The sun bathed the city rooftops in golden light, gliding gently over the cobbled streets. The buzz of the market floated in the air, carried along with the scent of freshly baked bread and the vibrant colors of ripe fruit. For most, it was just another day… but not for Yuli.
She walked through the market alongside Isha, Nira, Sol, and Lua—inseparable friends, roommates since their first day in the village. They had been sent on a simple task: to collect the week's fruit. None of them wore their uniforms; they were dressed in ordinary clothes, blending in like any other young townsfolk. It was a necessary precaution—the existence of the Guardians had to remain a secret.
Still, some in the market recognized them—not by name or title, but because they had once seen them at Kaela's side.
Many remembered when Kaela, always serious and focused, passed through the market with sharp-eyed, disciplined young girls trailing behind her.
"First we get peaches, then bread," said Lua, mentally reviewing their list.
"And then a tactical visit to the empanada stand. It's absolutely vital," Nira added in her usual teasing tone, earning a round of laughter from the group.
"Just remember Sol promised not to activate any gadgets if the baker flirts with her again," Isha joked, prompting Sol to feign outrage.
"One little zap and suddenly I'm a public threat," she replied with a grin.
The group continued laughing as they moved between the stalls, until Yuli stopped abruptly. Her gaze had landed on a quiet corner of the market, where a boy about her age was organizing jars of spices with a focus that seemed almost otherworldly. His expression was serene, a soft smile playing on his lips as he spoke with a customer. His rolled-up white shirt was dusted with fine powder, and his dark hair fluttered slightly in the midday breeze.
"Yuli?" Sol asked, noticing she had fallen behind.
"Ah… I'm coming," she replied, eyes still fixed on the boy.
"You know who he is," Lua whispered, stepping closer. "His name's Ren. His family's run that stall for generations. He used to be close to Kaela when she came to the market with Silas."
Silas's name fell like a stone in still water. Yuli lowered her gaze slightly.
"He still asks about Kaela sometimes. I think he remembers her fondly," Lua added.
Eventually, they approached the stall. When Ren saw them, he greeted them politely. But when his eyes met Yuli's, a brief silence hung in the air. There was something in his gaze—no surprise, no nervousness… but recognition. As if he had been waiting for her, without knowing it.
"Is Kaela doing well?" Ren asked, glancing at the group. "Haven't seen her in a while."
"She's fine," Sol answered. "Busy, as always."
Ren nodded and returned to arranging his jars. But before they left, he picked up one containing lavender blossoms and handed it to Yuli.
"This might be nice for the rest baths," he said. "Good scent. Helps quiet the mind."
Yuli reached out to take it, and their fingers brushed. It was a small moment—but something inside her stirred, a resonance like a string pulled by the perfect note.
"Tha…nk you…" she said, not entirely sure whether she meant the jar… or the moment itself.
On the walk back to the village, Yuli was unusually quiet. Her friends chatted and joked about prices and vendor antics, but her mind was elsewhere.
"Did you like the jar… or the one who gave it to you?" Nira teased with a sly grin.
Yuli didn't answer, but her blushing cheeks said enough.
That night, as the moon hung high in the sky like a soft promise, Yuli lay in bed staring at the ceiling with a faint smile. Not because of a completed mission, or a well-earned victory in training. But because of something new. At last, fate seemed to be offering her the chance to meet someone special—just as Kaela had met Silas, long ago.