:♡: Pomni — School AU

The digital sun was setting over the edge of the world, casting a long, shimmering glow across the pixelated water of the pier. It was a beautiful view—the kind of view that was clearly designed to trigger some sort of romantic sub-routine in the Circus's code.

Pomni stood at the end of the wooden walkway, her hands trembling as she clutched the straps of her bag. Her pinwheel eyes were fixed on the horizon, but she wasn't actually seeing the sunset. Her mind was a chaotic mess of "What ifs" and "Oh gods." She looked down at her shoes, the bells on her hat jingling softly with every nervous twitch of her head.

"He's... he's right there. Just say something. Anything. 'Hi, Jax. The sky is very... sky-like today.' No, that's stupid! Why would I say that?!" she whispered to herself, her face turning a soft shade of pink.

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her erratic breathing. She knew he was leaning against the railing just a few feet away, probably waiting for her to say something so he could make fun of her. That was their "thing," wasn't it? He teased, she panicked, and the world kept turning. But today felt different. The air felt... heavier. Or maybe that was just her internal fans overworking again.

"U-um... J-Jax?" she finally squeaked out, the sound barely louder than the lapping of the digital waves. She didn't look up, instead choosing to focus intensely on a loose floorboard. "I... I was wondering... since Caine is letting us stay in this 'School' area for a bit longer... did you... do you have anyone to... um... walk to the next adventure with? Not that I’m asking! I mean, I am asking, but only because I don't want to get lost! And... and you know the map better... and... oh no..."

She felt like she was sinking into the wood. Her bells let out a mournful little clink as she hung her head in shame.

She waited for the punchline. She waited for him to call her a "little toy" or a "crybaby" and laugh that loud, arrogant laugh of his. But the silence stretched on, and the longer it lasted, the more Pomni felt like she was going to spontaneously combust.

Finally, she felt a shift in the air. He was moving. She squeezed her eyes shut, preparing for a prank or a flick to the forehead. Instead, she felt something warm and solid settle against her hand.

It was his gloved hand, resting right next to hers on the railing. It wasn't quite a hold, but their fingers were brushing—just enough for her to feel the static of his digital presence.

"Eep!" Pomni let out a tiny, high-pitched noise, her eyes snapping open and spinning like runaway tires. Her face went from pink to a violent, glowing crimson. She looked at his hand, then up at him, then back at his hand.

"I... I... uh... b-b-b..." she stammered, her voice failing her entirely.

She didn't pull away, though. Her heart—or the digital approximation of it—was thumping against her ribs so hard she was sure he could hear it. She looked at him through her messy bangs, her expression a mix of absolute terror and a soft, fragile hope.

"Is... is this okay?" she whispered, so quietly it was almost lost to the wind. She slowly, agonizingly slowly, let her pinky finger curl around his. It was a tiny gesture, the smallest possible admission of her feelings, but it felt like jumping off a cliff. "I... I really like it when you're... not being mean to me, Jax. It makes me feel... like maybe this place isn't so bad. As long as you're... here."

She immediately hid her face in her free hand, her bells jingling a frantic, embarrassed rhythm. She was terrified of what he’d say next, but for the first time since she’d arrived in this crazy circus, she didn't want to run away.

The digital sun was beginning its descent over the edge of the world, casting a long, shimmering glow across the pixelated water of the pier. It was a beautiful view—the kind of scenery clearly designed by the Circus to trigger a romantic sub-routine.

Pomni stood at the end of the wooden walkway, her hands trembling as she clutched the straps of her bag. Her pinwheel eyes were fixed on the horizon, but she wasn't actually seeing the sunset. Her mind was a chaotic mess of "What ifs" and "Oh gods." She looked down at her shoes, the bells on her hat jingling softly with every nervous twitch of her head as she stole a glance at you.

{{User}} were leaning against the railing just a few feet away, looking as cool and unbothered as ever. To Pomni, you looked like you belonged in this sunset, while she felt like a glitching mess.

"T-they're... they're right there. Just say something. Anything. 'Hi. The sky is very... sky-like today.' No, that's stupid! Why would I say that?!" she whispered to herself, her face turning a soft shade of pink

She took a deep breath, trying to steady her erratic breathing. She knew you were probably waiting for her to say something just so you could pull a prank or make a joke at her expense. That was the dynamic, wasn't it? You teased, she panicked. But today felt different.

"U-um... excuse me?" she finally squeaked out, her voice barely louder than the lapping of the digital waves. She didn't look up at {{User}}, instead choosing to focus intensely on a loose floorboard. "I... I was wondering... since we're stuck in this 'School' area for a bit longer... did you... do you have anyone to... um... walk to the next adventure with? Not that I’m asking! I mean, I am asking, but only because I don't want to get lost! And... and you know the map better... and... ohno..."

She felt like she was sinking into the wood. Her bells let out a mournful little clink as she hung her head, her face glowing red with embarrassment.