The music and chatter carried on, the air buzzing with laughter as the party stretched late into the night. Anastasia's sharp words had already faded into the background of Noel's mind, replaced by the clink of glasses and the occasional cheer.

Roberto dropped heavily back into his chair, still rubbing the faint red mark on his cheek. He leaned forward, fixing Noel with a serious stare that looked comical on his flushed face.

"All right, enough games," Roberto said, pointing at him. "Tell me. How do you do it?"

Noel blinked. "Do what?"

Roberto gestured around the table with both hands. "This. Elyra, Elena, even Charlotte sneaking food at the buffet earlier—they're all around you. What's your secret, man?!"

Elyra smirked, watching like someone enjoying a private show. Elena's cheeks warmed, her eyes darting away.

Noel pinched the bridge of his nose. "There's no secret."

"Lies!" Roberto slammed his hand on the table, nearly spilling Elyra's glass. "Come on, I've tried everything. Smiles, compliments, heroic poses, even singing once. Nothing works. And you…" He jabbed a finger at Noel's chest. "…you don't even try, and they stick to you!"

Noel gave a long sigh. "If you want answers, ask them."

Roberto froze. Then, slowly, a grin crept across his face. He swiveled toward Elyra and Elena, eyes gleaming with mock desperation. "Perfect. Ladies, enlighten me. What exactly is it about this guy?"

Elyra's smirk widened. Elena nearly choked on her drink.

Noel rested his chin on his palm, muttering under his breath. 'This is going to be worse than the slap…'

Roberto leaned across the table, eyes darting between Elyra and Elena like a predator cornering prey. "Well? Don't keep me waiting."

Before either could answer, a light voice chimed in. "Waiting for what?"

Charlotte slipped into the empty seat beside Elena, balancing a small plate of pastries. Her long red hair shimmered under the lantern glow, hazel eyes soft as she smiled at them. She popped a sweet into her mouth and tilted her head. "Did I miss something?"

Elyra chuckled. "Roberto wants to know why Noel has… attention."

Charlotte blinked, then looked at Noel. "Oh, that's easy."

Roberto leaned closer, eager. "Yes, please, continue."

Elyra was the first to speak, direct as always. "He doesn't waste words. When Noel says something, he means it, he is sincere. That matters."

Noel shifted uncomfortably, staring into his glass.

Elena's turn came next. She fidgeted, lowering her gaze. "He… notices the small things. Even when he pretends not to. It makes people feel… safe." Her cheeks burned as she said it, voice trailing to a whisper at the end.

Charlotte smiled warmly, her answer simple and sincere. "He's kind. Kinder than he thinks."

Noel froze, not sure how to respond. Elyra smirked at his stunned expression, Elena buried her face in her hands, and Charlotte kept eating calmly, as if she hadn't just dropped something heavy.

Roberto stared at them all, mouth hanging open. Finally, he slumped back in his chair with a groan. "Great. Perfect. Fantastic." He threw his hands up dramatically. "I ask for help, and you just make me feel worse."

Noel rubbed his temple, muttering, "You asked for it…"

Roberto grunted. "I'm going to bother Garron. At least he won't crush my soul."

With that, he stomped off toward another table.

With Roberto gone, the table finally settled into a quieter rhythm. The sound of laughter and music from the rest of the hall washed over them like background noise, leaving their small group in relative peace.

Charlotte nibbled another pastry, swinging her legs lightly under the chair. Elena exhaled, still a little pink from her earlier confession, and busied herself with adjusting her cup. Noel leaned back, rubbing the side of his face, half relieved, half exhausted.

Then Elyra's voice cut through, smooth and playful. "Well, now that the clown's gone…" She reached for the bottle at the center of the table and refilled her glass, the liquid glinting in the lantern light. "Should we get drunk again?"

Noel's head snapped toward her. "Again?" His tone was flat, more weary than surprised.

Elyra smirked, swirling the glass in her hand. "Why not? Last time was… memorable."

Charlotte tilted her head, curious. "Memorable how?"

Elena quickly waved her hands. "D-don't ask!" Her cheeks reddened all over again.

Elyra chuckled, clearly enjoying herself. "Come on, Noel. You can't tell me you don't feel like it. We've survived battles, tests, and a tournament. If anyone deserves a night off, it's us."

Noel groaned, muttering under his breath, "This sounds familiar…"

Charlotte giggled softly. "One glass won't hurt."

Elyra lifted her cup in a mock toast. "Exactly. One glass. Unless someone's brave enough for more."

Noel dragged a hand down his face, the beginnings of a reluctant smile tugging at his lips. 'She's not going to stop until I give in, is she?'

The bottle tipped, filling each cup again.

The four glasses clinked together with a soft ting, their reflections catching in the crystal chandeliers above. Elyra's smirk widened as she raised her drink higher. "To survival, to victories, and to nights we'll remember."

Noel eyed his cup like it was a trap. "Or regret," he muttered, but tapped it against the others anyway.

Elena's lips curved into a shy smile as she took the smallest sip imaginable. Charlotte, by contrast, drank without hesitation, setting her glass down with a satisfied sigh. Elyra downed half of hers in one go, clearly determined to lead the charge.

The tension that had clouded the evening was gone now, replaced by a lightness that Noel couldn't help but feel creeping in. Conversation flowed easier—jokes about Roberto's earlier failures, playful remarks about Garron and Laziel sitting glumly at another table, and a few embarrassing memories from past parties that Elyra conveniently brought up at Noel's expense.

Charlotte laughed softly, her laughter blending with Elena's timid giggles and Elyra's sharper tones. Noel found himself chuckling too, the weight on his shoulders lifting, if only for the night.

Elyra leaned forward, already pouring another round, her eyes glittering with mischief. "See? Much better. Another toast?"

Noel groaned, though the corners of his lips betrayed him with a faint smile."Sure."

Charlotte leaned her chin on her hands, watching them with quiet contentment. Elena shook her head, though her glass was still half full.

As the music swelled and the party carried on, the four of them sat together—laughing, drinking, and, for once, letting themselves forget the chaos waiting beyond tomorrow.

'Maybe,' Noel thought, lifting his cup again, 'just for tonight…'

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