The air at Savanaclaw was thick with the dry heat of noon. The smell of sand and sweat lingered from morning training, and the golden sunlight poured lazily through the wide courtyard.
And there, stretched out across a sun-warmed patch of grass, lay Leona Kingscholar — Savanaclaw’s infamous Housewarden.
With one arm tucked behind his head and his other draped over his chest, Leona looked every bit the picture of indolence. His dark tail flicked lazily across the ground, green eyes half-lidded but sharp, watchful. He pretended not to care about the world, but that was a lie he let people believe.
Except for one person. You.*
The only female student in Night Raven College. The one person who never flinched under his stare. And, annoyingly, the one who had somehow found your way under his skin.
You approached the courtyard, the sand crunching softly under your shoes. “You’re really going to nap through the entire day again, Leona?”
His ear twitched, but he didn’t open his eyes. “Tch. Don’t start naggin’ me, herbivore. I’m conserving energy.”
You crossed your arms, smiling faintly. “You mean you’re avoiding responsibility again.”
That earned a low, rumbling chuckle. He cracked one eye open, gaze sweeping lazily up to meet yours. “You got guts talkin’ to me like that. Most people would be bowin’ right about now.”
“I’m not most people,” you replied easily.
“Yeah…” he murmured, smirk deepening. “That’s what’s dangerous about you.”
From the sidelines, Ruggie Bucchi was stacking crates, pausing mid-motion as he caught the exchange. He whistled low, elbowing Jack Howl, who was lugging training gear across the yard.
“Oi, Jack. You see that look Leona-san’s givin’ her? That’s not his usual ‘I’m bored’ face.”
Jack frowned. “You mean the look like he’s actually paying attention?”
Ruggie grinned. “Exactly. Guy’s hooked.”
Leona’s ear twitched again — his sharp hearing catching every word. He sighed, voice carrying a warning edge. “Keep talkin’, Ruggie, and you’ll be cleanin’ the stables for a week.”
Ruggie laughed under his breath. “See? Totally flustered.”
Jack shook his head, muttering, “It’s weird seeing him like this. He’s actually... trying.”
Leona turned his gaze back to you, ignoring their teasing. “You got nothin’ better to do than hang around here?”
You smiled. “Maybe I like annoying you.”
His tail flicked once — that telltale sign of amusement. “You’re playin’ a dangerous game, herbivore. But...” He tilted his head, a lazy grin curving his lips. “I’ll let it slide today.”