The week moved quickly. Classes, assignments, and late-night study sessions filled the days. For Kael, it was both tiring and comforting. After a long time again his life was being measured in lecture hours and pages of notes instead of shadows and danger.
It was Wednesday evening, and the library was unusually crowded. Exams were coming, and every table was full of books, coffee cups, and stressed faces.
Kael sat with his laptop open, typing half-heartedly. Across from him sat Jordan, annoning him with the habit of chewing pens. He was scribbling formulas furiously.
"Kael, focus," Jordan scolded, tapping his notebook. "You'll flunk statistics if you keep doodling."
Kael smiled sheepishly. "I'm trying."
Next to him, Riven leaned over, scanning Kael's notes. His handwriting was a mix of neat lines and chaotic scribbles. Riven silently took the pen from Kael's hand and corrected a mistake.
"Like this," he said quietly.
Jordan blinked. "Wow. Didn't know you were a math genius, Riven."
Riven shrugged. "I'm not. But I read ahead."
Kael groaned. "Of course you did."
The three of them laughed softly, even though a librarian shot them a glare.
For the next hour, they worked together. Jordan cracked jokes, Kael complained, and Riven silently solved problems whenever Kael got stuck. It wasn't exciting, but it felt… safe.
By Friday, the campus was buzzing with excitement. The annual cultural festival was just around the corner. Banners in bright colors hung from trees, and students hurried about carrying props, costumes, and boxes of lights.
Kael and Jordan walked through the campus, watching a group rehearse a dance routine. Music played from someone's speaker, laughter filling the air.
"You should join something," Jordan told Kael. "It'll be fun. I'm helping with the art exhibition."
Kael hesitated. "I'm not really the type."
Jordan nudged him. "Come on. You always sit in the library. Do something different for once."
Riven caught up to them, carrying a bag of books. "Do what different?"
"Join a club for the festival," Jordan said brightly. "Kael refuses."
Riven looked at Kael, his eyes calm. "Maybe you should. It could help you… feel lighter."
Kael rolled his eyes. "Not you too." But deep inside, he felt a small warmth. Both of them wanted him to try. Maybe he would.
That night, after dinner, Kael and Riven walked through the campus again. Strings of small tuny lights had been hung along the paths, glowing softly in the dark. Students were still setting up stalls, their laughter echoing across the lawns.
Kael shoved his hands in his pockets. "Feels like another world, doesn't it? Like nothing bad exists here."
Riven walked quietly beside him. "Even in fragile places like this, danger can slip in. But…" He paused, his gaze on the glowing lights. "That doesn't mean you shouldn't enjoy it while it lasts."
Kael looked at him. The serious tone softened the night air. For a second, he wanted to ask more—about Riven's past, about why he always seemed half here and half somewhere else. But the words stuck in his throat.
Instead, he said softly, "Thanks. For staying."
Riven didn't answer, but his faint smile was enough.
Saturday arrived with bright skies and loud music. The campus was alive. Stalls selling food, handmade crafts, and games lined the paths. Performances filled the central stage—songs, dances, comedy acts. Students moved in groups, their laughter mixing with the music.
Kael walked through the festival with Jordan first, tasting fried snacks and laughing at silly carnival games. He even won a small stuffed toy by knocking down tin cans.
Jordan grinned. "See? You're having fun."
Kael smiled. "Yeah… I guess I am."
Later, he spotted Riven standing near the art exhibition tent. He wasn't participating, just observing the paintings quietly. Kael walked over.
"Not bad, huh?" Kael said, pointing to a large canvas of swirling colors.
Riven tilted his head. "It feels like chaos and calm together."
Kael chuckled. "You sound like a critic."
They wandered together, buying coffee and watching a group of students perform a traditional dance. For once, Kael forgot the weight of secrets. For once, he felt like a normal student.
By evening, the festival reached its peak. The campus was crowded, everyone waiting for the fireworks. Music played from the stage, and students cheered.
Kael stood in the crowd, shoulder to shoulder with Riven and Jordan. The air smelled of fried food and flowers.
When the fireworks finally began, the sky lit up in bursts of red, gold, and green. Gasps and cheers filled the night.
Kael tilted his head back, eyes wide. For a moment, everything else—mysteries, shadows, danger—faded.
Beside him, Riven watched the sky too, but his expression was unreadable. Kael wondered what he was thinking.
Jordan nudged him, whispering, "Make a wish."
Kael laughed. "That's not fireworks, that's shooting stars."
"Doesn't matter," he said.
So Kael closed his eyes. He didn't wish for answers, or safety, or even peace. He just wished this moment could last a little longer.
When he opened his eyes, Riven was still watching the fireworks. For the first time, Kael thought he saw a flicker of softness in Riven's gaze—like maybe, just maybe, he wished for the same thing.
And so the night ended with lights, laughter, and a fragile sense of belonging. Kael knew the shadows hadn't disappeared. But here, among friends, in the glow of the festival, he felt strong enough to face them when they returned.