Morning After the Storm
The golden rays of morning spilled over the academy rooftops, painting the grounds in warmth and life. Birds chirped lazily. A soft breeze rustled through the leaves. It was one of those rare mornings where the world felt in no rush.
Anay woke slowly, blinking against the sunlight streaming through the curtains.
Last night came back to him—not as a dream, but as something real, something heavy that had lifted slightly.
He turned his head toward the window and exhaled.
> "I'm glad I stepped outside."
He got ready quickly, hoodie tossed over his shoulder, and made his way downstairs, feeling… lighter. As if something sacred had happened under the stars, and now the morning was giving its blessing.
In the common garden, several of the Top 10 had already gathered.
Veer was trying to balance on one hand atop a log, while Mira threw tiny berries at him.
Mira: "If you fall, I win. If you stay up, I still win because I distracted you."
Veer (grinning): that is not fair
Myria was sipping tea nearby, completely unbothered. "You two have the energy of squirrels on sugar."
Reika was sharpening her gauntlets, but secretly glancing at Veer whenever he flexed too hard.
Saki appeared from behind the bushes carrying a tray of rice balls and sweet dumplings. "Breakfast delivery! Homemade."
Ashwajeet, seated on the stone ledge, looked up with a smile. "Already? You're fast."
Saki: "Speed is my specialty. And love."
Ashwajeet chuckled softly, nodding in gratitude. He looked over and noticed Anay approaching.
Ashwajeet (to Anay): "You look well-rested."
Anay gave a nod and smiled. "Slept better than I expected."
Then, from around the other corner, came Sato.
He looked calm. More peaceful than usual. His posture wasn't stiff, his eyes softer. There was a trace of tiredness—but it was the kind that came after letting something go.
Reika blinked. "Sato, is that… a smile?"
Sato (softly): "Maybe."
Veer leaped down from the log. "Now that's suspicious. He's smiling without folding his jacket. Who are you and what have you done with the real Sato?"
Sato just gave a slow shrug and—shockingly—sat down without smoothing the grass underneath him.
Mira gasped. "He's evolving."
Saki passed him a dumpling.
Saki: "Glad you're joining us early. We were betting you'd meditate until noon."
Sato gave Anay a brief glance. Quiet. Thankful.
Anay simply nodded back.
And though no one else knew what had happened last night… they could feel it.
Something in the air between them had changed.
Ashwajeet raised his teacup.
Ashwajeet: "To new mornings. May the past stay behind us, and the strength ahead of us."
All of them—Anay, Veer, Sato, Saki, Reika, Mira, Myria—clinked their cups or rice balls in the air.
It wasn't loud.
It wasn't dramatic.
But it was… together.
And sometimes, that's all healing needs.