(Alpha Star System- Planet Gaia)

(Peterlor Estate- Greenhouse Complex)

Sophie held the small box in the palm of her right hand and stared at Cleo who was now frozen in shock.

She could not help but giggle as she observed the surprised look on her girlfriend's face.

Sophie gently reached out with her other hand and stroked the side of Cleo's cheek.

There was just so much that she had to say and yet at this moment the words simply would not come out.

Sophie closed her eyes and took a few seconds to gather her thoughts. It was obvious that Cleo already knew just how much she cared for her, but it was important to put it into words.

"Thank you," Sophie softly whispered as she leaned in closer and pressed her lips against Cleo's forehead.

"It's hard to even put to words just how much I love you. Every day in the Unovan Syndicate I would think about if I would ever get to see you again."

"And when I returned home, and I was nothing more than an emotional mess you were there by my side."

"I don't know what I did to deserve an amazing girlfriend like you, and I hope that you can be with me for many years to come."

Tears welled up in Cleo's eyes as she listened to Sophie's passionate speech. The hybrid girl took a step back and then finally opened the box.

She carefully untied the golden ribbon and peeled back the outer layer to reveal a beautiful necklace.

It was made from a rare metal called Netherium, so its base colour was a dark purplish hue.

As for its price it was actually not that expensive when compared to other high-class metals.

Sophie had chosen it because it looked pretty, and she thought that it would suit her girlfriend.

Tiny star-like jewels had been embedded into the material that gleamed and sparkled under the lighting in the greenhouse.

Sophie unclasped the hook and brought the gift to Cleo's neck. She gently placed the necklace around her girlfriend's neck while peppering her cheek with soft kisses.

Sophie took a moment to appreciate the sight before her eyes. The necklace rested against Cleo's soft fair skin, and it was very noticeable but did not look out of place.

"Sophie I I don't know what to say" Cleo stuttered as her piercing green eyes seemed to sparkle with joy.

"I I didn't get you anything damn it I knew I mean thismfphhh"

Sophie silenced her mutterings by leaning in closer and pressing her lips against hers. The sweet taste of Cleo's lips was incredibly addicting.

She could spend a lifetime lost in this sweetness.

A faint pink mist began to spread from the corner of Sophie's eyes but this time the colour was noticeably lighter.

Sophie could feel her lustful urges slowly rise but somehow it was not as overwhelming as usual, so she did not spoil the moment.

Cleo gasped for breath, so Sophie reluctantly broke the kiss and stared at her girlfriend with a hungry look.

The pleasant scent of flowers filled the air as some of the wildflowers and plants in the greenhouse were in full bloom.

Sophie reached for the nearest flower and plucked a few red petals from the plant. She slowly placed the petals in Cleo's hair to create a natural crown.

The princess now looked like a nature goddess at least in Sophie's lovestruck eyes. Cleo smiled indulgently as she watched her girlfriend's antics.

Sophie was a mature girl for her age and that maturity had only gotten worse after months of experiencing countless dangerous situations.

It was only in these quiet moments that one could see the shadow of a normal girl who was only nineteen.

Cleo placed her finger on the necklace and gently ran her thumb over its surface. The metal felt cold to touch but somehow the princess felt warm as she played with Sophie's gift.

"Hey I'm going to miss you when I go back to university," Cleo whispered softly. She grabbed Sophie's hand and forced the hybrid girl to look directly in her eyes.

"I expect a video call every night. Every. Single. Night," Cleo spoke seriously.

Sophie could tell that her girlfriend was not joking as her aura suddenly intensified.

"I will I I'm going to miss you too," Sophie replied with a gentle smile.

Where had all the time gone?

The winter break felt as though it had just begun and yet it was almost over.

It seemed like just the other day that Cleo had stepped off that hovercar and entered the Peterlor Estate.

Two days from now was the start of the new semester and Cleo would have to leave shortly after to return to campus.

Sophie let out a low sigh as she thought of just how difficult the next few months would be.

She needed to catch up on the previous course materials from last semester and then also learn the new theories and techniques for the upcoming one.

Thankfully her memory and comprehension skills had vastly improved since entering the qi tide stage so hopefully it would not be a problem.

Sophie knew that a small part of her had enjoyed being the top student at the university.

Perhaps it came from a prideful place, but she did want to reclaim her status.

Of course, even if that did not happen, she was fine either way as long as she could remain in the same year group as her friends.

"You're drifting off again," Cleo chuckled as she pinched Sophie's cheek. The hybrid girl snapped out of her musings and refocused on her girlfriend's bemused expression.

"Sorry I was just thinking about the online classes. I can't believe that my biggest worry is going to be the mountain of homework and assignments that I have to catch up on," Sophie groaned.

"You mean normal student worries?" Cleo raised an eyebrow and questioned.

"Yeah it just feels weird to be concerned about something so low stakes? I' m not sure if that's the right word," Sophie replied hesitantly.

"You'll be fine Sophie trust me," Cleo spoke with a confident tone.

The princess grabbed her girlfriend's arm and pulled in her in for another kiss.