Chapter 703 - Coffee
When Irina stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed and composed, she was greeted by the sight of Astron sitting on the couch. A steaming cup of coffee rested on the table beside him, and a small, well-worn book was open in his hands. The serene expression on his face only heightened her earlier embarrassment, though she forced herself to brush it aside.
The faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafted through the cabin, and her eyes flicked to the neatly arranged tray nearby. He made coffee? Of course, he did. He always has something in the morning. She recalled noticing this habit before but hadn't paid it much mind until now.
Wordlessly, she grabbed a cup and poured herself some coffee. Taking a careful sip, she walked over and settled on the seat beside him, placing her cup on the table. The warmth of the drink and the calming silence of the cabin eased her lingering embarrassment.
After a few moments, she broke the quiet. "Where did you go?" she asked, tilting her head slightly to study him. "I didn't see you when I woke up."
Astron didn't look up from his book immediately, finishing the line he was reading before responding. "I took a stroll around the train," he said, his tone casual. "There's more here than just the rooms. I wanted to see what this place had to offer."
Irina narrowed her eyes slightly, sensing there was more to it than he let on. Her hazel gaze lingered on him, and she let the silence stretch as she thought about the kind of person he was. Calm, composed, and always assessing. And then, the realization struck her.
"You went out to see the interior… in case something happens, didn't you?" she asked, her voice carrying a note of certainty.
Astron finally glanced at her, closing the book with a soft thud. "You know me well," he admitted simply, taking a sip of his coffee.
"Heh." Irina smirked, leaning back into her seat with a small sense of satisfaction. "Typical. Always thinking ahead, aren't you?"
"It pays to be prepared," Astron said, his tone calm but with an undercurrent of seriousness. "Especially in a place like this."
She rolled her eyes, though a hint of amusement danced in her expression. "You really need to loosen up, you know? Not everything is a battlefield."
Astron didn't reply immediately, taking another sip of his coffee before setting the cup down. "Perhaps," he said finally, his tone unreadable. "But I'd rather not take unnecessary risks."
"You…."
Though she knew, that changing this guy wouldn't be easy. After all, he was like that all the time.
Irina's gaze shifted from Astron's calm expression to the book resting in his hands. The title caught her eye, and she tilted her head slightly, curiosity sparking. "What are you reading?" she asked.
Astron glanced briefly at the cover before responding, his tone as composed as ever. "A book about Psychic Magic."
Irina's eyebrows shot up. "Psychic Magic? Why?"
"I've been interested in it for a while," Astron replied, setting the book down on the small table beside his coffee. "I think I might be talented in that field."
Irina blinked, momentarily caught off guard by his confidence. "You think you're talented?" she repeated, leaning forward slightly. Her hazel eyes narrowed as she studied him. "You know… I was the one who taught you the basic blocks of magic, and that wasn't even that long ago."
Astron shrugged, his expression calm but thoughtful. "And? That doesn't mean I can't be talented. Everyone has their strengths."
Irina folded her arms, a faint smirk tugging at her lips. "And what makes you think this is one of yours?"
Astron met her gaze evenly, his purple eyes unflinching. "Just a feeling," he said simply. "It's not like I have anything to lose by trying."
Irina chuckled softly, shaking her head. "You're unbelievable," she said, though there was no real bite in her words. "You've barely scratched the surface of magic, and now you think you're a prodigy in one of the most specialized fields?"
"Maybe I am," Astron said with a faint trace of amusement, picking up his coffee again. "Maybe I'm not. Either way, it's worth exploring."
Irina sighed, leaning back in her seat. "You're ridiculous, you know that?"
Astron didn't reply immediately, taking a slow sip of his coffee before placing the cup down again. "Maybe," he said, his tone calm and measured. "But if I'm right, it'll be worth it."
She rolled her eyes but couldn't help the small smile that crept onto her face. "Fine," she said, resting her chin on her hand. "Show me when you finally learn to read someone's mind. Then I'll believe you."
Astron looked into her eyes, the faintest hint of a challenge flashing in his eyes. "Don't worry. You'll be the first to know."
Irina huffed softly, shaking her head, but the lightness of their exchange stayed with her as the train continued its journey through the Arcadia Dominion.
*******
The soft chime of the train's arrival echoed through the cabin, signaling that they had reached their destination. Irina straightened in her seat, smoothing the fabric of her coat as she glanced out the window. The city of Solren Heights came into view, its towering trees with glowing mana veins and crystalline spires glistening in the afternoon sun. The station was bustling with activity, a mix of travelers stepping off and new ones preparing to board.
Astron stood, his sharp purple eyes scanning the scene outside. "Busy," he remarked, his tone calm as always.
"Of course it is," Irina replied, flipping through her notebook as she reviewed the schedule she had prepared. "This train is designed for flexible travel. People can book rooms for specific legs of the journey, so there's always movement at major stops like this one."
Astron nodded, slipping his hands into his pockets. "Efficient."
"It is," she said, standing up and grabbing her bag. "Now, about the plan for today—listen up."
He glanced at her, raising an eyebrow. "Do I have a choice?"
"No," Irina replied with a smirk, stepping into the aisle as the door to their cabin slid open. "Come on, let's get off before it gets too crowded."
The two of them stepped off the train onto the platform, which was filled with travelers. The atmosphere was lively yet organized, with station attendants directing people toward exits or helping with luggage. Despite the luxury of the train, Solren Heights Station had a more natural aesthetic. Mana-infused vines climbed along the station's walls, and glowing runes provided soft, ambient lighting.
Irina walked briskly, her steps purposeful as Astron followed at her usual calm pace. "So," she began, flipping open her notebook again. "Here's the plan: we're heading to the springs outside the city. First, we'll grab a mana-powered cab to get to the trail entrance. From there, it's a short hike through the forest to reach the springs."
Astron's gaze flicked to her. "A hike?"
"Yes, a hike," Irina said, rolling her eyes. "Don't tell me you're one of those people who hates walking."
"I don't mind. In fact, I quite like it."
Irina raised an eyebrow at Astron's response. "Really?" she asked, her tone teasing but curious.
Astron gave her a sideways glance, his expression calm and unbothered. "Why wouldn't I?"
Irina smirked, closing her notebook with a snap. "No reason. I just didn't peg you as the type to enjoy anything remotely recreational."
Astron didn't reply, his gaze drifting toward the intricate mana-infused architecture of the station. The faint hum of magical energy in the air seemed to intrigue him, though his face remained composed.
"Heh," Irina said, falling into step beside him as they made their way through the bustling platform. "Maybe there's more to you than just planning and glaring at people."
Astron's lips twitched, though he didn't fully smile. "Perhaps."
The two walked toward the exit, weaving through groups of travelers and station attendants. Despite the crowd, the atmosphere remained surprisingly calm, a testament to the city's organized nature. The station blended seamlessly with the mana-charged environment outside, where towering trees and glowing veins of crystal could be seen stretching toward the sky.
As they stepped into the open air, the city of Solren Heights came into full view. The blend of natural beauty and magical engineering was breathtaking. Towering crystalline spires reflected the sunlight, while streams of mana energy pulsed gently along the streets, creating a sense of life that felt both vibrant and serene.
Irina took a deep breath, letting the fresh, mana-infused air fill her lungs. "Alright," she said, scanning the line of mana-powered cabs waiting nearby. "Let's grab a ride and get started. The springs are about twenty minutes from here."
Astron nodded, his sharp gaze taking in the details of their surroundings as he followed her toward the line of cabs. Despite his usual stoic demeanor, there was a faint glint of curiosity in his eyes, as though the unique environment of Solren Heights had managed to capture his interest.
As they climbed into a sleek, rune-etched vehicle, Irina leaned back against the seat, a small smile tugging at her lips. "You'll see," she said, her tone carrying a hint of excitement. "This is going to be worth the walk."
Astron glanced at her, his expression unreadable. "I'll hold you to that," he replied, settling into the seat as the cab began to hum softly, its mana-powered engine coming to life.
The journey to the springs had begun.
******
The trail to the springs wound through the heart of Solren Heights' glowing forest, a place where nature and magic coexisted in perfect harmony. The hike, though challenging for ordinary travelers, was almost leisurely for Irina and Astron. As Awakened students of the Arcadia Hunter Academy, they had undergone far more grueling physical training than this.
The path was uneven, lined with moss-covered stones and roots that twisted across the ground like intricate carvings. Mana-infused plants dotted the landscape, their faintly glowing leaves casting a soft, ethereal light. Occasionally, small streams of pure mana trickled through the rocks, filling the air with a refreshing, faintly sweet scent.
Irina walked ahead, her steps sure and steady. "This isn't so bad, is it?" she asked, glancing over her shoulder at Astron.
Astron, who moved with his usual calm precision, didn't seem the least bit affected by the terrain. "It's manageable," he replied simply, his sharp gaze scanning their surroundings.
Irina smirked, her hazel eyes glinting with a hint of challenge. "Manageable? This is nothing compared to the endurance runs we had to do last semester."
Astron's lips twitched faintly, though he didn't fully smile. "True. This feels more like a warm-up."
Irina chuckled, her mood lightened by his rare response. "Well, don't get too comfortable. The trail gets steeper before we reach the springs."
But even the steeper sections proved no match for them. The two moved effortlessly, their training evident in their controlled movements and steady breathing. For Irina, the hike felt like a break from the monotony of formal events and rigid routines. For Astron, it was a quiet escape into an unfamiliar yet strangely calming world.
After about an hour, the sound of flowing water reached their ears. Irina's pace quickened, her excitement bubbling to the surface. "We're almost there," she said, glancing back at Astron, who followed without a word.
They emerged from the forest into a wide clearing, and the sight before them was nothing short of breathtaking. The springs stretched out in a series of crystalline pools, each one glowing faintly with mana energy. The water was impossibly clear, reflecting the vibrant greenery and bioluminescent plants surrounding it. Small waterfalls cascaded into the pools from higher ground, creating a soothing, melodic sound that filled the air.
The entire area felt alive with magic, the ambient mana so thick it was almost tangible. Even the air seemed lighter, easier to breathe.
Irina stopped, taking in the scene with a satisfied smile. "Well?" she asked, turning to Astron. "What do you think?"
Astron's sharp purple eyes scanned the springs, lingering on the shimmering pools and glowing flora. "It's… peaceful," he said after a moment, his tone quieter than usual.
Irina crossed her arms, her smirk softening into something more genuine. "Peaceful, huh? I'll take that as high praise coming from you."
Astron didn't reply immediately, his gaze fixed on the gentle ripple of the water. There was a rare stillness about him, as though the place had managed to pierce through his usual walls.
"Well," Irina said, breaking the silence, "let's not just stand here. Come on, there's a spot further in where we can sit and enjoy the view."
With that, she led the way along the edge of the springs, her steps light as she took in every detail of the magical landscape. Astron followed, his expression unreadable but his movements unhurried, as though he, too, was allowing himself to absorb the rare tranquility of the moment.
Chapter 704 - Coffee (2)
Irina and Astron sat on a smooth stone ledge by the edge of one of the mana-infused pools. The faint glow of the water reflected on their faces, and the soothing sound of the cascading waterfalls filled the air. Irina leaned back slightly, her arms supporting her as she tilted her head to gaze at the shimmering canopy of bioluminescent leaves above.
"This," she said softly, her hazel eyes thoughtful, "is what peace should feel like, isn't it?"
Astron, sitting beside her, rested his forearms on his knees as his sharp purple eyes scanned the surroundings. For a moment, he didn't reply, his expression unreadable. Then, with his usual calm tone, he said, "It may look peaceful to you, but for someone who can discern the details, it's far from peaceful."
Irina raised an eyebrow, turning her head toward him. "What do you mean?"
Astron gestured subtly toward the forest and springs around them. "Look closer. Watch carefully."
Irina narrowed her eyes, following his gaze. At first, all she saw was the serene glow of the springs, the gentle sway of leaves in the breeze, and the faint movement of small creatures. But as she concentrated, she began to notice more.
"Over there," Astron said, pointing to a cluster of bushes across the spring. "See that small deer-like creature grazing?"
Irina nodded slowly. "Yeah, I see it."
"Now look to its left," Astron continued, his tone calm but edged with purpose. "There's a predator—a Slothien-Caster Wolf, crouching and waiting to strike."
Irina blinked, her hazel eyes sharpening as she spotted the faint shimmer of the wolf's fur blending with the surroundings. "I didn't notice that…"
"And that's not all," Astron added, pointing toward the water. "In the pool just below us, there's a school of mana fish. But look closer—see the serpentine shape weaving through the rocks?"
Irina squinted, her breath catching as she spotted the faint outline of a predator fish stalking the smaller ones. "They're hunting," she murmured.
"Exactly," Astron said, leaning back slightly. "Everywhere you look, there's movement, tension. The insects in the air—some of them are hunting others on a microscopic scale. In the distance, I can see two lesser mana beasts locked in a territorial fight."
Irina's gaze darted around as she took in the details Astron pointed out, her initial sense of tranquility giving way to a deeper understanding. "So… what you're saying is, what looks peaceful to us is actually full of chaos."
Astron nodded slightly. "For us, who aren't part of this ecosystem, it looks like a serene, untouched world. But for the creatures that live here, this is survival. Every moment is filled with their own conflicts, struggles, and balance."
Irina was silent for a moment, her thoughts swirling as she absorbed his words. "That's… kind of unsettling," she admitted, her tone quieter now. "But I guess it makes sense. Just because something looks calm on the surface doesn't mean it really is."
"Exactly," Astron replied, his gaze fixed on the water. "Perspective changes everything."
Irina leaned back again, her fingers tracing the smooth surface of the rock beneath her. "You always have a way of turning simple things into something complicated," she said, though her tone lacked its usual bite. Instead, there was a note of admiration hidden beneath her words.
"Or," Astron countered, "maybe I'm just seeing what's already there."
Irina chuckled softly, shaking her head. "Fine. You win this one."
The two of them fell into a comfortable silence, each lost in their own thoughts as the glowing springs and the chaotic, vibrant world around them carried on. It wasn't the peace Irina had imagined, but it was a different kind of understanding—one that left her feeling oddly grounded.
The gentle sounds of the springs and the subtle hum of mana-filled air surrounded them as Irina and Astron continued to sit in silence. Irina leaned back, watching the glowing water ripple with soft waves, her mind drifting aimlessly. Just as she began to relax fully into the moment, a loud grumble echoed through the quiet.
Irina froze, her cheeks immediately flushing as her stomach betrayed her. She glanced sideways at Astron, whose sharp purple eyes were now fixed on her, his eyebrows raised in silent question.
"Did you not plan for this?" he asked, his voice calm but carrying a faint trace of amusement.
"I—of course, I did!" Irina shot back, her embarrassment clear in her tone. She coughed lightly, rummaging through her bag. After a moment, she pulled out a neatly packaged set of portable meals, the branding of a high-end prepped meal company prominently displayed.
Astron tilted his head slightly, his gaze shifting from the meals to Irina's face. "That again?" he asked, his tone carrying a note of exasperation.
"What do you mean 'that again'?" Irina huffed, trying to mask her embarrassment as she began to unwrap one of the packages. "These are efficient, and they taste good. What's your problem?"
Astron sighed softly, his expression unreadable as he reached over and gently pushed the meal package back toward her bag. "Put those down," he said, his tone firm but not unkind.
Irina blinked, taken aback. "What? Why?"
Astron stood, brushing off his hands. "You always bring those whenever you go on an expedition or a dungeon crawl, don't you? A specific brand of prepped meals because you're a picky eater."
Irina crossed her arms, glaring at him. "So what? They're convenient and reliable. I don't see the problem."
"The problem," Astron replied, his voice calm as he pulled out his own supplies from his bag, "is that we're not in a dungeon right now, and there's no reason for you to eat something so bland when there's time to prepare something better."
Irina stared at him, her indignation faltering as curiosity took over. "You're going to… cook?"
Astron nodded, pulling out a compact cooking set and a small assortment of fresh ingredients. He set them up on a flat rock nearby with a quiet efficiency that left Irina momentarily speechless.
"You actually brought fresh ingredients?" she asked her tone somewhere between disbelief and curiosity.
"Of course," Astron replied, slicing into a mana-infused herb with practiced precision.
Irina folded her arms, her fiery gaze narrowing as she watched Astron work. "Since when did you become someone who isn't practical?" she asked, her tone carrying a mix of teasing and genuine curiosity. "You're always the one who prioritizes efficiency and practicality over everything else."
Astron didn't glance up as he continued slicing the mana-infused herb with meticulous precision. "You're not wrong," he admitted calmly. "I usually do prefer prepped meals when I'm on expeditions or in combat scenarios. They're quick and provide the necessary nutrients."
"Exactly," Irina said, leaning forward slightly as if she'd just won the argument. "So why are you suddenly acting like a chef out here?"
Astron finally paused, looking at her with his usual composed expression. "Because I knew a certain someone who's a picky eater," he said, his tone flat but pointed.
Irina froze, her cheeks flushing bright red as the implication hit her. "You… you brought all this because of me?" she stammered, trying to mask her embarrassment.
Astron shrugged, resuming his preparations. "I know you'd have glossed over something as important as proper meals, so I brought fresh ingredients from the kitchen before we left. Thankfully, Miss Esme was understanding. It seems she knows you well."
Irina's jaw dropped slightly, her face turning an even deeper shade of crimson. "Miss Esme? You—ugh, of course she'd say yes."
Astron shook his head lightly. "She did mention that you have a habit of overlooking meals when you're focused on other things. She was happy to help."
Irina huffed, crossing her arms and turning her head away. "Miss Esme is supposed to be on my side."
"She is," Astron replied, his tone calm as he pulled out a small pot and other cooking materials from his spatial storage. "Which is exactly why she helped me prepare for this."
Irina blinked as she took in the array of supplies he had at hand. "You were really prepared for this, weren't you?" she asked, her voice tinged with surprise.
Astron nodded slightly, pouring water into the pot and setting it over a portable mana burner. "In case something happens, having things like this in my spatial storage is always good. You never know when circumstances might require a little extra preparation."
Irina tilted her head, watching him as he worked with a surprising level of skill and care. "I didn't think you'd be the type to enjoy cooking," she admitted, her voice quieter now.
Astron shrugged. "It's not about enjoyment. It's about control. Preparing my own meals ensures I know exactly what I'm consuming and can adjust as needed."
Irina raised an eyebrow, a faint smirk returning to her lips. "Control, huh? You really do think about everything."
Astron glanced at her briefly, his sharp purple eyes calm. "It's better than leaving things to chance."
She sighed, leaning back slightly and resting her chin on her hand as she continued to watch him. "You're full of surprises, you know that?"
Astron didn't reply immediately, focusing instead on adding the sliced herbs and other ingredients to the simmering pot. The rich, savory aroma began to fill the air, and despite herself, Irina's stomach grumbled again.
"Just wait," he said, his voice carrying a faint note of amusement. "You'll see it was worth it."
Irina pouted slightly but didn't argue, curiosity and anticipation mingling as she watched Astron's quiet yet efficient movements. Maybe this won't be so bad after all.
******
The soft hum of the mana burner and the rich aroma of Astron's cooking filled the air as he worked efficiently, preparing their meal. Irina, for her part, busied herself setting out utensils and arranging their spot on a flat rock near the edge of the spring. It wasn't a proper table, but it would do. The ambient glow of the mana-filled springs provided a soft, natural light, casting a serene ambiance over the scene.
As Astron finished cooking, he began assembling their meal with quiet precision. Using the freshly grilled meat, he created sandwiches and wraps, layering them with mana-infused vegetables and a light herbal dressing. A small pot of hearty soup, infused with the same mana-rich herbs, simmered beside him, its aroma enticing even to someone as picky as Irina.
"You're surprisingly good at this," Irina remarked as she watched him plate the food.
Astron glanced at her briefly, his expression as calm as ever. "It's not difficult if you pay attention."
"Hmph, I guess you are good at paying attention," Irina replied, smirking as she handed him the last of the utensils.
Once everything was ready, the two settled down on the rock, their plates balanced on their laps. As Awakened individuals, their appetites were much larger than ordinary humans, and the portions reflected that. Despite her earlier embarrassment, Irina dug into the food with gusto, savoring each bite.
"This is… really good," she admitted between bites, casting a sidelong glance at Astron.
"I told you it would be," Astron replied simply, sipping his soup.
They ate mostly in silence, the peaceful sounds of the springs and the soft rustle of leaves around them creating a comforting backdrop. Once they finished, Astron tidied up with his usual efficiency, while Irina leaned back on her hands, her gaze drifting upward to the starry sky above.
The darkness of the night was illuminated by countless stars, their brilliance reflected faintly in the glowing waters of the springs. The sight was breathtaking, and Irina found herself momentarily lost in the beauty of it.
"I used to watch the stars all the time when I was a kid," she said softly, breaking the silence.
Astron paused in his movements, glancing at her. "Did you?"
She nodded, a faint smile playing on her lips. "It was one of the few things I could do that felt… free. No responsibilities, no expectations. Just me and the stars."
Astron didn't respond immediately, his gaze following hers to the sky above. The faintest flicker of something—nostalgia, perhaps—crossed his sharp features before he spoke. "The stars do have a way of making everything else feel small."
Irina turned her head slightly to look at him, her hazel eyes searching his expression. She remembered the memories she'd glimpsed of his past, the way he, too, had seemed drawn to the cosmos. The young Astron she'd seen had spent countless hours staring up at the sky, as though searching for answers in its endless expanse.
But she didn't mention it. Instead, she leaned back further, letting her fingers brush against the cool surface of the rock. "You ever wonder what's out there?" she asked, her tone lighter now. "Beyond what we can see?"
"Sometimes," Astron replied, his voice quieter than usual. "But I think it's enough to appreciate what's here."
Irina chuckled softly. "That's surprisingly grounded for someone like you."
"And what's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing."
"….."
They sat like that for a while, the conversation flowing easily between them as they talked about everything and nothing. The stars above seemed to shine a little brighter, their soft light mingling with the glow of the springs, creating a moment of peace that neither of them had known they needed.
Chapter 705 - Coffee (3)
As the stars began to dim and the night gave way to a lighter shade of blue, Irina and Astron finally decided to leave the springs. The glow of the mana-infused pools faded behind them as they retraced their steps along the forest trail, their conversation gradually shifting to lighter topics. Despite the serene atmosphere of the hike back, Irina's thoughts kept drifting toward the city and the next part of her carefully planned trip.
By the time they reached Solren Heights, the city was alive with a soft, magical hum that permeated the air. The glowing mana vines that adorned the buildings cast a warm light, illuminating the streets as they headed toward the hotel Irina had booked in advance. The towering structure exuded luxury, its sleek, modern design blending seamlessly with the natural mana-rich environment.
Astron followed her silently as they entered the grand lobby, its polished floors gleaming under the soft light of floating mana orbs. Irina checked them in with her usual confidence, and soon enough, they were led to their suite by a well-dressed concierge.
The suite itself was as luxurious as expected—spacious, with large windows offering a breathtaking view of the city's glowing skyline. The decor was elegant yet modern, with mana-infused lighting that adjusted to their presence. But it was the centerpiece of the room that immediately caught Astron's attention: a single, massive kingsize bed.
Astron's sharp purple eyes flicked to Irina, his eyebrows raised in silent question. It was the same look he'd given her on the train, as if to ask, Didn't you say you didn't check last time? What's your excuse now?
Irina, who had been setting her bag down, noticed his gaze and turned toward him, her hazel eyes sparkling with a mix of defiance and nonchalance. "What?" she said, crossing her arms.
Astron's expression didn't change, though the faintest twitch of his lips suggested he was trying not to smirk. He gestured subtly toward the bed, his raised eyebrow conveying everything he didn't say aloud.
Irina huffed, tilting her head back slightly. "I just didn't check again," she said matter-of-factly, her tone entirely shameless.
Astron stared at her for a long moment, clearly speechless at her blatant lack of effort to even pretend otherwise. Finally, he sighed softly and shook his head, muttering something under his breath as he set his own bag down.
Irina smirked, clearly enjoying the small victory. "You're not going to complain, are you?"
Astron glanced at her briefly, his calm demeanor fully intact. "What would be the point?" he replied, his voice even. "You'd just come up with another excuse."
Irina chuckled, leaning against the edge of the bed with a triumphant air. "Exactly."
Astron didn't respond, instead turning his attention to unpacking a few essentials. Irina, for her part, felt a small surge of satisfaction. She had no intention of admitting that she had checked this time—and decided not to change the booking. After all, it wasn't like Astron would do anything about it.
The suite's soft lighting adjusted as they moved around, creating a warm, relaxing ambiance. Irina couldn't help but glance toward the bed again, a small smile tugging at her lips as she thought about how the night would unfold. Astron, as usual, remained unbothered—or at least, that's what he wanted her to believe.
The soft glow of the mana-infused lights in the suite gradually dimmed as the night deepened, creating a serene, intimate ambiance. Irina and Astron lay on the large kingsize bed, the silence of the room broken only by the faint hum of the city outside the window.
Irina, as before, shifted closer to Astron, wrapping her arms around him from behind. The warmth of his presence was comforting, and she rested her chin lightly against his shoulder, her hazel eyes half-closed. After a moment, she broke the quiet.
"What did you think of today?" she asked softly, her tone curious.
Astron's sharp purple eyes remained fixed on the ceiling, his voice as composed as ever. "Not bad."
Irina frowned slightly, pulling back just enough to look at him. "Not bad? That's all?"
"What else is there to say?" he replied, his tone calm, almost dismissive.
Irina pouted, narrowing her eyes. "Maybe something else? Like how the springs were beautiful, or the food was amazing?"
"The scenery was good," Astron said after a moment, his tone still neutral.
"That's it?" Irina huffed, clearly dissatisfied. "You're masking it, aren't you? You're just not saying what you really feel."
Astron glanced at her briefly, his expression unreadable. "What makes you think that?"
"Because I know you," she replied confidently, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "And I know when you're holding back."
Astron didn't respond, but the faintest twitch of his lips betrayed that he wasn't entirely unaffected by her persistence.
Feeling emboldened, Irina leaned closer, letting her fingers trace lightly over his shoulder. "Come on, you can be honest with me," she teased, her voice soft and playful. When he didn't immediately reply, her hand drifted lower, brushing against his chest and the firm muscles of his abdomen. "What's the harm?"
Astron's sharp purple eyes flicked toward her, his expression calm but edged with warning. "Irina."
"What?" she said innocently, her fingers lingering on his abs as she smirked. "I'm just checking if you're still alive. You're so stoic all the time, I wasn't sure."
"You're pushing it," Astron said, his voice low and steady, though the faintest hint of tension crept into his tone.
Irina's smirk widened as she leaned in closer. "Am I? Or are you just not used to someone getting under your skin?"
Astron sighed softly, his calm demeanor somehow both unshaken and slightly exasperated. "If you're trying to provoke me, it's not going to work."
"Oh, I'm not trying," Irina said, her voice dripping with mock innocence. "I'm succeeding."
For a moment, there was silence between them, the charged atmosphere filling the space like a quiet storm. Finally, Astron shook his head.
Irina, noticing Astron's subtle exasperation, let out a soft "Hmph." She shifted closer, resting her chin lightly on his shoulder, her hazel eyes glinting with mischief. "Look at me for a second," she said softly.
Astron turned his head slightly, his sharp purple eyes narrowing. "What is it?"
"Just look," she insisted, her tone light but insistent.
Astron sighed softly, finally turning his face toward her, his gaze steady and questioning. Before he could say anything further, Irina leaned in and pressed a swift, fleeting kiss to his lips—a barely-there touch, so quick it was over before he could even react.
She pulled back immediately, her cheeks faintly flushed, but she masked it with a smirk. "Good night," she murmured, turning her head away and burying her face against the bed behind his back, her arms wrapping around him once more.
Astron froze for a brief moment, his sharp purple eyes blinking as he processed what had just happened. His usual calm demeanor faltered slightly, replaced by a rare flicker of something unreadable.
"..."
Irina stayed quiet, though the faintest hint of a giggle escaped her, muffled by the bed. She tightened her hold around him, her warmth pressing against his back. Astron's lips twitched, as if he wanted to say something but chose not to. Instead, he let out a quiet sigh, his composure returning.
"Good night, Irina," he said finally, his tone calm but carrying a faint edge of something softer.
Irina didn't reply, but the small triumphant grin on her face said more than enough.
*******
The soft morning light filtered through the large windows of their luxurious suite, signaling the start of a new day. Irina stirred awake, stretching lazily before noticing the empty side of the bed. Her brows furrowed slightly as she sat up, her fiery red hair slightly tousled.
Where did he go?
Moments later, the door to the suite clicked open, and Astron entered, his sharp purple eyes glancing toward her briefly before heading to his bag. He looked calm as usual, though his slightly damp shirt hinted at recent activity.
"You're up early," Irina remarked, narrowing her hazel eyes. "Where were you?"
Astron set his bag down and began pulling out fresh clothes. "Used the gym a little," he replied simply.
"The gym?" Irina repeated, raising an eyebrow. "At this hour?"
Astron glanced at her as if to say, You know me better than that. "It's quieter in the morning," he added. "Fewer distractions."
Irina crossed her arms, taking note of this habit. She already knew Astron was an early riser, but the fact that he actively sought out the gym first thing in the morning reinforced her understanding of his disciplined nature. "Hmph. Overachiever."
Astron didn't respond to the teasing, simply gathering his things and heading to the bathroom. "Your turn to make the tea," he said over his shoulder, his tone as even as ever.
Irina blinked, caught off guard by the casual assignment. "What? Me?"
"You heard me," Astron replied, shutting the bathroom door behind him.
Irina muttered under her breath, "Bossy," as she slid out of bed and shuffled toward the kitchenette. She found the tea leaves and set to work, her movements deliberate but clumsy. It wasn't as though she couldn't cook or prepare simple things—she was just used to leaving the finer details to others.
By the time Astron emerged from the bathroom, fresh and composed as always, Irina had managed to brew two cups of tea. She placed them on the small table in the living area with a triumphant air. "There," she declared. "Tea, ready and waiting."
Astron sat across from her, lifting the cup to his lips with his usual calm. He took a sip, his sharp eyes flicking to hers over the rim of the cup. A faint curl tugged at his lips. "It's... drinkable."
"Drinkable?" Irina shot back, glaring at him. "That's all you have to say?"
Astron set the cup down, his expression neutral but his tone lightly teasing. "For your first attempt, it's not bad. But it's not good either."
Irina bristled, her cheeks flushing faintly. "I'll have you know I'm perfectly capable of making excellent tea. Just you wait—I'll get better at this."
Astron raised an eyebrow. "I'll hold you to that."
Irina huffed, crossing her arms. "You'd better. And next time, you're getting nothing but perfection."
"We'll see," Astron replied, taking another sip with maddening calmness.
The lighthearted exchange set the tone for the morning, the two of them settling into a comfortable rhythm as they prepared for the next leg of their journey. Though Irina was determined to outdo herself, she couldn't help but enjoy the casual banter—another small moment that made their time together feel uniquely their own.