Diverging Paths

Ten years had passed since the first time I saw a Magi’s performance. That day burned itself into my memory, unforgettable. Both Luna and I made a promise then: we would become Magi.

But fate had other plans.

Only one of us could take Magia’s entrance exam, and that was me. Luna couldn't. A magic vehicle crushed her legs when she bent down to pick up a dropped coin.

That accident led to both of us being adopted by a noble family. Even though I knew it wasn’t intentional, I couldn’t help but harbor resentment toward the man who now calls himself our father.

The man currently sitting behind his desk, casually reading a newspaper.

“So, you’re saying you want to become a Magi?” His brows lifted as he glanced at me.

“Yes, Duke Aumilius.”

He lowered the paper and steepled his hands. “I told you to call me father. And what’s this nonsense about becoming a Magi?”

(Nonsense? Listen to this stubborn old geezer. No wonder his wife and daughter left him, No. Calm down. Deep breaths.)

“What’s so great about these so-called performers that you’d throw away inheriting my title?” His eyes narrowed, laced with disdain.

(Calm down… He’s never even seen a performance. He wouldn’t understand… Just—)

“I can’t believe I raised such a rebellious boy!” His voice thundered across the room.

(That was the last straw. Who the hell does this old coot think he is? Raised me? The fool couldn’t even keep a plant alive.)

“If I’m rebelling, then your hairline’s committing treason! Stupid Duke!” I shouted, sticking out my tongue before storming out of the room as his angry voice faded behind me.

It wasn’t the first time we had that argument. And every single time, it ended the same way, with me calling him names and walking out.

The entrance exam was just around the corner. If he wasn’t going to let me take it, then I’d just have to do it behind his back.

After that “little” interaction, I headed to Luna’s room.

***

Luna’s Room

Her room was right next to mine on the second floor, a fully furnished space decorated with posters and paintings of Valaria.

This world had its modern touches. Pictures existed, thanks to magic.

When I stepped inside, she was sitting by the window, ashen hair tied neatly in a bun, reading a book on ancient history.

I slipped off my shoes and flopped onto her bed, scattering the books and papers spread across it.

She looked up, gently brushing aside the bangs covering one of my eyes.

“Still hiding your beautiful colored eye?” she teased, closing her book and setting it aside.

She patted her lap, and I didn’t hesitate to accept the offer. Not to sound like a creep, but her thighs were ridiculously soft, and she smelled like roses and paper.

“You argued with Father again, didn’t you?” she said, caressing my hair. “Why am I not surprised?” Her lips curled into a sly grin.

“Yeah, yeah, hilarious as always, Luna.” I groaned.

“Oh really~” Her tone dripped with playful sarcasm. “Thank you for the compliment, little brother~”

I frowned. Luna’s personality had done a complete 180 lately. She joked a lot more and kept calling me “little brother.”

Probably because of those damn etiquette lessons they forced us to take as nobles. I had to endure them too. Honestly, saying they were harder than exams back on Earth wouldn’t even be an exaggeration.

“So… was it about Magia again?” she asked, tucking a stray strand of my hair behind my ear.

I let out an exaggerated sigh. “Yeah. You know how that old guy gets when things don’t fit into his ‘vision.’ What the hell does his vision have to do with me becoming a Magi? It’s not like—”

Before I could finish ranting, Luna flicked my forehead.

“Ow!” I winced.

“Language,” she scolded. “If you want to curse, just use the word ‘forstbite’ instead.”

“But you get it, right?” I muttered, rubbing my forehead with watery eyes.

She placed a finger on her chin, tilting her head slightly. “I wonder~” she said with a graceful smile.

I sighed, loudly this time. That was when she started the little ritual we came up with to get through tough times.

“The greatest star…”

“Can be seen from afar,” I replied.

“So just pierce through…” She thrust her arm upward. “…and take your rightful place.”

“The brightest shines blue…” I pointed at my blue eye. She pointed to both of hers. “…so put a blinding smile on my face.”

We hooked our fingers on each other’s lips, pulling them into forced smiles.

We chuckled. Then laughed so hard tears welled in our eyes.

“That’s so dumb,” Luna said, still giggling as she wiped her cheeks.

“Yeah,” I chuckled, closing my eyes.

“I’ll talk to the Duke again tomorrow. If he still refuses, then so be it.”

“I wish you luck.” Her tone softened. “And if you need my lap again, just say so… dear Mira.”

“Yeah… dear Luna…” My voice drifted as sleep claimed me.

Her lap was warm. Comforting…

***

{ Luna’s POV }

The day I lost the use of my legs shattered my world, and my dream of becoming a Magi.

I remember it vividly. The burning pain. Mira’s screams. His tears.

That was the first time I saw him cry. Honestly… it was cute.

The always composed Mira, crying like a baby… Hehe. So cute.

Even now, his sleeping face looks like it’s hoarding all the cuteness in the world.

Oh, Mira… If only you weren’t so beautiful. And then there’s that golden eye.

Mystic Eyes, said to contain magic and a unique ability. What worries me is that Mira only has one.

They usually come in pairs, but he was born with just one. And then there’s how much he’s changed since childhood, his black hair gradually turning platinum blonde, his features becoming almost ethereal.

Why? I’ve researched endlessly, but found nothing.

Still, as long as Mira’s healthy, I’m not worried.

Just in case, though, I placed a seal on his Mystic Eye with a unique magic I created: [< Sealing Magic >]. Do you know what it takes to craft a magic only you can use? Genius-level intellect.

Yes, I just called myself a genius. So what? I probably could’ve been a great Magi if I still had my legs. But fate is cruel.

If I hadn’t lost them, Mira might never have had the chance to attend Magia. Should I be happy? I think I am. But sometimes… I can’t help but feel envious.

Not hateful. Never that. In fact…

I brushed his hair back and kissed his forehead.

“I’ll forever be yours…” I whispered.

As long as he stays mine, my heart will always flutter for him.

But it’s too early to confess. And then there’s that damn Duke pretending to be our father.

There's something I find unsettling about him. And then there's that "plan" I overheard...

Maybe it’s time he died. He’s long outlived his usefulness.

“Isn’t that right, Mira~?” A soft giggle escaped my lips.

Just kidding. How would a cripple like me pull that off anyway?

I picked up my history book and resumed where I left off, reading about the Desert Tribe Rebellion from five centuries ago, while Mira slept peacefully on my lap.

If only time could freeze at this perfect moment…