Chapter Eleven: Fireworks and Friendships
(Lyra's POV)
The last day of the Autumn Festival felt heavier — not in a bad way, just… significant.
Saint Valley High was alive with banners, music, and the smell of fried dough that clung to everything. The football field was still littered with confetti from yesterday's game. Lanterns bobbed lazily in the breeze, and the bonfire from last night had been replaced by a row of sparkling torches.
I clutched my sketchbook nervously — partly because today was the day the art showcase results were announced, and partly because I didn't want to admit how much I didn't want this festival to end.
Soraya and Saphira practically dragged me into the courtyard first thing.
"You have to come!" Soraya squealed, tugging me by the sleeve. "Today's the day! The festival ends with the talent show, prize announcements, and… more food than you can ever dream of!"
"I'm ready," I lied, secretly buzzing inside.
Rina met me near the art club booth, a proud grin lighting her face. "Lyra… everyone's asking about you. They loved the mural. And I… think the club wants you officially."
My chest stuttered. "I… really?"
"Yes," she said. "You're in. Welcome to the group — officially."
I felt a rush of warmth — like I'd finally stepped inside something I was meant to belong to.
As we made our way to the bleachers for the festival's final events, I noticed the group already there. Cassian leaning against the rail, Aveline beside him, arms crossed — the tension palpable. Evan was already seated, golden hair catching the sunlight, scanning the crowd until his eyes landed on me.
And, of course, he smiled — that small, secret smile that always made my stomach leap.
First came the final art showcase. My mural? Third place.
I blinked. Third place. Not first. Not even second. But it didn't matter — because Rina pulled me into a hug that said, you earned your spot here. Soraya and Saphira jumped in.
"You're ours now," Soraya said proudly. "Officially."
"I… okay," I said, laughing. My chest felt like it might burst. I belonged. Really belonged.
Then came the food. Fried dough, cotton candy, caramel apples, churros — enough sugar to power a small city.
Evan wandered over, plopping down beside me with a grin. "I got you another teddy," he said, holding a smaller bear wearing a tiny football jersey. "In case you want to start a collection."
I hugged both bears. "You really don't have to—"
"I want to," he interrupted smoothly.
I laughed, brushing my hair behind my ear. "Okay… thank you."
But then, the talent show began.
Soraya and Saphira performed a short cheer routine — exaggerated and hilarious — which drew laughs and applause. Aveline played piano flawlessly, but her eyes constantly flicked toward Cassian, who was watching her like a hawk.
I noticed the tension between them again — tighter now, like a string pulled too far. Cassian's jaw tightened every time Aveline glanced at him, and she would bite her lip and look away.
I tried not to stare, but it was impossible. I felt like a small witness to their unsaid words — their near-confessions.
Finally, the fireworks started.
I sat with the group, holding my teddies close. Evan leaned toward me, whispering, "You look… perfect tonight."
I rolled my eyes. "Thanks, Vale."
"Don't roll your eyes at me," he said softly. "I mean it."
Across the group, Cassian looked at me strangely — not teasing, not neutral — like he wanted to say something but couldn't. And Aveline… well, she was glaring at him like she might explode.
I laughed quietly, shaking my head. What a mess.
When the last firework burst in a cascade of gold, Rina nudged me. "Lyra… I think you're going to like it here."
I smiled, hugging the teddies closer. "I already do."
Soraya and Saphira grabbed my hands. "Welcome officially," Saphira said, grinning.
And for the first time since moving to this town, I realized I wasn't just surviving Saint Valley High.
I was living in it.
As we walked home later, stuffed on festival sugar and laughter echoing in our chests, I noticed Evan beside me, quiet for once.
"You're weirdly attached to those teddies," he said softly.
"I told you," I said, leaning my shoulder against his arm. "Comfort."
He smiled faintly. "I get it."
And behind us, Cassian and Aveline walked — their shoulders brushing, eyes flicking, tension humming in the space between them.
I clutched the teddies a little tighter, sketchbook under my arm, and thought:
This is messy. This is loud. This is golden.
And for the first time, I didn't care who ended up where — I just wanted to be here, in this moment, with all of them.
------
whose team are we on?
Evan+Lyra
Or
Cassian+Lyra.
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