I awoke the next morning to the clamor of voices as the elites engaged in heated banter and shouting. Shaking my head to clear away the remnants of sleep, I rose from bed, went to the bathroom, and splashed cool water on my face before making my way out of my room. Stepping into the living room, I found the group gathered there amidst a chaotic scene.
Jen and Lucille were locked in an argument over the last bag of chips, their voices raised in a battle of possession. Junave and Diane were vying for control of the massaging chair, their bickering filling the room. Meanwhile, Loremae busily captured the moment with her camera, while Denise sought refuge on a single sofa, covering her ears to escape the commotion.
"This is mine now, Lucille! I was the first one who took this out from the pantry!" Jen shouted, her voice filled with a mix of frustration and possessiveness. She held the bag of chips tightly, her fingers clutching it as if determined not to let go.
"But that's enough chips for you, Jen! You were the one who ate it all! Give me my share!" Lucille shot back, her tone tinged with exasperation. Her eyes narrowed, emphasizing her desire to claim her fair portion of the snack.
Meanwhile, Junave and Diane engaged in a tug-of-war over the coveted massaging chair. Their hands grasped the armrests, each pulling with determination and resolve.
"It's my turn today, Diane! You should stick to the proper schedule!" Junave yelled, her voice filled with a mix of assertiveness and impatience. She leaned forward, her body language demonstrating her determination to claim her rightful spot in the chair.
"But my back hurts so much! I can't wait for another day!" Diane retorted, her voice laced with a hint of desperation. Her face twisted in discomfort, a visible sign of the pain she was experiencing.
Amidst the chaos, their voices reverberated through the room, creating an atmosphere of tension and discord. Their arguments clashed and overlapped, filling the space with an air of unrest and dissatisfaction.
In a sleepy tone, I mumbled, "What a great morning for all of you," as I settled down beside Loremae. She turned towards me, capturing a picture of my drowsy face, but I made no effort to stop her, too tired to protest. The weariness still clung to me, and I longed for a few more moments of sleep.
Denise, still covering her ears, voiced her discontent with the chaotic environment. "I can't just get used to this," she complained.
The shouting continued as Jen vehemently claimed ownership of the chips, while Lucille demanded her fair share. Junave insisted on her turn for the massaging chair, while Diane pleaded for relief from her back pain. The cacophony of their voices filled the room, unrelenting in its intensity.
Feeling the need for some respite, I rose from my seat and made my way to the kitchen. Determined to prepare breakfast, I sought solace in the quietude of the culinary space, even as the echoes of their arguments persisted in the background.
As I stood there cooking, my mind began to wander back to what Storm had said to me the day before. He had mentioned that I would be seeing him today, and the mere thought of it brought an involuntary smile to my face. Lost in my thoughts, I was suddenly interrupted by the sound of a camera shutter nearby. I turned around to find Loremae, camera in hand, approaching me with a mischievous grin.
"What did I just capture with my cam?" she teased, playfully closing the distance between us.
Caught off guard, I tried to brush off her inquiry. "Oh, it was nothing," I replied, attempting to hide my true feelings. "I was just enjoying the background noise, you know, the banter and all. It made me happy..."
Loremae raised an eyebrow, her eyes reflecting a hint of disbelief. "Really?" she questioned, clearly not convinced by my explanation.
With a teasing smile, she declared, "Well, I'll find out eventually," before turning her back to me and darting towards the living area, still wearing that mischievous grin.
As I watched her retreat, I muttered to myself, "Did that actually work?" Uncertain of whether my response had satisfied her curiosity, I refocused my attention on the cooking task at hand, contemplating the upcoming encounter with Storm.
With my cooking finally complete, I called out to my friends, and one by one, they gathered in the kitchen. Jen and Lucille put their argument aside momentarily, joining us with the bag of chips now sitting untouched on the countertop. Junave and Diane, still engaged in a playful struggle over the massaging chair, managed to reach a temporary truce and followed suit. Denise, no longer covering her ears, joined the group as well, her curiosity piqued by the commotion.
"Breakfast is served!" I announced, gesturing towards the dishes I had prepared.
Jen's eyes lit up as she caught sight of the food. "Finally! I'm starving!" she exclaimed, her previous chip-related dispute momentarily forgotten.
Lucille nodded in agreement, a hint of gratitude in her expression. "Thank you for cooking, it smells amazing," she said, her voice laced with sincerity.
Junave and Diane, now sitting side by side, exchanged a knowing glance before Junave spoke up. "I guess we can take a break from the massaging chair for now," she said with a playful smirk, eliciting a chuckle from Diane.
Denise, a mysterious smile playing on her face, persisted, "Come on, spill the beans! What had you smiling like that earlier? Don't think you can get away without telling us!"
I glanced at Loremae, who stood beside me, her eyes shining mischievously. Perhaps she had already presented the photo she had taken to Denise, further fueling her curiosity. Taking a moment to gather my thoughts, I decided to share a lighthearted version of the truth.
"Well, you know," I began, a smile tugging at my lips, "I was just appreciating the lively atmosphere we have here. The banter, the arguments, it's all part of what makes our group so unique and fun. I couldn't help but feel happy in the midst of it all."
Loremae couldn't resist adding to the intrigue, her voice filled with excitement. "And let's not forget about today's events! We're going to have all the fun we could ever have," she teased, her words hinting at the festival taking place in Quinto today.
Denise's eyes widened with anticipation, her mysterious smile growing even wider. "Oh, the festival! I've been looking forward to it! The food, the music, the games... It's going to be a blast!"
After a breakfast full of chatter, banter, and laughter, we dispersed to our respective rooms to freshen up and decide what to wear for the day's events. As I stood in front of my wardrobe, I felt a wave of uncertainty wash over me. Having never attended a festival before, I was unsure whether to opt for casual attire, formal wear, or perhaps even dresses. Taking a deep breath, I admitted my dilemma and surrendered to my lack of knowledge.
With a sense of determination, I left my room and made my way towards Lucille's room. I knocked lightly on her door, and she greeted me with a warm smile as she opened it.
"Yes, Eveline?" she asked, her smile radiating kindness. I returned her smile with a mix of weariness and shyness.
"I need your help," I began, my voice laced with uncertainty. "I'm not sure what to wear. You see, I've never attended any festivals before, so I'm confused about the appropriate clothing."
Lucille's eyes sparkled with amusement as she gestured for me to come inside her room. "That's not a problem at all," she assured me, her face glowing with a mischievous grin. She then proceeded to guide me towards her wardrobe, opening it and placing her hand on her chin as she studied the array of clothes before us.
As she perused her collection, Lucille began suggesting various options, explaining the styles and colors that would be suitable for a festival. She pulled out a flowing bohemian dress adorned with vibrant patterns, a pair of comfortable denim shorts paired with a colorful crop top, and even a chic jumpsuit that exuded confidence and style.
With each suggestion, she shared stories of past festivals she had attended, describing the atmosphere and the fashion choices that complemented the festivities. Her enthusiasm and knowledge eased my uncertainty, and I started to envision myself in different outfits, considering what would make me feel comfortable and confident.
After some deliberation and trying on a few options, Lucille and I settled on a breezy sundress with floral prints and a wide-brimmed hat to shield me from the sun. With a newfound sense of excitement, I expressed my gratitude to Lucille for her guidance and returned to my room to get ready. As I slipped into the chosen attire, I couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation for the adventures that awaited us at the festival.
Once we were ready, we gathered in the living room, each of us dressed for the occasion. Loremae held the beautifully wrapped gift for Joyde, and together, we proceeded to make our way out. The hallway was still filled with chatter and laughter as we walked, the excitement palpable in the air.
As we reached the elevator, we were surprised to find the council members already there, dressed in their extravagant attire. Klenn stood out with his long, dirty white hair flowing down his shoulders, wearing a tailored suit adorned with intricate patterns. Lin, who had once been known as a nerd, now looked stunning in a form-fitting gown that accentuated her figure, radiating confidence and beauty. Cassandra, with her ethereal grace, resembled a goddess in her flowing, floor-length dress that shimmered with every subtle movement she made. She was holding the arm of the man beside her, who was Storm. His expression remained enigmatic, his attire a combination of dark colors and bold accessories, giving him an enigmatic allure. He glanced at me from head to foot, momentarily taken aback by my new attire. A flicker of recognition crossed his face, and a smile tugged at the corners of his lips. Meanwhile, feeling uncomfortable, I bit my lip as I noticed Cassandra's hand on his arm, so I diverted my attention to the person next to him, Kyle, who greeted me with a warm smile while waving his hands. His casual yet stylish outfit reflected his laid-back personality. Dylan exuded a cool and effortless charm, with his polo shirt unbuttoned at the top three buttons, and his bored eyes added to his air of nonchalance. Lastly, Ysabel, meticulous in her appearance, wore an elegant dress that exuded sophistication. Her demeanor and refined taste hinted at an air of superiority, as she regarded me with a discerning smile on her face, curiosity gleaming in her eyes.
"You guys didn't have to be prepared like that," Denise commented as we were getting inside the elevator.
"Oh, this was just how we used to dress," Ysabel replied sarcastically.
"So you used to wear these clothes that could take a few more hours? No wonder you were always late for class," Diane teased.
"Shut up," Ysabel rolled her eyes, starting to get irritated, while Diane chuckled.
"Let's just enjoy this day, shall we?" Cassandra spoke in her usual calm and composed tone.
"Whatever," Loremae commented, making it obvious that these two groups didn't get along well.
I was minding my own business when Kyle poked me from behind, causing me to turn around. When I did, the first pair of eyes I met was Storm's. It seemed like he had been staring at me, but I quickly diverted my attention to Kyle and greeted him with a smile.
"Yeah?" I smiled at him.
"What do you want to do? I can accompany you and guide you through the events later. You haven't experienced festivals before," he offered.
Glancing at Storm, who still had Cassandra's hand on his arm, I turned back to Kyle and slowly nodded, my earlier discomfort still lingering.
"Great, I'll make sure you'll enjoy it and make beautiful memories," he told me. I smiled at him and mouthed "thank you" before facing forward.
After a while in the elevator, we arrived on the first floor. As we stepped out, all the students turned their gaze towards us. They were wearing uniforms, which made me realize that perhaps the privilege of attending festivals was reserved only for the elites and council members.
Their envious looks were evident as they watched us walk by. We continued walking until we reached the wall gate, which promptly cracked open. Before us stood a pair of grand carriages, one for each group. I boarded the carriage with the elites, while the council members took the other. Once we were comfortably settled, the driver urged the horses forward, and the carriages began their journey. As we moved, the magnificent view of the cursed lake unfolded before us. Crossing the bridge, the scenery slowly transformed as we followed the familiar path leading to Quinto town.
"We'll give this gift to Joyde first before we go to the town square," Denise announced, and each of us nodded in agreement. I felt a tinge of nervousness as I would be meeting Joyde for the first time today. As time passed, the carriage finally came to a stop. My friends eagerly got out, and I was the last one to step down. I took a moment to glance at the surroundings of the town square, now filled with vibrant decorations and intricate designs. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and anticipation.
"Let's go," Junave excitedly blurted out, taking the lead. I followed them, still mesmerized by the lively surroundings and the hustle and bustle of the people.
After a few minutes of walking, we finally arrived at Joyde's place. I took a deep breath and gathered my courage before entering the house with the others.
"Hi Joyde, how have you been?" Jen greeted the girl sitting by the window, her gaze fixed on the outside world without acknowledging the person speaking to her.
"You know what? We bought you a gift," Loremae stated, presenting the gift we had created, which she had been carrying earlier. Joyde continued staring into the distance through the window, seemingly oblivious to her surroundings.
"Joyde, we also brought a new friend today. Her name's Eveline," Diane introduced me, and I shyly smiled at Joyde, hoping for some sort of response.
"Hi Joyde, I'm Eveline. It's nice to meet you," I greeted her, but still, she didn't look at us or acknowledge our presence.
"Joyde, do you want to visit the town with us?" Lucille asked, kneeling in front of her, but she remained unresponsive.
"It's okay," Denise said softly, picking up a hairbrush and gently brushing Joyde's hair. "We're all waiting for you, Joyde," she whispered, her eyes filled with sadness and concern for her friend.
As Denise brushed Joyde's hair, the room fell into a somber silence. It was clear that Joyde was lost in her own world, disconnected from the present. While my friends were familiar with her, I, on the other hand, had just met her for the first time today. I felt a mix of concern and curiosity, unsure of how to break through her barriers and offer support.
I felt uneasy observing Joyde's distant gaze out the window, longing to connect with her and understand her struggles. Despite being a stranger, I resolved to offer comfort and support by staying by her side. My friends attempted to engage with Joyde, sharing stories and memories with gentle voices, hoping to bring her back to the present. Yet, she remained unresponsive, seemingly unaware of our presence.
We stayed with Joyde in her house, offering support and comfort. As the sun grew hotter, we decided to take a break and headed to a nearby café to recharge. Before leaving, we made sure Joyde was in good hands with her caregiver.
"Guys, after this, I have somewhere to be," Loremae told us during our lunch.
"I also have something I need to take care of," Jen raised her hand as well.
"So, are we going to be separated then?" Lucille pouted.
"Let's just meet in the town square by six in the evening. I also have a place I need to visit," Denise added.
"Okay, let's meet in the town square later," Diane said, and I simply nodded, not wanting to voice my concern as I understood their own commitments and priorities.
When we finished our meals, we bid farewell to one another and went our separate ways. With no specific destination in mind, I embarked on a leisurely walk, allowing my feet to guide me wherever they pleased. As I wandered along the meandering paths, my surroundings gradually transformed, leading me to a serene lake that captured my attention with its mesmerizing beauty. The sunlight danced upon the calm waters, creating a shimmering spectacle that was impossible to resist. Drawn in by the tranquil scene, I decided to take a moment to immerse myself in the captivating scenery. I found a comfortable spot near the lakeshore and allowed myself to be captivated by the gentle ripples and the soothing sounds of nature. The peaceful ambiance enveloped me, offering a respite from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With each passing minute, I felt a sense of tranquility washing over me, allowing my mind to wander and find solace in the beauty of the moment.
"Rose!" I heard a loud voice behind me, and when I turned around, it was Kyle, gasping for air and taking a brief break before running towards me. "I've been looking everywhere for you," he said, his hands on his knees as he caught his breath.
"Since earlier?" I asked him.
"Yes, since we arrived in Quinto," he replied, now composed and looking into my eyes.
I looked up at him, as he was taller than me. "Oh, we went to see Joyde earlier until noon," I explained.
"Ahh, that's why," he said, offering his left hand towards me. "Let's go? I'll take you on a tour," he smiled, extending his hand, and I accepted it.
As we walked together, Kyle guided me through the winding streets of the town. We saw parades of Curses showing off their unique demons, various forms of entertainment such as music, food stalls and vendors offering a wide range of local and traditional dishes, snacks, desserts, and drinks for visitors to enjoy. There were also games and competitions, art and craft exhibitions, and much later in the night, a fireworks display. I enjoyed my time spent with Kyle, who made the entire experience much more fun and entertaining.
"Later, there would be fireworks displays in the sky, and there was a tradition of throwing wishes into the middle pond while looking up at the fireworks," Kyle told me as we walked side by side, holding food on sticks.
"Does it even work?" I asked him, growing curious. He made a face and smiled.
"I'm not sure, as people usually don't share their wishes with others, thinking they won't come true," he replied. I nodded understandingly. We made a stop as we reached the very large pond in the middle, and I stared at it, letting my thoughts wander as I saw my own reflection in the water.
"Kyle?" It was a familiar voice that brought me back to reality, and when I turned around, it was Cassandra with Storm. She was holding him in his left arm.
"Oh, Cass, finished praying in the shrine?" Kyle approached them, and I stayed where I was, looking at the ground, while listening to their conversation. I didn't really know why, but I didn't like seeing them together, so I just stared at the floor or diverted my attention to the surroundings, pretending to focus on something else, but my ears were still tuned in to their conversation.
"Yes, actually Storm and I are going uphill to place this lucky charm from the shrine earlier. Want to come along with us?" Cassandra asked.
"Wanna join them?" Kyle ran back towards me, facing me, and lightly touched my arm. I just shrugged.
He leaned towards me and whispered, "Or do you want to be alone with me?" He tried to tease me, and I couldn't help but chuckle and playfully tap his arm.
"Hmm, you guys look good together," I heard Cassandra comment. "Almost like a couple," she added. I glanced at them and observed Storm's furrowed forehead as he looked at Kyle and me for that brief moment before I returned my focus to Kyle.
"You decide. I'll go wherever you want to," I replied to Kyle, and he chuckled while I smiled at him.
"Tss, let's go," I heard Storm's voice, sounding slightly irritated. Then they walked away. As I watched their figures recede, Kyle gently took my arm to get my attention.
"Something's bothering you?" he asked me, and I turned towards him, confused as I hadn't heard what he said.
"What?" I asked.
He smiled. "Nothing. Wanna go and participate in a game?" he offered, and I nodded.
We then had fun participating in various games. There were even games designed for couples, where Kyle would carry me and we had to fold a piece of paper for added difficulty. If the paper tore during the game and we couldn't complete the task, we would be disqualified and out of the game. So far, I enjoyed every moment and felt incredibly happy. However, deep down, there was a part of me that longed to see someone, to talk to this person, and to spend this precious time with him. Despite that, I managed to hide those feelings and joyfully embraced the time I spent with Kyle.
As night approached, Kyle and I began searching for the other elites as we had promised to meet by six o'clock. Once we found them, we gathered in the central area of the pond. However, it was quite crowded, and people were tightly packed, resulting in arms touching one another.
"You guys have been together since earlier?" Loremae wasted no time and asked the two of us. I simply nodded in response.
"Yes, since after lunch," Kyle replied. Loremae looked at me strangely before shifting her focus to the sky, eagerly waiting for the fireworks to explode. I, too, gazed upwards, completely captivated by the beauty of the sky, the moon, and the stars. However, I was taken aback when someone suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me through the dense crowd. I furrowed my brow and looked at the person who was dragging me. It was Storm. I couldn't discern his expression, but he held onto me firmly, and my feet instinctively followed his lead, even though I was being pulled involuntarily. Together, we took each stride, making our way out of the fully packed place.