Blossoming Bonds | Flora

Chapter 10

The sun was already high in the sky when the Winx girls started to wonder where Flora and Ethan had gone. Last night had been full of excitement, and they figured the pair just needed some time to themselves. But as the hours went by and the morning turned into afternoon, the girls began to get worried.

"Where could they be?" Bloom wondered aloud, pacing the castle's great hall. The others sat around her, looking curious and a bit anxious.

"Maybe they just wanted some alone time," Stella suggested with a playful grin, though her voice held a touch of concern.

"I'm sure they're fine," Aisha said, trying to reassure both herself and the others. "Flora and Ethan are perfectly capable. Let's just wait for them to come back."

Musa nodded in agreement, but just as the girls were about to head out to search for their friends, the grand castle doors creaked open. Flora and Ethan walked in, looking a little disheveled from their night under the stars but sporting warm, content smiles as if they had shared something special.

"Finally!" Stella exclaimed, jumping up. "Where have you two been? We've been worried sick!"

Flora blushed and exchanged a quick glance with Ethan before answering, "We... um... decided to camp out under the stars last night. It was so beautiful, we lost track of time."

"Lost track of time?" Tecna raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "That's not like you, Flora. You're usually so punctual."

Ethan chuckled and stepped in to explain, "It was my idea. I thought it would be nice to stay out a bit longer, and before we knew it, it was too late to head back."

The girls exchanged knowing looks, even more curious now. Before they could ask more, Bloom stepped forward with a suggestion. "Ethan, you look like you could use some rest. How about we take care of your class for the day? We'll make sure they're in good hands."

Ethan looked touched by the offer. He had been more tired than he realized, and the chance to rest was a welcome one. "Thanks, Bloom. I really appreciate it. You girls are the best," he said sincerely.

With a grateful nod, Ethan headed down the hall to his room, leaving Flora to face the inquisitive stares of her friends.

As soon as Ethan was out of earshot, Stella jumped in. "Alright, spill. What happened last night? Was there something... romantic going on?"

Flora's cheeks turned a deep shade of pink. "It wasn't like that," she protested, though her flustered expression said otherwise. "We just talked... a lot. About everything. It was really nice."

"Nice, huh?" Musa leaned in closer, smirking. "Just nice?"

Flora sighed, realizing there was no hiding it. "We had a really great time together. I feel like I got to know him in a way I never have before. But... I'm not sure if he feels the same way."

The girls exchanged looks, understanding that Flora was developing real feelings for Ethan. They knew how tough it could be to navigate those emotions.

"Well, you won't know unless you talk to him about it," Aisha said gently. "He seems to care about you a lot. Maybe he's feeling the same way but is just nervous to say it."

Flora nodded slowly, considering their advice. "You're right. I'll talk to him... when the time is right."

With that, the girls decided to give Flora some space and headed off to take care of Ethan's class. As they left, Flora took a deep breath, deciding to get some rest. She went to her room, took a shower, and then headed to bed.