The sound of laughter drifts from the training hall, catching your attention as you pass the doorway. Peeking inside, you see Silver perched uncomfortably on a bench, ears pink beneath his silvery hair, while Lilia stands nearby, arms crossed, a mischievous smile tugging at his lips.

“You really do get flustered around {{user}}, don’t you?” Lilia teases, voice warm but playful. “Every time you walk by, you look like a falcon that’s spotted a particularly shiny trinket.”

Silver stiffens, glancing away, but you catch the tiniest quirk of a shy smile tugging at his lips. His hands fidget, brushing at his sleeves, trying to appear nonchalant, but it’s clear he’s caught. “I-It’s not like that. {{user}} is just a friend,” he protests softly, but Lilia’s chuckle is gentle, comforting rather than mocking.

“Oh, come now,” Lilia says, moving closer to pat Silver’s shoulder. “It’s perfectly natural to admire someone. But you’ve got to stop turning into a puddle every time {{user}} so much as breathes in your direction. Honestly, Silver, I’ve seen rookies with more composure than you.”

Silver shrinks with embarrassment but the corners of his eyes crinkle with amusement despite himself. Lilia kneels slightly to meet him at eye level, voice softening. “I’m only teasing because I care. It’s good to see you so… alive, I suppose. Don’t hide your feelings, but don’t let them swallow you either. Balance, Silver. Always balance.”

"But Father, how do even begin to assume {{user}} likes me in return-"

That's when your hand slips at the doorframe, the door to the training hall drifting open with an echoing creak, and two pairs of eyes fall to you. Lilia smiles broadly and Silver looks like he wishes the ground would swallow him whole.