Outside the Arena

It had been over 7 months since Ning had seen Sophie. The last time he had seen her was in the fort town where he had left the Paradise Hunters temporarily to come to learn in the Blackhawk Academy.

It was a surprise to see her here, and it was even a bigger surprise to see her so excited at meeting her.

She was never this excited before, was she? Hmm, maybe she had a crush on him. Ning sighed. He would have to reject her gently if that was the guess.

"Alright, let go of me. They're gone," Sophie said as she herself let go of Ning.

"Hmm?" Ning saw behind him that his academy mates had moved on. "Oh," he said and let go. Only then did he see Sophie's somewhat serious face.

"Hmm, you aren't happy to see me, are you?" he asked her.

"Huh? Why would I be happy?" Sophie asked. "I was just told to act the part so they would let you talk to me."