Chapter— Unspoken Feelings Before the Night
Shuri froze.
The moment Loid stepped inside the room, her entire body stiffened as if time itself had paused. Her breath caught in her throat, and her heart began to pound loudly in her ears.
Why… is he here?
Her fingers clenched instinctively at her side.
Loid had stopped too.
For just a fraction of a second, their eyes met again—just like the night before. The memory replayed in Shuri's mind: the warmth of his hand, the calmness in his voice, the way he had steadied her without hesitation.
No… no, it can't be…
Luke sensed something strange immediately.
He looked from Shuri to Loid, then back again. The air felt awkward—too quiet.
"…Did something happen?" Luke asked.
Loid blinked, then rubbed the back of his head. "Ah—well… we met yesterday."
Luke raised an eyebrow. "Yesterday?"
"At the marketplace," Loid continued casually. "She almost fell, so I helped her."
Shuri's face turned bright red.
It's true…
Her thoughts spun wildly.
He's really a member of Aurafiest… the guild Luke talked about… the boy I met…
Her chest tightened—not with fear, but with something warm and overwhelming.
Am I… lucky? Or is this fate playing with me?
Marin clapped her hands together, breaking the moment.
"Alright!" she said cheerfully. "Let's move on before things get too late."
She looked around the room. "We should start discussing tomorrow's party."
Everyone nodded, grateful for the shift in topic.
They moved into the small meeting room, sitting around the table. The room wasn't large, but it felt lively—filled with energy, excitement, and unspoken emotions.
"So," Marin began, resting her elbows on the table, "how should we proceed with tomorrow's party?"
"We've already planned the games and food," Loid replied. "Everything's mostly ready."
"That's great!" Chika said, smiling brightly.
Marin turned toward Shuri. "What do you think? Is there anything we can add?"
Shuri hesitated.
"I'm… new here," she said softly. "So I'm not sure if I should suggest anything."
"You should," Marin encouraged. "This party includes you too."
Shuri thought for a moment, then spoke carefully.
"Maybe… dancing?" she said. "It could make things more lively."
Marin's eyes lit up. "That's a great idea!"
Luke leaned back in his chair. "What kind of dance?"
"A two-person dance," Uno replied.
Loid smirked slightly. "You mean couple dance?"
Uno shot him a look. "I meant normal two-person dance. There are three boys and three girls—it works."
Chika glanced away, cheeks slightly pink.
Shuri lowered her gaze, her heart racing.
Dancing… with Loid…
The thought alone made her nervous.
I'm not good at dancing… and I can't even talk properly to him…
Yet, another part of her whispered—
But what if…?
Marin think for something and her eyes also get shined that time her face also turned little red but no one noticed it
Marin smiled knowingly. "Then it's decided. We'll include dancing."
Luke and Loid exchanged brief glances. Both felt something strange—an unfamiliar tension.
Why does this feel… intense? Luke wondered.
"So tomorrow's schedule is settled," Marin said. "First, carols. Then games and small tricks. And finally, dancing."
She looked around. "Everyone should arrive at the base by 7 p.m."
"Chika," she added, "you'll come at 6 p.m. for decorations."
Chika nodded eagerly. "Leave it to me!"
Shuri raised her hand slightly. "Can I help with decorations too?"
"Of course," Marin replied warmly.
"One more thing," Uno said. "Dress code?"
"Red," Marin said without hesitation. "It's Christmas."
Everyone agreed.
With that, the meeting ended. One by one, they prepared to leave.
---
That night—
Shuri lay awake on her bed, staring at the ceiling.
Her heart refused to calm down.
Tomorrow… the party… the dance…
She turned onto her side, hugging her pillow.
I might dance with him…
Her cheeks warmed instantly.
My future prince…? No, no—don't think like that!
She groaned softly.
I need to dress well. I need to look good. I can't embarrass myself.
Her mind raced with outfits, hairstyles, and imaginary conversations.
Sleep came late.
---
In another house, Chika lay on her bed, staring at her phone.
Tomorrow… I'll dance with Uno…
Her face flushed.
At the same time, Uno sat on his bed, staring at the wall.
Chika… dancing…
Both smiled unknowingly.
---
Marin stood by her window, looking out at the quiet city.
Tomorrow…
Her thoughts drifted.
It's just a party, she reminded herself. I'm the guild leader. I need to stay focused.
Then her heart betrayed her.
But… it's also the first time I can spend time with him without suspicion…
She shook her head.
"No," she whispered. "Focus."
But even as she turned off the lights, a faint smile remained.
---
And somewhere deep within the city—
The night passed quietly.
Unaware that the simple party planned for joy, laughter, and warmth was about to intertwine emotions, awaken bonds, and set unseen threads of destiny into motion.
---
End of chapter.