ALICE was rushing through the corridor on an urgent errand for the Academic Councilor. As the appointed Student Council Governor and a dedicated candidate to become the next alchemy apprentice, the weight of responsibility kept her constantly on edge. With her mind preoccupied and her arms full of scrolls and materials, she didn’t notice the student approaching from the opposite direction —until they collided.
Books, parchment, and vials flew into the air, scattering in all directions. Gasps erupted from nearby students who turned at the sudden commotion, their eyes widening in shock as the two students stumbled from the impact.
"How rude of you for not watching where you're going!" she snapped, her tone sharp as she glared at the young man.
But as their eyes met, her anger faltered for
