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-Your POV-

When I finally awoke, all of Abyss was hushed to a dull mumble. Since quiet was extremely unusual from the normal hustle and bustle of its people, I knew it was probably late at night.

Thankfully, my splitting headache had ceased, and my limbs were no longer shaky and frail. To put it shortly, when I sat up, I was feeling much, much better, and overall very refreshed. I ran a hand through my hair, noticing how it was tangled and bunched up in pesky knots. Since I cared about how my hair looked as much as the next person, I scrambled to find a brush. There was one on a side table, next to a hand mirror.

After fixing my (h/l) strands of hair into a suitable style, I examined my face. I was relieved to find that my expression didn't make it look like I was miserably unwell like I surely was before. Proud that I was now officially recovered from the cold, I left the room, scanning the halls, unsure of where to go. It was dark, like always. But it was also clearly night, as not many Abyssians were out and about.

But I'd honestly gotten enough sleep and was eager to stroll around Abyss a bit before I went back to bed.

Peeking around the corners, I notice Yuri walking with quick strides down the corridor. He notices me but continues walking past.

"Hey, where are you going so late at night?" I ask, eyes following his every movement, as his shoulders seem tense and his expression grim.

When he spoke, however, I saw that he instead smiled at me, "Such a flirtatious comment can only invite misunderstandings, you know." He replies, "But really it's none of your business."

"O-oh,"

"And by the way, I have a favor to ask you in the morning." He winks.

"Um, alright. Well, see you." I responded nervously, puzzled at his rushed demeanor as hurriedly left. It must be extremely important for him if he decided to leave me without much of a discussion.

Hey, wait... It's not like he was going to act any different if it was me he was leaving.

Sighing, I retreat to my room, then sit on the edge of the bed and kick my feet back and forth. "Hmm... I wonder what Yuri wanted to ask me about. A favor, he said? Huh," Continuing to fidget, I speak to fill the void. "Well, it can't be anything too crazy, otherwise he would just do it himself. Yuri's not exactly one to request help from anybody."

I lay back on the mattress and stared longingly at the ceiling with another sigh.

It took a while, but I lightly slept until the noising sounds of the morning in Abyss startled me awake.

Not hesitating, I ran out in search of Yuri, and I knew one place that he could be if he returned from wherever he went earlier -- that Ashen Wolves classroom.

Fortunately for me, even before I arrived at the classroom, I spotted Yuri in the halls. I raced over to him and tapped his shoulder, beaming.

"What's up?" I chirp.

"Hey, friend." His lips form a smile, but his eyes betray a bit of uncertainty.

I nod as he turns to fully face me. He seemed a bit off today... I wonder what was so worrisome that he'd act so strange. Starting to worry, I pipe up, "You wanted to ask for a favor, right?"

"Yes, well. Let's not deny that there's a connection between us. How about you and me have a little date, huh?"

I must've looked like a complete idiot as I rapidly backpedaled, sputtering,  "You... you want to take me on a... a date? Now of all time?"

"Sure," Yuri folds his arms, "With my heart full from a nice date, I'll be poised to fight with extra vigor in the next battle."

"Are you sure... you want me?" I gulp, shrinking my shoulders close and my mouth agape in shock.

"When the bell strikes midnight, meet me out front of the Holy Mausoleum. My only condition is that you arrive promptly after midnight -- and not a moment before. What do you say?" He chuckles at my stunned expression as I fail to find words.

I manage to choke out, "Um... Why at such a late hour?"

"Why, it's the most romantic time of the evening, of course," He stated as if it were obvious.

My brain was still running through the thought of going on a date with Yuri. Mind racing with panicked emotions, I don't reply.

"Nobles have nearly killed one another fighting for my affections, you know. Perhaps you won't get all you want out of me, heh, but I'll promise you a fun time regardless. It's settled. I'll see you tomorrow night, friend. Don't abandon me." With that remark, he winks and curtly waves, turning and exiting the passageway, leaving me in the dust, internally screaming in both delight and alarm equally.

"... (Y/N)?"

Someone's pale, slender fingers snap in front of my face, jolting me out of my thoughts. I blink and realize my group of friends -- Linhardt, Hilda, and Ashe -- crowded around me. Had they heard that?

Linhardt snaps his fingers again, and I wave his hand away, "Uh, did you say something?"

Hilda tilts her head, "Are you alright, you've been standing there for a while now."

"And you tell me I daydream too much." Linhardt groans.

"Did something happen?" Ashe questions, voice portraying his concern.

So they didn't overhear my conversation with Yuri about his 'favor'. Oh, but what was I to do? I've never been on a date before! I had zero experience with going out with somebody, even if it was just a one-time thing! I couldn't ask for advice... unless I told Hilda. She would know. She's constantly ordering around an army of boys who do her chores willingly for her praise.

But, I couldn't tell her in front of Ashe or Linhardt, it would be way too embarrassing. This was something between just us two girls.

"No... no, nothing." I plaster a wide smile onto my face and grab Hilda's wrist, "But I need to talk to Hilda, okay? Thanks,"

Both of the boys exchange confused glances while I scurry away, dragging my best friend along, who doesn't protest.

"(Y/N)?" Hilda tosses her soft pink twin tails. "What's the matter?"

"I-" Before I can explain, several Knights of Serios stroll past, their silver armor clanking and clashing against each other.

Both Hilda and I gasp in unison, eyes wide in astonishment. Why were the church's precious knights in Abyss? It was the most out-of-place thing I've seen! At the front of the group, I recognize the brown-haired man leading. Hilda does the same, waving to catch his attention, calling, "Alois!"

"Oh ho!" The man halts and greets us with a grin. "Hello there, students!"

Then, I remember. Yuri ordered one of his men to request assistance from the church, didn't he? "Um, hi." I nod.

"I came here as soon as I heard the report," Alois replies. "I had no idea it would be from down here!"

"Wow," I hear footsteps approaching from behind. "Is this... uh, enthusiastic knight a friend of yours?"

Turning to see who was speaking, I saw all four Ashen Wolves, the Professor, and Linhardt and Ashe.

Yuri spoke again, "Professor?"

"I don't know who this is," Byleth frowns.

"That's a cruel joke, Professor!" Alois exclaims. "I was your father's right-hand man, after all! I'm Alois, your trusted friend and a Knight of Serios."

Byleth sighs in defeat. "Yep,"

"Now, about our dear Aelfric's kidnapping...?" Constance prompts.

"Ah, yes, of course. Well, since Aelfric is a valued member of the church, we must use any means necessary to locate him." Alois states.

"Alois," Byleth holds up the golden goblet we could only the other day. "Please report this to Rhea."

"Erm, you mean Lady Rhea? But, wait... is that THE Chalice? The Chalice of Beginnings?!" He admonishes. "I had no idea such a sought-after artifact resided down here."

"Then this is quite the shock, buddy," Balthus says.

I glance at Yuri, face heating up as he looks my way for a short moment with a smirk. They continue the conversation for a minute longer, but I fail to focus on their words as I panic, alarm rising from earlier. Once Alois leaves with his fellow knights, everyone disperses, surely preparing for an encounter with Aelfric's captors.

Remaining in the hall, I lean back on the brick wall behind me, still tense. I close my eyes and take slow, controlled breaths.

"(Y/N)?" Hilda's voice is drenched in concern.

My eyes snap open. "Huh?"

"You wanted to tell me something?"

"...Nevermind." I exhale. "There's no reason to worry, I promise."

"Oh, uh, if you say so," The girl frowns slightly, but respects my words as backs away, leaving me alone, immersed with calm in the dim passageways of Abyss, thoughts not stopping for a minute. This was my first date... and it was with Yuri.

Did I like Yuri?

Did he like me back?

Or was the scheming 'Underground Lord' only toying with me and my feelings?

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Word count: 1558 words