brushed aside a strand of hair blown across her cheek, her movements carrying a trace of barely noticeable urgency. "No, I have something to take care of outside. You all go eat." Her tone was fairly mild, even somewhat better than how she usually spoke to Xie Xie. Since that conflict at the seaside, followed by their unexpected becoming roommates, the two had reached a delicate, temporary balance.
"Oh... all right, then. See you this afternoon." Na'er nodded without asking further. She could sense that Gu Yue seemed to have received some message