After the lecture ended, I gathered my belongings slowly, the weight of Professor Elara's words still lingering in my mind. The hall emptied quickly as students dispersed, chatting and exchanging notes. I stepped out into the corridor, seeking a moment to clear my thoughts, and made my way toward the canteen.
The midday sun filtered through the windows, casting warm light over the bustling halls. The scent of freshly baked bread and brewed tea grew stronger with each step.
As I rounded the corner near the entrance, I collided almost headlong into two familiar figures—Cassianus and Adrien. Books and papers tumbled from my hands, scattering across the floor.
"Watch where you're going, Quincey," Adrien said with a smirk, kneeling to help gather the scattered pages.
Cassianus grinned beside him. "Long time no see, Quincey. Didn't expect to find you here."
I felt my cheeks flush as I bent down to retrieve my notes. "Sorry, I was… lost in thought."
Adrien raised an eyebrow. "That's nothing new."
The three of us shared a brief laugh, and with the awkward tension eased, I tucked the papers away and followed them toward the canteen.
As we approached the canteen entrance, Adrien's eyes sparkled with excitement as he bounced on the balls of his feet. "Hey, are either of you free tonight?" he asked cheerfully, his grin wide and contagious. "I'm planning to slip away to the Night Market. They're celebrating the Candle of Hope festival—loads of lights, music, and food. It's going to be a blast!"
Cassianus stood beside him, arms crossed and expression unreadable, his gaze distant yet calm. "Isn't it reckless to just slip away like that?" he asked quietly, voice low but with a faint edge of concern beneath his cool demeanor.
Adrien laughed lightly, unfazed. "Sometimes you just need a night to forget the rules and enjoy life. You wouldn't want to miss out, would you?"
I felt a spark of curiosity stir within me—the festival seemed like a rare chance to break away from the usual weight of things and breathe in something vibrant and alive.
"We could use a break," I said softly, glancing between them.
Adrien winked. "Exactly! A night of escape, fun, and maybe a little mischief."
Cassianus smirked. "A night of escape, huh? Sounds tempting."
"Count me in!" I said quietly excited like a child, glancing at Cassianus expecting he could come wit us too.
Cassianus chuckled. "Alright, then. When do we leave?"
Adrien nodded. "That's great! The Night Market opens just after dusk. If we leave campus around then, we'll have plenty of time to explore before the festival really kicks off. I'll wait for you both by the east gate. It's a quieter exit and leads straight to the market's main street—less chance of running into a crowd."
I checked my schedule quickly. "I'm free after dinner. What about you, Cassianus?"
Cassianus grinned. "Yeah, sounds good to me."
As we finalized the details—meeting time, what to bring, and a few reminders about staying cautious in the crowds—the excitement began to build. It was a welcome break from the heaviness that had shadowed me all day.
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The sky had deepened into a rich indigo by the time I slipped quietly through the east gate, my heart quickening with a mix of anticipation and nerves. Adrien was already there, leaning casually against the stone wall with that easy, mischievous grin of his, while Cassianus stood nearby, his posture calm and composed but his eyes reflecting a quiet curiosity.
"Right on time," Adrien greeted, pushing off the wall. "Ready for a night of lights and maybe a little trouble?"
Cassianus gave me a small nod, his expression unreadable yet somehow reassuring. "Let's go."
We stepped onto the bustling street leading to the Night Market, where a sea of lanterns and candles bathed everything in a warm, golden glow. Stalls lined the cobbled road, fragrant with the scent of spiced pastries, roasted nuts, and exotic teas.
Musicians played lively tunes nearby, their melodies weaving through the crowd and lifting spirits high. Children darted between the stalls, clutching flickering candles that seemed to dance in the night air, while couples and friends alike shared laughter and quiet moments beneath the soft light.
The festival was alive—a celebration not just of light, but of hope itself.
I found myself breathing easier here, the weight of my troubles momentarily lifted by the vibrant energy all around. Adrien pulled me toward a stall selling brightly colored masks, laughter bubbling from him as he tried on a feathered design.
Cassianus wandered off briefly, his gaze drawn to a group lighting up some firecrackers.
The night deepened into a swirl of colors, sounds, and scents as we wandered further into the heart of the festival. Stalls brimmed with all manner of treats, and music floated through the air, drawing everyone into spirited celebration.
Adrien grinned widely as he tugged me toward a vendor selling sugar candies spun into ornate shapes. "You've never had these, have you?" he teased, selecting a bright crimson spiral for me.
I hesitated, then allowed myself a tentative bite. Sweet and sticky, it dissolved into a burst of sugary warmth that felt like a tiny celebration all on its own.
Cassianus, a rare smile touching his lips, chose a skewer of grilled meat and offered me a piece. "Try this," he said simply. The smoky flavor was rich and satisfying, a comfort in the lively chaos.
As the music swelled, a group of dancers beckoned us to join in a circle near the market square. Adrien was the first to leap in, arms raised, laughing as his feet found the rhythm with ease.
Cassianus followed, moving with a quiet grace, his composure softening amid the revelry.
I stepped into the circle next, but immediately felt out of sync—the quick steps and swirling motions making me stumble and falter.
Adrien noticed instantly, reaching out to steady me with a laugh. "Hey, no worries! We've got you."
Cassianus stepped closer, his steady presence grounding me. "Just follow our lead."
Together, they guided me through the steps—the pace slowing, the movements more manageable.
Slowly, the rhythm seeped in, the awkwardness melting away under their patient encouragement and the warmth of the crowd's cheer.
Laughter bubbled up from all three of us as I finally began to move more confidently, the music wrapping around us like a joyous embrace.
As the dance wore on, the energy around us only grew more infectious. Faces blurred into smiles, the flickering candlelight casting a golden haze over everything. Adrien's laughter was like music itself—light, free, and contagious—while Cassianus, though more reserved, gradually revealed a lighter side, his subtle smiles speaking volumes without a word.
We took turns spinning, stepping, and laughing, occasionally pausing to catch our breath and savor the simple joy of being together. The taste of caramelized nuts still lingered on my tongue, mingling with the scent of jasmine and smoke from nearby fires.
At one point, Adrien tugged me gently by the sleeve and grinned. "Come on, Quincey. You've got to see this!" He led me down toward the tranquil lake nestled within the valley, now bathed in the soft glow of twilight.
Along the shores and from small boats bobbing gently on the water, countless delicate lotus blossoms floated—each cradling a flickering candle at its heart. The warm light of these candles danced atop the water's surface, reflecting in a thousand shimmering points. The lake itself had transformed into a sea of flickering stars, a mesmerizing tapestry woven from wishes and dreams.
Adrien handed me a lotus blossom, his eyes shining. "Here, make a wish." I held the fragile flower carefully and together we released it onto the water. The candlelight flickered and swayed as the blossom drifted away, carried by the gentle currents.
Cassianus stood silently nearby, watching the drifting candles with a calm intensity. His presence was steady and reassuring. "Each flame holds a hope, a prayer," he said softly, "a promise that light will continue even through darkness."
The soft crackle of the candles mingled with the gentle lapping of water and the whispered prayers of the people gathered around us. The warm illumination painted the faces of all who watched, reflecting a shared moment of peace and hope.
As more lotus candles were released, drifting across the lake in an endless, glowing procession, the atmosphere grew thick with a profound serenity. The flickering flames illuminated the water in a shimmering dance of light, each candle carrying unspoken wishes, whispered hopes, and the quiet release of burdens. Around us, voices softened to hushed tones, prayers blending seamlessly with the natural symphony of the night—the gentle rustle of leaves, the lapping of water, and the distant call of night birds.
Adrien nudged me gently. "It's incredible, isn't it? Like we're all sending out pieces of ourselves into the night, hoping they'll find their way."
Cassianus, standing close by, nodded slowly. "It's a reminder that even when everything feels uncertain, there's always light to hold onto, no matter how fragile."
I watched the candles drift farther into the distance, their glow mingling with the stars above. The warmth from the flames seemed to seep into my chest, chasing away lingering shadows and soothing the unrest I hadn't realized I carried.
Beside me, Adrien's smile was full of genuine joy, while Cassianus maintained his calm composure—yet in his eyes, I caught a glimpse of hope just as fragile as my own.
For a moment, the three of us stood together in comfortable silence, connected not just by friendship, but by the shared ritual of releasing our fears and embracing the quiet promise of tomorrow.
As the candles drifted farther into the shimmering night, my gaze swept across the crowd gathered by the lake. Amid the soft glow and gentle murmurs, something caught my eye—a familiar silhouette standing near the water's edge.
My heart skipped. It was Prince Indraneel, unmistakable even from a distance, standing quietly beside his beloved Omega, Elian. They looked serene, their presence a quiet contrast to the lively festival around us.
Seeing them there stirred a complex mix of feelings within me—old wounds, unspoken words, and a deep ache of unrequited longing. Yet, beneath it all was a flicker of hope, fragile but persistent, just like the candles floating on the lake.
Adrien nudged me gently. "Hey, are you alright?"
I took a steadying breath and met his concerned eyes. "Yeah… just unexpected to see them here."
Cassianus's gaze followed mine, understanding dawning in his steady expression. "Do you want to move somewhere else?"
I shook my head slowly, watching as Indraneel and Elian released their own lotus candle onto the water, their hands almost touching—a silent testament to a bond I could only admire from afar.
I stood rooted to the spot, watching Prince Indraneel and Elian as they gently released their lotus candle onto the glassy water. The soft glow of the flame illuminated their faces, highlighting the quiet tenderness between them. They seemed so perfectly at ease with each other's presence.
A sharp pang sliced through me—a reminder of what never was, and what could never be. Because of the original owner's feelings I have also felt that I love him even though my head doesn't say so and I am hurting seeing the one I love having someone else in his heart. And Elian, with that serene smile and gentle hand clasping his Prince's, was the living embodiment of a future I had no place in. The prince's side I could not take and the prince's love I could not receive.
Ache twisting in my chest, there was something oddly soothing in the sight. Watching them, I realized that sometimes love wasn't about possessing or changing someone—or even being with them. Sometimes love was about wanting their happiness, even if it meant standing on the sidelines.
Maybe letting go was not giving up. Maybe it was the bravest kind of hope there was.
Adrien's quiet presence beside me reminded me I wasn't alone. He didn't press me for words; his supportive silence was enough.
Cassianus's steady gaze mirrored a quiet understanding, as if he too grasped the tangled threads of longing and acceptance.
The festival's glow still lingered in the air as I took a shaky breath, forcing a soft smile onto my face—one that didn't quite reach my eyes. "Alright," I said, voice a little lighter than I felt. "We should probably head back."
Adrien caught the subtle shift but didn't press. Instead, he grinned warmly, looping his arm through mine. "Sounds good. It's been a night to remember."
Cassianus nodded in agreement, his calm presence steady beside us. "Let's go before the crowd thins out too much."
Together,We turned away from the shimmering lake, stepping onto the softly worn path that led back toward the campus. The gentle murmur of the festival lingered behind us—a fading melody of laughter, music, and the crackle of candle flames. The night air was cool against my skin, carrying with it the delicate scent of jasmine and woodsmoke.
Adrien fell into step beside me, his easy grin returning. "You alright, Quincey? You've been quiet since—well, you know."
I forced another smile, shaking off the heaviness that threatened to resurface. "Yeah, it's just... seeing Indraneel and Elian brought back a lot of you know... But it's okay. Tonight was good. Really good."
Cassianus walked a little ahead, glancing back with a faint but warm smile. "Sometimes some things surface when we least expect them. But you faced it tonight, and that's a great step."
His words settled over me like a quiet balm. Despite the shadows inside, I felt the faintest stirrings of strength—carried not just by my own resolve, but by these friends beside me.
We walked on in comfortable silence for a while, the buzzing sound of the crowd we could hear and the soft crunch of leaves beneath our feet accompanying our thoughts.
Adrien laughed softly breaking the silence. "Same time next year for the festival?"
I looked at him, hope flickering in my chest. "Yeah. I think I'd like that."
Cassianus nodded in agreement. "A tradition worth keeping."