After hours of running around and putting out fires, Lyra finally let out a breath. Sponsors? Handled. Minor hiccups? Solved. So far, the festival was running smoothly.
Adam and Mei were still at the coordination desk, eyes glued to their screens. But the moment Mei noticed Lyra still lingering nearby, her expression sharp with focus, she exchanged a glance with Adam and shut her tablet with finality.
"Go take a walk, Lyra," Adam said, leaning back with an easy smile.
"I still need to check a few—"
"You need a break," Mei cut in, arms crossed. "You've been nonstop since this morning."
Lyra opened her mouth to argue, but Adam raised a hand before she could get a word out.
"Come on, it's a festival. You're really not gonna enjoy any of it?"
"I will. Later. Once it calms down a bit. And I still have to—"
Mei let out a long sigh, then gave Lyra a gentle but firm push away from the desk. "Nope. You're going. Now. Not up for debate."
Lyra shot her a half-hearted glare. "Mei…"
"Nope."
"What if something urgent comes up?"
"We've got walkie-talkies," Adam said, holding his up. "If we need you, we'll call."
Lyra still looked ready to argue, but Mei's stare was sharp enough to shut her down. It practically said, Don't even think about it.
Finally, with an annoyed little grunt, Lyra gave in. "Fine. But if anything happens, call me right away."
Mei flashed a satisfied smile and reopened her tablet. "Relax. We're not amateurs."
Adam just chuckled as Lyra walked away, reluctantly putting distance between herself and the control zone for the first time all day.
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On the main stage, a student band was in full swing—fast beats and bright lights pulsing in rhythm with the crowd. People were clapping, dancing, singing along as colorful spotlights flickered through the air.
Food stalls lined the path, releasing waves of tempting aroma—grilled burgers with melting cheese, sausage buns loaded with toppings, icy drinks fizzing in the heat, and chocolate crepes oozing with gooey sweetness.
Not far off, students were laughing through the games area. Some were throwing rings with laser focus, others were blindfolded in a food-tasting challenge, and a few were eagerly cranking the handle on a raffle machine, hoping for a surprise prize.
At the edge of the grounds, a row of paper lanterns had begun to glow. They hung above the path, swaying gently as the golden dusk filtered across the sky, bathing the scene in a soft, almost magical light.
Lyra took it all in silently, her eyes scanning the lively scene.
A quiet pride settled in her chest. This was what they'd worked for. Over three months of preparation, now alive in every smile, every cheer, every corner of the campus.
But before she could soak it in further...
Grrk.Her stomach rumbled softly.
She blinked. Right. She hadn't eaten anything proper all day.
With a breathy chuckle, she glanced toward the food stalls, trying to decide where to go first—Until a hand suddenly appeared in front of her, offering a cup of ice cream.
"You look like you need this."
She turned—and there he was.Robin. Casual as ever, like he'd been there the whole time.
Lyra narrowed her eyes suspiciously. "What do you want?"
Robin shrugged. "Nothing. Just doing my civic duty by sharing dessert."
The smile on his face said otherwise—mischievous and completely unbothered.
She rolled her eyes but took the ice cream anyway. "Thanks. And here I thought all you were good at was being a nuisance."
Robin chuckled. "Hey, I am great at that. But sometimes, I show up with ice cream. Like a hero."
She sighed dramatically, but a small smile tugged at her lips.
He watched her for a moment, then said, "So… since you're officially off-duty for a while, how about a little tour? See the festival from a guest's perspective for once?"
She hesitated.
This festival was hers, in a way. She'd helped build it from the ground up, and every moment so far, she'd seen it through the eyes of a coordinator. A planner. The one who had to make sure nothing fell apart.
Maybe—just maybe—it wouldn't hurt to look at it differently. Just this once.
Finally, she nodded. "Alright. But no funny business."
Robin grinned. "No promises."
'I should've known he'd say that,' she thought, sighing internally.
And with that, the two of them began walking side by side into the heart of the festival—as the evening light gave way to the first hints of nightfall.
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They wandered down the path lined with food stalls and buzzing with festival-goers, Robin walking just a step ahead. Every now and then, he glanced from side to side like he was either searching for something—or just soaking it all in.
Lyra eyed him, frowning. "So, you dragged me out here with no actual plan?"
Robin looked back, flashing that trademark grin. "Plan? Life's better when you just go with it. Sometimes you've gotta walk until something cool shows up."
Lyra crossed her arms. "If that's your life philosophy, I'm not sure I want to follow it."
Robin chuckled. "Relax. I promise you the best tour of this festival."
Before she could respond, he started walking again—clearly enjoying himself—leaving Lyra to follow with a half-annoyed sigh. But deep down… she was curious.
They stopped at a ring toss booth, lit with strings of warm lights that gave the whole place a soft, nostalgic glow.
Robin's grin widened as he turned to her. "Now this looks fun. Wanna give it a shot?"
Lyra raised an eyebrow, eyeing the shelves of tiny stuffed animals and cheap prizes. "I'm not interested in wasting money on a game designed to make you lose."
"That's the spirit," Robin said, undeterred. "How about this—if I win, you owe me food."
Lyra narrowed her eyes. "And if you lose?"
Robin paused dramatically. "Then I'll give you a surprise. Deal?"
It sounded sketchy, and Lyra didn't trust that smirk one bit. Still, for some reason she found herself nodding. "Fine. Let's see what you've got."
Robin picked up the first ring and tossed it—only for it to land nowhere near the target.
Lyra bit her lip, trying (and failing) not to laugh. "Wow. I'm honestly impressed."
Robin ignored her and picked up the second ring. This time it was closer—almost—but still missed.
Lyra put her hands on her hips. "I should've filmed this."
Robin took a deep breath, holding the last ring like it was a sacred artifact. He closed his eyes in mock focus.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "What, gonna summon your secret technique now?"
No response. He exhaled slowly… and threw.The ring landed squarely on the target.
Robin jumped back, victorious. "Yes! Did you see that?!"
Lyra paused, letting out a reluctant sigh—even as her lips twitched into a small smile. "Alright. A deal's a deal. What do you want to eat?"
Robin crossed his arms and looked dramatically up at the sky, pretending to ponder the question like it was a life decision.
Then he turned to her with a playful glint in his eyes. "Hmm… how about something we can share?"
She squinted at him. "Why does that sound suspicious?"
He shrugged, still wearing that annoyingly smug grin. "Because it's more fun. Sharing food's just more… intimate, y'know?"
Suddenly, Lyra felt her cheeks get a little too warm. She quickly looked away, pretending she didn't hear the effect his words had on her. "Whatever. Let's get something before I change my mind."
Robin laughed softly and walked ahead.
Lyra followed, heart beating just a little faster for reasons she definitely wasn't ready to admit.
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After a few more minutes of wandering, Robin and Lyra still hadn't agreed on where to eat.
"So, what are we getting?" Robin asked, glancing down at the girl beside him who looked just a little unsure.
Lyra scanned the packed food stalls. "I don't know. I don't want anything too heavy… but not something sweet either."
Robin let out a dramatic sigh. "So we're looking for something delicious, not too filling, and definitely not a dessert?"
Lyra nodded with a shrug. "Exactly."
Robin gave her a look, then grinned. "Your standards are impressive. Alright, let's find something worthy of our festival princess."
Just as they were about to move again, a voice called out. "Hey, you two."
They turned around to see Nelson standing nearby, headphones slung around his neck and wearing one of his signature graphic tees—probably repping an indie band only he had heard of.
"Nelson?" Lyra blinked in surprise. "What are you doing here?"
He shrugged casually. "Just checking things out. Also looking for a certain someone who's been 'too busy' lately." His eyes flicked toward Robin, who stood next to Lyra sipping a cold drink. "And now I see why."
Robin rolled his eyes. "Don't start."
"I'm just stating facts," Nelson said with a smirk before turning back to Lyra. "So? How's the festival treating you? Tired yet?"
"Exhausted," Lyra said honestly. "But at least it's all gone smoothly so far."
"That's good to hear." Nelson shoved his hands into his pockets. "I'm not staying long, so if you know any food stands that won't kill my taste buds, let me know. I trust the judgment of a starving event coordinator."
Lyra chuckled. "There's a takoyaki booth near the main stage. Or crepes near the games area."
Nelson gave her a thumbs-up. "Noted."
Before he could leave, another voice rang out.
"Lyra!"
They turned to see Suzie waving enthusiastically, with Walter standing beside her, cool as always.
"Suzie? Walter?" Lyra blinked. It wasn't that surprising to see them—but still unexpected.
"Finally caught you! Thought I was seeing things," Suzie beamed, her shoulder-length hair bouncing as she walked up. "How's the festival? Total chaos?"
"Pretty busy, but fun," Lyra said, trying to sound casual. "You guys came together?"
"Of course," Suzie replied, linking her arm through Walter's with ease. "Arlo came too, but he disappeared on us."
"He's probably off flirting with someone," Walter added with a chuckle.
Lyra raised an eyebrow, amused. "That's highly likely."
Nelson, who'd been quietly observing, looked over. "Arlo? That med school guy? Where'd he vanish to?"
Walter glanced at Suzie, then back to Nelson. "Should still be around here somewhere. Unless he's busy hunting for his next 'target.'"
"Sounds about right," Lyra said with a small laugh.
Suzie giggled, then leaned her head against Walter's shoulder with a dreamy smile. "Good thing I already have the best one right here."
Walter smiled back and gently brushed her hair behind her ear. "I know. I'm amazing."
Watching them, Lyra felt a tiny twist in her chest.
Just like that, her mood sank.
She knew Suzie and Walter were dating. She had accepted it—or at least, she thought she had. But seeing it up close like this… still hurt.
And then Walter leaned down and pressed a soft kiss to Suzie's forehead.
"Oh my god, do you two even know what personal space is?" Nelson muttered.
Suzie just giggled again while Walter shot him a lazy smirk. "Jealous?"
"Nope. I just didn't sign up for a live PDA show," Nelson replied coolly.
Lyra turned away, trying to hide the flicker of emotion on her face. But Robin caught it.
He saw it in the way her expression shifted—barely noticeable, but enough. He knew Lyra well enough to catch it.
Her eyes, usually bright, now seemed just a little dimmer.
Without thinking, Robin stepped in. His voice was light, but carried a subtle edge. "You guys are some kind of friends, huh? All cuddled up while ditching your third wheel."
Suzie and Walter paused, thrown off by the comment.
But Robin didn't wait for a reply. He reached for Lyra's hand and gently pulled her with him. "C'mon. We've got stuff to do. Enjoy the rest of the festival."
The couple watched them go, confused. Nelson, who had also been left behind, seemed to understand a little more than he let on.
With a dry smile, he turned to Suzie and Walter. "Alright then. Enjoy your little rom-com. I'll go find food and spare myself from being the third-wheel witness."
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Robin still had his fingers wrapped gently around her wrist as they walked away from the couple he now mentally categorized as "oblivious to everything but themselves." Lyra didn't pull away. She let him lead her, her feet moving forward—but her thoughts stayed behind.
Back where Suzie and Walter stood. Side by side, picture-perfect, like the world had dimmed around them just to spotlight the two of them.
Lyra lowered her gaze, staring at the ground as if it could steady her. Her chest tightened—disappointment, sadness, or maybe a tangled mix of both. Feelings she thought she had buried were now clawing their way back up.
Robin finally stopped when they reached a quieter corner of the festival. He let go of her wrist and turned to face her, his expression unreadable for a beat.
"You okay?" he asked, his voice softer now.
Lyra looked up, meeting his eyes. She wanted to lie, to say yeah, I'm fine, to brush it off like always—but the words wouldn't come.
So she just gave a small smile and nodded. "I'm okay."
Robin didn't buy it. Not for a second.
And he hated that smile. The kind people wore just to hide the parts that hurt.
"If you wanna cry, just cry," he said simply—calm, but firm.
Lyra blinked. "What?"
He shoved one hand into his pocket and looked at her like he saw straight through the act. "Don't hold it in. If you need to cry, then cry."
She didn't say anything. Her throat tightened. She turned her face slightly, biting her lower lip to keep everything down.
But how did he know?
"How can you tell?" she whispered.
He gave a small shrug. "It's all in your eyes."
Lyra swallowed hard. She never realized her eyes could betray her so easily. And yet Robin had noticed without her saying a word.
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The distant festival buzz filled the silence between them.
Robin glanced off to the side and exhaled. "I'm not gonna push you to talk. But if you ever want to... I'm here."
Lyra looked at him. And for the first time since earlier, something in her chest eased just a little. There was something about the way he said it that made her feel a little less alone.
Robin turned back to her, watching as she stared at the ground again. He didn't like seeing her like this—dimmed, quiet, nothing like the vibrant girl who had been running the show just hours ago.
He slowly raised a hand and lightly patted her head. "You don't have to pretend to be strong all the time, y'know?"
Lyra looked up, surprised by the gesture. But instead of awkwardness, she felt something warm and grounding in that simple touch.
She let out a slow breath, then gave a small nod. "I know."
Robin smiled faintly and lowered his hand. His eyes scanned the area like he was searching for a way to shift the mood. "Alright... so. Should we keep looking for food?"
Lyra paused, then nodded. "Sure."
Robin grinned. "Great. I'm starving, and since you promised to treat me, we'd better find something good."
A real smile tugged at Lyra's lips. Robin had that effect—it was annoyingly hard to stay sad around him.
They started walking back toward the food area, this time more at ease. Robin kept glancing at her now and then, just to make sure she was okay.
"So, what's the plan?" he asked, hands in his pockets. "Still looking for something we can share?"
Lyra thought for a second. "Didn't you say earlier you wanted something we could eat together?"
Robin raised his brows, then smirked. "Oh? So you were listening."
She scoffed and looked away, trying to hide the slight blush creeping up her cheeks. "I remembered. Doesn't mean I care."
Robin chuckled. "Alright, alright. Then… what about okonomiyaki?"
Lyra glanced at him. "The kind they cook in front of you?"
He nodded. "Yup. We can get a big one and split it. They say it tastes better when you eat it with someone else."
She hesitated for just a moment. It did sound good—and honestly, she needed something to distract her.
"Okay," she said at last. "Let's go find the stand."
Robin grinned, clearly satisfied. "Excellent choice. Let's go."
And with that, they headed off toward the food stalls, the air between them a little lighter than before.
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A big plate of half-cooked okonomiyaki was steaming on the iron griddle in front of them. The smell of the sauce soaking into the batter and cabbage filled the air, mixing with the warm buzz of the festival happening just beyond.
Robin glanced at Lyra sitting across from him. She looked calmer than before — her eyes weren't so clouded anymore, though you could still catch a flicker of whatever she was holding inside.
He felt a little relief. At least she wasn't as tense.
Before the silence could get awkward, a familiar, laid-back voice cut through.
"Well, well, well... look who's got a date at the festival, huh, Lyra?"
They both turned around at the same time.
There stood Arlo, hair all messy, hands shoved into his pockets, that classic mischievous grin like he was always up to something.
"Arlo..." Lyra sighed, half annoyed.
Arlo raised an eyebrow, eyes full of interest. "Oh yeah? Then what's this? Just hanging out with the handsome committee guy?"
Robin, who'd been quiet all this time, snorted. "Not a date. I just dragged her away from some over-the-top drama."
Arlo shot Robin a look, then turned back to Lyra, eyes sharp like he was trying to figure something out beneath the surface.
Then his tone got softer, a little more serious than usual. "Hey."
Lyra blinked, surprised by the sudden change.
"You good?" The question sounded simple, but somehow hit deeper than the others.
"Me? Yeah, I'm fine," Lyra said, trying to sound casual. "Just busy with festival stuff."
Arlo didn't say anything, just kept looking. Then he cleared his throat. "Hmm... yeah, that's a lie."
Lyra froze.
Robin, still munching on his okonomiyaki, just watched quietly but heard it all.
Arlo sighed and crossed his arms. "Look, I know you don't usually show when you're down. So if your face looks like you just lost something, that's kinda weird."
Lyra bit her lip.
Damn. She forgot Arlo was good at reading people — even if he acted like a goof.
Robin, without looking up, tossed in, "She just ran into some couple who don't even realize their friend's got feelings too."
Arlo turned sharply to Robin. "What? What's that supposed to mean?"
Robin shrugged, glancing at Lyra like, 'Your call if you wanna talk or not.'
Lyra took a deep breath. "I'm fine," she said softly, forcing a small smile. "I just gotta get back to work."
Arlo stared for a second, then gave a low chuckle. "Alright, if you don't wanna talk…"
But just like that, his grin came back full force. "But hey, if you ever wanna vent, I'm around. Don't just dump it all on the handsome committee guy here."
Robin shot him a tired look. "Who said I'm handsome?"
Arlo laughed. "No need to be shy, I know you think it."
Lyra, who'd been tense, finally cracked a little laugh. Arlo always had a way of breaking the mood.
Still, something about the whole thing left a weird knot in her chest.
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*** TO BE CONTINUE ***