The night burns brighter than a candle P3
Pairing: Orufrey x Artist!Female!reader, The qieflings x Artist!Female!Reader (platonic)
Summary: A life living with six witches that accidentally got transport in your world and so many unexpected adventures awaits.
Author's note: Part three for this story!! I'm quite active wanting to explore more and more for their adventures that's why its fast. I've also now kinda working the part 4 now, so~ hope you enjoy this one!
After paying for everything, you were fairly certain your wallet was crying.
"...You'll recover," you muttered to it before slipping it back into your bag.
The seven of you continued strolling through the mall, taking your time exploring whatever caught your attention. The girls' curiosity hadn't faded one bit—if anything, it had only grown stronger.
Coco, especially, reminded of the first time she'd visited Kalhn.
Everything was new.
Everything was exciting.
It wasn't long before Tetia suddenly pointed toward a brightly decorated shop.
"Hey, what's that?"
You followed where she was pointing.
Rows of props, funny hats, oversized glasses, and colorful headbands decorated the entrance.
Behind them were several private photo booths.
"Oh, that's a photo booth," you explained. "You go inside with your friends or family and take pictures together."
You smiled to yourself.
"I actually did this with my friends years ago... back in senior high."
The memory made you chuckle.
You remembered celebrating one of your friend's birthdays, squeezing into one of these tiny booths and laughing over the ridiculous poses.
"Oh!" Coco's eyes sparkled.
"Can we try it?"
"I don't mind," you replied before looking at everyone else.
"What about you guys?"
Qifrey smiled gently.
"I wouldn't mind."
Olruggio shrugged.
"If everyone wants to."
Agott simply nodded.
"I'll go."
"Then it's settled."
Before either Qifrey or Olruggio could say another word, you grabbed both of their wrists.
"Come on!"
You laughed, dragging the two bewildered men toward the booth.
"H-Hey—"
"We were already coming," Olruggio protested.
Richeh quietly followed behind, while Coco happily took Agott's hand and led her over as well.
"You all wait here," you said. "I'll pay first."
After paying for the session, you returned to find everyone already browsing through the props.
"Oh, look at these!" Tetia exclaimed, placing oversized heart-shaped sunglasses over her eyes.
Coco giggled as she tried on a pair of round sunglasses.
Richeh quietly experimented with different hats before eventually pulling on a little ghost mask, causing Brushbuddy to chirp in confusion.
Even Olruggio found himself inspecting the cowboy hats and a pair of floppy bunny-ear hats.
Qifrey simply adjusted his usual glasses with a smile.
Meanwhile, Agott lingered off to the side.
Coco noticed immediately.
"Agott!"
Before she could object, Coco gently placed a small brown beret on top of her curls.
"..."
It suited her surprisingly well.
Agott looked away with a tiny huff.
"...It isn't bad."
You smiled to yourself but wisely kept the comment to yourself.
"All right!" you announced.
"Grab whatever accessories you want. One of the booths is available."
"Okay!" the girls answered in unison.
The group gathered their chosen props.
You picked a large sombrero along with a pair of bright sunglasses.
Watching everyone laugh and help each other choose accessories...
It almost looked like...
A family.
The thought lingered quietly in the back of your mind.
You quickly pushed it away.
'Don't get attached.'
You'd told yourself that before.
Still...
You couldn't deny how warm the moment felt.
You smiled softly.
"Ready?"
Everyone nodded.
One by one, you stepped into the booth, pulling the curtain closed behind you.
Shopping bags were carefully stacked in one corner while everyone placed their chosen accessories on the small shelf inside.
You picked up the remote.
"Let's see..."
Your finger pressed through the menu.
"...Two copies."
Perfect.
You slid two hundred pesos into the payment slot.
The machine beeped cheerfully.
"All right."
You looked back at the group with a grin.
"Now comes the difficult part..."
"...Trying to fit seven people into one tiny photo booth."
The booth was surprisingly spacious.
Not enough for seven people to stand comfortably, but there were small stools and steps inside to help everyone fit into the frame.
You quickly arranged everyone.
"Tetia, Coco, you two can stand on the little step."
"Richeh, stay beside them."
"Agott... maybe here?"
Qifrey and Olruggio naturally took the back while you squeezed yourself somewhere in the middle.
"There are ten shots," you explained, pointing at the screen. "Then we choose our favorite six to print."
Everyone nodded, though they still looked a little unsure.
The first photo...
Was awkward.
There were simply too many people trying to figure out where to stand.
"Ow—"
"Tetia, your elbow!"
"Sorry!"
"I can't move any farther!"
Click.
The second wasn't much better.
Everyone kept shifting around, trying not to block each other.
Click.
By the third, things finally started loosening up.
Funny glasses appeared.
Oversized hats.
Someone had somehow convinced Olruggio to wear a cowboy hat.
"...Don't."
"It's too late."
Click.
The fourth was nothing but laughter.
Tetia proudly wore heart-shaped sunglasses.
Coco somehow stacked two hats on top of each other.
Qifrey smiled behind novelty glasses.
Brushbuddy had climbed onto Richeh's head.
Click.
The fifth photo caught everyone off guard.
"...Wait."
"Is that number a countdown?"
Everyone looked up at the screen.
3...
"...It is!"
"Quick!"
People shuffled around in a panic.
"Tetia, duck!"
"My foot!"
"No, move this way!"
1...
Click.
By the sixth, everyone had mostly figured out the timing.
...Mostly.
Olruggio still looked like he was questioning every decision that had led him into this tiny booth.
Click.
For the seventh and eighth shots, the accessories came back out.
Cowboy hats.
Bunny ears.
Oversized sunglasses.
You wore the large sombrero you'd picked.
Richeh kept the ghost mask on while Brushbuddy chirped beside her.
Even Agott had forgotten to take off the little brown beret Coco had given her.
"...Don't say anything," she muttered after catching you smiling.
"I wasn't going to."
Click.
Click.
Then came the final two photos.
The countdown appeared again.
3...
"Everyone, closer!"
Without thinking, everyone instinctively leaned in.
2...
Shoulders bumped.
Someone nearly dropped their hat.
Brushbuddy fluttered excitedly.
Even Olruggio was laughing now.
Agott smiled without realizing it.
1...
You glanced around just before the flash.
No one was posing anymore.
Everyone was simply... happy.
Click.
One last flash.
One last burst of laughter.
Click.
The booth fell silent for a heartbeat.
Then everyone looked at one another...
...and burst into laughter all over again.
-----+++++-------
Choosing which photos to print turned out to be harder than taking them.
The booth displayed all ten shots on the screen, and almost immediately everyone started laughing at the results.
"Look at this one!" Tetia pointed at the screen, barely able to contain her laughter.
"My eyes were closed!" Coco protested.
Olruggio looked at one picture where his cowboy hat had slipped over one eye.
"...Delete that."
"No," you laughed. "It's staying."
In the end, you chose six.
Two of the goofy ones with everyone wearing ridiculous hats and sunglasses.
The one where everyone had burst into laughter.
The seventh shot.
And, of course, the final two.
Those were your favorites.
The machine hummed before printing two identical strips of photos.
You handed one copy to the group.
"The second one..." you smiled to yourself, quietly slipping it into your bag.
"...I'll keep."
With that, the seven of you left the photo booth, still laughing over some of the expressions captured in the pictures.
The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering from shop to shop.
Sometimes just browsing.
Sometimes trying little rides scattered throughout the mall.
By the time evening arrived, everyone was beginning to feel the day catch up to them.
You stopped by a restaurant one last time, ordering dinner as takeout so everyone could eat comfortably once you got home.
Or... at least, that had been the plan.
As you waited for the food, Richeh had already fallen asleep against Olruggio's shoulder.
By the time you left the restaurant, he was carrying her with surprising ease.
Qifrey wasn't much different.
Coco had dozed off while holding her shopping bag, and he gently lifted her into his arms without waking her.
Meanwhile, you carried the remaining shopping bags while Tetia and Agott trudged beside you, their earlier excitement replaced with tired little yawns.
"I think that's enough adventures for one day," you said with a tired laugh.
Neither of them argued.
By the time you reached the parking lot, the evening sky had begun turning shades of orange and gold as the sun slowly dipped toward the horizon.
You unlocked the van and everyone climbed inside.
The shopping bags and takeout boxes were carefully placed in the back.
You helped buckle the two sleeping girls into their seats, making sure they were comfortable before fastening Tetia's and Agott's seatbelts as well.
Olruggio settled into the back beside the girls.
Qifrey quietly took the front passenger seat.
Once everyone was ready, you climbed into the driver's seat.
The engine came to life.
You handed over the parking ticket, paid at the exit, and slowly guided the van out onto the road.
Soft music drifted from the radio as the city lights flickered to life one by one.
You smiled faintly after glancing at the rearview mirror.
"Looks like the girls are completely out."
Olruggio looked over at the sleeping apprentices before turning back toward the window.
"I guess dinner... and dessert... will have to wait until tomorrow."
You chuckled.
"I'll just heat everything up in the morning."
"They've earned the rest."
Qifrey rested his head lightly against the window.
"...They certainly enjoyed today."
"They did," you replied.
A comfortable silence settled inside the van.
After a few moments, you glanced toward the two men.
"You and Olruggio should get some sleep too."
"I'll wake you once we're home."
Qifrey smiled without opening his eyes.
"I'm all right. Don't worry about me."
"...If you say so."
When no response came from the back, you looked into the mirror.
Olruggio had already fallen asleep.
"...Well."
"One down."
A few more minutes passed.
The quiet hum of the engine blended with the music.
Then...
A soft, steady breathing came from beside you.
You glanced over for just a second.
Qifrey had drifted off as well, his head resting lightly against the window.
A small smile tugged at your lips.
"...Sleep well."
You returned your eyes to the road, the peaceful silence inside the van making the drive home feel warmer than ever.
-----+++++------
As you drove through the quiet night, the city lights flickered past like rows of tiny candles.
A familiar song played softly on the radio, and you found yourself absentmindedly humming along.
Every so often, your eyes drifted to the rearview mirror.
The girls were still fast asleep.
Even Olruggio and Qifrey hadn't stirred.
The peaceful silence made you smile.
Eventually, your apartment building came into view.
You pulled into your usual parking space before turning off the engine.
The music faded with it.
For a moment...
No one moved.
You looked over at the sleeping wizard beside you.
"Qifrey..."
You gently shook his shoulder.
"Wake up. We're home."
His eyes slowly opened, blinking a few times before focusing on you.
"...Ah."
"We're here already?"
"Mhm."
"I need your help carrying the girls... and the takeout."
Qifrey nodded sleepily before stepping out of the van with you.
You slid open the back door and walked over to Olruggio.
"Olly..."
You gave his shoulder a gentle shake.
"We're home."
Only a groan answered you.
"...Olly."
Another shake.
"...Come on."
"We need your help."
This time, he finally cracked one eye open.
"...Five more minutes..."
You sighed, trying not to laugh.
"You can sleep once we're upstairs."
With one final groan, he reluctantly sat up.
The three of you worked quietly so the girls wouldn't wake.
Qifrey carefully lifted the sleeping Coco into one arm before gently carrying Agott as well.
Olruggio picked up Tetia and Richeh with practiced ease.
Meanwhile, you gathered the takeout bags along with the girls' shopping bags.
The groceries—and your own purchases, along with Qifrey's and Olruggio's—remained safely inside the van for now.
Before closing the door, you spread a cover over the windows to keep the bags out of sight.
"Just in case," you murmured.
Satisfied, you locked the van before the three of you headed toward the apartment entrance.
The older security guard at the front desk looked up as your little group walked in.
His eyes landed on the four sleeping girls before a knowing smile appeared.
"Looks like you all had quite the day."
He chuckled softly.
"Get some good rest tonight."
You returned the smile with a small nod.
"Thanks."
"You have a good night too."
With quiet footsteps, the three of you entered the elevator.
The ride up was peaceful, broken only by the elevator's gentle hum.
When it finally reached your floor, you stepped out into the familiar hallway.
Fishing your keys from your bag, you stopped in front of your apartment door.
A soft click echoed through the hallway as you unlocked it and slowly pushed the door open, careful not to wake the sleeping girls in everyone's arms.
Once everyone was inside, you quietly closed the front door behind you.
The apartment was calm, a stark contrast to the lively mall from earlier.
You set the takeout containers and shopping bags on the kitchen counter before turning back to the two exhausted men.
"This way."
Keeping your voices low, the three of you carefully made your way to the guest room—the room that had gradually become the girls' own while they stayed with you.
One by one, you helped settle them into their beds.
Qifrey gently lowered Coco onto her mattress, making sure she was lying comfortably before pulling the blanket over her.
Olruggio did the same for Tetia and Richeh, carefully tucking them in despite grumbling under his breath.
"...They're heavier than they look."
You chuckled quietly.
"That's because you carried two at once."
"Tch."
He couldn't exactly argue with that.
Agott had only stirred slightly when Qifrey laid her down, mumbling something incomprehensible before immediately curling beneath the blanket again.
You smiled fondly.
"They really wore themselves out today."
Qifrey adjusted Coco's blanket one last time before looking around the room.
"...I don't think I've seen them sleep this soundly before."
"They had a lot of firsts today," you replied softly.
"The mall... the photo booth... all the different shops..."
"And the plushies," Olruggio added.
You laughed under your breath.
"...Especially the plushies."
The room fell quiet again.
Four peaceful, sleeping apprentices.
Safe.
Warm.
Content.
You quietly switched off the bedroom light, leaving only the soft glow from the hallway spilling through the slightly open door.
"Let's let them rest."
The two men nodded, and together, the three of you quietly stepped out of the room, gently closing the door behind you so the girls could sleep undisturbed.
Once the three of you stepped out of the girls' room, you quietly closed the door behind you.
You stretched your arms with a tired sigh.
"I'm going to take a warm shower."
Qifrey nodded.
"We'll take care of dinner."
"Thanks."
While you disappeared into the bathroom, Qifrey and Olruggio unpacked the takeout.
They set aside your meal along with theirs before placing the girls' dinners and desserts neatly into the refrigerator for tomorrow morning.
By the time you finished your shower, the apartment had become even quieter.
You stepped out, drying your damp hair with a towel draped over your shoulders.
The warm scent of food drifted through the room.
Your gaze naturally fell toward the living room.
Qifrey and Olruggio were sitting on the couch, their takeout boxes resting on the coffee table.
Neither of them had started eating yet.
They seemed to be waiting.
"You took your time," Olruggio remarked.
"I know."
You laughed softly, rubbing the towel through your hair.
"The hot water felt too nice."
Walking over, you picked up your own takeout before settling onto the couch beside them.
"Thanks for waiting."
"It wasn't much trouble," Qifrey replied with his usual gentle smile.
For a while, the three of you simply ate in comfortable silence.
The only sounds were quiet conversations from the television and the occasional clink of chopsticks against the containers.
After taking another bite, you glanced at the TV.
"...A movie doesn't sound too bad."
Qifrey looked over.
"A movie?"
"Yeah."
You smiled.
"The girls and I have movie nights sometimes."
"I figured..."
You looked toward the hallway leading to the guest room.
"...Since they're already asleep..."
"Maybe the three of us could watch something before calling it a night."
Olruggio leaned back against the couch.
"...As long as it's not another horror film."
You blinked.
"I've never made you watch one."
"I'm making sure it stays that way."
Qifrey let out a quiet chuckle.
"I don't mind watching whatever you choose."
You smiled, reaching for the remote resting on the coffee table.
"Then let's see what's on tonight."
----=====-----
After scrolling through a handful of movies, your thumb finally stopped.
"...Found one."
Qifrey and Olruggio glanced at the screen.
"You've seen this before?" Qifrey asked.
"More times than I can count," you admitted with a sheepish smile. "It's one of my favorites."
You selected The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.
"I figured a fantasy movie would be fitting."
Neither of them objected.
The opening theme filled the apartment as the three of you settled into the couch, finishing your takeout while the story unfolded on screen.
Every now and then, you'd quietly point out a scene you particularly liked.
"I love this part."
"...Wait for this one."
Qifrey watched with genuine curiosity, occasionally asking small questions about your world's storytelling.
Olruggio, despite pretending not to be overly interested, found himself watching just as attentively.
By the time the movie reached its final act, the takeout containers were empty.
The apartment had fallen completely silent.
None of you noticed the clock quietly ticking past midnight.
The ending credits began to roll as the music filled the room one last time.
"..."
No one reached for the remote.
The television continued playing the credits into the quiet apartment.
Curled beneath a single blanket on the couch, the three of you had unknowingly drifted off to sleep.
Somewhere during the movie, someone had pulled the blanket over everyone.
No one remembered who.
Your head rested lightly against Qifrey's shoulder.
Qifrey had unknowingly leaned against Olruggio sometime after falling asleep.
Olruggio, too tired to complain, simply stayed where he was, one arm loosely tucked beneath the blanket.
The couch had somehow become far too small for three exhausted adults.
Yet none of you stirred.
Outside, the city lights continued to glow beyond the apartment windows.
Inside...
The television quietly played through the last of the credits.
And beneath the warmth of a shared blanket, the three of you slept peacefully, completely unaware of how closely you'd all ended up huddled together.
----====-----
The next morning, the first ones to wake up were the girls.
Still rubbing the sleep from their eyes, they wandered out of their room one by one.
"...Good morning," Coco yawned.
Richeh quietly followed behind, Brushbuddy perched sleepily on her shoulder.
Agott stretched her arms before stepping into the living room.
The four of them froze.
"..."
"..."
"..."
There, on the couch, was a complete mess.
The television was still on, the movie having long since finished. It had looped back to the menu screen, its opening music quietly playing in the background.
Beneath a single blanket...
You, Qifrey, and Olruggio were all fast asleep.
Somehow, overnight, you'd all ended up unintentionally huddled together on the couch.
Tetia blinked.
Then dramatically placed both hands on her hips.
"They overslept together!" she declared, sounding like the only responsible adult in the apartment.
Coco couldn't help but giggle.
"They look really tired..."
Agott folded her arms, trying to hide the tiny smile threatening to appear.
"...Looks uncomfortable."
Richeh's attention, however, drifted elsewhere.
Her eyes landed on the coffee table.
Several empty takeout containers were neatly stacked together.
She stared at them.
Then looked around the kitchen.
Then back at the containers.
"..."
"...Master..."
She looked up at the sleeping trio.
"...Where's our dinner?"
Brushbuddy tilted its head.
"...Chirp?"
For a brief moment, everyone fell silent.
Then Tetia gasped dramatically.
"...They ate everything?!"
Coco's eyes widened.
"They wouldn't do that..."
"...Would they?"
Before anyone could jump to conclusions, Agott let out a small sigh.
"...Check the fridge first."
Richeh quietly nodded and padded over to the refrigerator.
She pulled the door open.
Inside sat four neatly packed takeout containers with their names written on sticky notes.
Next to them were the desserts you'd promised to save for breakfast.
Richeh blinked.
"...Found them."
Tetia immediately deflated.
"...Oh."
"...Never mind."
Coco laughed.
"I knew they wouldn't forget."
Brushbuddy gave an approving little chirp before happily hopping onto the counter, already eyeing the desserts.
The four girls looked back toward the couch.
The three adults were still completely asleep.
"...Should we wake them?" Coco whispered.
Tetia grinned mischievously.
"...I have an idea."
----===----
Everything felt... peaceful.
As if you were drifting beneath the ocean.
Weightless.
Silent.
Your hair floated gently around you as tiny bubbles rose toward the surface.
You reached out, absentmindedly poking one with your fingertip.
Pop.
Another drifted by.
Then another.
Until—
Something felt wrong.
Your chest tightened.
The water around you grew heavier.
You tried to breathe.
Instead—
Water rushed into your lungs.
You choked.
Your body thrashed instinctively as panic consumed the peaceful dream.
Then—
Your eyes flew open.
You gasped sharply, taking in a desperate breath.
The familiar ceiling of your apartment replaced the endless blue sea.
"..."
For a second, you simply lay there, your breathing uneven.
Beside you, Qifrey and Olruggio were still sound asleep beneath the blanket.
You were about to close your eyes again when...
Your nose twitched.
"...Smoke?"
A faint burning smell drifted through the apartment.
You frowned.
"..."
"..."
Then your brain finally caught up.
"...SMOKE!"
You shot upright so fast that the blanket tangled around your legs.
"Wah—!"
You stumbled forward.
Straight off the couch.
Dragging the blanket—
And the two sleeping wizards—
Down with you.
THUD!
The three of you crashed onto the carpet in a tangled heap.
"...Oof."
"...Ghk—"
Poor Olruggio ended up at the very bottom, crushed beneath both you and Qifrey.
He let out a muffled groan.
"...I think..."
"...My spine..."
Qifrey blinked awake in complete confusion.
"...What happened?"
"Sorry!"
You scrambled off them without another explanation and sprinted toward the kitchen.
The sight waiting for you made you freeze.
The four girls stood around the microwave.
Its interior was filled with smoke.
Coco repeatedly pressed random buttons.
Tetia was staring at the display in confusion.
Richeh had taken several cautious steps backward with Brushbuddy hiding behind her hair.
Agott looked between the smoking microwave and the others with a growing look of concern.
The takeout containers from last night...
Were inside.
Still in their plastic containers.
"..."
"...Girls."
The four of them turned toward you in unison.
"Oh!" Tetia brightened.
"We wanted to heat breakfast!"
"..."
"...Using the magic box," Coco added proudly.
You slowly covered your face with both hands.
"..."
Right.
You'd never actually taught them how to use a microwave.
Behind you, Qifrey and Olruggio finally reached the kitchen, still rubbing the sleep from their eyes.
"...What's burning?" Olruggio asked.
You let out the deepest sigh imaginable.
"..."
"...Good morning."
"...Welcome to today's disaster."
---===---
After a brief moment of panic...
Everything was finally under control.
The microwave had been switched off before anything worse could happen, and the poor takeout containers had been rescued...
Though the breakfast inside was beyond saving.
"...There goes dinner from last night," you sighed.
"Sorry..." Coco apologized, hanging her head.
"We just wanted to help," Tetia added quietly.
You gave them both a reassuring smile.
"I know."
"You didn't do anything on purpose."
"I just forgot to teach you how to use a microwave."
The girls looked a little relieved.
Meanwhile, you had every window in the apartment wide open.
Standing near one of them, you vigorously fanned the lingering smoke outside with a kitchen towel.
"Come on..."
"Go outside..."
"Before the smoke detector notices..."
You continued waving the towel like your life depended on it.
Behind you, Olruggio watched the scene with crossed arms.
"...You're declaring war against smoke."
"I'm declaring war against the fire alarm," you corrected without looking back.
"If that thing goes off, the whole building's going to think I burned the apartment down."
Qifrey couldn't help but laugh quietly.
"I suppose that would be... troublesome."
"Troublesome?"
You shot him an incredulous look while still fanning the smoke.
"It'd be embarrassing!"
The wizard simply smiled into his hand.
Brushbuddy fluttered around the room, helping in the least helpful way imaginable by flapping its tiny wings toward the window.
"...Chirp!"
"Thanks for the emotional support, Brushbuddy," you said between exhausted breaths.
Richeh looked up proudly.
"...Brushbuddy is helping."
"It absolutely is."
Whether it was actually helping the smoke leave...
Was another question entirely.
After several long minutes, the air finally began to clear.
You let out a long, relieved sigh and lowered the towel.
"...Crisis averted."
Olruggio looked at the now-useless takeout containers before glancing back at you.
"So..."
"...What's for breakfast now?"
You stared at the ruined food.
Then at the group.
Then sighed with a small smile.
"...Guess I'm cooking."
===---===----
"It's a good thing we ordered plenty of takeout last night..." you sighed, resting your cheek against your hand.
Fortunately, not all of it had been ruined.
Only the containers the girls had tried to heat up in the microwave had to be thrown away.
After giving everyone a quick lesson on what could and couldn't go inside a microwave, breakfast was finally back on track.
The girls reheated their meals properly this time—with your supervision.
Meanwhile, you decided to make a fresh breakfast for yourself, Olruggio, and Qifrey.
Soon, the dining table was filled once again.
The girls happily ate their reheated takeout from the night before, while you placed plates of freshly cooked breakfast in front of yourself, Olruggio, and Qifrey.
"Much better," you said with a satisfied nod.
Tetia sheepishly scratched her cheek.
"...We'll ask first next time."
"Please do," you laughed.
"I don't think my poor microwave can survive another lesson."
Coco nodded earnestly.
"We learned something today."
"That's all that matters."
Across the table, Olruggio took a bite of his breakfast before glancing at the slightly scorched microwave sitting on the kitchen counter.
"...Think it'll recover?"
You followed his gaze.
"...Physically?"
"Probably."
"Mentally?"
"...It'll need therapy."
Qifrey let out a quiet laugh into his cup of tea.
The girls looked between you and the microwave before giggling along.
Despite the smoky start to the morning...
Breakfast ended with laughter once again.
As you reached for the stack of dirty plates, another hand gently stopped yours.
You looked up to find Qifrey standing beside you, wearing the same warm smile he always did.
"Let me wash them."
"You've already done more than enough this morning."
You opened your mouth to protest.
"But—"
"No arguments."
His smile softened ever so slightly.
"Go and rest."
"..."
You let out a defeated sigh before smiling back.
"...Alright."
"Thanks."
Qifrey simply nodded before rolling up his sleeves and carrying the dishes over to the sink.
The sound of running water soon filled the apartment.
You, on the other hand, made your way to the living room.
The moment you reached the couch...
You collapsed face-first into the cushions.
"...I'm not moving."
Not for groceries still sitting in the van.
Not for the shopping bags.
Not for anything.
Olruggio glanced over from where he was reading.
"I believe you."
You gave nothing more than a muffled groan in response.
The groceries...
Your shopping bags...
Qifrey's books...
Olruggio's purchases...
Everything could wait.
You were perfectly content becoming one with the couch.
...
Then a thought suddenly crossed your mind.
Your eyes slowly opened.
"...Wait."
Yesterday.
The plushie store.
Tetia had spent the evening hugging the oversized bunny plush nearly half her height.
Coco refused to let go of her little fox.
Richeh had happily carried around the fluffy seal plush.
...
Agott.
You remembered buying the small black cat plush she'd insisted she wasn't interested in.
She never realized you'd secretly paid for it while she was distracted.
"...Right."
With another dramatic sigh, you forced yourself off the couch.
"...One last thing."
You quietly headed toward the girls' room.
Their shopping bags had been neatly placed on one of the shelves.
After a bit of searching, you found the one you were looking for.
Still inside...
The small black cat plush waited, untouched.
A smile tugged at your lips.
You picked up the bag before wandering through the apartment.
"...Agott?"
There was no answer.
Then you noticed the door to your messy art room slightly open.
Peeking inside, you found Agott sitting at one of the spare tables.
Several sheets of paper were spread before her.
Although there was no magic in this world, she was quietly reviewing spell diagrams and notes from memory, determined not to forget what she'd learned back at the atelier.
You leaned lightly against the doorway.
"Agott."
She blinked before looking up.
"...Hm?"
Her expression softened when she saw you standing there.
You smiled, exhaustion still evident in your face, and held out the small paper bag.
"I have something for you."
Agott tilted her head.
"...For me?"
"Mhm."
You stepped closer and gently placed the bag into her hands.
"I noticed you looking at it yesterday."
"So..."
"...It's yours."
For a moment, Agott simply stared at the bag.
"..."
"...But..."
"I said I didn't want it."
"You did."
You chuckled softly.
"But..."
"You also kept looking at it every time you thought no one was watching."
Agott's ears turned a faint shade of pink.
"..."
"...I wasn't."
"You were."
"..."
"...Maybe a little."
Your smile widened.
"Go on."
"Open it."
Slowly, almost hesitantly, Agott peeked inside the bag.
The moment she pulled out the small black cat plush...
Her eyes widened ever so slightly. She froze. For several long seconds...
She simply stared at it. Then, without saying a word, she hugged the plush tightly against her chest.
"..."
"...Thank you."
The words were barely above a whisper.
But to you...
They were more than enough.
Neither you nor Agott noticed...
The others had quietly gathered outside the art room.
Qifrey stood near the doorway, drying his hands with a kitchen towel after finishing the dishes.
Olruggio leaned against the wall with his arms crossed.
Tetia and Coco peeked around the corner with unmistakably curious faces.
Richeh stood beside them, Brushbuddy perched on her shoulder.
None of them said a word.
They simply watched.
Inside the room, Agott continued holding the little black cat plush close to her chest.
She looked down at it before carefully running a hand over its soft fur.
"...It's soft."
You smiled.
"I thought you'd like it."
She was quiet for another moment.
"...I do."
Her voice was still calm as ever.
But the tiny smile tugging at the corner of her lips said far more than her words did.
Outside the room, Tetia gasped dramatically before whispering as quietly as she could,
"She's smiling!"
"I know," Coco whispered back, trying not to squeal.
Richeh nodded happily.
"...Agott looks happy."
Even Brushbuddy gave a soft, approving chirp.
"...Chirp."
Olruggio watched the scene from the hallway, the corner of his mouth lifting into a faint smile.
"...She's warming up."
Qifrey nodded quietly.
"...She is."
He looked toward you.
Watching you patiently wait for Agott to accept the gift without rushing her...
Watching Agott, who normally kept everyone at arm's length, hug the little plush close as though it were something precious.
It was a small moment.
Simple.
Quiet.
Yet somehow...
It felt like watching another wall around Agott slowly begin to crumble.
Inside the room, you finally noticed the unusual silence.
"...Why does it feel like someone's watching us?"
Agott blinked and glanced toward the doorway.
The two of you froze.
Standing there...
Were six very familiar faces.
"..."
"..."
Tetia immediately pointed at the black cat plush.
"It suits you!"
Coco nodded enthusiastically.
"It's really cute!"
Richeh smiled softly.
"...Just like you."
Agott's face immediately warmed with embarrassment.
"...I..."
She instinctively hugged the plush even closer.
"...Thank you."
The girls beamed.
You, meanwhile, could only laugh, rubbing the back of your neck.
"...How long have you all been standing there?"
Olruggio answered without a shred of guilt.
"...Long enough."
Qifrey chuckled behind him.
"...It was a lovely surprise."
Agott let out the smallest sigh, clearly resigned to the fact that everyone had witnessed the moment.
"...Please forget this."
"...No promises," Tetia replied with a grin.
====----====
With the apartment finally quiet again, you clapped your hands together.
"Alright."
"One last job."
"The groceries."
Olruggio let out a tired groan.
"...I knew we forgot something."
Qifrey chuckled softly.
"They've been sitting in the van this whole time."
You nodded sheepishly.
"Yeah..."
"I may have... completely forgotten."
"...You collapsed on the couch," Olruggio reminded.
"Fair point."
The seven of you headed downstairs together.
The morning air was cool, a welcome change after the eventful start to the day.
Reaching the van, you unlocked the back door.
"...There's more than I remembered."
You stared at the mountain of grocery bags.
"...Did we buy the whole store?" Tetia asked.
"It certainly feels like it," you laughed.
One by one, you handed everyone a few bags.
"Don't carry too much," you reminded the girls.
"If it's heavy, let one of us know."
"We're strong!" Tetia declared confidently.
A few seconds later...
"...It's heavier than it looked."
Olruggio snorted.
"I was wondering how long that confidence would last."
Coco carefully hugged a lighter bag filled with snacks.
Richeh proudly carried one with bread and cereal while Brushbuddy balanced on top of it like a tiny guardian.
Agott quietly took two bags without a word.
Qifrey reached for the heavier ones before you could.
"I've got these."
"You sure?"
He smiled.
"I'm sure."
After making two trips between the van and your apartment, everything was finally inside.
The front door closed with a soft click behind the group.
"...Mission accomplished," you sighed.
"Not quite," Olruggio replied, setting another bag on the counter.
You blinked.
"...Right."
"We still have to put everything away."
Everyone naturally spread out around the kitchen.
You opened the pantry and cupboards while Qifrey carefully checked where each item belonged before handing it to you.
"Canned goods here?"
"Mhm."
"Rice?"
"Bottom cupboard."
"What about these noodles?"
"Second shelf."
Olruggio quietly stocked the refrigerator, arranging the milk, vegetables, fish, shrimp, and meat with surprising efficiency.
"...You organize your fridge better than I do," you admitted.
"I noticed."
He shut the refrigerator door with a satisfied nod.
"The girls happily joined in as well.
Tetia eagerly carried snack packs to the pantry.
Coco carefully lined up juice boxes and bottles.
Richeh quietly arranged the bread and breakfast foods.
Agott silently helped organize the shelves, making everything surprisingly neat.
By the time the last grocery bag was emptied...
The apartment kitchen looked fully stocked once again.
You leaned against the counter with a relieved sigh.
"...Now."
"I officially refuse to do anything productive for the rest of today."
Olruggio folded his arms.
"...Agreed."
Qifrey smiled warmly.
"I think we've all earned a quiet afternoon."
The girls nodded in enthusiastic agreement.
After all...
Between shopping, carrying groceries, and surviving a smoking microwave...
Everyone deserved a little rest.
Just as everyone was about to settle down, you suddenly froze.
"...Wait."
Everyone looked at you.
"I think..."
"...I forgot something."
Olruggio raised an eyebrow.
"...Again?"
You awkwardly scratched your cheek.
"I may have left our shopping bags in the van."
A beat of silence.
"...Mine."
"...Qifrey's."
"...And yours too, Olly."
Olruggio slowly pinched the bridge of his nose.
"You really were running on no sleep this morning."
"In my defense..."
You pointed toward the kitchen.
"We had a smoking microwave incident."
"...Fair enough," he sighed.
Qifrey chuckled softly.
"Shall we retrieve them?"
"Please."
The three of you headed back downstairs once more.
Sure enough, tucked neatly behind the remaining groceries were the forgotten shopping bags from yesterday.
"...At least no one stole them," you said with relief.
"That would have been unfortunate," Qifrey agreed as he picked up his books.
Olruggio grabbed his own bag before looking at you.
"...Anything else you forgot while we're here?"
You looked around the van dramatically.
"...Nope."
"...Probably."
"...That 'probably' concerns me," Olruggio muttered.
After another trip upstairs, the forgotten bags finally made it into the apartment.
The moment you stepped inside, you immediately carried your own purchases toward your art room.
The familiar clutter welcomed you.
Canvases leaned against the walls.
Sketchbooks were stacked on desks.
Paints, brushes, and unfinished drawings occupied nearly every available surface.
"...Home sweet home."
You carefully placed the new canvases beside the others before organizing the fresh paints, brushes, markers, and books wherever you could find space.
"...I seriously need to clean this room someday," you mumbled to yourself.
Outside, Qifrey and Olruggio unpacked the rest of their purchases.
Qifrey neatly arranged his newly bought books on one of the shelves in the living room before setting aside the notebooks and stationery he'd picked up.
Meanwhile, Olruggio sorted through the sketchbooks, pencils, and art supplies the girls had chosen, placing them together so they could easily find them later.
By the time you stepped back out of your art room, brushing a little dust from your sleeves, everything had finally found its place.
You looked around the apartment.
No more grocery bags.
No more shopping bags.
No more forgotten errands.
With a satisfied sigh, you smiled.
"...Now..."
"I think we're actually done."
Olruggio let out a quiet huff.
"...Until you remember something else."
You pretended to think for a moment.
"..."
"...Don't jinx it."
Qifrey couldn't help but laugh.
===----===
When everyone is left with their own thing. you were back inside the art room again only with your thoughts. letting the music sooth in the background as you grabbed your brushed gently guiding the way in the canvas.
You question that, what was the purpose of your art? was it to represent the reflection of yourself that you wanted to be or the person you hated?
Feelings are so confusing that it becomes your enemy, rival, love, family until you find the answer to yourself and it finally broke you.
Feels like living someone else roof, and you continue moving and moving until it felt like your were dancing with your own blood.
You knew them, but did they knew you? you knew those curse of every talentful people, you'll be the gift until your left in the wasteland and nothing to return.
Your breath hitch as you stop and look down, your hair shadowing your face. It hurts until it finally kills you.
----====----
The soft creak of the door broke the silence.
You turned your head.
"...Oh."
Agott stood in the doorway.
She seemed just as surprised to see you there as you were to see her.
For a brief second, the two of you simply stared at one another.
Then you smiled.
"Did you need something?"
Your voice was as gentle as always.
Your smile never wavered.
"I was just going to continue studying," Agott answered quietly, holding a few papers in one hand.
You nodded.
"Go ahead."
"I don't mind."
She gave a small nod in return before walking over to the study desk she'd been using earlier.
The little black cat plush was tucked securely beneath one arm.
You couldn't help but smile a little wider when you noticed it.
She'd brought it with her.
Without a word, Agott set the plush carefully on the corner of the desk, almost as though it belonged there, before spreading out her notes and returning to her work.
The room settled into a comfortable silence.
The scratch of a pencil across paper.
The occasional turn of a page.
Neither of you felt the need to fill the quiet with conversation.
It was... peaceful.
You leaned back in your chair, absentmindedly organizing a few brushes on your desk.
From the corner of your eye, you occasionally glanced toward Agott.
She was completely focused.
So focused, in fact, that she never noticed the moment your smile slowly faded.
The warmth in your expression disappeared, replaced by something quieter. More tired.
The weight you'd hidden behind your usual smile settled over your features the instant you knew no one was looking.
You closed your eyes for only a heartbeat.
Taking a slow, steady breath.
Then... Just as quickly...
The familiar smile returned.
By the time Agott happened to glance your way again, you were already sorting through your art supplies as though nothing had happened.
She simply returned to her notes.
Unaware...
That you'd made certain she never saw the face hidden beneath your smile.
---====---
You stepped out of the bathroom after washing the paint from your hands.
For a split second...
The colors were gone.
Only blood covered your hands.
Buzz.
Your phone vibrated.
The illusion disappeared.
It was just a message from a colleague.
You left your paperwork at the office. Can you pick it up?
"...Right."
You slipped your phone away and headed to your room.
Olruggio was resting on your bed while Qifrey sat at your desk, absentmindedly sketching spell circles with a black gel pen.
"...Going somewhere?" Olruggio asked.
"I forgot some paperwork at work."
As you stepped into the hallway, Coco looked up.
"Oh! Are you going out?"
"Mhm. Just to the office."
Her eyes lit up.
"Can I come with you?"
You hesitated.
"...Please?"
You sighed.
"...Fine."
"Really?!"
"But you stay beside me the whole time. No wandering."
"I promise!"
Olruggio smirked.
"...Called it."
Qifrey chuckled.
"I had a feeling she'd convince you."
You could only laugh.
"...I'm too easy."
To be continued...
