You like Helen, don't you?

The next day, Aria got up very early as per her habit.

She silently put on her uniform and flew out of the window. Upon reaching the grounds, Aria just walked around aimlessly.

She needed to wrap her mind around all Harper had told her yesterday, that side of the academy was something Aria had never thought about.

"Aria?" Aria turned around upon hearing a familiar voice.

"Jacob? How come you're up so early?" Aria asked as Jacob walked over to her, wearing a blue shirt and a lower, probably his sleeping attire.

"Oh please. Remember, I thought you used to wake up late back at the village." Jacob chuckled.

Aria smiled, "Yeah. Everyone there did get up at the crack of dawn."

The two sat down on a sunlit portion and enjoyed the morning sun as they talked.

Jacob asked, "Anyway, where were you yesterday morning? The whole academy was looking for you."

Aria shrugged, "Where do you think?"

Jacob raised an eyebrow, "Training in the forest."

Aria smiled, "That was half correct. I was in the forest. But was not training."

Jacob: "So? You went to meet the person who did your hair!!"

"Bingo!!" Aria laughed.

"Who was it?" Jacob raised an eyebrow.

Aria pouted, "Not telling. Anyway, I have something to ask you."

Jacob: "Shoot."

Aria: "We are best friends right? Have been for the past so many years?????"

Jacob: "Oh god! This can't be good."

Aria: "Tell me honestly. Do you like Helen?"

Jacob: "....."

"I knew it!! I knew it!!!!" Aria exclaimed.

Jacob was speechless, "Hey! I didn't even say anything." He defended himself.

Aria was almost dancing by now. She actually would have, if Jacob had not caught her shoulders and steadied her.

"You don't need to say anything. Your face says it all!!!!" Aria exclaimed.

Jacob sighed.

Hearing the sigh, Aria calmed down and frowned, "Why the long face?"

Jacob sighed again as he shook his head, "It's not that simple."

Aria huffed, "What are you talking about? If you're worried about Helen, she likes you too. I can assure you that."

Jacob looked visibly taken aback, "What?!"

"Yeah. I can vouch for that. It's written all across her face, only if you look!!" Aria beamed.

Jacob stared at Aria, she tilted her head in confusion, and he shook his head and looked up at the sky, "Maybe that's one problem solved."

"There's more?!?! What is going on in that mind of yours?" Aria pouted as she stared at Jacob.

Jacob suddenly looked straight into Aria's eyes. "Why are you so eager to get me and Helen together?" he asked.

Aria blinked and tore her eyes away from Jacob's. She looked at the ground and was silent for a few minutes before saying, "I just want you to be happy. I want Helen to be happy too. And is there anything better than seeing two of your best friends fall in love?"

"And I wish that you would stop liking me." Though Aria never said the last line, Jacob understood it.

He said, seeming to be lost in thought, "Well that's all good. The second problem is my status."

Aria blinked and made a confused face, "Status? I don't think Helen will mind much."