Days slowly passed by, and with that, Lumina Festival finally came to an end — along with the school’s two-week break.

  Classes had begun again, but these days weren’t really for studying — because the Silver Days weren’t over yet. In fact, this was just the beginning.

  The first day started with the 1st Year Students’ Festival, and their seniors had come to join in on their cheerful celebration.

  The morning was bright and clear. Not a trace of cloud in the sky— just soft, warm sunlight.

  As one entered through the large school gate, colorful balloons, hanging ribbons, and the lively bustle of students filled the view.

  Laughter echoed from every corner. The theme for the first day was — “Fun, Light Moments, and New Bonds.”

  So the entire school had been decorated with various exciting attractions.Today, the whole campus had turned into a festival ground.

  On one side of the field, there were small game stalls — some playing Ring Toss, others aiming darts with precision, while crowds gathered around the Lucky Draw table, eager to see who would get lucky.

  In another corner stood the Painting Corner, where the scent of paint mixed with the laughter of students.

  Right next to it were the Food Stalls — the crisp smell of popcorn, the sweet colors of cotton candy, the cool delight of ice cream, and the steaming warmth of snacks — together creating the very flavor of festivity in the air.

  Moving toward the hall, one could see the Art & Crafts Corner — students had hung handmade decorations, origami figures, and festival posters all along the walls. The entire place wrapped in colorful paper looked like a tiny wonderland.

  On the small school stage, mini performances were going on — some singing, some dancing, some acting in short skits with friends. Everywhere — laughter, applause, and a wave of bright excitement.

  By noon, Icebreaker Activities began — seniors joined in, leading quizzes, team games, and fun question rounds that brought everyone closer.

  And as the warm sunlight slowly mixed with the cool evening breeze, the entire school was glowing with joy — The first day of Silver Days ended with laughter, lightness, and a promise of new beginnings.

  The next morning was a little cooler, the sky veiled in soft clouds. The excitement of yesterday still lingered in the air, but today’s atmosphere felt calmer, cozier — because it was the 2nd Years’ Day, themed “Café & Creativity.”

  In one corner of the school garden stood cozy little café stalls — the aroma of coffee floated in the air, gentle steam rising from cups of sweet tea.

  Chocolate desserts, cakes, and colorful mocktails filled the surroundings with sweetness.

  Students and teachers sat together, chatting and laughing — a peaceful, heartwarming scene, as if time itself had slowed down.

  Inside the hall, the Cooking Competition was underway. Some were decorating cakes, others cooking pasta, while friends cheered from the sides— The whole place was filled with fragrance and laughter.

  Beside it was a small Board Games Corner — some played Uno, others Chess, and a few were engaged in lighthearted card matches. Soft laughter drifted across the room — as if the day wasn’t about competition, but about bonding.

  On another side stood the Art Gallery, walls lined with paintings, sketches, and photographs made by 2nd-year students. Each artwork held a fragment of feeling — a story only they could tell.

  When the school bell rang in the evening breeze, the scent of coffee still lingered — and everyone wore the same smile — a day where not just coffee, but friendship, art, and time blended into a beautiful memory.

  The third day— at night. The night had suddenly transformed — the familiar school now cloaked in strange shadows and flickering lights.

  As soon as one stepped through the gate, the sound of a faint breeze filled the air — the corridors covered in mist, dim red lights glowing in the dark. It was the 3rd Years’ Haunted Night Festival.

  Black cloth draped over walls, fake spider webs hanging from the ceiling, and students dressed as ghosts hiding in corners — jumping out to scare others. The school had turned into a mysterious playground of fear and laughter.

  Then, from the direction of the field, came the sound of music — The stage lit up with dance and band performances, The night once again came alive in a swirl of lights.

  Finally, the sky exploded with fireworks— bright bursts of color painting the night in gold.

  Students stopped and looked up — fear, laughter, and joy all merging into one perfect moment. That night became their most beautiful Silver Days memory — a night they would never forget.

  As the story-like night went on, everyone moved from the haunted corridors toward the field, where the scent of food filled the air — grilled chicken skewers, hot chocolate, butter popcorn, loaded fries, chocolate donuts, and mocktail drinks.

  Small stalls lined the stage area, soft smoke rising from warm dishes, students laughing, chatting — one hand holding food, the other a glow stick.

  The night of fright slowly melted into a night of warmth and friendship — where fireworks, music, and food came together to create the perfect ending — the last night of Silver Days, but the beginning of countless new memories.

  Amid all the noise and celebration, Mayya stood alone on the school rooftop, by the edge of the parapet wall, gazing up at the stars scattered across the night sky.

  Just then, soft footsteps approached from behind — Haarun came and quietly stood beside her. There was no sound around them, except the faint, whispering breeze drifting through the cold night air.

  After a few silent moments, Haarun looked at Mayya and spoke in a gentle voice:— “What’s the matter... Why are you standing here all alone? Didn’t anyone from your family come?”

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  Without taking her eyes off the sky, Mayya answered softly:— “No... no one from my family could come. My little brother has a fever, so my parents couldn’t make it. I just feel bad that I can’t be with him right now.”

  Hearing that, Haarun stayed silent for a while, as if lost in thought. Then, in a calm tone, he suddenly said:— “Let’s go.”

  Mayya turned to him in surprise:— “Go? Where are you planning to go at this hour?”

  Haarun smiled faintly and said in a quiet, reassuring voice:— “Let’s go to your hometown.”

  Even more surprised, Mayya said:— “But... What about the festival?”

  Haarun replied plainly:— “This festival doesn’t feel that fun to me anymore. So I thought... why not visit your hometown instead?”

  A small smile appeared on Mayya’s face. Without another word, she agreed to go with him. A little later, they got into Haarun’s car.

  While driving, Haarun said in his usual straightforward tone:— “Let your family know that you’re coming home.”

  Mayya quickly took out her phone and called her mother:— “Hello, Mom — I’m coming home today… No, not alone, I have a friend with me… What? The festival? No, it wasn’t that fun. I just thought I’d visit my brother for a bit. Yes, yes Mom — I’ll reach safely.”

  After the call ended, Mayya smiled softly. A little while later, on their way, they stopped at a shop to buy some fruits, gifts, and medicine for her little brother.

  After a few hours of traveling, the car finally came to a stop — they had arrived at Mayya’s hometown.

  At night, as they stepped out of the car, they found themselves standing beneath a sky filled with countless stars and a pale half-moon — right in front of Mayya’s hometown house.

  Mayya’s home stood a little outside the main city — in a quiet, clean, and peaceful area.

  It was a two-story house, painted in soft cream and white, with golden borders along the roof edges — giving it a graceful yet noble charm.

  At the front stood an iron gate, and beside it, on a small stone pillar, their family crest was engraved.

  Beyond the gate stretched a narrow stone path, its surface shimmering under the moonlight. On both sides lay neatly trimmed grass and flower-filled gardens.

  At the entrance, a large wooden door stood under a softly glowing lantern, its warm light swaying gently in the night breeze.

  Behind the house was a small garden with a stone fountain in the center — the very spot where Mayya often sat to enjoy the cool evening air.

  Altogether, the house was spacious but not overly grand — elegant, well-kept, and dignified, the home of a refined mid-noble family.

  Mayya and Haarun walked up to the door and rang the bell. A moment later, Mayya’s mother opened it.

  As the door swung open, she saw Mayya standing outside — and beside her, a boy she didn’t recognize, Haarun. Noticing the bag in Mayya’s hand, she gently asked:— “What’s in that bag, dear?”

  Mayya replied in a straightforward tone:— “There’s nothing much, Mom — just some fruits, gifts, and a few medicines for my little brother.”

  Then she gestured toward Haarun with a soft smile and said:— “And this is my friend.”

  Her mother smiled lightly, nodding as she said:— “Come in, children.”

  As they stepped inside, the warm light of the house seemed to wash away the chill of the night outside.

  The interior was arranged with perfect care — polished wooden floors, family portraits framed on the walls, and a small piano resting in the corner.

  From the ceiling hung a delicate chandelier, its soft glow filling the room with a calm, refined warmth. Haarun looked around — the place was modest, yet filled with taste.

  It wasn’t luxury that defined the home, but grace. Impressed, he whispered under his breath:— “Impressive... the house feels classic. I like it.”

  Mayya’s mother led them into the living room and said:— “Come, have a seat here.”

  In the center stood a large white sofa, flanked by two smaller ones, and on the coffee table sat a vase of fresh flowers. On one of the sofas sat Mayya’s father — his expression calm as he flipped through the pages of a book.

  But as soon as he saw his daughter and Haarun, he closed the book and smiled warmly. In a clear, even tone, he said:— “So, this is the friend you’ve been talking about?”

  Mayya nodded gently with a shy smile and replied:— “Yes, Dad.”

  Mayya and Haarun sat down on the sofa. After they settled in, Mayya’s father looked at Haarun with a calm expression and said:— “There’s something about you… I get this strange feeling that you might be a High Noble.”

  Haarun smiled faintly, then replied with quiet confidence:— “Sorry, Uncle… but you’re completely mistaken. I’m not a Noble — I’m a Mid Royal.”

  Hearing that, Mayya’s father froze for a moment. Then, in a voice filled with surprise, he said:— “What! You’re a Mid Royal? A Royal like you came to the house of someone as poor as me?”

  Haarun couldn’t help but laugh. After a brief pause, he said playfully:— “Sorry, Uncle, I didn’t mean to laugh… it’s just that what you said reminded me of something. Not too long ago, someone else told me almost the exact same thing.”

  Then Haarun glanced at Mayya with a teasing smile:— “I’m right, aren’t I?”

  At his words, Mayya’s cheeks flushed red. She quickly lowered her gaze in embarrassment, and Haarun’s laughter filled the room with a soft, warm light.

  Just then, Mayya’s mother entered the room, holding Mayya’s little brother’s hand. The small boy still had a fever, so he was wrapped snugly in a soft blanket.

  Seeing him, Mayya spoke in a slightly worried tone:— “Mom, why did you bring him here? We were about to go to his room in a little while!”

  Her mother smiled gently and replied in a calm voice:— “When your dear little brother heard that you were home, he insisted on seeing you right away. There was no stopping him once he made up his mind.”

  Saying that, she carefully helped the boy sit down on the sofa. At that moment, Mayya’s father said kindly:— “You kids talk for a while. We’ll be back in a bit.”

  With that, Mayya’s parents quietly left the room, leaving behind a warm, comforting silence filled with the gentle feeling of family. Mayya’s little brother looked at Haarun and asked softly:— “Sister… who is this boy?”

  Before Mayya could say anything, Haarun smiled and replied cheerfully:— “My name is Haarun aev Inazum, and I’m your sister’s friend. Now, may I know your name?”

  The small boy answered in a gentle voice:— “My name is… Aman Shizqar. And I’m seven years old.”

  Haarun smiled warmly and said:— “Wow! That’s such a nice name. And do you know? Your sister brought a lot of things for you today!”

  Hearing that, Aman’s eyes widened with excitement. Haarun then looked at Mayya with a smile and said:— “Shizqar, your brother is really sweet — just like you.”

  Hearing that, Mayya’s cheeks turned red again. With a slightly shy tone, she said:— “So that’s what you think…”

  Before Haarun could fully respond, Aman suddenly tugged at his shirt and asked bluntly:— “Why do you call my sister by her family name?”

  Both Mayya and Haarun froze for a moment. Aman continued:— “I call her by name, and so do Mom and Dad. So why don’t you call her by name too?”

  Haarun thought for a moment, then smiled faintly and said:— “Because we’re friends, that’s why.”

  Aman frowned and replied:— “I have friends too, but they all call me by my name.”

  Now Haarun was completely speechless. He couldn’t figure out how to explain it to the little boy. Just then, Mayya, blushing and flustered, softly said:— “Ha… ha… Haarun, if you want… you can just call me Mayya.”

  Hearing that, Haarun stayed silent for a few seconds, then sighed lightly and said gently:— “Alright then, Mayya.”

  A little while later, Mayya’s parents returned. Her mother smiled and said:— “Kids, come on now — let’s eat.”

  Everyone sat down at the table. During dinner, Mayya’s father said politely:— “Son, I’m sorry if it feels uncomfortable having to eat with us like this.”

  Hearing that, Haarun laughed softly and replied with a cheerful tone:— “Uncle, now you’re making me feel embarrassed! Please, just talk to me normally.”

  After dinner, Haarun spoke calmly:— “Mayya, you should spend the night with your family. I’ll stay at a nearby 5-star hotel.”

  Mayya immediately frowned and said a bit angrily:— “Where will you find a 5-star hotel at this hour? There’s no hotel within forty kilometers of our place!”

  As soon as she said that, her father spoke gently:— “Son, if you don’t mind, you can stay in our guest room.”

  Haarun thought for a moment, then smiled softly. Nodding in agreement, he said:— “Alright, uncle… I’ll stay here.”

  Next morning. The soft morning sunlight spread gently through the house, carrying a calm, cool breeze.

  Haarun stepped out of the guest room just as Mayya was already ready. After saying their goodbyes, they walked toward the car.

  In the courtyard, the morning light shimmered over dew-covered leaves. They got into the car, and a quiet stillness settled between them — no words were needed.

  As the car slowly rolled down the road, Mayya’s house faded from view, leaving behind the quiet warmth of a peaceful night — a memory that would linger for a long time.