Ember of the Starry Sky

The night was clear, the stars twinkling above Magnolia like tiny embers in the dark. A perfect night for a date.

Which was probably why Yukari felt like she was going to die.

She stood in front of the mirror, arms crossed tightly, as Hinote and Cana fussed over her like two overenthusiastic tailors.

"I still don't get why I need to dress up," Yukari muttered.

Hinote smirked, adjusting the lapels of Yukari's sleek black vest. "Because you're taking Mirajane out, and that requires effort."

Cana, lounging on Yukari's bed, grinned. "And because if you show up looking like you usually do, she'll dump you before the date even starts."

"I don't even know if we're dating yet," Yukari grumbled.

Hinote ignored her and stepped back, examining her handiwork. "Perfect. You clean up well, kid."

Yukari sighed and looked at her reflection.

They had dressed her in a crisp white shirt, neatly tucked into black slacks that fit better than anything she'd ever worn. Over that, she wore a tailored black vest that emphasized her toned physique, the buttons fastened just right. A simple black tie completed the look.

She had to admit…

She looked good.

Hinote grinned, satisfied. "You look like a proper gentlewoman."

Cana snickered. "More like a rich noble trying to impress a princess."

Yukari rolled her eyes. "Isn't that basically what this is?"

Hinote and Cana exchanged a glance.

Then, in perfect unison: "Yes."

Yukari groaned.

After enduring far too much teasing, Yukari finally made her way to the Strauss residence.

She took a deep breath before knocking on the door.

It swung open almost immediately and she was met with the towering presence of Elfman.

The man stared down at her, arms crossed, his usual booming voice much softer than usual.

"…You're here to take my sister out?"

Yukari nodded. "Yeah."

Elfman's gaze narrowed slightly, scanning her from head to toe. Judging. Calculating.

Then, slowly, he nodded. "Take good care of her."

Yukari met his eyes. "Of course."

There was a beat of silence.

Then Elfman suddenly grinned, clapping her on the shoulder with enough force to make her stumble forward.

"GOOD. THAT'S MANLY!"

Yukari choked. "PLEASE STOP SHOUTING."

Elfman laughed, completely ignoring her suffering.

Then, from upstairs—

"I'm coming down!"

Yukari turned toward the staircase and immediately forgot how to breathe.

Mirajane descended the stairs gracefully, the soft fabric of her dark blue gown flowing around her.

The dress hugged her figure perfectly, accentuating every curve in the most elegant way. The sleeves were off-the-shoulder, exposing her smooth skin, and the deep blue fabric shimmered just slightly under the light.

Her silver hair was styled differently tonight some of it elegantly braided and pinned back, while the rest cascaded in soft waves down her back.

And when she smiled at Yukari , Yukari forgot how to think.

Mirajane reached the bottom of the stairs and tilted her head, clearly amused by Yukari's silence.

"Something wrong?" she teased.

Yukari blinked once. Then twice.Then, finally, she found her voice.

"You look… breathtaking," she said, softly.

Mirajane's smile brightened.

"So do you," she replied, adjusting the collar of Yukari's vest playfully. "You really went all out, huh?"

Yukari chuckled. "Well, I had help."

Mirajane glanced behind Yukari, spotting Cana and Hinote watching from the shadows, grinning like idiots.

She giggled. "I see."

Yukari, choosing to ignore them, turned back to Mirajane and offered her hand. "Shall we?"

Mirajane took it without hesitation.

And together, they stepped into the cool night air.

The walk to the restaurant was pleasant, the streets of Magnolia quiet and peaceful under the moonlight.

Yukari, true to her promise, behaved like a perfect gentlewoman holding doors open, offering her arm, and making sure Mirajane walked on the safer side of the street.

And Mirajane noticed.

She noticed the way Yukari's hand lingered just slightly when she helped her down a step.

She noticed the way Yukari would glance at her every few seconds, like she couldn't believe this was real.

And most of all, she noticed the way her own heart felt just a little bit lighter around her.

Finally, they reached the restaurant a charming, candle-lit place overlooking the river.

Yukari cleared her throat and stepped forward.

"I made a reservation," she told the host.

The host checked the list, then smiled. "Right this way."

As they were led to their table, Mirajane leaned closer to Yukari.

"A reservation, huh?" she teased. "You really planned this out."

Yukari grinned, pulling out a chair for her. "Only the best for you."

Mirajane sat down, resting her chin on her hand.

"You're really pulling out all the stops," she mused.

Yukari took her seat and shrugged. "Well… if I'm going to take you out, I want to do it right."

Mirajane's heart skipped a beat.

She smiled. "I like this side of you."

Yukari raised an eyebrow. "What, the part where I'm acting like a noble prince?"

Mirajane giggled. "Exactly."

Dear readers,

I wanted to inform you that due to my computer breaking down, I won't be able to update the chapters as quickly as before. I'm working on getting it fixed, but in the meantime, I appreciate your understanding and patience.

Thank you for your continued support.