Whispers of the Night, Echoes of Tomorrow

They all laughed lightly, letting the mood relax for a moment. But behind the laughter, there was a lingering sense of curiosity, like an unsolved puzzle. Afterward, they began heading back to their respective districts, preparing for an important discussion the next morning. The upcoming grand meeting would determine who was fit to lead Kashgar in facing the threat from Siferia.

As they walked, Ningning suddenly stepped forward, her expression serious. "Before anything else, I want to apologize for what I've done to you all," she began slowly. "You know how easily the people of District 1 Xinjiang can be provoked. They heard rumors that you tried to harm me and that Arga tried to assault me. But you know that's not what happened. The situation was already chaotic, so I had to punish you, especially Arga. If I didn't, I feared they would do something much worse to you."

She took a deep breath before continuing. "But now, in Xinjiang, after someone receives their punishment, people usually let the matter go. That fat man, the one who actually harassed me, ended up framing you. If the opportunity arises, you should teach him a lesson."

Ningning smiled faintly, her expression sincere. From the looks on Nico and Sana's faces, it was clear they had forgiven her, though their emotions were mixed.

Their steps echoed softly as they walked back to their respective districts, heading toward a night full of reflection. Tomorrow awaited, bringing a pivotal meeting that would determine Kashgar 's future in facing the threat from Siferia.

Night wrapped the world gently, bringing a subtle warmth hidden beneath the glittering stars. The night breeze blew lightly, brushing against the window curtains, revealing a fragment of the sky from within the small room. There, Arga sat cross-legged on a thin carpet, its faded colors still exuding a sense of familiarity. His eyes shone with enthusiasm, radiating an energy that seemed too immense to be contained by the modest walls around him. The aroma of warm tea steaming from a cup at the center of the group added a comforting nuance.

Across from Arga, Nico and Sana sat attentively. Their eyes were fixed on the young man, as if the words he was about to speak were stories meant to be etched in their hearts. Nico, who was usually restless, sat motionless, entranced. Sana, with her serene smile, sipped her tea while nodding slowly, signaling Arga to continue.

" Kashgar is at the center of this world," Arga began his tale. His voice was filled with conviction, resonating softly in the room. He lifted his cup of tea, taking a slow sip before continuing, "I saw many things there with Ningning. That place feels like a world separate from ours. Its towering mountains and high hills act as a massive veil, shielding it from the view of other cities. Few ever venture there."

Nico leaned forward, his eyes wide like a child listening to an enchanting fairy tale. "Hearing your story makes me want to go there, Arga," he said, his enthusiastic voice almost spilling out. His face lit up, reflecting his bursting excitement.

Arga smiled warmly, nodding slightly. "You should go someday," he said, his calm voice bringing a sense of peace. "There, vast farmlands stretch out, sustaining the city of Kashgar . They're the lifeblood that keeps the city alive. The gardens are breathtaking, their views can soothe the soul..."

He paused briefly, allowing the silence to build suspense. Intentionally, he raised his eyebrows, giving the impression of holding a great secret. "And, you know? There's a singer there. Her voice is mesmerizing. She often sings songs like this: 'One kiss is all it takes, falling in love with me, possibilities...'" Arga hummed the tune lightly, enough to spark imagination.

Nico instantly recognized it. His eyes widened, his face glowing like a child discovering their favorite toy. "Ah, I know that song! I love it so much. So, the singer is there?" he asked excitedly.

Arga chuckled softly, nodding. "Of course," he replied with a wide, contagious smile. "She often sings in the mornings and evenings. Everyone gathers just to listen to her. Her voice is so captivating that even I couldn't believe it when I first heard her."

Nico exclaimed with barely contained excitement, "Then I must go there! That's non-negotiable."

Sana chuckled softly, looking at Nico with a warm gaze. "It seems you've already planned your trip, Nico. But remember, it takes more than just eagerness to go there."

Arga nodded in agreement. "True, the journey isn't easy. It's quite far, deep within the mountain valleys. But I'm sure, someday, we'll make it there."

That night flowed on with stories that warmed their hearts. Outside, the stars twinkled as if they, too, were listening, bearing witness to the small promises etched in their camaraderie. Yet, the stars weren't enough to dispel the unease nesting in Sana's heart. In the small room they occupied, only the gentle whispers of the night breeze accompanied them. Nico busied himself with his drink, as usual, full of jokes and laughter, while Sana remained silent. A small smile adorned her lips, but her eyes told a more honest story. There was a burden she carried, unseen yet palpable.

Arga, sitting not far from her, noticed the anomaly. His brows furrowed as he moved closer slightly. "Sana, are you okay?" he asked softly, his tone full of concern.

Sana turned slowly, her eyes meeting Arga's gaze. "Arga, I need to talk to you alone," she said quietly, her voice almost a whisper.

Arga simply nodded, following Sana's steps as she slowly walked out toward the garden. Nico glanced briefly but chose not to intrude, returning to his drink.

The garden was quiet, inhabited only by the soft sound of the wind brushing against the grass. Sana stood near an old wooden bench, her hand touching the cold railing before she finally sat down. Her face looked heavy, as if carrying a weight she didn't wish to share.

Arga appeared without much noise, his steps calm. He sat beside Sana. Silence hung between them, accompanied by the scent of damp earth mingling with the fragrance of leaves.

Sana took a deep breath, her gaze drifting far away. "I need to clear everything up," she thought. Her heart waged a battle between courage and doubt. Finally, she spoke with a voice steadier than her emotions.

"Arga, what do you think of Ningning?" The question slipped out naturally, catching Arga by surprise. His brow furrowed as he turned to her.