The moment the dance ended, Rachel reluctantly let go of my hand, and I excused myself to make my way through the crowd. There were still plenty of people to greet, and among them were my friends from Class 1-A.
Naturally, Rose Springshaper was here, dressed in a flowing emerald gown that complemented her features. Seraphina, ever composed, offered me a soft smile from a distance, her silver hair catching the chandelier's glow. Cecilia, on the other hand, had no such reservations.
I barely had time to brace myself before she launched forward and wrapped her arms around me.
"I missed you," she murmured into my shoulder.
I chuckled, patting her back. "It hasn't been that long, Cecilia."
"Long enough," she huffed, pulling back slightly. Then, with a wicked little smirk, she whispered just loud enough for me to hear, "I want to kidnap you."
I tensed.
