-----
"I'm sorry but she was really just… asking for it," Aquarina shrugged with a small, playful smile. "Why did she even tell us such a hilarious thing in the first place?"
"Whatever!" Celeste refused to let the teasing destroy her pride. She crossed her arms tightly and lifted her chin. "I'm a much better woman now! And… And it's not like I care about love anyway! I am a grown-ass woman now. I've got my own talents. I am going to become a great alchemist and sorceress and earn a bunch of money!"
"Well said!" Ruby nodded in firm agreement, her gentle expression never changing.
"Eugh…" However, the moment Celeste saw Ruby's soft and sincere smile, she felt her heart start hurting all over again. The pain was sharp and sudden. "R-Ruby… you don't hate me?"
"Why would I hate you?" Ruby asked with genuine confusion, tilting her head slightly. "We're friends, right? I mean, it sucks but… Yeah, that doesn't mean we can't keep being friends…"
