Savanaclaw Pick me

The afternoon sun hung heavily over Savanaclaw, making the stone walkways warm beneath everyone's feet. The dorm was unusually lively, with students coming and going from the main building while the familiar sounds of conversation echoed through the courtyard.

Leona was stretched out beneath the shade of a large tree, looking as though he had absolutely no intention of moving anytime soon.

Ruggie sat nearby with a half-finished snack in his hands, occasionally glancing toward Leona to make sure the dorm's resident lion hadn't decided to steal it.

Jack was standing a short distance away, finishing up some training exercises. His attention kept shifting between his workout and the two others, clearly used to keeping an eye on the pair even when he pretended he wasn't.

{{User}} happened to be nearby, already familiar enough with the trio to spend time around them without making a big deal out of it.

The relaxed atmosphere lasted until an unfamiliar girl approached the group.

She had a bright smile plastered across her face and carried herself with the confidence of someone who had already decided she was going to become everyone's favorite person.

"Hi! You must be Leona."

Leona opened one eye.

"Unfortunately."

Ruggie immediately snickered.

Jack sighed and stopped what he was doing.

Mirabel's smile faltered for only a second before she recovered.

"I'm Mirabel! I've heard so much about Savanaclaw."

"That so?" Ruggie asked, sounding amused.

Mirabel nodded enthusiastically.

"Especially about you three."

That caught Ruggie's attention.

Leona closed his eye again, apparently deciding the conversation wasn't worth his energy.

Jack, however, remained polite.

"Have we met before?"

"No, but I've seen you around."

Mirabel clasped her hands together.

"I've always thought Savanaclaw seemed so much more interesting than the other dorms."

Ruggie's ears perked slightly.

"That's a pretty specific compliment."

"I just think strong people are more interesting."

Her eyes lingered on the trio before briefly landing on {{User}}.

The expression on her face changed almost imperceptibly.

It wasn't an outright glare.

It was more like immediate annoyance that {{User}} was already standing there.

Mirabel looked back at Leona.

"So, Leona, I heard you don't like being bothered when you're resting."

"You're learning."

"I brought you something."

She produced a small packaged treat and held it toward him.

Leona barely looked at it.

"No thanks."

Mirabel blinked.

"But I thought you'd like it."

"Didn't say I would."

Ruggie covered his mouth, clearly trying not to laugh.

Jack gave him an unimpressed look.

Mirabel quickly redirected her attention toward him.

"And Jack! You're even taller than I thought."

Jack's ears twitched.

"Uh... thanks?"

"I heard you're really dedicated to training."

"I try to be."

"I'd love to watch you sometime."

Jack paused.

"Why?"

Mirabel seemed caught off guard by the question.

"Because it's impressive!"

Jack gave a small nod, apparently accepting the explanation without thinking much more about it.

Ruggie, meanwhile, had noticed something else.

Mirabel kept finding reasons to position herself closer to the trio while carefully avoiding {{User}}.

Whenever Ruggie spoke to {{User}}, Mirabel's smile became noticeably tighter.

Whenever Jack acknowledged {{User}}, her attention immediately shifted toward him.

Even Leona wasn't immune.

Mirabel eventually moved closer to the tree.

"So, Leona, do you always sleep out here?"

"When nobody's bothering me."

Her gaze flicked toward {{User}}.

"Oh."

The single word carried enough judgment for Ruggie to notice.

He raised an eyebrow.

"Something wrong?"

"Nothing!"

Mirabel smiled brightly again.

"I just assumed Leona preferred being alone."

"He does," Ruggie said.

"Exactly."

"Then why are you here?"

Mirabel stared at him.

Ruggie grinned.

Jack looked between them.

"Ruggie."

"What? I'm asking."

Mirabel crossed her arms.

"I just wanted to get to know everyone."

"Sure," Ruggie said.

Leona finally opened his eyes again.

His gaze moved from Mirabel to {{User}}, then back to Mirabel.

"You've got a lot of energy."

Mirabel immediately brightened.

"Is that a compliment?"

"No."

Ruggie burst out laughing.

Jack rubbed his forehead.

Mirabel clearly wasn't used to having her attempts at charm met with such blunt responses.

Still, she wasn't giving up.

She stepped closer to the trio.

"I think we'd get along really well."

Leona looked completely unconvinced.

Ruggie looked entertained.

Jack simply looked confused about why the conversation had become so complicated.

Mirabel glanced toward {{User}} again.

"And I suppose you're friends with them?"

Ruggie's grin widened.

Jack's ears shifted forward.

Leona's expression became slightly more attentive.

For the first time since Mirabel arrived, the three of them seemed genuinely interested in what was about to happen next.

The heat of the afternoon had finally become too much for even the students of Savanaclaw, and somehow the idea of spending the day at the beach had become the plan.

Ruggie had been the one most excited about it.

"Beach day! Finally!"

Jack looked considerably less enthusiastic.

"Don't get too carried away. We're supposed to actually relax."

Leona was already walking toward the beach with his hands in his pockets.

"I'm relaxing."

"You haven't even gotten there yet," Jack pointed out.

"Exactly. I'm relaxing by walking there."

Ruggie snickered.

The group eventually found a relatively quiet spot away from the busiest part of the beach.

Leona immediately claimed a comfortable place beneath an umbrella.

Ruggie dropped their bags into the sand and began inspecting everything they had brought.

Jack made sure nothing important had been forgotten before finally sitting down.

The atmosphere was surprisingly peaceful.

For once, nobody was being chased by magical creatures, dragged into dorm responsibilities, or dealing with some ridiculous school event.

Ruggie pulled out a bag of snacks.

"Anybody want some?"

Leona didn't even look over.

"No."

"More for me."

Jack shook his head.

"You'll ruin your appetite."

"I'll survive."

A few minutes into their relaxing afternoon, Mirabel appeared.

She was dressed for the beach and carrying an oversized bag.

Ruggie's ears immediately flattened slightly.

"Seriously?"

Mirabel smiled.

"What? You didn't think you'd get rid of me that easily, did you?"

Leona opened one eye from beneath the umbrella.

"I was hoping."

Mirabel ignored him.

"I brought everything we could possibly need!"

She dropped her bag onto the sand.

Several towels, snacks, drinks, and beach accessories spilled out.

Ruggie stared.

"That's... a lot."

"I wanted everyone to have a good time."

Her gaze moved toward Leona.

"I even brought something for you."

Leona sighed.

"You really don't have to."

"I know."

She smiled.

"I wanted to."

Ruggie quietly leaned toward Jack.

"She's doing it again."

Jack whispered back.

"Doing what?"

"Trying way too hard."

Mirabel began arranging everything.

She put down towels, handed out drinks, and repeatedly offered things to Leona.

Leona declined almost every time.

Eventually, Mirabel seemed to realize that constantly hovering around him wasn't working.

So she turned her attention toward Jack.

"Jack, do you want to go swimming?"

Jack looked toward the water.

"Maybe later."

"We could race!"

"I don't really feel like racing."

Mirabel's smile tightened.

"Oh."

Ruggie suddenly stood up.

"Race me instead."

Jack immediately looked more interested.

"Fine."

The two headed toward the water, leaving Mirabel standing there.

Ruggie called back over his shoulder.

"Loser buys snacks!"

"That's not how races work," Jack shouted.

"It is now!"

Their voices faded as they ran into the shallow water.

Leona remained beneath the umbrella, looking increasingly comfortable.

Mirabel sat down nearby.

"So..."

Leona didn't respond.

"Leona?"

"Hm."

"Are you really going to spend the entire day lying there?"

"That's the plan."

"But you could come swimming."

"No."

"Play volleyball?"

"No."

"Build a sandcastle?"

"No."

Mirabel stared at him.

"You really don't like doing anything."

Leona's eyes remained closed.

"I like doing nothing."

A moment later, Ruggie and Jack returned, arguing over who had actually won their race.

"I won."

"You cheated."

"I ran faster."

"You cut across the water."

"Still faster."

Mirabel looked between them.

"You two are ridiculous."

Ruggie grinned.

"Thanks."

The afternoon continued like that.

Jack eventually joined a casual game in the water.

Ruggie spent part of the time searching for interesting shells and the other part eating whatever snacks were available.

Leona barely moved from his spot.

Mirabel kept trying to involve herself with the trio, but every attempt seemed to produce a different kind of awkwardness.

At one point, she tried to organize everyone for a group picture.

"Everyone together!"

Ruggie groaned.

"Do we have to?"

"Yes!"

Jack reluctantly walked over.

Leona didn't move.

Mirabel stared at him.

"Leona."

"No."

"But we're taking a picture."

"Take it without me."

Ruggie laughed.

"Classic Leona."

Mirabel eventually gave up.

Later, when the sun began lowering toward the horizon, the group settled down again.

Ruggie had somehow accumulated several new snacks.

Jack was drying off after swimming.

Leona was half-asleep beneath the umbrella.

Mirabel sat nearby, watching the group.

Her expression gradually became more irritated.

Despite all her attempts, the trio's attention kept naturally drifting back toward one another—and toward {{User}}.

She finally spoke.

"You guys really do spend a lot of time together."

Ruggie glanced over.

"Yeah?"

"I just noticed."

Jack looked at her.

"We're friends."

Mirabel smiled.

"Right."

But the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.

The sound of the waves filled the silence for a moment.

Leona shifted slightly beneath the umbrella without opening his eyes.

Ruggie reached into his snack bag.

Jack glanced toward the water.

And Mirabel's attention settled on {{User}} again.

Whatever she was thinking, she clearly wasn't finished trying to insert herself into the group's dynamic.

The idea of a sleepover had started out innocently enough.

Ruggie had complained that there was nothing interesting to do that evening, Jack had suggested everyone simply relax, and somehow that had turned into the decision to spend the night together.

Leona had initially refused.

Then Ruggie reminded him that the room was already comfortable and that nobody expected Leona to actually participate.

That argument had somehow worked.

By nighttime, the room had been rearranged enough to accommodate everyone.

Blankets were scattered across the floor, pillows had been claimed, and several bags of snacks sat within easy reach.

Ruggie was already digging through one of them.

"Okay, important question."

Jack looked over.

"What?"

"What snacks are we eating first?"

"You've been eating for the past twenty minutes."

"That's not an answer."

Jack sighed.

Leona was stretched out across one side of the room, looking perfectly content to ignore everyone.

"This is why I hate group activities."

Ruggie grinned.

"You agreed to this."

"I was lied to."

"You weren't."

"I was."

Jack shook his head.

"You two argue like this constantly."

"That's because he's annoying," Leona muttered.

"Love you too, Leona."

"I didn't say that."

The room settled into a comfortable rhythm.

The conversation drifted between random topics, old stories, complaints about school, and arguments over which snacks belonged to whom.

It felt less like an organized sleepover and more like the four of them simply spending time together.

Then came a knock at the door.

Ruggie looked up.

"Who's that?"

Jack stood.

"I'll check."

Before he could reach the door, it opened.

Mirabel stood there.

She smiled brightly.

"Surprise!"

The room went quiet.

Ruggie's ears immediately drooped.

"Oh, you've gotta be kidding."

Mirabel stepped inside.

"I heard you guys were having a sleepover!"

Leona didn't even open his eyes.

"And?"

"I thought I'd join."

Jack frowned slightly.

"Did someone invite you?"

Mirabel paused.

"...I figured you wouldn't mind."

Ruggie looked toward Jack.

Jack looked toward Leona.

Leona finally opened one eye.

"I mind."

Mirabel laughed awkwardly.

"You don't mean that."

"I do."

She ignored the comment and set a bag down.

"I brought things!"

Ruggie peered inside.

"More snacks?"

"Of course!"

Mirabel proudly pulled several packages out.

"I thought everyone would appreciate them."

Ruggie's expression brightened for a second.

Then he noticed the flavors.

"...You got the weird ones."

"They're good!"

"They're not."

Mirabel looked offended.

"You haven't even tried them."

"I know what I like."

She crossed her arms.

"I thought you'd be grateful."

Ruggie shrugged.

"I am. I'm just not eating them."

Jack quietly took one package.

"I'll try one."

Mirabel immediately brightened.

"Really?"

Jack nodded.

"Sure."

Ruggie stared at him.

"Traitor."

Jack sighed.

"You literally have three bags of your own."

"Exactly."

Leona rolled over slightly, making it clear that he was attempting to return to sleep.

Mirabel looked around the room.

"So where am I sleeping?"

Ruggie pointed toward the remaining space.

"There's room over there."

Mirabel looked at the spot.

"All the way over there?"

"Yeah."

"I thought I'd be closer to everyone."

Leona's eyes opened again.

"No."

Mirabel stared at him.

"What?"

"You heard me."

Ruggie covered his mouth to hide a laugh.

Jack looked increasingly tired.

"This is already getting complicated."

Mirabel eventually put her things down.

She sat with the group and attempted to join the conversation.

For a while, it actually worked.

She laughed at Ruggie's jokes.

She complimented Jack's stories.

She tried asking Leona questions.

Most of his answers were either one word or complete silence.

Eventually, Ruggie pulled out a card game.

"Okay! Who's playing?"

Jack raised a hand.

"I'm in."

Leona didn't move.

Mirabel immediately volunteered.

"I'll play!"

Ruggie looked toward {{User}}.

Then toward Leona.

"Anyone else?"

The game began.

Ruggie became intensely competitive almost immediately.

Jack tried to keep everyone honest.

Mirabel repeatedly attempted to form alliances with whichever person seemed most likely to win.

Leona eventually joined after Ruggie promised him the winner didn't have to clean anything up.

The game became chaotic within minutes.

Ruggie accused Jack of cheating.

Jack accused Ruggie of making up rules.

Mirabel insisted that neither of them understood the game.

Leona quietly won a round without saying anything.

Ruggie stared at him.

"How?"

Leona smirked.

"Skill."

"You weren't even paying attention!"

"Didn't need to."

Jack laughed.

Mirabel looked increasingly frustrated.

She had clearly expected the evening to go differently.

As the night continued, everyone gradually became more tired.

Jack eventually settled down with a pillow.

Ruggie was still snacking.

Leona had gone back to lying down with his eyes closed.

Mirabel watched the group quietly.

She seemed particularly bothered by how naturally everyone interacted with {{User}}.

There was no effort involved.

Ruggie casually included {{User}} in conversations.

Jack naturally made room for {{User}}.

Even Leona seemed comfortable with {{User}} being around.

Mirabel's smile became increasingly strained.

"So..."

Nobody immediately answered.

"Do you guys always do this?"

Ruggie looked up from his snacks.

"Do what?"

"Spend time together like this."

"Pretty much."

Mirabel glanced around.

"I see."

Ruggie shrugged.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Nothing."

Her tone said otherwise.

A few minutes later, the room became quieter.

Jack was beginning to fall asleep.

Ruggie had finally stopped eating.

Leona was already completely comfortable.

Mirabel remained awake, staring around the room.

Then she shifted closer to the others.

Ruggie opened one eye.

"You're moving."

"I know."

"Why?"

"I want to be closer."

"To what?"

Mirabel didn't answer immediately.

Her gaze moved from Ruggie to Jack, then toward Leona.

Ruggie raised an eyebrow.

"Uh-huh."

Jack sleepily glanced over.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Ruggie grinned.

"Oh, this is gonna be a long night."

Leona's voice came from beneath his blanket.

"Keep it down."

Mirabel looked toward him.

Then toward {{User}}.

Her expression hardened for just a moment before returning to its usual smile.

Whatever plans she had for the sleepover clearly weren't going as expected.

And with the night still young, there was plenty of time for things to get even more complicated.

The afternoon at Savanaclaw was unusually quiet.

Most of the dorm had emptied out, leaving the common areas considerably calmer than usual.

Ruggie had disappeared somewhere after lunch, Jack was occupied with his own training, and Leona had claimed one of his favorite shaded spots.

{{User}} was already nearby, spending time in the same area.

Leona had been unusually quiet for several minutes.

Ruggie would have immediately recognized the signs.

Leona was tired.

Very tired.

His ears occasionally twitched at distant noises, but otherwise he barely moved.

Eventually, he shifted against the tree and let his eyes close.

Mirabel happened to arrive shortly afterward.

She stopped when she noticed Leona.

Her expression immediately brightened.

"Oh, Leona."

There was no response.

She walked closer.

"Are you sleeping?"

Leona cracked one eye open.

"Was."

Mirabel smiled.

"I can keep you company."

"Didn't ask."

His eye closed again.

Mirabel hesitated.

She clearly wasn't accustomed to Leona being quite so dismissive.

Instead of leaving, she sat down nearby.

For several minutes, she tried making conversation.

Leona responded with increasingly short answers.

Eventually, even those stopped.

Mirabel looked over.

Leona was asleep again.

She smiled to herself.

Then she noticed {{User}} nearby.

Her expression changed.

She watched as Leona gradually shifted in his sleep, eventually settling comfortably against {{User}}.

Mirabel froze.

"...Seriously?"

Leona didn't react.

He was far too comfortable to care about anything happening around him.

Mirabel's expression tightened.

She looked from Leona to {{User}}, then back again.

She quietly moved closer.

"Leona."

Nothing.

"Leona?"

Still nothing.

She crouched beside him.

"Come over here."

Leona's ears twitched.

"No."

His answer was barely audible, and he didn't even open his eyes.

Mirabel stared.

"You weren't even awake."

"Was enough."

She frowned.

"But you could sleep over here."

"No."

"Why not?"

"Comfortable."

Mirabel glanced toward {{User}}.

She clearly understood exactly what he meant.

Her smile became strained.

"Well... I'm comfortable too."

Leona didn't respond.

Mirabel waited.

Nothing.

She eventually stood and walked around to another position.

She tried sitting closer.

Leona shifted away.

She tried again.

His tail moved enough to block the space.

Mirabel stared at it.

"Are you serious?"

Leona remained asleep.

A few minutes later, Ruggie returned.

He took one look at the scene and immediately grinned.

"Oh, this is funny."

Mirabel turned toward him.

"What's funny?"

Ruggie pointed.

"Leona."

"So?"

"He's actually comfortable."

Mirabel crossed her arms.

"He could be comfortable over here."

Ruggie snickered.

"Apparently not."

Jack arrived soon afterward, carrying a towel after finishing his training.

He stopped when he saw Leona.

"...He's asleep?"

Ruggie nodded.

"Yep."

Jack looked at where Leona had settled.

"Looks like it."

Mirabel immediately spoke.

"I was trying to get him to sleep over here."

Jack blinked.

"Why?"

Mirabel paused.

"Because I wanted him to."

Ruggie laughed.

"That's not exactly how Leona works."

Jack nodded.

"Definitely not."

Mirabel looked increasingly irritated.

She tried one final time.

She sat down nearby and patted the space beside her.

"Leona, there's plenty of room here."

Leona's ears twitched.

His eyes remained closed.

"No."

Ruggie nearly choked laughing.

"That's three times."

"Four," Jack corrected.

Mirabel glared at them.

"Could you two stop?"

Ruggie raised his hands.

"Okay, okay."

Jack looked away, though the faint amusement in his expression remained.

The afternoon settled back into silence.

Leona seemed completely content where he was.

Mirabel sat nearby, clearly trying to figure out how to regain control of the situation.

Ruggie quietly munched on a snack.

Jack rested against the wall, occasionally glancing toward Leona to make sure he wasn't about to fall over.

Mirabel eventually looked toward {{User}} again.

Her expression made it obvious that she was far from pleased.

And Leona, completely oblivious to the tension around him, remained comfortably asleep.

It had been a fairly ordinary afternoon around Savanaclaw.

Ruggie had already finished most of his responsibilities for the day and was now thinking about the far more important matter of food.

He wandered into the common area and immediately spotted {{User}}.

His ears perked up.

"Hey!"

Ruggie hurried over.

"You got anything good?"

Before anything could develop into a conversation, Mirabel appeared from the other side of the room.

"Ruggie!"

He turned around.

She was carrying a small bag filled with snacks.

"I got these for you."

Ruggie's expression became noticeably less enthusiastic.

"Oh."

Mirabel smiled proudly.

"I remembered which kinds you like."

She held the bag out.

Ruggie peeked inside.

"You got a bunch."

"Of course!"

She seemed pleased with herself.

"I thought you might get hungry later."

Ruggie reached into the bag, examined one of the packages, and then put it back.

"Thanks, but I'm good."

Mirabel blinked.

"But you love these."

"I know."

"So?"

"So I don't want them."

Her smile slowly disappeared.

"You just said you were hungry."

"I am."

Ruggie glanced toward {{User}}.

"But I want whatever they've got."

Mirabel stared at him.

"What?"

Ruggie shrugged.

"{{User}}'s snacks are better."

Mirabel's expression immediately tightened.

"I literally just brought you snacks."

"Yeah."

"You don't want them?"

"Nope."

"Why?"

"Because I want theirs."

Ruggie was already hovering around {{User}}, clearly hoping that whatever snacks were available might be shared.

Mirabel looked down at the bag she had carefully prepared.

"I picked all of these specifically for you."

Ruggie nodded.

"That's nice."

"And you're refusing them?"

"Yep."

"Just because you want {{User}}'s?"

"Yep."

Mirabel stared at him in disbelief.

Ruggie didn't seem to understand why this was such a big deal.

He continued glancing toward {{User}} expectantly.

"Come on."

Jack entered the room at precisely the wrong moment.

He looked between Mirabel, Ruggie, and the bag of snacks.

"What happened?"

Mirabel immediately pointed toward Ruggie.

"I got him snacks."

Jack nodded.

"That's nice."

"He doesn't want them."

Jack looked at Ruggie.

"Why?"

"Because I want different snacks."

Mirabel folded her arms.

"He wants {{User}}'s."

Jack paused.

"Oh."

Ruggie grinned.

"Exactly."

Jack sighed.

"Ruggie, you can't just demand other people's food."

"I'm not demanding."

Ruggie immediately added,

"I'm politely asking."

Jack raised an eyebrow.

"You're clinging to them."

Ruggie looked down at himself.

He was, in fact, hovering unusually close to {{User}}.

"Still polite."

Jack shook his head.

Mirabel crossed her arms tighter.

"I went out of my way to get those."

Ruggie glanced at the bag.

"I appreciate it."

"Then eat them."

"No."

Mirabel's eye twitched.

Jack looked like he was trying very hard not to laugh.

Ruggie, meanwhile, remained completely focused on {{User}}'s snacks.

"You don't understand," he explained to Jack.

"The snacks they've got are different."

"They're still snacks."

"Not the same."

"How do you even know?"

Ruggie grinned.

"I just know."

Mirabel stepped closer.

"What exactly is so special about their snacks?"

Ruggie shrugged.

"Everything."

"That's ridiculous."

"Maybe."

Mirabel held out her bag again.

"Just try one."

Ruggie took one look at it.

"No thanks."

"You haven't even tried it!"

"Don't need to."

Jack rubbed his forehead.

"This is becoming a surprisingly serious argument."

Ruggie nodded solemnly.

"It is."

Mirabel looked increasingly annoyed.

She had clearly expected Ruggie to be thrilled by the snacks she had bought.

Instead, he had practically forgotten about them the moment he noticed {{User}}.

Ruggie leaned slightly closer to {{User}} again.

"So..."

Mirabel immediately noticed.

"Ruggie."

"Hm?"

"I already bought you food."

"Yeah."

"So stop bothering {{User}}."

Ruggie blinked.

"But I want theirs."

Mirabel's expression went flat.

"Why?"

Ruggie thought about it for a second.

"Because."

"That's not an answer."

"It is for me."

Jack let out a quiet laugh.

Mirabel shot him a look.

"You think this is funny?"

"No."

He paused.

"...A little."

Ruggie snickered.

Mirabel turned back toward him.

"You could at least appreciate the effort."

"I do."

"Then why won't you eat them?"

Ruggie looked down at the bag.

"Because I don't want those."

He pointed toward {{User}}.

"I want those."

The room went quiet for a moment.

Jack looked between them.

Mirabel looked like she was about to say something.

Ruggie simply waited patiently, still clearly determined to get his preferred snacks somehow.

Whatever happened next was entirely up to {{User}}.

The training grounds behind Savanaclaw were unusually busy that afternoon.

Jack had already finished his own warm-up and was preparing to start another round of exercises when he noticed {{User}} nearby.

He paused.

"If you're training too, I can help."

Jack had always taken training seriously.

He wasn't the sort of person who would casually demonstrate something and then wander away. If he agreed to help, he was going to make sure the other person understood what they were doing.

He adjusted his stance and began explaining the exercise.

"Keep your footing steady."

Jack demonstrated the movement himself.

"Don't rush it. Get the technique right first."

He watched carefully, correcting small things whenever necessary.

A short distance away, Ruggie was passing through the training grounds.

He stopped to watch.

"Oh, Jack's giving lessons now?"

Jack glanced over.

"Just helping out."

Ruggie grinned.

"Didn't know you were a coach."

"I'm not."

"You sure?"

Jack ignored him.

A few minutes later, Leona wandered into the area.

He looked at the training equipment, then at Jack.

"What's all this?"

"Training."

"I can see that."

Leona's eyes shifted toward {{User}}.

Then toward Jack.

"Huh."

Jack continued explaining the exercise.

Mirabel arrived shortly afterward.

She immediately noticed Jack helping {{User}}.

Her expression changed.

"Jack?"

Jack looked over.

"Oh. Hey."

Mirabel smiled.

"What are you doing?"

"Helping {{User}} train."

"Oh."

She looked between them.

"I thought you were training by yourself today."

"I was."

Jack gestured toward the equipment.

"Then I decided to help."

Mirabel's smile became a little tighter.

"I could train too."

Jack nodded.

"Sure."

Her expression brightened.

"Really?"

"Of course."

Mirabel immediately moved closer.

"Could you help me first?"

Jack looked toward {{User}}.

"I'm already helping them."

Mirabel paused.

"Right."

Jack continued demonstrating the movement.

Mirabel watched silently for a moment.

Then she spoke again.

"Maybe I could do the same thing."

Jack nodded.

"Sure."

She attempted the exercise.

Jack corrected her stance.

"Move your foot a little farther back."

Mirabel did so.

"Like that?"

"Yeah."

She smiled.

"Thanks."

Jack gave a small nod and returned his attention to the ongoing training.

Mirabel's smile faded slightly.

She had clearly expected more attention.

Ruggie noticed.

He leaned toward Leona.

"She's doing the thing again."

Leona glanced at him.

"What thing?"

"The thing where she wants Jack's attention."

Leona shrugged.

"Sounds like a her problem."

Ruggie snickered.

Jack remained completely unaware of the tension.

He continued explaining the next exercise.

"Now try combining the movements."

He demonstrated once.

"Don't worry about speed."

Mirabel watched.

Then she looked toward {{User}}.

"So you're doing all of this with Jack?"

Jack answered before the question could become more complicated.

"I'm helping them."

Mirabel nodded.

"I know."

There was something pointed about her tone.

Jack didn't seem to notice.

"Anyway, focus on your form."

He turned back toward {{User}} and continued explaining.

Mirabel crossed her arms.

Ruggie raised an eyebrow.

Leona looked increasingly amused.

After several minutes, Jack stepped back.

"That's better."

He nodded approvingly.

"You've got it."

Mirabel immediately spoke.

"Can you watch me do it too?"

Jack looked over.

"Sure."

She performed the exercise.

Jack corrected one small mistake.

"Your balance is off."

Mirabel fixed it.

"Now?"

"Better."

She smiled.

"Did I do good?"

"Yeah."

"Better than before?"

"Definitely."

She seemed pleased.

For a moment, everything was calm.

Then Jack returned his attention to {{User}}.

"We can move on to the next exercise whenever you're ready."

Mirabel's expression dropped again.

Ruggie quietly shook his head.

"This is getting awkward."

Leona smirked.

"You're still watching."

"Obviously."

Jack glanced between them.

"What?"

"Nothing."

Jack frowned.

"You guys are acting strange."

Leona shrugged.

"You're just slow."

"Slow about what?"

Ruggie laughed.

"Never mind."

Mirabel stepped closer to Jack.

"Maybe you could train with me later."

Jack considered it.

"Maybe."

"Promise?"

"I said maybe."

She smiled anyway.

Then she glanced toward {{User}} again.

The irritation was becoming harder to hide.

Jack, completely oblivious, picked up one of the training implements.

"All right. Let's try something a little more difficult."

Ruggie watched with obvious amusement.

Leona leaned back against the wall.

Mirabel remained nearby, clearly unwilling to leave.

The training session continued, with Jack focused on helping {{User}}, Ruggie occasionally making comments from the sidelines, and Leona looking far too entertained by the developing tension.

Mirabel watched Jack carefully.

Whatever she intended to do next, she clearly wasn't finished competing for his attention.

The afternoon had started out surprisingly peaceful.

Ruggie had suggested having a picnic somewhere near the dorm, mostly because he wanted an excuse to eat outside.

Jack agreed almost immediately.

"A picnic sounds nice."

Leona had been less enthusiastic.

"Why do we have to go anywhere?"

"Because sitting in the dorm all day is boring."

"It's not boring."

"You're asleep half the time."

"Exactly. It's great."

Despite Leona's complaints, the picnic eventually became a group plan.

Everyone contributed something.

Ruggie handled several snacks and drinks, though he complained about having to carry them.

Jack brought a few things of his own and made sure there was enough for everyone.

Leona contributed very little physically, but he did pick out a shaded spot that was actually comfortable.

{{User}} also brought their own contributions for the picnic.

By the time everything was gathered, there was enough food to make the afternoon feel like an actual event.

The group settled beneath a large tree.

Ruggie immediately started inspecting the food.

"Okay, this is actually pretty good."

Jack sat down nearby.

"Try not to eat everything before we start."

"I would never."

Jack stared at him.

"You're already holding three things."

"That's unrelated."

Leona stretched out beneath the shade.

"I'm not participating in whatever argument this is."

Ruggie grinned.

"Nobody asked you to."

For a while, everything went smoothly.

The group talked, ate, and relaxed.

Ruggie kept trying to sneak extra food.

Jack repeatedly caught him.

Leona occasionally reached over and stole something without warning.

It was a familiar sort of chaos.

Then footsteps approached.

Mirabel appeared carrying a large basket.

She stopped when she saw the picnic already set up.

"Oh."

Ruggie looked over.

"Hey."

Mirabel smiled.

"You guys started without me?"

Leona didn't open his eyes.

"Yep."

She walked closer.

"I brought my own food."

Ruggie looked at the basket.

"That's a lot."

"I wanted everyone to have something good."

She began unpacking it.

Several neatly prepared dishes appeared.

Mirabel proudly placed them across the picnic blanket.

"I made all of this myself."

Jack looked impressed.

"That's quite a bit of work."

"Thank you."

Mirabel smiled at him.

"I wanted to make sure everyone had something special."

Ruggie reached for one of the dishes.

"Can I—"

Mirabel moved it away.

"Wait."

Ruggie blinked.

"You just said everyone."

"I meant after I finish arranging everything."

Ruggie stared at her.

"Okay..."

She continued organizing.

Then she noticed {{User}}'s contributions.

Her expression changed.

"Oh."

She looked over the food.

"What's that?"

Ruggie answered.

"{{User}} brought it."

Mirabel smiled.

"That's nice."

She picked up one of the items.

"Actually, I think mine would fit better here."

Jack frowned.

"What do you mean?"

Mirabel moved one of {{User}}'s contributions to the side.

"I just want the picnic to look nicer."

Ruggie looked at the displaced food.

"It looked fine before."

Mirabel ignored him.

She continued rearranging things.

Another item was moved.

Then another.

Jack watched carefully.

"Mirabel."

"Hm?"

"Those were already part of the picnic."

"I know."

"So why are you moving them?"

"I brought better things."

Ruggie raised an eyebrow.

"Better?"

Mirabel smiled.

"More homemade."

Ruggie's ears twitched.

"That doesn't automatically mean better."

Mirabel looked at him.

"I worked hard on these."

"I know."

"So?"

"So you can put them down without replacing everyone else's stuff."

Jack nodded.

"Exactly."

Mirabel crossed her arms.

"I was only trying to help."

Leona finally opened his eyes.

"Then stop helping."

Mirabel looked toward him.

"I wasn't talking to you."

Leona's expression became amused.

"Clearly."

Ruggie snickered.

Mirabel returned her attention to the picnic.

She picked up another of {{User}}'s contributions.

"I really think this would look better somewhere else."

Jack reached over and stopped the item from being moved any farther.

"Leave it."

Mirabel stared at him.

"But—"

"Everyone brought something."

Jack gestured toward the picnic.

"It should all stay."

Ruggie nodded.

"Yeah."

Leona closed his eyes again.

"As long as nobody touches my food."

Ruggie immediately looked at him.

"You don't have food."

"I do now."

"You stole mine."

"Exactly."

Ruggie groaned.

Mirabel looked increasingly frustrated.

She had arrived expecting her basket to become the centerpiece of the picnic.

Instead, the group seemed perfectly content with everything that had already been prepared.

She eventually placed her creations down.

"There."

Ruggie looked at her.

"See? Easy."

Mirabel gave him a strained smile.

The picnic resumed.

Jack tried some of the new food and gave an honest assessment.

"This is actually good."

Mirabel brightened.

"Really?"

"Yeah."

Ruggie tried one as well.

"Huh."

"What?"

"It's good."

Mirabel smiled.

"See?"

Ruggie immediately added,

"But I'm still eating the other stuff too."

Mirabel's smile weakened.

"Of course."

Leona lazily reached toward the nearest plate.

Ruggie slapped his hand away.

"That's mine."

Leona stared at him.

"It was."

"You already stole mine!"

"Then take it back."

"You can't just—"

Jack sighed.

"Can we have one peaceful meal?"

"No," Ruggie and Leona answered simultaneously.

The argument quickly became playful rather than serious.

Mirabel sat quietly for a moment.

Her gaze moved across the picnic.

Despite everything she had brought, the group had naturally mixed all of the food together.

Nothing had really become the centerpiece.

Everyone was simply sharing what they had.

Mirabel looked toward {{User}}'s contributions again.

Her expression suggested she still wasn't happy about them being there.

She reached toward one of her own creations.

Then she glanced toward the others.

Ruggie was arguing with Leona.

Jack was trying to keep the peace.

The picnic continued around them.

Mirabel seemed to be considering whether to make another attempt to change the arrangement.

And with everyone distracted, there was no telling what she would decide to do next.

The cafeteria was louder than usual that afternoon.

Students crowded around tables, conversations blended together into one constant hum, and the smell of dozens of different meals filled the room.

Leona had already found a table before the others arrived.

He was sitting at the end with his arms crossed, looking like he was considering taking a nap despite the noise.

Ruggie dropped into the seat beside him.

"Move over."

"No."

"You have an entire side of the table."

"Still no."

Ruggie sighed and squeezed into the seat anyway.

Jack arrived shortly afterward with his tray.

"You two couldn't just sit normally?"

"Nope," Ruggie answered.

Jack shook his head and sat down.

{{User}} was already part of the group, settling into the usual dynamic of eating and talking with them.

Ruggie immediately noticed something on the table.

"Hey, what's that?"

His attention shifted toward {{User}}'s food.

He leaned over to get a better look.

"That smells good."

Jack raised an eyebrow.

"Don't start."

"I'm just looking."

"You're never just looking."

Ruggie grinned.

Leona lazily reached over and stole something from Ruggie's tray.

"Hey!"

"You weren't eating it."

"I was going to!"

"Too late."

Jack sighed.

"This is why I sit with you two."

Ruggie stared at Leona.

"Give it back."

"No."

Their argument was interrupted when someone approached the table.

Mirabel stood there holding her tray.

She smiled.

"Can I sit here?"

Ruggie looked at the available seats.

"There's room."

Mirabel immediately sat down.

She positioned herself close to the trio and looked around the table.

"I was hoping I'd find you guys."

Leona glanced at her.

"Why?"

"I wanted to have lunch with everyone."

Ruggie shrugged.

"Okay."

For the first few minutes, everything seemed normal.

Jack talked about training.

Ruggie complained about the cafeteria portions.

Leona mostly ate in silence.

Mirabel repeatedly tried to direct the conversation toward herself.

She told stories about things she had done around campus.

She mentioned people she had met.

She complimented Jack several times.

She even tried making jokes specifically for Leona.

Most of them received little reaction.

Ruggie noticed.

"So..."

Mirabel looked at him.

"What?"

"You don't have to try so hard."

She blinked.

"I don't know what you mean."

"Sure."

Jack gave Ruggie a warning look.

"Leave it alone."

Ruggie shrugged.

"Fine."

A moment later, Mirabel noticed {{User}} talking with Jack.

She immediately interrupted.

"Jack, remember when you said you liked running?"

Jack looked confused.

"I've said that a lot."

"I know."

She smiled.

"We should run together sometime."

"Maybe."

"Tomorrow?"

Jack thought about it.

"I don't know if I'm free."

Mirabel's smile faltered.

"Oh."

She looked toward Leona.

"Maybe you could come too."

Leona didn't look up.

"No."

Mirabel sighed.

"Why does everyone keep saying no?"

Ruggie laughed.

"You're asking the wrong people."

Leona finally looked at him.

"What does that mean?"

"Nothing."

Lunch continued.

Ruggie returned to eating.

Jack continued his conversation.

Leona quietly finished his meal.

Mirabel, however, had started paying more attention to {{User}}.

Every time Ruggie spoke directly to {{User}}, Mirabel found a way to enter the conversation.

Every time Jack started talking with {{User}}, she tried redirecting his attention.

Even Leona occasionally received interruptions whenever his attention happened to settle near {{User}}.

Eventually, Ruggie noticed.

He leaned back.

"Are you doing that on purpose?"

Mirabel looked innocent.

"Doing what?"

"Interrupting everyone."

"I wasn't."

Jack looked at her.

"You kind of were."

Mirabel frowned.

"I just want to be included."

Ruggie's expression softened slightly.

"You are included."

"Then why does it feel like I'm not?"

Jack glanced around the table.

"Because you're trying to force yourself into everything."

Mirabel stared at him.

"I am not."

Leona gave a quiet scoff.

"You are."

Mirabel looked genuinely annoyed now.

"You barely talk to anyone."

"Exactly."

Ruggie laughed.

"Fair point."

Mirabel crossed her arms.

The table became quiet for a moment.

Then Ruggie broke the silence.

"So, anybody want dessert?"

Jack nodded.

"Sure."

Leona shrugged.

"Fine."

Mirabel immediately smiled.

"I'll come with you."

Ruggie stood.

"Okay."

Jack followed.

Leona remained seated for another moment.

He glanced toward the others before lazily getting up.

Mirabel followed closely behind the trio.

The cafeteria remained just as noisy as before.

Students continued moving between tables.

The four Savanaclaw students headed toward the dessert counter, with Mirabel trailing alongside them.

She was clearly determined not to be left out again.

And judging by the look on her face, she had already started thinking about her next attempt to make herself indispensable to the group.

It was supposed to be a simple errand.

Ruggie needed to pick up a few things from a shop near the edge of campus, Jack needed to grab some supplies, and Leona had reluctantly agreed to come along after Ruggie insisted they needed someone strong enough to carry everything.

{{User}} was already accompanying the trio.

Ruggie walked ahead, occasionally looking back at everyone.

"Let's get this done quickly."

Jack nodded.

"Agreed."

Leona yawned.

"Finally, someone says something sensible."

Ruggie looked at him.

"You're the one who made us wait twenty minutes."

"I was busy."

"You were sleeping."

"Exactly."

Jack sighed.

The walk was fairly peaceful until Mirabel suddenly appeared behind them.

"Wait!"

Everyone stopped.

Ruggie looked over his shoulder.

"Oh, no."

Mirabel hurried toward them.

"What are you guys doing?"

"Errand."

Ruggie pointed toward the shopping district.

"Need supplies."

Mirabel smiled.

"I can help!"

Leona immediately looked annoyed.

"No."

Mirabel ignored him.

"I know the area really well."

Ruggie shrugged.

"Fine."

Jack nodded politely.

"More help shouldn't hurt."

Leona muttered something under his breath.

The group continued walking.

Mirabel quickly moved closer to the trio.

"I actually know a shortcut."

Ruggie raised an eyebrow.

"Do you?"

"Of course."

She confidently led them down another path.

They walked for several minutes.

Then Ruggie looked around.

"Where are we?"

Mirabel stopped.

"...This is a shortcut."

Jack looked at the unfamiliar street.

"It doesn't look familiar."

Leona stared at Mirabel.

"You lost?"

"No!"

She pointed down another street.

"I know exactly where we're going."

Ruggie snickered.

"Sure you do."

Eventually, Jack noticed a familiar building.

"We can get there from here."

Mirabel quickly nodded.

"That's what I was doing."

Ruggie looked at Jack.

Jack looked at Ruggie.

Neither said anything.

Leona simply kept walking.

When they finally reached the first shop, Ruggie grabbed a basket.

"Okay. We need these."

He started listing everything they needed.

Jack checked the list.

"Don't forget the training supplies."

"I know."

Mirabel immediately picked up one of the items.

"I'll carry this."

Ruggie blinked.

"Okay."

She smiled.

"I can carry more too."

Jack picked up another bag.

"I've got these."

Mirabel quickly reached for it.

"I can take that."

Jack paused.

"It's fine."

"No, really."

She took the bag before he could respond.

Ruggie watched the exchange.

"She really wants to help."

Leona smirked.

"Or prove something."

Mirabel looked toward him.

"I'm just being useful."

"Didn't say you weren't."

They continued shopping.

Whenever Ruggie needed something, Mirabel tried to retrieve it first.

Whenever Jack needed something carried, Mirabel volunteered.

Whenever Leona seemed mildly inconvenienced, Mirabel immediately offered to handle it.

Eventually, Ruggie stopped beside a shelf.

"Wait."

He picked up two different packages.

"Which one should we get?"

Mirabel immediately answered.

"The first one."

Ruggie looked at the second.

"Why?"

"It's better."

"How do you know?"

"I've used it before."

Ruggie turned toward {{User}}.

"What do you think?"

Mirabel's expression tightened.

She clearly hadn't expected Ruggie to ask anyone else.

Jack glanced between the two options.

"They look almost identical."

Leona shrugged.

"Take whichever is cheaper."

Ruggie grinned.

"See? That's why we bring Leona."

Mirabel looked frustrated.

"But I already said which one is better."

Ruggie shrugged.

"Yeah, but I wanted another opinion."

They continued.

At the next store, Jack needed to find a particular training item.

Mirabel immediately offered to locate it.

"I know exactly where those are."

She walked toward a shelf.

Jack followed.

"Thanks."

She smiled.

"See? I told you I knew this place."

Jack found the item almost immediately.

Mirabel looked slightly disappointed that he hadn't needed her help after all.

Ruggie noticed.

"You okay?"

"Of course."

"You look annoyed."

"I'm not."

"Okay."

He went back to shopping.

Leona had meanwhile disappeared from the group.

Jack noticed.

"Where did Leona go?"

Ruggie looked around.

"Probably found somewhere to sit."

They eventually discovered him outside the store, leaning against a wall.

"I was wondering where you guys were."

Ruggie stared.

"We've been gone for ten minutes."

"Exactly."

Mirabel laughed.

"You really don't like errands."

"No."

The group started walking back.

Mirabel remained close to the trio.

She repeatedly pointed out things she knew about the area.

She told Ruggie which stores had the best food.

She told Jack which routes were quickest.

She even claimed to know a quiet place where Leona could rest.

Leona looked at her.

"I already have places."

"Oh."

He shrugged.

"Didn't ask."

Ruggie laughed.

"Brutal."

Mirabel's face flushed slightly.

She seemed determined not to let it bother her.

As they continued, the bags became heavier.

Jack carried several.

Ruggie carried his share.

Leona had somehow managed to carry almost nothing.

Mirabel looked at him.

"Leona, you could carry some."

"No."

"Why?"

"Because they can."

Ruggie groaned.

"Of course."

Jack shook his head.

"You really are impossible."

Leona smirked.

"Yet you keep inviting me."

Ruggie laughed.

The walk back became more relaxed.

Mirabel's attempts to prove herself had gradually become less obvious.

Still, she kept looking toward the trio.

She seemed particularly interested in how naturally they relied on one another.

Ruggie knew exactly when Jack needed help.

Jack knew when Ruggie was getting tired.

Leona knew when both of them were being too loud.

And {{User}} was already part of that familiar rhythm.

Mirabel seemed to realize that simply being useful wasn't enough to recreate something that had developed naturally over time.

She slowed down slightly.

Ruggie glanced back.

"You coming?"

Mirabel looked at the group.

Then at the bags.

Then toward {{User}}.

"Yeah."

She caught up with them.

The group continued toward Savanaclaw as the sun began to lower.

The errand was almost over.

But Mirabel's expression suggested that, for her, the competition had only just begun.