The door creaked softly as Zephyr entered the house, her heart still fluttering from the letter she had read. She wasn't sure what was happening between her and Zane—but whatever it was, it made her cheeks warm every time she thought about him.
"Ah, my little star returns!" a warm voice called out from the living room.
Zephyr's face lit up. "Grandma!"
Zane's grandmother stood with open arms, her silver hair pinned neatly in a bun, wearing her usual cozy costume. Zephyr rushed into her embrace.
"You had fun with your friends?" Grandma asked, eyes twinkling.
Zephyr nodded shyly. "Yes, Grandma. I had."
"You know," Grandma chuckled, "Zane told me you came to his concert. He was very happy to see you."
Zephyr blinked. He mentioned me?
Grandma stepped into the kitchen, humming. "That boy… I always knew you two were somehow... made for each other."
Zephyr froze. "Grandma…"
The older woman only smiled. "Thank you, Zephyr. For taking care of him. You always do."
Zephyr's eyes softened, her voice dropping. "No, Grandma… if someone should be thanked, it's you. You're the one who… gave me a place to live when no one else did. You gave me a family." Her voice trembled slightly. "Without you, I'd be... on the streets."
Grandma said nothing—just came forward and kissed her forehead. "Go rest, sweetheart."
Later that night, Zephyr sat in her room, eyes fixed on the clock. 9:42 PM. Her heartbeat sped up.
By 9:55, she slipped out silently and walked toward Zane's room.
Zephyr knocked his room door.
Zane opened the door with a teasing grin and a silky cloth in his hand. "Perfect timing."
Before she could ask, he blindfolded her.
"W-What are you doing?"
"Shhh. Trust me. Just follow my lead," he whispered.
He gently led her up the stairs, hand firmly holding hers. When they reached the terrace, he stopped and slowly removed the cloth.
Zephyr's eyes widened.
The sky was dark, and stars scattered across it like silver glitter. The air was cool, and everything looked still and magical.
"Wow… it's beautiful," she whispered, amazed.
"I know," Zane said smugly. "I have great taste."
She laughed softly.
"Actually," he added, looking at the stars, "I saw this view yesterday night. I thought you should see it too. But you were asleep, and I didn't want to wake you, my sunshine."
Her heart skipped again at the nickname.
They sat side by side, shared their momets with each other.
Zephyr asked gently, "Are you doing okay, Zane? Like… with all the idol work and pressure?"
"I have my moments," he shrugged. "But you? You're in your third year. Must be tough?"
Zephyr smiled. "Not really. I've gotten used to it. Just one year to go."
Zane laughed. "Of course. You're the topper. You always make it look easy."
There was a pause.
"Zane…" she began hesitantly. "Do you… like someone?"
Zane blinked. "No. Not really. Not right now."
Zephyr looked at him, waiting, hoping.
"But…" he continued, "maybe in the future, who knows? If I do fall in love someday, you'll be the first one to know. I'll introduce her to you."
"…Why me?" she asked, her voice softer than she meant.
"Because you're my best friend, Zeph. No matter what happens—marriage, kids, crazy fame—you'll always be my constant. My best friend."
Zephyr's smile faltered.
He didn't notice.
He says"You know, not everyone gets to keep their childhood friends. But I will. You'll always be that person for me."
She nodded quietly.
Moments later, she said, "I feel sleepy. I'll go now."
He nodded with a smile, "Goodnight, sunshine."
But her heart was hurt. She walked back, slowly, and as she lay in bed, tears quietly formed.
"Why can't you see me more than that…"?
The silence made her sadness louder—until her phone buzzed.
[Group Chat: StarFive]
Stella: Guys. HELP.
Serephina: What now?
Nyx: Please don't tell me you broke something again.
Stella: Worse. I forgot the MATH HOMEWORK. It's due tomorrow first period!
Nyx: Stellaaa… we literally reminded you
Serafina: Who told you to go for eclipse concert without completing your homework?
Stella: Ofc Alex is important than anything
Nyx: Then enjoyy your punishment tomorrow
Stella: Ugh, Atleast give me emotional support girls.
Zephyr: Don't worry and go to sleep everything will be fine.
Zephyr smiled a little. My girls... my chaos.
The Next Morning — University Grounds
Stella clutched her notebook to her chest, her face pale.
"Serafina! I didn't finish the math homework. I'm doomed!"
Serafina said "Our first period is maths , so they is no way that you will escape"
Inside the classroom, the math teacher stood up with a sharp voice.
"Anyone who didn't complete their homework—leave the class!"
Stella winced and stood up slowly.
But suddenly—
"Ma'am!" a boy shouted. "There's a RED MOON!"
Everyone froze.
The sky outside was dark, clouds swirling unnaturally. A strange pulse filled the air.
Another student screamed, "A DEMON IS COMING! Where are my girls to protect me?!"
Eyes turned, panic spreading. In that chaos, Stella and Serafina's eyes met.
They didn't speak.
They just stared at each other.
Silent.
Focused.
And then—
The mystery continues....