Sasha guided Gabriel toward a quieter corner near the rear of the carriage, where a soft lounge bench curved beside a window. Seated there, tablet in hand and one leg casually tucked beneath her, was a woman with a copper ponytail and warm caramel eyes. She wore the pristine white uniform of an A-Class Guide, and her gaze sparkled with sharp curiosity the moment she looked up.

“Flora,” Sasha said as they approached, resting a hand lightly on Gabriel’s shoulder, “this is Gabriel Laurent, our new recruit.”

Flora set her tablet aside and offered a gentle smile. “So this is the infamous cousin,” she said, voice playful but kind. “It’s about time we met.”

Gabriel blinked, caught slightly off guard. “Hi.” he said softly, a little shyly.

“And Gabriel,” Sasha continued, “this is Flora Sinclair, my second-in-command, and the real reason things around here don’t fall apart.”

Flora chuckled, waving off the praise. “Please, I just bribe the right people with good coffee.”

“Sit,” Sasha said, nudging him down onto the cushioned bench. His tone had softened, though the tension in his jaw hadn’t eased. “I’ll be right back. Try not to let her corrupt you too quickly.”

Flora leaned in conspiratorially. “No promises.”

Gabriel lowered himself carefully, clutching his bag like a shield. His hands were still shaking.

Flora immediately smiled and patted his head. “Are you alright, sweetheart? You’ve already made a grand entrance.”

Gabriel’s lips twitched into a shy, sheepish smile. “Sorry about that.”

“Oh no,” Flora said, waving it off. “No need to apologize. You just got the Leo treatment, something not even half our team has experienced up close. Welcome to the spotlight.”

"Not helping." Sasha said with a sideways glare as he returned.

“You okay?” Sasha knelt slightly in front of him, brows drawn.

Gabriel nodded mutely. He wasn’t sure if he could speak yet.

Sasha pressed a cool water bottle into his hands. Gabriel accepted it and took a small sip.

“I’m sorry,” Sasha sighed. “Leonardo’s usually more composed... I don’t know what got into him.”

Flora chuckled softly as she leaned in, resting her elbow on the arm of the couch, her tablet now set aside. “Leo’s usually a harmless flirt,” she said. “Normally he flirts with people he knows. And I mean, actually knows. He also keeps his distance with new recruits. This? That was definitely a first and… not normal at all.”

“He seems just... too much.” Gabriel murmured.

Flora smiled sympathetically. “That’s his specialty. Being too much.”

Then, with a thoughtful tap to her chin, she added, “You know, that level of reaction? Maybe he’s starting to imprint.”

Gabriel’s eyes widened in alarm. “Imprint?”

Sasha snorted. “Please. Leonardo? Imprinting? Not a chance.”

Flora raised an eyebrow. “Why not? It happens. When a Guide and an Esper form a deep, almost instinctual connection so strong it’s nearly unbreakable, they imprint. It's rare but it happens.”

“High compatibility, maybe.” Sasha said firmly. “Imprinting doesn’t start that way. There’s no Esper who can begin imprinting from a single interaction. That wasn’t instinct, that was Leonardo being his usual overconfident, impulsive self, acting like a peacock showing off.”

Flora laughed. “True. But you have to admit that even for him, that was bold. Their compatibility must be off the charts for him to pull a stunt like that in front of everyone.”

Gabriel exhaled slowly and looked down at the floor. “I just wanted to find my seat.” he whispered.

Flora patted his knee gently. “Well, now you have one. And it’s not on anyone’s lap.”

Sasha didn’t smile. “It was reckless. And inappropriate. He’s lucky it was me who saw it and not Natalia.” he said as he stood up, his hand brushing lightly against Gabriel’s shoulder. “Your favorite author just released a new book, right? Use this time to relax. We’ll be back after the debriefing.”

He pulled his tablet from the outer pocket of his bag and handed it to him. Gabriel accepted it gratefully.

“Thanks.”

Flora gave him a wink as they turned to leave. “Try not to let the chaos get to you, sweetheart. We’ve got your back. Don’t let him intimidate you and if he tries anything again, tell me. I have a clipboard and no shame.”

Gabriel nodded, cradling the tablet like a lifeline.

As Sasha and Flora walked off together, exchanging low murmurs, he tapped into the library and opened his book, letting the words wash over him.

Even so, his thoughts kept drifting, his skin still tingled where Leonardo’s arms had been.

To that smirk that should be illegal and the way it had felt to be cradled in those arms.

And that kiss? He’d never admit it aloud, but it had left more than just heat in his cheeks.

He had barely lost himself in chapter one when the seat beside him dipped slightly under new weight.

A familiar arm draped around his shoulders.

Gabriel froze, eyes fixed on the glowing text of the tablet as if sheer willpower could make the intrusion vanish. His breath caught in his throat.

“Hey there, beautiful.” a voice murmured, velvet-smooth, teasing, and far too close for comfort. “What are you reading?”

Gabriel turned his head slowly to see Leonardo Ricci’s infuriatingly smug expression beside him.

Leonardo had the audacity to look casual, like he hadn’t just caused a scene that left Gabriel wanting to crawl into the nearest dimensional rift. He wanted to slap him. He wanted to... scream into a pillow.

Instead, he drew a long breath through his nose.

“I’m reading a book,” Gabriel said flatly. “Can you not?”

Leonardo feigned innocence. “Can I not… sit next to you?” His voice lowered as he leaned in, chin grazing Gabriel’s shoulder. “Or breathe in your ear?”

Gabriel’s shoulders tensed further. “I mean, don’t touch me.”

Leonardo gave a grin that should have been illegal and his fingers, too bold, too familiar, grazed his cheek in a soft caress. “Touch is subjective.”

Gabriel swatted his hand away. “You’re impossible.”

“You wound me,” Leonardo said with a dramatic pout. “Come on, kitten, just talk to me. One little conversation.”

“I’m not interested,” Gabriel replied without looking at him.

Leonardo’s grin only widened. “You sure? I’m more interesting than whatever’s on that tablet.”

“No,” Gabriel said again, more forcefully. “Absolutely not.”

There was a beat of silence.

Then, Leonardo asked, “Name?”

Gabriel turned his head just enough to frown at him. “What?”

“Your name. You didn’t tell me earlier.”

Gabriel sighed in frustration. “Gabriel.”

The name left his lips before he could stop it. Leonardo lit up like Christmas had come early.

“Perfect,” he said. “See you around, Gabriel.”

He stood and walked off, just as the train gently braked to allow the second wave of passengers to board.

Gabriel exhaled shakily, and before he could bury himself in the fictional world again, he heard hushed voices from nearby that made him flinch.

“…Did you see that? What an idiot. Turning him down?”

“Seriously, who rejects Leonardo Ricci? He’s either stupid or thinks too highly of himself.”

“He doesn’t even deserve to be on this mission. Nepotism. That’s all it is.”

“Can’t believe someone like him got into Arcane Alliance.”

Gabriel’s grip on his tablet tightened, and his stomach twisted.

He turned his face slightly away, biting the inside of his cheek to keep his expression neutral. Inside, his thoughts spiraled. His chest ached.

He hadn’t asked for any of this.

And now, people thought he was arrogant, spoiled, or worse, that he hasn't earned his spot on the team.

A soft sigh broke through his thoughts.

“You shouldn’t listen to what they’re saying.”

Gabriel startled, blinking at the new voice beside him.

Flora had returned. She was seated comfortably where Leonardo had been just moments ago, tablet tucked under one arm and legs crossed elegantly. Her tone was light, but her eyes were sharp.

“They’re just jealous,” she said, matter-of-fact. “Because Leo never even looked at them.”

Gabriel blinked again, eyes wide. “…You heard?”

“Of course,” Flora said, offering a small smile. “Half the carriage heard. Doesn’t mean any of it matters.”

“I just…” Gabriel hesitated. “I didn’t ask for attention. I didn’t do anything.”

“I know,” Flora said gently. “But you’re kind. And attractive. And new. That’s three strikes already. And on top of that, you didn’t immediately melt in Leo’s hands. That makes you even more interesting, and threatening.”

Gabriel blinked, startled. “Threatening?”

“To egos, sweetheart.”

He let out a shaky laugh, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “I don’t like attention.”

“I noticed,” Flora said fondly, reaching out to brush her fingers over his shoulder. “But sometimes, it doesn’t matter what you want. The world notices you anyway. That doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to be here.”

Gabriel looked down. “What if they’re right? What if I only got this position because of Natalia?”

Flora’s gaze hardened. “You think Sasha or Natalia would let someone, especially you, on the team just because of blood?”

Gabriel opened his mouth, then closed it again.

“Exactly,” she said, squeezing his arm. “You passed the tests. You earned your place. And you’ll prove it on this mission.”

Gabriel inhaled slowly, then nodded. “Thank you, Flora.”

“Anytime,” she said, giving him a wink. “Now. Would you like me to accidentally dump a pitcher of juice on that gossip group?”

Gabriel let out a genuine laugh this time. “No. But the thought helps.”

Flora smiled. “You’re one of us now. We protect our own. And if Leo comes back again, just tell him I gave you permission to punch him.”

Gabriel chuckled despite himself.

Meanwhile, toward the front of the carriage, the door slid open with a mechanical hiss.

A tall, broad-shouldered man stepped in, his white uniform pristine. His dark golden blonde hair was swept back neatly, and his sharp, warm eyes immediately scanned the space with quiet authority.

Henry Lefebvre.

He was one of the most respected members of Arcane Alliance. But more than that, he was Leonardo's oldest friend.

Leonardo looked up from his position against the support columns near the bar compartment, arms crossed, just as Henry entered, and for a moment, his smirk returned.

“Henry,” he called, lounging back like nothing at all had just happened. “Took your time.”

Henry raised an eyebrow, strolling toward him. “Train only just stopped, Leo. Can’t be late when you're exactly on schedule.”

Leonardo shrugged, clearly trying to appear casual. “Fair.”

Henry’s eyes flicked briefly to the rest of the carriage, taking in the still-vibrating aftermath of whatever chaos had happened before he arrived. A few Espers refused to meet his gaze. Others were whispering behind hands.

“Alright,” Henry said, his voice lower now. “What did you do?”

Leonardo blinked innocently. “Why would you assume I did anything?”

Henry gave him a flat look.

Leonardo sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “Fine. I… may have… accidentally caused a scene.”

Henry folded his arms. “Define ‘scene’.”

“I flirted a little.”

Henry stared at him. “Just flirted?”

Leonardo hesitated. “Held a Guide on my lap.”

“You what?”

“It wasn’t that dramatic,” Leonardo said quickly. “He sat down—okay, I pulled him—into my lap. But I didn’t hurt him! He was just… flustered.”

Henry stared at him, deadpan. “You pulled a new recruit into your lap. In front of the entire carriage. And expected that to go well?”

Leonardo looked away, sheepish. “It’s not like I planned it. It just… happened.”

Henry exhaled and sat down across from him, rubbing a hand over his face. “You’re unbelievable.”

“I like him, alright?”

Henry blinked. “Wait. You’re serious?”

Leonardo nodded, almost to himself. “I’ve never met anyone like him.”

“Who is it?”

“Gabriel,” Leonardo answered, nodding toward the back of the carriage.

Henry followed the gesture and his expression changed instantly. From confused to blank to something bordering on alarm.

“…Gabriel Laurent?”

Leonardo blinked. “Yeah. Why?”

Henry leaned back slowly. “Leo, that’s Natalia’s cousin.”

Leonardo tilted his head. “I figured they were close, yeah.”

“No, Leo. When Gabriel’s parents died, Natalia, Sasha and I raised him. He’s basically our kid.”

Leonardo’s mouth opened. Then closed. Then opened again. “…Oh.”

That landed heavier than Leonardo expected. “I… didn’t know that.”

“Yeah, clearly,” Henry muttered. “You’re lucky Sasha didn’t punch you through a window. At this point, you will need divine intervention.”

Leonardo rubbed the back of his neck, gaze drifting again to where Gabriel sat, mostly hidden behind his tablet.

Henry didn’t stop there. “He’s also extremely sensitive. Doesn’t like attention. Especially not from strangers. And especially not from Espers.”

Leonardo frowned. “But why?”

Henry looked at him seriously, voice softening. “That’s not my story to tell. But if you’re serious about him, you will need to tread carefully. I mean it.”

Leonardo was silent for a long beat.

Then, quietly, “He looked terrified.”

Henry nodded. “Yeah. And if you’d seen him eight years ago, you’d know why.”

“I messed it up,” Leonardo muttered. “Already.”

“Maybe,” Henry admitted. “But maybe not. Gabriel’s tougher than he looks. Just don’t treat him like a conquest.”

“I don’t want to,” Leonardo said. “I want to… I don’t know. I don’t know what I’m doing,” he admitted. “I just… when I saw him, it was like something clicked. I wanted to make him laugh. Make him blush. I didn’t mean for it to turn into this. I want to get to know him. Not scare him.”

Henry gave a small smile. “That’s the problem with you. You’re used to playing. Gabriel’s not a game.”

Leonardo nodded slowly. “I know that now.”

Henry sighed. Then smirked. “Well, you’re off to a terrible start.”

Leonardo groaned, leaning back in his seat.

Henry reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out his phone. “You know, I still have a photo of Gabriel from when he was a child. Want to see what you're up against?”

Leonardo raised an eyebrow. “Sure?”

Henry angled the screen toward him.

It was a photo of a tiny, sleepy-eyed seven-year-old Gabriel in oversized fleece pajamas, hugging a stuffed kitten toy and blinking up at the camera with shy confusion.

Leonardo visibly melted. “You’re joking.”

“Not even a little,” Henry grinned. “He asked me to read him a book that night. Natalia took the photo.”

Leonardo clutched his chest. “You’re making him sound even more adorable.”

“He is,” Henry said. “But you’ll have to earn his trust.”

Leonardo nodded, the grin returning slowly, smaller this time, but more genuine.

“I think I want to. I’m not going to mess this up,” he said.

Henry arched an eyebrow. “You always mess things up.”

“Not this time.”

“You sure about that?”

Leonardo looked back once more toward Gabriel.

“I’ve never been more sure,” he said softly.

Henry gave him a long look, then clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Good. Because if you screw this up, Sasha will castrate you. With paperwork and policy—then fists. And don't forget Natalia. I will not save you if those two team up against you.”

Leonardo winced. “Terrifying.”

“You don’t know the half of it.” Henry muttered, heading for the meeting room.