Ember of the Starry Sky

"…I almost died just now."

Mirajane just laughed harder, her shoulders shaking as she held onto Yukari's arm for support.

Yukari sighed dramatically. "Glad to know my suffering is so entertaining for you."

"Oh, absolutely," Mirajane teased, wiping away a stray tear from laughing too hard.

Just as Yukari was about to retort, the waiter returned with the bill in hand, placing it neatly on the table. "Here you go, ladies," he said cheerfully. "Also, I just have to say you two make such a lovely couple! The rumors in Sorcerer Magazine really don't do you justice."

Yukari froze. Mirajane stiffened.

For a second, there was pure, suffocating silence.

"PFFT." Mirajane covered her mouth, shoulders shaking again. Yukari, on the other hand, looked like she'd just been struck by lightning.

"We're not—" Yukari started, only for Mirajane to kick her lightly under the table.

"Thank you," Mirajane said smoothly, flashing the waiter her usual dazzling smile.

Yukari gaped at her, but before she could argue, Mirajane turned to her and said, "We should split the bill."

"No," Yukari said immediately.

Mirajane raised an eyebrow. "Excuse me?"

"I invited you, so I'm paying," Yukari said firmly. "That's how it works."

Before Mirajane could argue further, Yukari was already pulling out her pouch of jewels and placing the payment on the table. She did it so fast it was almost disrespectful, like she was throwing money at a minor inconvenience.

Mirajane huffed, crossing her arms. "You're impossible."

"And you're adorable when you're grumpy," Yukari replied smugly, leaning back in her chair.

Mirajane gasped. "Did you just—"

"Would you two mind taking a picture with me before you leave?" the waiter interrupted, looking a little embarrassed. "I—I'm a huge fan of you both."

Mirajane and Yukari exchanged glances before shrugging. "Sure," Mirajane said.

The waiter grinned and quickly pulled out a lacrima camera. He stood between them, beaming as he took the picture, then bowed slightly. "Thank you! And please, come back anytime!"

As they exited the restaurant, Yukari let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding. "That was… unexpected."

Mirajane chuckled. "You mean the part where people keep assuming we're together?"

"Yes," Yukari grumbled, rubbing the back of her neck.

Mirajane hummed in amusement. "Well, we did just have dinner together, alone, with candlelight. What else were they supposed to think?"

"…That I was getting payback for you bullying me at the guild?" Yukari suggested.

Mirajane rolled her eyes but smiled. "Well, now that we're out, what do you want to do next?"

Yukari hesitated for a second before taking a deep breath. It's now or never.

"Actually, I have a surprise for you," she said.

Mirajane blinked, tilting her head. "A surprise?"

Yukari nodded. "Follow me."

She reached out and, with a bit of hesitation, took Mirajane's hand in hers. Mirajane's fingers curled around hers naturally, as if they'd been holding hands forever.

They walked through the quiet streets of Magnolia, the moon casting a soft silver glow over the cobblestone paths. The night air was cool, a light breeze ruffling their hair. Mirajane glanced at Yukari curiously but didn't ask any questions, simply letting herself be led.

After a few minutes, Yukari stopped in front of a small, secluded garden.

Mirajane raised an eyebrow. "A garden?"

Yukari smirked. "Just wait. Close your eyes."

Mirajane narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "You're not going to set me on fire, are you?"

Yukari snorted. "Tempting, but no. Trust me."

Mirajane sighed but complied, closing her eyes.

Yukari took a deep breath and stepped forward. Slowly, she raised her hands, channeling her magic. Control, precision, beauty she released her flames.

The garden came to life.

A warm, golden glow spread through the area as small, delicate flames bloomed along the petals of every flower, illuminating them like stars in the darkness. The colors of the flowers deepened, turning richer under the fiery light.

Then, Yukari lifted her other hand and the butterflies appeared.They fluttered into existence one by one, each a different shade of fire.

Some were soft pink, their gentle flames flickering like whispers of affection. Others were vibrant yellow, radiating warmth and joy. Emerald green butterflies danced between the branches, their flames glowing with renewal and growth. Blue butterflies drifted peacefully, carrying a sense of calm and tranquility , and then the red butterfly.

It was the last one Yukari created, its deep crimson flames glowing with quiet intensity. It fluttered forward, circling around Mirajane like a tiny ember in the night.

"…Okay," Yukari said softly. "You can open your eyes now."

Mirajane did and gasped.

She spun in place, watching the glowing butterflies dance around her, the flowers shimmering under Yukari's magic. Her blue eyes widened, lips parting in awe.

"Yukari…" she whispered. "This is…"

"Beautiful?" Yukari guessed.

Mirajane turned to her, smiling. "I was going to say 'amazing,' but yes. Beautiful."

Yukari felt warmth spread through her chest. Worth it.

Mirajane held out a hand, and one of the pink butterflies landed on her fingertips. "What do the colors mean?" she asked.

Yukari leaned against a nearby tree, arms crossed. "Each one represents something."

She pointed at the pink butterflies. "Affection."

Then at the yellow ones. "Happiness."

The green butterflies. "Growth and renewal."

The blue ones. "Peace and serenity."

Then, finally, the red butterfly the one that had been hovering around Mirajane the entire time.

"This one," Yukari said, her voice quieter, steadier, "represents love."

Mirajane stilled.The red butterfly flickered softly, its flames pulsing gently like a heartbeat.

Yukari watched Mirajane carefully, waiting for a reaction. But instead of speaking, Mirajane simply smiled. Not her usual playful smirk. Not her teasing grin a real smile.