A month had passed since the harrowing encounter with Shiroko Terror, and Nyx found herself confined to her apartment, nursing a fractured rib that sidelined her from combat. Attempts to focus on her studies at Trinity proved futile; her mind incessantly replayed the recent battles and their aftermath. The news that Mika had been reassigned as the interim Tea Party President until a suitable successor was found barely registered in her thoughts.

Restlessness gnawed at her. Accustomed to action, being bedridden felt like a prison. She often muttered complaints about the monotony, yearning for some semblance of normalcy.

One afternoon, a familiar presence entered her room. Seia stood at the doorway, her expression a mix of concern and determination.

"How are you holding up?" Seia inquired, her tone gentle yet probing.

Nyx attempted a nonchalant shrug but winced as pain shot through her chest. "I'm fine. Just the usual discomfort."

Seia's eyes narrowed, sensing the facade. "You're hiding something."

Nyx sighed, avoiding Seia's gaze. "I said I'm fine."

Unconvinced, Seia pressed on, "I can see it in your eyes. What's really bothering you?"

The dam of Nyx's emotions broke. "I feel useless, Seia. I couldn't protect everyone. I failed to stop Shiroko Terror. Because of my weakness, you got hurt. I should have been stronger..."

Seia interrupted, her voice firm, "Stop right there. You've done everything you could. You're lucky to be alive."

Nyx's eyes welled up with tears. "Lucky? At what cost? I caused Nagisa's death because I fought Mika. I killed someone. And now, they say I'm destined to annihilate Kivotos..."

Overwhelmed by guilt and fear, Nyx's breathing became erratic. Without warning, Seia leaned in and pressed her lips against Nyx's in a swift, unexpected kiss. Nyx's eyes widened in shock, her spiraling thoughts momentarily halted.

Pulling back, Seia's cheeks flushed. "Calm down, or I'll do it again."

Nyx blinked, struggling to process what had just happened. "Did you just... kiss me?"

Realizing her impulsive act, Seia stammered, "I-I didn't mean to... I mean, I did, but..."

As Seia attempted to retreat, Nyx's hand shot out, grabbing Seia's tail. "Oh no, you're not getting away that easily."

Seia squirmed, her face a deep shade of crimson. "Let go! I didn't do anything wrong!"

Nyx's grip tightened, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Explain yourself."

Panicking, Seia summoned a fraction of her "Salvation" power, teleporting away in a flash. Left alone, Nyx sighed, her fingers brushing her lips as the reality of the kiss sank in.

"Did Seia just... kiss me?" she murmured to herself, a mix of confusion and elation swirling within her. As the initial shock wore off, questions bubbled to the surface. Did Seia have feelings for her? And more pressing, did she reciprocate those feelings?

Lost in thought, Nyx stared at the spot where Seia had stood, her heart beating a little faster than before.

Nyx had grown weary of the solitude imposed by her recovery. The walls of her apartment seemed to close in, amplifying her restlessness. Determined to seek companionship, she decided to visit Trinity General School in hopes of finding Seia.

As she navigated the bustling campus, Nyx's thoughts were abruptly interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Nyx! What brings you here?"

Turning, Nyx found herself face-to-face with Mika, her 'half-friend' known for her vibrant personality and unpredictable behavior.

"Oh, hey Mika." Nyx replied, attempting a casual tone. "I'm looking for Seia."

Mika's eyes narrowed suspiciously as she leaned in closer, her nose twitching as if catching a scent.

"Hmm, interesting..." Mika mused, her voice taking on a teasing lilt. "You've got Seia's scent all over you. Care to explain?"

Nyx blinked, taken aback. "What? I mean, she visited me recently, but—"

Before she could finish, Mika's demeanor shifted dramatically. Her eyes blazed with protective fervor as she struck a dramatic pose, pointing an accusatory finger at Nyx.

"Aha! So you admit it! You've been conspiring with Seia behind my back!"

Nyx raised her hands defensively. "Whoa, Mika, it's not like that!"

But Mika was already lost in her own theatrics, pacing back and forth as she monologued.

"I knew it! First, you steal her attention, and next, you'll be plotting to overthrow the Tea Party!"

"Mika, that's ridiculous!" Nyx interjected, exasperation creeping into her voice.

Just then, as if on cue, Seia appeared, her serene presence contrasting sharply with the chaos unfolding.

"Oh, Nyx, Mika, what seems to be the matter?" Seia inquired, tilting her head curiously.

Mika's demeanor underwent an instant transformation. Her eyes sparkled with adoration as she clasped her hands together, gazing at Seia with unabashed admiration.

"Seia! My guiding star! My muse!" Mika gushed, practically floating toward her. "I was just ensuring that this... interloper wasn't causing you any distress."

Nyx sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Mika, seriously?"

Seia chuckled softly, placing a gentle hand on Mika's shoulder. "There's no need for such dramatics, Mika. Nyx is a dear friend."

Mika's eyes widened comically, her expression a mix of shock and betrayal. "A dear friend? But... but..."

Before she could spiral further, a sudden commotion erupted nearby. A group of students, distracted by the spectacle Mika was creating, collided into a precariously stacked tower of books, sending them cascading like an avalanche.

In the ensuing chaos, papers fluttered through the air like oversized confetti, and students scrambled to avoid the literary landslide.

Seia sighed, a bemused smile tugging at her lips. "It seems our presence has caused quite the disturbance."

Nyx couldn't help but chuckle, despite the absurdity of it all. "Just another day at Trinity, huh?"

Mika, snapping out of her reverie, puffed out her chest proudly. "All in a day's work to protect the sanctity of our esteemed institution!"

Nyx and Seia exchanged amused glances, both silently agreeing that life at Trinity was anything but ordinary.