Kaivan shook his head gently. "I don't know yet. The book hasn't spoken about them. For now… we just live our lives."
He paused, then let out a small, easy smile. "And maybe… keep fixing phones."
Laughter bubbled up, light and fleeting. For that brief moment, the night felt weightless. Yet beneath the laughter, promises and destiny had already begun to write their next chapter.
Inside Frans's car, gliding steadily along the quiet night road, the city lights danced across the windows. Kaivan sat in the front, lost in thought, while Felicia and Thivi sat in the back, one on the left, the other on the right, like two poles guarding his silence. Above them, a sky full of stars watched from afar.
In Kaivan's mind, the hum of the night was replaced by the echo of the Tome Omnicent's earlier words: "You will play Truth or Truth tonight, and you will tell your friends about me, to build trust." The words lingered like a prophecy fulfilled. He realized, he was no longer just following, but choosing to believe this was his path.
Felicia watched Kaivan's reflection in the windshield. She could sense it, something stirring beneath his calm face. In a low but piercing voice, she asked, "Kaivan, what are you thinking about? You seem… far away."
Kaivan startled slightly, drawing in a slow breath. "My mother," he said. "I'm not sure how to convince her to let you stay the night."
A small laugh burst from the right. "Oh, that? Leave it to me. I'm an expert at future in-law diplomacy," Thivi teased, nudging Felicia with a grin.
Felicia exhaled softly, the hint of a smile on her lips. "I doubt it'll be that simple, but… we'll figure it out together."
The night welcomed them with the scent of damp leaves. Frans's car stopped in front of Kaivan's home, simple, warm, like a soul too restless to sleep. Kaivan stepped out first, his gaze fixed on the house that held history and secrets. Felicia followed, her stride firm, eyes sharp. Thivi was last, light as a shadow, her short hair catching the breeze.
They stood at the door, facing not just a house but a new chapter pressing at their hearts.
"This is it," Kaivan murmured, his voice nearly lost to the night wind. He stood before the door, hand resting on the knob, yet hesitating to turn it. He looked back, meeting Felicia and Thivi's eyes with a faint smile. "Wait here for a moment. I need to talk to my mom first."
Felicia nodded, her arms folded, silent but resolute. Thivi gave a light smile. "Alright, we'll wait," she said cheerfully.
Kaivan drew a deep breath. The door creaked open softly, like a new act sliding in, then shut again, leaving Felicia and Thivi beneath the starry sky.
Inside, warmth greeted him. The soft glow of the living room lamp eased the air. His mother sat on the sofa with a cup of tea in her hands, her face kind yet cautious.
"Kaivan? What is it, dear?" she asked gently, her voice like an invisible embrace.
Kaivan stepped forward slowly, sitting before her. "Mom, two of my friends want to stay over tonight. They've stayed before, last week. Teh Kira already knows them."
His mother frowned lightly, though her smile remained. "Are your friends boys?"
Before Kaivan could answer, the front door opened again. Teh Kira had come home. She spotted Felicia and Thivi outside and called, "Hey, why are you two standing there? Come in already."
Thivi laughed. "We're waiting for Kaivan. He said he needed to talk to his mom first."
Felicia nodded softly. "We didn't want to intrude."
Kira shook her head, chuckling. She pulled them inside with a playful grin. "Oh, come on, it's late. Don't stand out there."
Together they entered, light footsteps filling the small space. Kaivan's mother rose, welcoming the two girls with a warm smile.
The modest living room, lit with gentle light, became their stage. What had begun as a peaceful night shifted subtly, into light comedy, perhaps a touch of drama, but also something tender, waiting to seep in from behind the warmth of that home.
The first conversations flowed lightly. Kaivan's mother served tea, polite questions and warm greetings filling the room. Teh Kira sprawled on the sofa, laughter bubbling easily.
"Kaivan, really? You made these girls wait outside? Shouldn't you have let them in right away?" she teased, chuckling.
Laughter rippled through the room, though Kaivan only smiled stiffly. Felicia and Thivi exchanged small glances, their soft smiles concealing the awkwardness creeping in.