The reception

The reception hall was filled with laughter, music, and the sound of clinking glasses. Everyone was celebrating — dancing, chatting, taking pictures.

Golden lights shimmered softly against the white linen tables, and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air.

Aries sat quietly at one of the tables, smiling faintly as people greeted her.

Aries (to herself): So many faces... it’s been so long since I’ve been in a crowd like this.

A few moments later, her old friends approached again.

Gia: Aries! There you are! We’ve been looking for you!

Paulo: Yeah, we thought you ditched us already.

Aries: Haha, no way. I told Miggy I’d stay, right?

Just then, Alex walked up beside her, holding two glasses of juice.

Aries: Oh, Alex! Where have you been?

Alex: You missed me already? Even though we were together this whole time?

Everyone: What? Huh?

Aries: [pinches Alex’s arm] Stop fooling around! Guys, it’s not what you think!

Alex: [grinning] So these are the friends you told me about, huh, Arie? Nice to meet you all. You can call me Alexander.

Theo: Eh, why Alexander?

Paulo: Yeah, Aries called you Alex though.

Aries: [glares at them playfully]

Alex: Hmm... Alex is more special to me. Besides, we’re not that close yet, so...

Everyone laughed. For a moment, it felt like old times — light, easy, and familiar — as if they’d known each other forever.

But soon, the noise and lights began to blur. Aries’ smile faltered. She felt dizzy, the room spinning slightly.

Alex: [concerned] Arie, are you okay? You look a little pale.

Aries: Huh? Oh—yeah, I’m fine. Just... a little tired, I guess.

Alex: You sure? Maybe you should rest for a bit.

From across the room, Brylle noticed her.

He stood near the buffet table with Jasmine beside him, chatting happily. But Brylle’s eyes weren’t on Jasmine — they were on Aries.

Her small, tired smile made his chest tighten.

Brylle (thinking): She still pushes herself too hard... just like before.

He took a hesitant step forward, but stopped when Alex placed a gentle hand on Aries’ shoulder.

Alex: Come on, let’s get you some rest. I’ll ask Miggy if there’s a quiet room you can stay in for a while.

Aries: No, no—it’s okay, really. I don’t want to bother anyone.

Alex: [smiling softly] You’re not bothering anyone, Arie.

Brylle froze mid-step, his jaw tightening as Alex went to talk to Miggy.

Miggy: [concerned] Oh—she’s not feeling well? Yeah, there’s a guest room upstairs. Take her there to rest for a while.

Alex: Thanks, Miggy. I’ll make sure she’s okay.

Alex returned and gently guided Aries toward the stairs.

Brylle’s eyes followed them the entire time.

Brylle (to himself): Even after all these years... why does it still hurt seeing her like that?

Jasmine: Brylle? You okay?

Brylle: [forcing a smile] Yeah... just thought I saw someone I used to know.

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