Invitation to the bonfire

The sun outside the window had risen higher now, casting soft light across the canteen, but the warmth of the morning seemed to dissipate in the shadow of the news. Students were still buzzing around, oblivious to the tension at their table.

As the weight of the earlier conversation hung in the air, it was Maximilian who broke the tense silence, leaning forward slightly. His calm demeanor and soothing voice were a stark contrast to the heavy mood.

"By the way," he began, glancing between Eve and Emily, "Have either of you heard about the bonfire this weekend?"

Eve and Emily exchanged glances before shaking their heads.

Maximilian smiled, the faint flicker of amusement lighting his features. "Thought so. It's a tradition here. Every last weekend of the month, the seniors organize a bonfire. It's kind of like a senior-junior reunion, but a lot more relaxed. There's food, music, and sometimes even a little harmless competition."