End of Year Festival III

As we walked through the festival, the lively energy of the celebration wrapped around us like a warm blanket. The vibrant colors of the decorations and the joyful laughter of students brought a sense of calm that I hadn't felt in a long time. It wasn't often we got a chance to just be—no battles, no rank challenges, no pressure. Just four friends enjoying the day.

Luke had finally relaxed a bit, though he was still doing his best to act casual around Rachel. He laughed awkwardly at something she said, and I could see the way his eyes lit up every time she glanced his way. I smiled to myself. Even though I knew his feelings for Rachel were probably more fantasy than reality, it was nice to see him enjoy the moment.

Rachel, for her part, was in her element. She led us through the bustling festival grounds, pointing out her favorite stalls and chatting with ease. Her usual air of refinement had softened into something more carefree, more genuine. She seemed lighter today, more open than I'd seen her in a long time.

"Come on, try this," Rachel said, handing me a small pastry she'd just bought from a vendor. "You won't find anything like it anywhere else."

I took a bite, the sweet filling melting in my mouth. "Not bad," I said with a grin. "You've got good taste."

"Of course I do," Rachel replied with a wink.

Seraphina, still quiet but not as withdrawn as before, stayed close to us. I caught her looking at me once or twice, but this time there was no awkwardness—just a soft smile. She seemed to be enjoying herself, even if she wasn't as vocal as Rachel or Luke. It was a peaceful kind of contentment, and I was glad to see it.

As we wandered further, we passed a stage where a group of students were performing some kind of musical number. Rachel stopped in her tracks, her eyes lighting up. "Oh, we have to watch this," she said excitedly. "They've been practicing for weeks!"

We all gathered around the stage, the music starting up as the performers took their places. It was a lively, upbeat song, and the crowd around us started clapping along. Even Luke, who usually tried to act so serious, was tapping his foot to the rhythm.

I found myself relaxing too, the tension I'd been carrying easing away as I let the music and the festival atmosphere wash over me. It was rare to have moments like this—where nothing else mattered except being present, surrounded by people who, in their own way, made life a little brighter.

Rachel and Seraphina were swaying gently to the music, and Luke caught my eye, grinning like he hadn't a care in the world. I raised an eyebrow at him, smirking.

"Looks like you're finally enjoying yourself," I teased.

He shrugged, still smiling. "It's not so bad."

As the song came to an end, the crowd burst into applause, and Rachel was the first to cheer, clapping with enthusiasm. "That was incredible!" she said, turning to us with an excited glint in her eyes.

"Yeah, it was," I agreed, feeling lighter than I had in days.

Rachel looped her arm through Seraphina's, her energy contagious. "Let's keep going! I want to show you the fireworks later. They're supposed to be the best part of the festival."

We continued walking, the sun beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the festival grounds. The warmth of the day lingered, but it was the warmth of friendship that made everything feel just right.

For once, there were no looming threats or complicated emotions to worry about. Just laughter, good company, and the promise of a peaceful evening ahead.

And honestly, that was enough for me.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting shades of pink and orange across the sky, the festival continued in full swing. The once bright and vibrant stalls were now illuminated by soft lanterns, giving the entire academy a magical glow. Students milled about, their faces lit with joy and excitement, and the air was thick with the smell of food and the sound of laughter.

We found ourselves by a large fountain in one of the central courtyards, taking a moment to rest. Rachel and Seraphina sat on the fountain's edge, chatting quietly, while Luke and I stood nearby, gazing at the festivities around us. The atmosphere felt calm, peaceful, and I couldn't remember the last time I felt so at ease.

"I've never seen the academy like this," Luke said, his voice low as if he didn't want to disturb the serenity around us.

"Yeah, it's nice," I replied, glancing over at Rachel and Seraphina, who were laughing softly at something. "Sometimes we get so caught up in everything else that we forget what it's like to just… live."

Luke nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It's good to have a break from all the chaos."

Rachel perked up suddenly, her eyes sparkling under the lantern light. "Hey, the fireworks are about to start! Let's get a good spot."

Seraphina smiled, her usual quietness fading into the background as the excitement of the festival seemed to lift her spirits. "I haven't seen them before. I've heard they're beautiful."

"Trust me, you won't be disappointed," Rachel said with a wink, pulling Seraphina to her feet.

We followed Rachel's lead to the academy's open field, where the crowd had already started gathering for the fireworks. It was one of the best places to view the night sky, and tonight, it was clear and endless, perfect for the display. We settled on the grass, sitting close together, the gentle hum of conversation filling the air around us.

As we waited, the anticipation built, a quiet excitement that buzzed in the crowd. Rachel leaned back on her hands, her face relaxed, and Seraphina tucked her legs beneath her, looking up at the sky with an expression of quiet wonder. Even Luke seemed to have shed the last bit of his usual tension, his gaze soft as he looked up, completely at ease for once.

And then, the first firework shot into the sky with a sharp crack, exploding into a shower of golden light. The crowd let out a collective gasp, followed by cheers, and just like that, the show began. Burst after burst of color filled the sky, lighting up the field in shades of red, blue, green, and purple. The patterns grew more intricate with each firework, weaving together in a dazzling display of artistry and magic.

Rachel let out a soft laugh, her eyes wide with delight as she watched. "I told you they were good," she said, nudging Seraphina, who smiled back at her.

"They're amazing," Seraphina whispered, her eyes reflecting the light of the fireworks as if she were mesmerized by the display. 

I leaned back on the grass, feeling a sense of calm settle over me. For this one night, everything felt right. No battles to fight, no rankings to worry about, no burdens to carry. Just the simple beauty of fireworks, the laughter of friends, and the feeling of being part of something bigger than myself.

The final firework shot into the sky, exploding into a massive display of shimmering silver and gold that seemed to hang in the air, lighting up the entire island. The crowd erupted into applause, and I joined in, smiling as Rachel, Luke, and Seraphina clapped enthusiastically beside me.

As the cheers died down and the crowd began to disperse, Rachel stood up, stretching her arms above her head. "That was even better than last year," she said with a grin. "We should do this every year."

Seraphina nodded, her smile small but genuine. "I'd like that."

Luke stood as well, glancing at me. "Ready to head back?"

I pushed myself up, feeling a contented tiredness wash over me. "Yeah. It's been a good day."

As we made our way back to the dorms, the festival lights gradually fading behind us, I realized how much I needed this break. The worries of tomorrow would come soon enough, but for now, I was grateful for the peace of today.

We walked together, the night quiet but comfortable, the bond between us a little stronger than it had been this morning. As we reached the dorms, Rachel gave a playful wave, her smile still bright despite the late hour. "Goodnight, you two. Don't get into too much trouble."

Luke blushed slightly but managed a smile. "Goodnight, Rachel."

Seraphina gave me a soft nod before turning to follow Rachel. "Goodnight, Arthur."

I watched them disappear into the dorms before turning to Luke. "You alright?"

He grinned, a little sheepish. "Yeah. Today was… nice."

I clapped him on the shoulder. "Glad you enjoyed it."

As we headed to our rooms, the weight of everything we'd faced seemed a little lighter. The day had been a reminder that, amidst all the chaos, moments of peace and friendship were just as important. And tonight, that was enough.