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"What's taking him so long?"
Espresso grumbles, leaning back in the chair at his desk. Madeleine promised to meet him at Parfaedia, in this very classroom of his. He should be here, or he should've. Espresso sighs, looking over at the clock on the wall. Ten minutes passed, then fifteen, then twenty... overtime, more papers decorated with squished cursive were scattered across his desk. The teacher tries his best to have a little hope, realizing how much time he had spent here. Maybe Madeleine forgot, or he got busy with something heroic and important. None of his business, really. While he was disappointed, he knew Madeleine was a busy man. He was gathering all sorts of files when the door flies open.
"Well, about time."
"Sorry about that!"
And there he was, Madeleine, that glorious paladin. He streaks through the door as if he wasn't critically late, Espresso thought. He looked at him a little closer, and something seemed off. Espresso knew Madeleine well though, so if he did change up something wouldn't he have noticed? Or has he known him for so long he wouldn't realize it? Nonetheless, he got caught staring. The commander lets out a hearty laugh, followed by a smug grin with blue eyes that burned straight into Espresso's chest.
"So I see!" he exclaims. "You've noticed."
"I..." Espresso's voice trailed off. So something did change. But what? How was he this blind? "Y-Yes, I have. It looks... very nice on you."
Madeline's eyebrows furrow, followed by a suspicious frown. "Are you sure, Espresso? You seem to be hiding some distaste. You can be completely honest with me about this. I, Madeleine, will not be upset with my companion!"
"No! I am being very much genuine..!" Espresso stammers, trying to argue a point. "Madeleine, I do believe tha-"
"I thought Parfait was a grand hairdresser."
Espresso pauses. He looks up. He got a haircut, a noticeable one as well.
Madeline's brand new hair was... pretty short, a huge contrast to the long mane he used to have. It curled just below his chin, along with layers on the back of his head. Espresso looked in awe. It did look good on him.
"Nono!" he exclaims, now really catching Madeleine off guard. He takes a moment to breathe. "Your hair looks amazing, really. I was simply taken aback at first. It's a huge change, but Madeleine, I promise it does look great on you."
That seems to do it at least. The paladin sighs with some relief. "Thank you, dear Espresso."
"Do the townspeople like it?"
"Do they like it? They love it, Espresso!" Madeleine put his hands on his hips. "I believe it was a change for the better!"
"The townspeople probably love you regardless, Madeleine. You're a hero after all."
And I love you too, prickled on the mage's tongue. But he didn't dare say it. In fact, he wish he said it already. Every single thing he does, it only fuels to the fire in his heart.
He wishes he could spit it out already, to tell him all the affection he harbors. Being someone as stoic as Espresso, no one would ever guess. Madeleine made him feel different. He wishes he could be by his side always. He wishes he could be the one to tell him every single thing he adores, and not be in a flock of townsfolk swooning over someone as beautiful as him. Someone as beautiful no matter what he does-
"Espresso!"
The mage's head whips up. He gasps quietly, pushing his tilted glasses back up. Madeleine simply chuckles, that same outgoing chuckle that made Espresso's heart flutter.
"You were staring off for a bit. Were you perhaps charmed by my looks?"
"Quiet, commander." he spits, trying to suppress the heat radiating on his face.
Madeleine smiles, then looks around. "Anyways, shall we begin this meetup of ours?"
"...I suppose."