The soft sound of waves crashing against the distant rocks was what woke Arven that morning. The cool breeze drifting through the window made the curtains dance gently, carrying the faint scent of the sea. He stretched, still drowsy, and got up.
After washing his face, he prepared a simple breakfast — toasted bread, fruit, and a cup of warm milk. Sitting by the small table in his dorm, he watched the steam rise slowly from the cup. Moments like this were rare at Eldara Academy.
Once he finished eating, he stepped outside. The courtyard was already filling with students coming and going, chatting about classes, new training routines... and something else. Arven noticed several people putting up colorful posters along the corridor walls.
Curious, he walked closer to read one.
"Welcome Ball — hosted by the Student Council.
This Saturday night, at Eldara Academy's Main Hall."
He raised an eyebrow. "A ball, huh?" he muttered with a faint smile.
He headed toward the side garden, where Lyra and Kael were sitting on a bench, laughing about something.
"Look who decided to show up early," Lyra said, crossing her arms. "You saw the posters, right? Seems like the big ball's coming."
"Yeah, just saw them," Arven replied. "Didn't know the Council held events like that."
Kael chuckled. "It's tradition. They say it's to 'welcome new students,' but everyone knows it's just an excuse to see who dances best — and who gets a date."
"You going?" Arven asked.
Kael shrugged. "Maybe. Still deciding if I wanna dance or just watch the disaster unfold."
Lyra rolled her eyes. "You never dance."
"And that's probably why I'm still alive," he shot back, making her laugh.
Their conversation stayed light until the bell rang, calling them to class. The lesson with Professor Aria — elegant, strict, and terrifyingly passionate about mana theory — dragged on endlessly.
By the time the break arrived, Arven felt like his brain was melting. "If I hear one more mana equation, I swear I'll explode," he groaned.
Lyra chuckled. "You say that every class."
"And I mean it every time," he replied, stretching his arms.
The hallways were buzzing with noise — everyone seemed to be talking about the ball. It was impossible to walk ten steps without hearing the word "partner."
As Arven made his way down the corridor, a soft voice called out behind him.
"Um, excuse me…"
He turned and saw a girl he had never seen before. Brown hair, gentle eyes, and a slightly nervous smile.
"You're Arven, right?"
"I am," he answered.
She took a small breath. "I was wondering if… you already have someone to go to the ball with."
Arven blinked, surprised. "Huh? Not yet—"
Before he could finish, a firm voice cut through the noise.
"He's going with me."
Both turned toward the source. Elara stood just a few steps away, her crimson eyes locked on the brown-haired girl. Her expression was calm, but her tone left no room for argument.
The other girl looked startled. "Oh… I see. Sorry for bothering you." She gave a quick bow and hurried off down the hall.
Arven turned to Elara, still stunned. "Did you just invite me to the ball?"
She crossed her arms and looked aside. "Not exactly. I just didn't want you going with some random girl."
"But you're engaged to Lucien," he said, lowering his voice.
Elara sighed softly. "It's just a ball, Arven. Besides… you're my friend, aren't you?"
Arven couldn't help but smile faintly. "If that's how you put it, then I don't see a problem."
She nodded slightly, trying to hide the faint blush on her face. "Then it's settled."
As she walked away down the corridor, Arven stood there for a few seconds, trying to process what had just happened.
"Why would she do that…?" he murmured to himself, feeling a strange mix of confusion — and something else he didn't want to name.
The bell rang again, calling everyone back to class.
And for the first time in a while, Arven found himself looking forward to Saturday.