That afternoon, after Sora was officially knighted, the headmaster completed his enrollment process and handed him new accommodation papers.
"You'll need to move to the boys' dormitory," the dean said, puffing calmly at his pipe. "It's inappropriate for a knight to keep living with a young lady."
Sora eyed the dean's rather self‑satisfied expression. You're just jealous, old man, he thought, but only shrugged and smiled. "Fine, I understand."
Later that day, he returned to Louise's room to pack his belongings.
"Sora—you're leaving?" Louise rushed in, breathless from running straight from class. Sweat dotted her temples, her face slightly pale from exertion.
Sora smiled gently. "Yeah. I'll be staying in the boys' dorm from now on."
Her lips trembled. Then, unable to stop herself, she threw her arms around him. "No! Don't go! You're my familiar—you're supposed to stay with me! I don't want to be alone again!"
Sora felt the warmth of her tears soak through his uniform. A pang of guilt and tenderness rose in his chest.
He rested a hand lightly on her back. "I'm not leaving you, Louise. We made a contract, remember? I'll always be by your side. We'll still see each other every day." His grin turned impish. "And if you really miss me, you can sneak over to the boys' dorm."
Louise looked up at him, eyes red and glistening.
"Good girl," Sora murmured, brushing his thumb over her cheek. Then he leaned down and kissed away the tears at the corners of her eyes. The taste was faintly salty.
From there their emotions carried them; the nervous energy between them slowly shifted into something wordless and tender. Louise froze at first, startled, then awkwardly began to respond, her eyes half‑closed.
The kiss deepened, speaking for both of them—her fear of loss, his promise to stay.
When at last they broke apart, both were breathless, their faces flushed. Louise clutched the front of his shirt as though afraid he'd vanish.
Sora drew her close again, resting his chin against her hair. "Louise," he whispered. "You don't ever have to be alone. I'll protect you."
Her reply came as a small nod against his chest.
Outside, the sunset fell over the academy, filling the room with a warm amber glow. They stayed like that for a long while, holding on to the fragile quiet that followed—a moment that said all the things neither of them yet knew how to put into words.
Later, when night came, Louise fell asleep beside him, a peaceful smile lingering on her lips.
Sora watched her for a long time. Under the moonlight, she looked almost angelic—serene and weightlessly beautiful. Pride and affection swelled within him. This girl belongs to me, he thought, not as a possession, but as a vow.
He pulled the blanket over them both, closed his eyes, and drifted into sleep—still holding her close.