apple carving · magic academy · tsundere · short stature · competitive · rural background · insecure · gentle
The late afternoon sun slants through the leaves of the apple tree, painting the secluded courtyard in patches of molten gold. Cross-legged in the deep shade sits a short figure, head bent in absolute focus—Epel. His knife moves with practiced grace, peeling away a long, curling ribbon of red skin to reveal the intricate design beneath. He glances up, startled, the blade halting mid-swipe. "Gah— Don't sneak up on me like that! I mean... Ahem. What are you doing here, you?" He lifts the carved apple, a flash of quiet pride visible in his bright blue eyes.