Mixarnt arrived at the adventurer's guild and it was already nighttime, but he maintains his usual energetic self. He quickly made his way to the receptionist desk, where Moon was finishing up her shift. Despite her cold demeanor, he grinned and asked, "Moon! Wanna eat together?"
Moon looked up from her work, her expression as icy as ever. She had been feeling a mix of emotions ever since she overheard that Alyssia and Elyssia were Mixarnt's fiancées. As Eclipse, she had been annoyed when she first heard the news, but now, as Moon, she was struggling to keep her feelings in check. She wasn't sure if she was sad, angry, or something else entirely. What she did know was that the unfamiliar emotion bubbling inside her was jealousy—something she had never experienced before.
Despite her internal turmoil, Moon maintained her calm and professional exterior. She couldn't let Mixarnt suspect that she was Eclipse, and she certainly couldn't let him see how conflicted she felt. "I'm busy," she replied curtly, her tone dismissive.
Mixarnt, undeterred by her cold response, leaned on the desk with a playful grin. "Come on, Moon! You've been working all day. You deserve a break. Let's grab something to eat. My treat!"
Moon hesitated, her resolve wavering. She wanted to say no, to keep her distance and avoid the confusing emotions Mixarnt always seemed to stir in her. But there was a part of her—a small, stubborn part—that wanted to spend time with him.
Finally, she sighed, her expression softening just a little. "Fine. But only because I'm hungry. Don't get the wrong idea."
Mixarnt's grin widened, and he pumped his fist in the air. "Yes! You won't regret it, Moon. I already reserve us a seat in the heroic tavern."
As they left the guild together, Moon couldn't help but feel a strange mix of emotions. She was still annoyed with Mixarnt for being so clueless, but there was also a flicker of excitement at the thought of spending time with him. She didn't know what the night would bring, but one thing was certain: Mixarnt had a way of making even the simplest moments unforgettable.
The Heroic Tavern, a cozy spot frequented by adventurers and locals alike. Gundrik, the tavern owner, greeted them with a grin as he cleaned a mug behind the counter. "Oh boy! You're here!" he said, clearly happy to see Mixarnt.
"Hey, old man!" Mixarnt replied with a grin as he and Moon sat at an empty table.
Mixarnt looked around, noticing the tavern was unusually quiet. "By the way, why are there fewer people here today?" he asked, curious.
Gundrik chuckled, setting down the mug. "Wait, you didn't know? Earlier, it was announced that the new Aether Knight Trial would start tomorrow, but the schedule is a surprise. It's to test the participants' awareness."
"What!? I thought the trial has a 5 day break!?" Mixarnt exclaimed, surprised. He hadn't heard anything about it.
Moon felt a pang of guilt. She had been so caught up in her own emotions that she hadn't informed Mixarnt about the announcement. She kept her expression neutral, though, not wanting to show her inner conflict.
"Well, nothing I can do about that now. I just need to stay alert," Mixarnt said casually, shrugging it off. "Give us two orange juices and your best food, old man!"
Gundrik laughed at Mixarnt's carefree attitude and went to prepare their order. As they waited, Mixarnt began chatting with Moon, recounting his day as he always did. However, as he kept mentioning Alyssia and Elyssia, Moon's irritation grew. She tried to keep her composure, but the constant reminders of Mixarnt's fiancées were too much.
Finally, she slammed her hand on the table, her cold gaze locking onto Mixarnt. "Enough!" she said sharply.
Mixarnt froze, startled by her sudden outburst. "E-er... is something wrong, Moon?" he asked nervously. This was the first time he had seen her react like this.
"Nothing," Moon replied coldly, standing up. "I'm full. I'll go on ahead. Good luck on the Aether Knight trials."
Without another word, she turned and left the tavern, leaving Mixarnt sitting alone at the table, confused and a little worried. He had no idea what had just happened, but he couldn't shake the feeling that he had somehow upset Moon, his chest started feeling heavy for some reason.
Gundrik returned with their food and drinks, raising an eyebrow at the empty seat. "Where'd Moon go?"
Mixarnt sighed, scratching the back of his head. "I have no idea. She just... left."
Gundrik chuckled, setting the plates down. "Women, huh? They're a mystery, kid. Don't overthink it. Just focus on the trials tomorrow."
Mixarnt nodded, though his mind was still on Moon. He didn't understand why she had gotten so upset, but he knew one thing for sure: he'd have to figure it out later. For now, he had a trial to prepare for, he forced himself to eat, he finished both plates of food, but every bite felt tasteless. His usual appetite was gone, replaced by a hollow ache in his chest. He wasn't smiling, he wasn't hungry—he just felt... empty.