"Miss you"

The grand hall was illuminated with dazzling lights as the announcer took the stage. The seats were filled with the most prestigious figures from across the galaxy, all waiting to hear the winner of the coveted Innovera Arcadia Award.

Everyone was excited for the final result, but Ren was in a completely different state. He sat quietly at his table with Griffin.

The ceremony had gone smoothly so far. The third-place winner was called. He was an elderly man Ren had met in passing. Then came the second-place winner.

Ren had remained stone-faced as his name wasn't called for either of those spots. A dull ache of disappointment settled in his chest.

That's it, Ren thought. I didn't make it again. Forget about the first he could not even score the last position this time.

He let out a soft sigh. There were cameras focused on him, and he knew better than to let out his disappointment directly on his face.