The next morning, the gray sky wavered between rain and sun.
Miria, already up, finished preparing to return to school. It was the first day in a long while she could go without fear—finally able to control her powers. Alix, cheerful as ever, waited at the door. Together, they walked off in a lighthearted mood.
Meanwhile, at school, Diana and Marlie walked quietly down the hall, exchanging knowing smiles.
Everything changed when Gale appeared around a corner.
Diana, surprised, quickly looked away, intending to turn back.
But Gale noticed and caught up with her, voice firm.
"Diana, wait! We need to talk."
"I have nothing to say, Gale."
"Just a few minutes, please…"
Seeing the tension, Marlie placed a hand on her friend's shoulder.
"Just listen to him," she whispered, slipping away.
Diana sighed and relented. They sat on a bench a little off the path.
"So… what do you want?" she asked coldly.
"I just want a chance to clear up a misunderstanding," Gale replied calmly.
"I don't see why! We're not together. You can sleep with whoever you want."
"Maybe… but I don't want you to think badly of me. Between Isabella and me… nothing happened."
Diana raised an eyebrow, skeptical.
"Really? Gale, do you take me for a fool? Ray found you half-naked, and Isabella… completely naked!"
Gale closed his eyes for a moment, then said:
"I know. It looks bad. But I swear, nothing happened. Yes, at first she tried to tempt me… but I pushed her away."
"Why would Isabella do that?"
"She was hurting, Diana. And not thinking clearly. You don't know, but after the night we spent together, Axel called me about Isabella. That's the day Ray discovered the attempted assault."
Diana froze.
"What…?"
"Yes. Later, I stepped away for an emergency, then Axel did too. Isabella and Ray were alone in the house. When I came back to check on her… I caught them kissing."
Diana's eyes widened.
"You're joking?"
"Unfortunately, no. They didn't see me, so I left quietly. The next day, Isabella invited him out. Everything went well until Ray ruined it by saying their kiss was an accident. That's why she was at my place yesterday."
A long silence followed.
"And… why were you shirtless?" Diana finally asked.
"I had just taken a shower, that's all."
"And Isabella?"
"She undressed herself," Gale sighed.
He looked her in the eyes.
"I told you, Diana. It's you I love. No one else. I can't be with another woman."
Diana blushed, looking down.
"Speaking of that night…" she murmured.
"Yes… we never talked about it again," Gale admitted softly.
"It's true… though I must admit…"
She hesitated, then whispered:
"I liked it…"
Gale froze for a moment, surprised.
A tender smile spread across his lips as Diana looked away, heart pounding.