Nioelle's expression changed from happy to a bit concerned.

What about her?

Nioelle was scared. She had just gotten used to being with Shinu for the short time they were together, and she didn't want to lose him now.

Well her and I grew up together, she always liked me, but I didn't care too much for her. We competed in everything! I stopped talking to her one day because she stole my research paper! Now though, my mother told me that some of my work was stolen from our house, and it could only be her. I'm afraid of what she'll do with that power to get back at me.

Shinu took a deep breath. He felt like he was telling her that there was another girl. Definitely not the case, but this girl's presence could potentiall be very bad.

Nioelle practically sighed of relief. She had thought she wasn't going to be able to see Shinu anymore.

That's not good at all! I promise that I'll get better at magic so I can help you...fight her, if need be.

Nioelle gave Shinu a reassuring smile.

Her smile was one that he really needed to see. He didn't know how anyone would react to the news about his old friend. All this trouble because some girl liked him, what a world they lived in. He was glad to have Nioelle on his side at least.

Your magic is going to be very useful in protecting me. I need to face these Gaurdian Forces to make sure she never gets a chance to hurt anyone. I have a feeling she's learning how to summon them herself. She's not a lot of good things, but she is smart.

Shinu looked down at Nioelle again, that smile of her fixated. He was talking about his deepest darkest skeleton of his past, and she was still smiling with him. That was enough to make him feel better about the whole situation.

For now Nini, let's just forget about it. All we can do is enjoy the night. Let me know when you won't to go back. I think you should stay with me tonight. We can sleep in the living room I have in my room. There's enough room for the both of us there and I'm sure Johnathan won't mind. He's one of those... mind his own business kind of guys.

Shinu laughed thinking about Johnathan's reaction to Nioelle sleeping over. He would be more happy for Shinu than anything, he had been nothing but supportive since they moved in together.

Nioelle smiled and nodded. She lied with Shinu for a few more minutes, staring up at the stars, before sitting up.

I want to go inside, now. Are you sure it's okay for me to spend the night, though. I don't want to get in trouble.

Nioelle stood slowly and waited for Shinu to get up.

While Nioelle was thinking, Shinu was nervous as he could be. He wasn't sure if he'd made a mistake asking her to sleep over, but once she asked him again, it felt like she really would!

Yes, of course it's ok. I wouldn't do anything to get you in trouble. The Garden has no rules about overnight guests in our dorms. And like I said, John's probably out cold or training, and if he's awake, he'll keep to himself.

Shinu scratched the back of his head and laughed. What a good roommate he had. The two were open and honest, but there was a clear middle ground where neither wanted to impose on one another.

Nini, you don't have to do anything you're uncomfortable with. We have the rest of our lives together. I just think this night with you is too good to end. There's nothing I like better than having you be the last person I see before we sleep and the first person I see in the morning. What do you say?

Nioelle blushed a bit at his last comment. She really needed to stop doing that, or she'd be red all the time.

When you put it that way, Shinu...I'll be glad to sleep over!

Nioelle stood on her toes and gave Shinu a kiss.

Waking up with you would be nice, too!

She smiled and took his hand.