Oh my God! You all have exactly the same taste in clothes… there is absolutely no creativity!
Reem spoke while standing near the academy's exit, looking toward them. She was wearing a black abaya and hijab, yet with delicate details that made the garment more elegant and beautiful, almost like a simple dress.
Eugene raised his gaze toward her, his pupils darting along the folds of her fabric. He spoke with a tone of mild sarcasm and surprise.
"So… you, despite everything you have, still chose to wear only this?"
Freed looked at him and said, "What's wrong with it? It looks beautiful!"
Eugene sighed after Freed ruined the moment. Reem laughed, a light victorious laugh, like a breeze cooling her chest.
Freed raised his head, eyebrows lifted. "Does any of you even know where Melissa's house is?"
Silence stretched for a few seconds. Then they realized none of them actually knew where she lived.
"Didn't she give you the invitation? I mean, she was supposed to tell you where her house is,"
Rain said with slight irritation toward Reem.
Reem raised an eyebrow and replied in the same tone, "She only gave me the invitation… she didn't tell me where her house is."
Rain placed both hands on his head, shock and faint despair on his face, as if carrying the weight of the world.
"How are we supposed to attend her birthday on time then?!"
Domino-like scenarios began falling in his mind. Maybe she would use her father's influence to punish them. Maybe she would end her relationship with them. Maybe they would look arrogant in front of all the guests.
Freed closed his eyes briefly, regretting that he had asked.
Eugene lifted his hands slightly with a calm smile, eyes gently closed.
"Relax, guys… I know where her house is."
Everyone fell silent. They slowly turned toward him. Reem burst out with mild anger and annoyance.
"If you knew where her house is, why did you let us argue?!"
"You should've told us earlier!"
Eugene looked at Reem for a moment. "What's with her… she was wrong, she—"
…
His mind drifted back to the story of the Seed of Life.
A lonely man… sorrow and emptiness within him.
A faint shiver ran down Eugene's spine, along with a strange inner feeling. He spoke without thinking.
"I should apologize to you… I blamed you."
Reem looked at him in surprise for a moment, then spoke more calmly, her hands relaxing at her sides.
"It's fine… I was wrong too. Maybe she told me and I didn't hear her properly because I was nervous and excited when she gave me the invitation."
Rain and Freed's eyes widened slightly.
At that moment Eugene stood still, thinking about what he had just said. Yet he accepted it… and that strange feeling inside him nearly disappeared.
Rain and Freed looked at each other for a few seconds, then turned their astonished gazes toward Eugene.
Rain spoke, still shocked.
"Wait… he just apologized to her!"
Freed looked at Rain, puzzled.
"So what? It's normal to apologize if you're wrong."
Reem spoke confidently, "Yes, normal… if it's someone else. But Eugene apologizing to me, when we're usually competing or arguing… that's strange."
Eugene felt slightly embarrassed. He closed one eye and raised an eyebrow.
"I don't know why you're both so surprised… I've become more mature, and far less arrogant."
Freed tilted his head slightly. "Could it be… that you like her?!"
The moment Reem and Eugene heard the question, sarcasm appeared on Reem's face, while shock and disgust appeared on Eugene's.
"I like this? Ew, man, what's wrong with your brain?!"
"Believe it? For the first time ever, I agree with you!"
Rain pressed his fingers near his eyes and nose, whispering with disappointment,
"So you've become mature, huh? Looks like you just wanted an excuse for your apology."
Eugene placed his hands on his hips. "Enough of this nonsense. We'll be late for the birthday… wherever it is. Where exactly is her house?"
Freed walked out of the academy. Eugene, Rain, and Reem followed. They headed toward the train station.
The train flew through the air, landing at certain points, picking up passengers, then moving to the next stop. Inside, the atmosphere was cool and quiet, the chill brushing tired faces. Few passengers. Each immersed in silence. The group remained silent for the entire half-hour ride, hearing only the faint hum of the engine and the steady rhythm of their breathing.
When they arrived at the next stop, they got off.
The moment Eugene stepped down, he raised his eyes… and saw it.
A massive four-story palace, blue as though it touched the sky. Warm yellow lights slipped through large windows, casting golden shadows over the surrounding grass. Numerous guards stood across the grounds. Waves of carved ornaments seemed to breathe along the walls.
It was enormous…
I have never seen a house this big!
Reem and Rain shared Eugene's awe.
"Come on… stop staring at the palace," Freed commented.
Eugene hurried forward. "If this is how it looks outside… what must it be like inside?!"
They approached the giant brown wooden door with its large golden handle. Guards raised their hands, signaling them to stop.
"What?" Eugene asked, irritation in his voice.
Freed turned to Reem. "The invitation?"
Reem searched the side pockets of her long dress, fingers brushing the fabric quickly, then pulled out the invitation and handed it to Freed. He gave it to the guards. Once the left guard saw it, he opened the door.
A strong light burst outward at first, then the scene became clear.
A crowd of people of various appearances. Wealth and nobility floated over their faces. Black and brown suits, elegant canes, shining accessories, long flowing dresses in pink, black, and blue. Refined hats.
The vast palace buzzed with life. Polished white and brown walls. A long banquet table. The scent of flowers and perfume. Bright lights overhead. Grand staircases leading to the second floor.
The astonishment inside was greater than outside.
One guest turned toward Eugene and Rain. A smile and recognition spread across his face.
"Wait… you're the survivors of that incident… what was it called? Ah yes, Biso Village."
The question spread like a lit match among candles. All eyes turned toward them. People gathered in a circle.
"Your eye shape is beautiful!"
"You look very cute!"
"Smile, boy, I want a picture!"
"I heard Musa gives you special treatment, is that true?"
"You look strong… how much would it cost to buy you?!"
Questions rained over them. Some women pinched Rain's soft cheeks. His face turned red with embarrassment. Sweat formed lightly on his forehead.
Unlike Eugene, who adapted quickly, smiling brightly.
"Wait! Help me!" Rain called to Reem and Freed.
Reem smiled. "That's your problem. Enjoy your fame."
Freed gestured toward Eugene. "Be like your brother. Use it to make friends."
"Guys… don't leave me alone!"
A hand grabbed Eugene's wrist and pulled him from the crowd. Rain as well.
It was Melissa.
She wore a wide pink dress, high heels, styled hair, golden bracelets, and a small silver necklace.
"Why did you pull us away?" Eugene asked.
"You saw Rain's face. He was about to explode from embarrassment," she said with a smile. "And I want to introduce you to my father. He's curious about you."
A tall man approached. Brown hair, emerald-green eyes, slight wrinkles, glasses, formal black suit, kind smile.
"So you're Rain and Eugene."
"Oh my God… a giraffe," Eugene whispered about his height.
Rain smacked the back of his neck. "Shut up!"
Melissa gestured. "This is my father… Kanfi Rio."
Eugene extended his hand. "Nice to meet you. I'm Eugene Noah."
Kanfi looked slightly surprised but shook his hand.
Rain did the same. "And I'm Rain Shadow… his brother."
"Pleasure to meet you. Tell me, how is life at the academy?"
"Beautiful… but dangerous," Eugene answered.
Kanfi laughed. "You mean the beast attack? Don't worry. Very rare."
Rain asked cautiously, "Why did Alex stop Eugene's punishment?"
Kanfi smiled. "Because Melissa asked him to."
Rain looked at Melissa in surprise.
Kanfi joked, "Seems she likes your brother."
Eugene frowned. "What is wrong with today?! First Freed, now you! Impossible!"
Melissa lowered her mouth slightly. "Yes, Kanfi… I'm dying for your beauty. You look like a rare monkey."
Eugene grinned proudly. "Even in your insult, you called me rare. That means I'm special."
Kanfi laughed. "You remind me of myself when I teased her mother."
He then looked at Melissa. "Aren't you supposed to give your speech?"
"Oh right! Thanks, Father."
She headed to the podium. "Don't bother them, Father."
Kanfi gestured toward a round wooden table. "Why don't you sit until she finishes?"
They sat and watched Melissa prepare to speak.
To be continued…