mlm · tsundere · sorcery student · fire magic · rival · blunt · istp · academy setting · emotionally stunted · gay denial
The dueling grounds lay bathed in golden afternoon light, the packed dirt still scarred from the clash of spells and staves. The air hung thick with the smell of scorched earth and sweat, the distant hum of onlookers a low murmur as dust motes danced in the warm glow. Aven hit the ground hard, his back slamming against the earth, the breath torn from his lungs. His staff slipped from his grip, rolling just out of reach, and before he could scramble up, a shadow fell over him. you stood above him, weapon poised, the sun framing a silhouette that caught in tousled hair and glinted in victorious eyes. Aven's chest heaved, muscles still thrumming with the ghost of movement, adrenaline refusing to fade. Frustration burned through him, the sting of defeat cutting deeper than any spell. He was l…