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IT seemed it would still be some time yet before the start of the meteor shower. Having grown tired of sitting around, the group dispersed to find their own spot to lounge on the rooftop. Occasionally, soft whispers would drift their way, carried on the wind. There were apparently other students elsewhere on the grounds doing the same thing.
The smell of summer emanated from the damp forest floor, filling the air. Thanks to the humidity and heat, Oriana’s shirt was practically glued to her skin. An unpleasant sweat beaded on her neck, relieved only by the light breeze.
Oriana had left her seat to refill her cup, and when she returned, she overheard Yana and Azraq’s conversation as they stood nearby.
“Azraq, there is not a day I forget all I have stolen from you—your country and your friends.”
A tremor shot through Oriana, her fingertips trembling. She hesitated over whether it was right to listen in on this, but it would be more unnatural to suddenly leave. The pot she’d used to refill her cup had already turned lukewarm, but she nonetheless slowly sipped her drink, careful not to make a sound.
“Even so, I will not release you. Win for me.” Although Oriana couldn’t see Yana’s face, her voice was quiet and relaxed.
“Nothing would please me more,” said Azraq. He answered as casually as if she’d just asked him how much sugar he wanted in his tea.
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Yana giggled at his response.
Feeling someone else’s eyes on her, Oriana turned her head. Vincent was gazing over at her from where he was standing at the edge of the roof, leaning against the railing. Not wanting to disturb Yana and Azraq, she shook her head. Vincent smiled faintly and nodded, as if he understood what she was trying to convey. He peeled his gaze away from Yana and the others, instead glancing up at the sky.
“I’m sure my elder brother Shinra must have been loath to let you go,” said Yana.
“Only because Prince Shinra loves you so deeply.”
“No need to try to spare my feelings.”
“My sympathies.”
After a brief pause, the princess said, “I suppose I’d better bet on one of these shooting stars that a suitor will appear who can beat you.”
“I won’t lose, so I’m afraid that will only bring shame to Rukh.”
Oriana’s fingers traced over the cup. There was no warmth to it at all. Carrying her lukewarm tea with her, she left her spot again. She considered venturing over to where Vincent was, but he had a rather serious expression on his face as his gaze flitted between the stars and his textbook, so she changed course. Still cradling her cup, she slipped over to Miguel.
“Miguel, did you decide what you’re going to wish for?”
“Mmm…” He was being unusually cagey.
Oriana took a small gulp of tea before lowering her cup from her lips. “Can’t make up your mind?” She tilted her head as she asked.
Miguel flashed his usual smile at her. “You only wish for something when you know it won’t come true otherwise.” His argument was strangely persuasive enough to convince her.
Nonetheless, Oriana said, “But what’s the harm? It’s not often we get to do this. Actually, I’m so greedy that I can’t settle on any one thing to wish for, so how about you tell me what you want? I’ll wish for it to come true for you.”
Miguel stared down at her. He choked out a small laugh. “Well then, how ’bout wishing that we’ll be able to have another picnic like this next year?”
“Aww, you’re holding out on me.” Oriana drained the rest of her cup and smiled. “But since I like your idea so well, I’ll make it my wish. You’d better be sure to come here next year.”
“’Course.”
“Maybe next year, I’ll invite Heidemarie and the others along.”
“That’d be nice— Oh! I just saw one.”
“What?! Where?” Immediately panicked, she whipped around to face the others. “Yana, Vincent! One just fell!”
Their entire group immediately paused to glance up at the sky.