The celebration

The sun is almost setting, warm orange light spreads across the sky. Ren and Hina walk toward the grandpa's house.

Hina looks at Ren and says, “ Ren… what do you think? How will our journey be in the academy?”

Ren smiles and says, “ I think… It will be good.”

They keep talking about the academy and while walking along the quiet streets. After some time , they reached grandpa's house. Ren comes forward and opens the door.

Both enter the house, then Ren and Hina step inside the living room together. They both notice that the living room light is off —  Suddenly the living room lights on.

POP!

A small celebration popper blast, filling the room with colourful paper pieces. A cake is also on the table, and Grandpa stands with a smile.

“Once again congratulations, Ren and Hina!” grandpa says. “ I already know… you both would definitely qualify for the academy.”

Hina smiles and walks toward grandpa. “ Grandpa… this was only possible because of your training, without your training and proper guidance — I could never have imagined that I would qualify for the academy.”

“ Hahahh… come on now, let's celebrate. You both worked so hard for this — so let's enjoy it.” Grandpa says.

Then, Ren also walks toward Grandpa's side.

Ren and Hina sit down on the couch. Then Grandpa cuts the cake into slices and one is given to Hina and one is given to Ren. Both are enjoying cake and happily eating.

As they eat cake, Ren starts telling Grandpa about their exam experiences — the written test, the battleground fights, and how close they came to being disqualified in the final exam. Hina adds details in between, describing the intense battles and the strange black haired boy who helped them at the last moment.

Grandpa listened quietly, and also enjoyed small bites of cake.

After finishing the cake, Grandpa smiles and says, “ we still have dinner left. Hmm… Hina, will you stay here for dinner?”

Hina nods happily and replies, “ of course, Grandpa… I also want to eat dinner made by your hands.”

Grandpa smiles and says, “ Then I'll make a special for both of you.”

Hina eyes light up , “ I'll also help you cook, Grandpa!” she says cheerfully.

Ren also raise his hands and adds, “ Me too”

Then all three stand up and go to the kitchen together. They wash their hands and put on kitchen aprons, ready to start cooking.

In the kitchen, Hina cuts cabbages, carrots, and pepper with smooth and fast speed. On the other side, Ren carefully cut the meat, his hands moving slow, but he avoided the mistake.

Grandpa was making the soup and tasting it to check the flavour and spices level.

 “Hmm.. Everything is fine.” grandpa says.

Everyone was helping with the cooking, putting their effort and care into preparing dinner.. After a while, carry the plates and put them on the table, getting ready for dinner .

Then Grandpa put the dinner on the table. First, they all pray, and then they start eating. Hina says, “Grandpa, the dinner is very - very delicious.”

Grandpa laughs and says, “hahaha…. You also help in Hina.”

Hina smiles and says, “Ren, you also cut the pieces of meat very well.”

Ren replies, “ Thank you! Hina” 

Everyone is enjoying dinner, then grandpa in the middle of the dinner says, “ you two will need uniforms for the entrance ceremony as well.

Ren and Hina look at grandpa, surprised — they hadn't thought about that at all.

Grandpa continues, “ The academy will give you your regular uniform, but for the entrance ceremony, you have to buy it yourself.”

Hina looks at Grandpa and asks, “ Grandpa, where will we buy the uniform?”

Grandpa smiles and says, “ we'll have them made by a tailor. That way, we can go out together and enjoy the day as well.”

Ren eyes lighting up and says, “ That's a great idea, Grandpa”

“ Yes, tomorrow will be fun too,” Hina says.

After finishing dinner, Hina prepares to leave for home. Just as she is about to step outside, Grandpa looks at Ren's side and says, “ Ren goes with Hina to drop her off at the bus stand.”

Ren says, “ ok grandpa”

Hina smiles, and together they head out into a cold and quiet night. They walk together in the silent street. Then Hina says, “ By the way, Ren, what was the black haired boy's name?”

Ren's mind goes blank. He scratches his head and says, “ I didn't ask him”

Hina says, “ He helped us so much… and we don't even know his name.”

Ren gives a small smile, “ when I meet him again at the entrance ceremony. I'll ask him.”

They keep walking, their conversation flowing naturally. Soon, Ren and Hina reach the bus stop.

Hina says, “ Ren, do you remember? When we were kids, you always lifted my confidence when I felt low.”

Ren smiles and says, “ I don't like you sad — that's why I never let your confidence fall.

Just then, the bus arrives at the bus stop. The driver opened the bus door.

Hina turns to Ren. “ Time to go , Ren.”

Ren gave a small smile. “ Yeah, take care”

Hina gets on the bus. The doors closed, and the bus slowly started moving. Ren raises his hand, waving until the bus disappears down the road.

Then Ren turns and starts walking toward his home. He lifts his eyes to the sky. A full moon in the sky, shining brightly and beautifully. Its soft white light spread across the streets.

After a short walk, Ren finally reaches his house. Then, Ren goes straight to his bed and collapses onto it, and within moments he falls into a deep sleep.