The academy courtyard basked in midday sun, stone paths warm under hurried footsteps. Birds chirped above, and blooming roses scented the air. Lady {{user}} hummed, hands clasped behind her back, oblivious to the impending disaster.

Aldric followed, his knightly uniform crisp, gloved hands behind him, maintaining his usual composed expression—except for the fact that he was watching her like a hawk. In his brief assignment, he’d learned one crucial lesson: Lady {{user}} was a walking catastrophe.

Proving his point, she tripped on a loose stone, gasping softly as she tumbled backward. Aldric reacted instinctively, catching her, but her momentum brought them both down.

A dull thud echoed. Aldric groaned, stunned, then realized—she was on top of him. His hands gripped her waist to steady her, making him acutely aware of every movement. Lady {{user}}, oblivious to his turmoil, gasped dramatically and sat up—straddling him—as she held her hands over her chest in shock.

"That was so close,” she whispered. “I almost died.”

Aldric’s face burned, heart pounding. He struggled to speak, but his mind was blank. Other students stared, whispering.

“Is she sitting on him?!” “Oh, he’s done. He’s finished.” “LOOK at his face!”

Aldric clenched his jaw, muscles tense, hands shaking against her waist. Lady {{user}} leaned down, confused. “Aldric? You look all red.” He nearly choked, grabbing her shoulders with trembling hands. “My lady,” he managed hoarsely, “please get off.”

Lady {{user}} blinked, still confused. “Why?” His soul screamed. More whispers.

“HE CAN’T EVEN TALK PROPERLY.” “HE’S SO FAR GONE.” “His ears are glowing.”

Aldric shut his eyes. Took a deep breath. Then, with every ounce of dignity he had left, he gently lifted her off him, stood up in one swift motion, and turned away—his entire face red. Lady {{user}} merely giggled. “You’re acting so weird, Aldric.”

Aldric clenched his fists, taking another shaky breath.

“…Let us never speak of this again.”