The morning light spilled through the curtains like strands of gold. Rudra stirred awake to the sound of distant bells and the faint aroma of tea drifting through the corridor. Today was supposed to be his first lesson under Merrin's supervision — the art of negotiation, trade routes, and the complex dance of merchants.
But when he reached the study, Merrin wasn't there.
Only Lumi waited by the door, holding a tray with a cup of steaming tea and a worried frown.
"Good morning, Rudra," she said softly. "Sir Merrin won't be teaching today. He's caught a fever — the doctor says he needs rest."
Rudra blinked. "Fever? That's… unfortunate."
Lumi smiled apologetically. "He tried to get up, but when I found him, he almost fainted halfway through the corridor. I scolded him until he went back to bed."
"That sounds like him," Rudra muttered. "Always acting tough."
Lumi's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Well, that leaves just you and me for the day. What do you say, young master? Shall we have an adventure instead?"
Rudra hesitated. "Adventure? I don't think I'm—"
She leaned closer, lowering her voice dramatically. "Are you scared?"
His brows twitched. "Of course not."
"Then it's settled!" she chirped, grabbing his wrist before he could protest. "Come on, I'll show you the city through my eyes."
---
The streets of the capital were alive with morning bustle — merchants calling out prices, children chasing wooden hoops, and the smell of freshly baked bread wafting from the bakery at the corner. Lumi walked ahead, humming a light tune, while Rudra followed a step behind, hands in his pockets.
She spun around suddenly, walking backward with a teasing grin. "You know, for someone who's supposed to be the son of a famous merchant, you walk like a lost puppy."
Rudra looked away. "I'm not used to… crowds."
"That's obvious," she said, laughing. "If someone waved at you, you'd probably think they were trying to rob you."
He sighed. "You're enjoying this, aren't you?"
"Immensely."
They passed through a flower market where stalls overflowed with colors — violet asters, golden lilies, crimson roses. Lumi paused, inhaling deeply. "Smell that! Freshly cut blooms. My mother used to say every flower has a story."
Rudra tilted his head. "A story?"
"Mm-hmm." She pointed to a white tulip. "That one stands for forgiveness."
Then to a red carnation. "Passion."
And finally, a small blue bloom with curled petals. "And this one — it's called 'eternal trust.' My favorite."
She turned to him, eyes soft. "What about you, Rudra? Do you like flowers?"
He stared at them for a moment. "I never thought about it. But… maybe that blue one. It's quiet."
Her lips curved into a faint smile. "Then I'll buy it for you."
Before he could stop her, she handed a few copper coins to the florist and tucked the small flower into his coat pocket. "There. Now it's officially yours."
Rudra touched the delicate petals. "You didn't have to—"
"Too late," she interrupted with a grin. "No refunds."
---
They wandered toward the town square, where street performers entertained a growing crowd. A juggler tossed flaming torches into the air while children squealed with delight. Lumi clapped enthusiastically, while Rudra tried not to flinch every time a flame came too close.
She glanced at him. "You're tense."
"I'm surrounded by fire," he said flatly.
"That's the point! It's thrilling."
"I fail to see the thrill in spontaneous combustion."
Lumi laughed so hard she had to hold her stomach. "Oh gods, Rudra, you really are hopeless!"
Then a passing vendor called out, "A fine couple you make! Care to buy a love charm for good fortune?"
Rudra froze. "W-we're not—"
But Lumi clasped her hands behind her back and tilted her head, pretending to think. "Hmm… a love charm, you say? How much?"
"Two silvers for a pair!"
Rudra's face turned red. "Lumi!"
She winked. "Relax, I'm kidding. Unless you want one?"
He groaned. "I should've stayed at the office."
---
They stopped at a small café near the plaza. The tables were set under hanging vines, and the air smelled of roasted coffee and honey-glazed bread. Lumi ordered two pastries and sat across from him, chin resting on her palms.
"So, Rudra," she began, "what did you do before coming here? Any hobbies? Dreams?"
He hesitated. "I… don't know. I never thought much about dreams. My life was mostly about surviving — one day at a time."
Lumi's expression softened. "That sounds lonely."
"It was," he admitted quietly. "But being here feels… different. Peaceful."
She smiled faintly. "I'm glad. You deserve a little peace."
Their pastries arrived, golden and warm. Lumi tore hers apart, the sweet scent of fruit filling the air. "You've got to try this," she said, holding a piece out to him.
"I can feed myself," he muttered, but she kept her hand extended, daring him with her eyes.
He sighed and took a small bite. His face immediately betrayed him — it was delicious.
Lumi laughed. "See? I knew you'd like it!"
He looked away to hide the faint smile tugging at his lips. "It's… not bad."
"Not bad? That's your highest compliment yet! I'll take it."
---
As noon turned to dusk, they strolled along the riverside where lanterns were being lit one by one, their reflections dancing on the water. The gentle wind carried laughter and the distant melody of a flute.
Lumi stopped by the railing, leaning over to watch the current. "When I was little, I used to make wishes whenever lanterns floated down the river."
Rudra looked at her. "Did they come true?"
She smiled wistfully. "Some did. Some didn't. But wishing made me feel like maybe — just maybe — someone was listening."
He followed her gaze to the river. "What would you wish for now?"
Lumi thought for a moment. "For everyone I care about to be safe. For this peace to last."
Her words lingered in the air, fragile and sincere.
"And you?" she asked softly. "What do you wish for, Rudra?"
He hesitated. "I don't know. Maybe… to find what I'm meant to do. To understand who I really am."
Lumi turned to him, eyes shimmering in the lantern light. "You'll figure it out. I know you will."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The world felt still — just two souls standing by the river, caught between warmth and uncertainty.
Then Lumi suddenly straightened. "Ah! Wait here."
Before Rudra could ask, she ran to a nearby stall and returned with two paper lanterns. She handed one to him with a grin. "Let's make wishes together."
He blinked. "I thought you already made one."
"This one's special. You don't say it out loud, just… let it go."
They knelt by the water's edge. Rudra hesitated, then whispered something under his breath — a wish he didn't fully understand himself — and released the lantern. It drifted beside hers, two faint glows sailing into the night.
Lumi watched them disappear. "Beautiful, isn't it?"
Rudra nodded quietly. "Yeah… it is."
---
When they returned to the manor, the corridors were dim and silent. Lumi stretched, letting out a soft sigh. "Today was fun."
"It was," he admitted.
She smiled teasingly. "See? You can enjoy yourself when you try."
He smirked faintly. "I'll keep that in mind."
As she turned to leave, he called out softly, "Lumi."
She paused. "Yes?"
"Thank you. For today."
Her expression softened, her voice barely above a whisper. "Anytime, Rudra."
And with that, she disappeared down the hallway, her silver hair glimmering under the candlelight like the moon fading into dawn.
Rudra stood alone for a long time, looking at the small blue flower still tucked in his pocket.
For the first time in years, his heart felt light — fragile, but alive.