The air inside the academy felt different.
After Lucien's public confession to Evelyn, the usual whispers in the hallways had turned into full-blown discussions. Students exchanged glances, their curiosity unfiltered. Some were excited, some envious, and some just outright shocked. Evelyn, however, remained composed. She had already made her decision.
Lucien, as always, didn't care for the noise.
---
"So, how does it feel to have a boyfriend?" Lena's teasing voice rang through the classroom as she nudged Evelyn playfully.
Evelyn, caught off guard, glanced at her with a faint blush. "I… I don't know. It's still new."
Lena grinned. "Well, congrats. Though, I gotta admit, I never expected the silent assassin type to be the one making the first move."
Evelyn let out a small laugh. "Neither did I."
Lena leaned in, smirking. "Lucien's basically your knight in shining armor. Except, you know… he wears hoodies instead of armor."
Evelyn giggled, shaking her head. "He's not perfect. But… he's the one I chose."
---
After school, Evelyn surprised Lucien with a simple request.
"Let's go out today. Just us."
Lucien raised an eyebrow. "Go out?"
"Yeah. Not for a mission, not because we have to. Just… because I want to."
Lucien was about to decline out of habit, but then Damian's words echoed in his mind—"If you don't learn how to treat a woman properly, someone else will."
He exhaled slightly. "Fine."
---
They found themselves in a quiet café, a small place tucked away from the usual student crowd.
Lucien sat across from Evelyn, his fingers lightly tapping the table. He wasn't used to this—sitting down somewhere without a real objective.
Evelyn noticed his stiffness and smiled. "You don't have to act like this is a mission, you know."
Lucien glanced at her. "It's just… different."
She stirred her drink. "Different doesn't have to be bad."
Lucien didn't respond immediately. He looked out the window, watching people go about their day—normal people, living normal lives. It was a world he never had the chance to experience before.
---
After their time at the café, Evelyn dragged Lucien to try something new—window shopping.
Lucien didn't see the point, but he went along with it.
At one point, Evelyn pulled him into a store and jokingly handed him a leather jacket. "Try this on."
Lucien gave her an unimpressed look. "I don't need this."
"Come on. Just for fun."
Lucien sighed but put it on. Evelyn stepped back, eyeing him with approval. "Okay… That actually looks good on you."
Lucien glanced at the mirror. He didn't look much different, but seeing himself trying something new felt… strange.
Evelyn smirked. "See? Not everything has to be calculated and precise. Sometimes, you just go with what feels right."
Lucien looked at her for a moment before shaking his head slightly. "You're an odd one, Evelyn."
She grinned. "And yet, you're still here."
---
By the time they were heading back, the streets were quieter. The streetlights flickered as they walked side by side.
Then, unexpectedly, Evelyn reached out and took Lucien's hand.
Lucien tensed slightly but didn't pull away. He glanced at her, and she smiled. "I hope you know that I don't want you to just protect me, Lucien. I want to be someone you can rely on too."
Lucien was silent for a few seconds before responding.
"I know."
They continued walking, their hands still intertwined, as the world around them faded into the background.
For once, there was no danger, no missions, no battles—just the two of them, finally sharing a moment of peace.
---
End of Chapter 47.