Elyndor Academy's afternoon sun filtered through the rune-lit windows of the Spellmaking Studio, a circular room brimming with mana-charged tools—crystal mortars, glowing quills, and shelves of shimmering herbs. The special classes, open to all after 1 PM, buzzed with students from every track—mages, knights, and mage-knights—mixing freely. Rick, blue wand in hand, had signed up for Spellmaking Club, drawn by the chance to craft flashy water spells. His violet eyes sparkled with excitement, though his heart raced at the thought of impressing someone.
"Spellmaking's my jam," Rick said, striding into the studio, his brothers scattering to their own electives. "Gonna make a water spell that'll blow minds."
Lui, heading to a swordplay class, smirked. "Don't flood the place."
Yuuv, shuffling to meditation, yawned. Ding~. "Stars say… shiny things happen."
Inside, the studio hummed with activity. A beastfolk mage ground starvine into glowing dust; an elf etched runes onto a wand. Rick's gaze darted across the room—and froze. There she was: Selene Veyra, her lunar-wand glowing as she mixed a shimmering potion. Her poised movements and sharp focus made Rick's stomach flip.
"Lucky day," he muttered, heart pounding. He grabbed a workbench near her, pretending to study a spellbook.
Professor Myrren, a jovial dwarf with a hammer-wand, clapped her hands. "Spellmaking's about intent and balance! Today, craft a basic elemental charm—combine an herb, a rune, and your magic. Pair up for feedback."
Rick's hand shot up. "I'll pair with her!" He pointed at Selene, who raised a brow, her lips twitching.
"Bold move, water boy," she said, sliding her workbench closer. "Hope you're not all splash and no substance."
Rick grinned, cheeks red. "Name's Rick. And I'm all substance."
Selene snorted, tucking a strand of black hair behind her ear. "Prove it. Let's make a light charm with moonpetal."
They dove in, Rick grinding moonpetal into a fine powder while Selene etched a lunar rune on a crystal disc. His water magic swirled the powder into a glowing orb, but it wobbled, threatening to burst. Selene's hand brushed his, steadying the disc. "Slow your flow," she said, her black eyes locking with his. "Water's wild, but you can tame it."
Rick's heart skipped, but he focused, his violet eyes glowing faintly. "Jet Veil!" A gentle water pulse stabilized the orb, merging with Selene's lunar spark. The result was a soft, silvery light that pulsed like a tiny moon, earning Myrren's nod.
"Not bad for a first try," Selene said, smirking. "You're not totally hopeless."
Rick beamed, leaning closer. "Told ya. Stick with me, and we'll make spells that outshine the spires."
She laughed, a rare, warm sound. "Big talk. Next time, less splashing."
They worked through the session, trading banter. Rick tried a flashy water spiral to impress her, but it sprayed a nearby elf, who yelped. Selene stifled a giggle, countering with a lunar beam that dried the mess. "Showoff," she teased.
Rick shrugged, grinning. "Gotta keep it fun."
As they mixed a second charm, Rick's water orb accidentally splashed Selene's notes. "Oops!" he said, wincing. She rolled her eyes but waved her wand, a lunar pulse drying the parchment. "You're a walking flood, Rick."
"Only when I'm nervous," he admitted, then froze, realizing he'd said it aloud.
Selene's smirk softened. "Nervous, huh? Didn't peg you for the shy type."
"I'm not!" Rick said too quickly, then laughed. "Okay, maybe a little. You're kinda… intimidating."
She tilted her head, black eyes twinkling. "Good. Keeps you on your toes."
Myrren called time, praising their charm's "unexpected synergy." As students packed up, Selene lingered, handing Rick a spare moonpetal. "For practice," she said. "Don't waste it."
Rick clutched it like a treasure. "Wouldn't dream of it."
He left the studio, practically floating, the moonpetal tucked in his pocket. Outside, the courtyard buzzed with students heading to other clubs. A faint Starwatcher shimmer flickered near a spire, unnoticed, as Rick rejoined his brothers, his grin betraying his crush.
"Saw that look," Iuro teased, Tofu buzzing. "Spellmaking or lovemaking?"
"Shut up," Rick said, but his smile stayed wide, Selene's laugh echoing in his mind.