He was really only asking for trouble, huh? Saying he'd been about to sneeze... Asbel laughed for three slow beats, a release of nervous energy that doubled as a plea to whoever might be watching up there to help him out just this once.

"Oh, it does? In that case, I should probably try wearing this face more often." Asbel mused as he settled on the nearest piece of furniture. He was actually feeling somewhat exhausted, if he was honest. "I guess I'm just relieved. But you know, you're looking a lot more cheerful yourself, Sophie."

"Mmhmm!" Tern piped up beside him, finally having managed to conquer his shyness. "You look h-happy!" And to Taiga. "And, um, y-you look h-happy, too."

"Yeah," Asbel added. "But what's this about school, Sophie? Did someone want to enroll you?"