Teh Kira wiped her damp cheeks. "You're all incredible," she said, voice trembling. "I never imagined my little brother and his friends could do something this big."
The room filled with warmth and closeness. Everyone exchanged soft smiles, sharing the simple happiness of the moment. Kaivan felt a deep relief settle in his heart, like a heavy burden slowly melting away.
After the laughter and stories faded, Kaivan's friends began to leave one by one. Standing by the door, Frans adjusted his jacket and glanced at Thivi. "Come on, I'll walk you home. It's already noon."
Thivi nodded softly, her expression slightly troubled. "Okay," she answered with a faint smile. She knew their small activities would have to pause for now.
Seeing this, Kaivan tapped her shoulder gently. "Hey, you're welcome here anytime, Thivi. After I get back from Norway, we'll start having fun together again."
Thivi's smile brightened a little. "Alright. I'll go first, then." She approached Kaivan's mother, respectfully kissing the back of her hand. "Thank you, Auntie, for letting us help today."
Kaivan's mother stroked her head affectionately. "Thank you, dear."
The rest of the group said their goodbyes as well, each offering a polite farewell. The living room was filled with gratitude and gentle affection.
From the window, Frans and Thivi waved before driving away, while Kaivan, his mother, and Teh Kira stood by the door, smiling as they watched them leave.
Now, only Kaivan and Isabel remained in the house growing quiet once more. The evening breeze drifted in, lifting Isabel's loose hair. Kaivan looked at her and spoke softly, "Let's head out now. We still have many places we want to visit today, right?"
Isabel gave a small smile. "Not now, Kaivan. I want to go home first and change. I don't want to go out wearing wrinkled clothes like this," she said with a light laugh, making the calm sunset feel even gentler.
The bright midday sun washed over the city, its warmth reflecting across the bustling streets. Kaivan and Isabel rode a black sport bike toward her home, the wind brushing through the strands of Isabel's hair that peeked from beneath her helmet. Kaivan remained quiet, his thoughts occupied with the upcoming trip to Norway with his family.
When they arrived at Isabel's house, a modern home with a neatly kept garden, Kaivan parked the bike. Isabel hopped off, removing her helmet as her dark hair spilled gracefully around her shoulders.
"Wait here a moment, I'm just changing clothes," she said before heading inside.
Kaivan nodded and took a seat in the living room.
Not long after, a small girl hurried toward him. Isabel's younger sister stared up at Kaivan with curious eyes.
"Are you my sister Bela's boyfriend?" she asked innocently.
Before Kaivan could respond, Isabel returned, now wearing a white T-shirt and a denim jacket.
"Hey, no way! He's just my friend," she said with a smile.
Her little sister tilted her head, confused. "But didn't you just break up?"
Isabel gently patted the girl's hair. "I'll be out for a bit, okay? Take care of the house. Mom's gone out."
Their mother appeared from the kitchen, offering a warm smile. "So you're Kaivan. Thank you for being such a good friend to Isabel."
"Ah… it's nothing, Ma'am," Kaivan replied politely.
Without another word, Isabel took his wrist. "Come on, let's go."
During the ride, the hum of the engine became the rhythm of their light conversation.
"So your family calls you Bela?" Kaivan asked.
Isabel glanced back with a small smile. "Yeah. My real name is Isabela. It's what they've called me since I was a kid." Her voice carried a soft nostalgia.
Kaivan gave her a quick look before focusing on the road again. In the quiet wind, he realized, his heart had long stopped believing in love.
They reached a large luggage shop. Bright displays showcased suitcases in every color. Kaivan chose a sturdy black one. But suddenly, the small bag on his back vibrated.
He opened it and saw the Tome Omnicent glowing faintly, words forming across its pages:
"Go to Tania's house. Immediately."
Kaivan frowned. "Why would I go there?" he muttered.