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In the Floating Sanctuary...

"So, how did it go?"

Sadana asked with a smile as he stood beside Faylan, the group did explained that everything went well until Rihan saw his son Ren has a rather somber expression with remnants of tears on his eyes and he was holding something that it could be a weapon, a katana but he never seen a craft of a blade looks this intricate. So, Rihan knew that Ren has to remember how to properly control himself, as his child had been maturing into an independent yet honorable fighter. Xanadu was fanning his feather fan, while talking with Wulan as Faylan approached Ren who still in emotional turmoil.

'The battle against Himiko is finally over, along with the power she once had... we survived, and so the spirits that came from the Oni people after they killed by Himiko's forces... but, at what cost...?'

Ren thought, feeling her hand on his shoulder as he look back at Farlan. "Something happened? At your battlefield, didn't it? Wanna tell us what's going on?" Faylan asked, making the Vidyadhara's shoulders trembling before he broke into tears again, silently as he held the sacred relic like an artifact of blade. "No... it's just... we did, Faylan, we did! Yukina and her clan saved us and helped her to destroy Queen Himiko to bring her down," he confirmed, as all of his friends sat up as Kaizo and Hakuren was talking to their respective fathers while Izumo... despite his father Senjū talking to him--he was worried over Ren.

Dinda grabbed her childhood friend's shoulder as she saw Ren's sad, pained and disheartened expression--even seeing his Vermillion Bird wings also burned with flames, somewhat showing grief before it vanished by his command. He was comforting someone important to him, someone that helped him... but now she's gone. Perhaps, he was too attached to Yukina after knowing everything about her, the past, the curse, the final battle... everything. His heart broken because he lost someone precious, Rihan approached his son as he frowned. "Riyanda..." he muttered, Faylan frowned with a smile as she wrap her arm around his shoulder. "I'm here, I'll be here for you," she soothed him, wiping his tears gently.

Sadana showed a grim look in his eyes, as it seems that his apprentice suffered more than losses--he know how it feels to lost someone you cared, it did he went through the same pain, too. Not that hard, he mused. "Riyanda, stop the blame upon yourself--you couldn't have made that decision," he urged, Rihan nodded as he ruffled his hair. "Listen, look... there's nothing else we can do other than telling her that you miss her, because I will respect her too."

Dinda has a determined look as she smiled, and look into his eyes. "Remember that we're part of you, Riyanda. We're not leaving your side... ever," she swore, allowing Faylan to release him as she began to hug him with a hope of support and dream. Faylan agreed with a bright smile, before she told him that no matter what happened; she will stand by their side, supporting each other when needed most in case something like this happen. "I think... you need to be a bit sympathetic to him," Retsu spoke to Sadana, knowing that his words might console Ren. "Yes, it wouldn't harm to remind him that he isn't alone."

"Kaizo... I think I know why you didn't want to come with us at first..." Ren muttered, glancing at his best friend Kaizo who stood there with his still serious face--but softened just by seeing Ren's comforting nature as his lips formed a calm smile. Kaizo can be cold-hearted sometimes, but he wasn't a show-off who showed his tough-guy act, but instead he shows his caring side most of time. "You know... something might happen like this, right?" he asked.

Kaizo reluctantly looked away from him, he has a hunch from the beginning as he was even trying to convince them to not invade Yamatai so that's means it was predicted. Ren paused when he knew the reason of why he was trying to protect him, thinking that it should've been him at the place of Yukina, because that's how much they can meant. "I do have history with my dad when we used to visit this island, I meant it as 'better be late than never', yet you guys took it as a sign," Kaizo muttered, before he continued. "Ren... if the tragedy of Yamatai things didn't occur, none of this would've happened--"

"Kaizo, listen... It's not your fault, not ours--we didn't make a choice to take a bait when we saw Kazuha-hime died. Then, a twist revealed that... from what Izumo informed; Kazuha-hime tricked us into killing Queen Himiko for good, and she is the next queen to serve the Sun Queen and giving her death because she has the darkness in her own heart," Ren told him, stopping him in mid-sentence as the amber-brown haired fellow embraced him that shows a genuine--and friendly trust and true care. "We're sorry for doubting your decision, Kaizo... we were worried if you're hiding something and trying to act cool in front of us that it means you have to be a lone warrior. I'm glad that we're fine..." Hakuren muttered.

Dinda tried to ask his widowed father Retsu whether he wants to talk to Kaizo or Ren after the ordeal, but he just look at Ren with a genuine expression. "Hm? My son, perhaps... he inherited my traits, so was his late-mother when it comes to his care."

Then, Retsu stood beside Kaizo while talking about an issue to discuss for a moment. "Your friend is determined and mature, he can even fool anyone of his honesty yet his cleverness is truly useful as the brawn and brains. You both lead a great and successful teamwork," the man commended, crossing his arms as Kaizo glancing away from him, rubbing the back of his head with a grin. "Old man, I don't need your compliment to be accepted in your presence. I was chosen to protect everyone, as the leader of my friends since I'm older than anyone," Kaizo told him, Dinda sighed at his stubbornness before returning her gaze to Ren. "Riyanda, I think this is the memorable experience before our graduation that all of us had, right?"

Ren blinked when Dinda said that, she was right--it is a memorable memory to bring in the future. Yes, his best friends are a reminder to him that dreams can come true as long as he can attain them with some hope and good deeds, then his wish to free his soul would come true too. He smiled genuinely, regaining his courage back because of them. "Let's go back to Surabaya, I think we need a shower and clean up," he instructed, the rest nodded as they went to the other room to have a temporary stay. After all, they has a resort behind the sanctuary by their ancestors and also the restaurant of the gods. "Finally! We made it!" Izumo said happily, looking at Kaizo who's beyond pissed because how the fuck Izumo used his encyclopedia brain.

"Sometimes, I wonder how are you so knowledgeable in everything, Izumo... don't get me started, because even I got too fucking angry and annoyed with your dumb-ass knowledge of 'oh, this will help us fight. The good of bad, meh, yada yada'..."

Kaizo grumbled, making Izumo sneered. "Hey! Don't mock my pride! If you didn't want to use the correct way to find a way out, maybe I won't share my books about the history to you ever again!" he crossed his arms and snorted, leading Kaizo yelled at him but Izumo decided to taunt him by doing some provocative actions. Shenlan and Farlan raised their eyebrows at their constant banters, as Hakuren placed her hand on her hip. "Not to ruin the party about some annoying drama, but how in the name of Yamatai are you two guys gonna take on all of the arguments about: who will be doing German suplex to Ren?" she asked.

Ren stopped when he heard the shit that going on, before he turn around and glared at the two--causing Izumo yelled and Kaizo also ran off from there. "You assholes! Get back here so I can whoop both of your asses!"

***

Back in Surabaya...

Ren was laying on the bed after he got an awful fever, the event made him do really intensive stuff like a fucking hardcore gamer playing games nonstop so his immune systems were being weakened quickly and his rest was shortened--meaning sleep time, eat and rest was fucked up. He had stayed at home with his father because after they got into hospital, Ren suddenly felt his temperature getting hotter so they let him stay at home to recover. "Man... at least the event is all finished, now I need to rest and shit..." he grumbled, rolling to the side as he coughed a little until he heard someone opening the window.

Seraph entered his room which made Ren yelped by his sudden appearance, he sat up and stared at the Vidyadhara who was his friend of his team. "Sweet freckled Jesus... you scared me, man! Next time, knock the door outside!" he said to the young assassin of his age who was standing there, seeing his composed expression while folding his arms.

Seraph's appearance appearance still like usual, from his neck-length light brown messy hair with vermillion streaks on his long bangs similar to cranes, with the red streaks at the nape of his neck. His pair of violet-blue eyes and alabaster complexion, with three silver piercings on his ears. His black sleeveless turtleneck bodysuit under his black and purple haori with elbow-length sleeves and long black fingerless gloves, golden obi with a bow at the front and wears a white pants with black stripes. With a thigh-high black knee-length boots with back heels, also his red overcoat with feather patterns of a crane, with a detached hood that has his crane logo on it--he even still carries a violin case on his back.

"I came here because I need your help, you can speak Chinese and Cantonese right?"

Ren nodded when he sat up properly, seeing him handing the envelope with a wax seal and he opened it--unfolding the letter as he saw two letters; both written in Chinese and Cantonese. "Wait... let me read this--after I translate it for you, goddamn I haven't spoken Chinese for a month years..." he huffed, Seraph nodded at him before sitting at the edge of the bed, taking out his violin and the bow to entertain Ren from his horrible fever by playing gentle and sweet classical melodies for him. "Uhh... this reads... wait... in Cantonese words they described this is a treasure. One soul, one desire, one goal that could be their essence. The one that must not be lost, is a promise and blessing and curse with no tint of red... is most sought by their lord, whom he is closest among many. Feverishly, he's dying... seeking death and a cold embrace instead of their pity..."

After Ren reading it with translated Cantonese, Seraph carefully noted every details in the letters and the melody being played for him was very smooth and serene--which is a distraction to get him away from his illness. "I just came back from Hong Kong earlier, turns out I just got chased by a Triad earlier," Seraph admitted, making Ren's gaze went back up and him and muttered. "You... what? WHAT THE FUCK SERAPH?!" he screamed in disbelief.

The letter was a letter of warning from the Triad known as Golden Dragon, a criminal organization in Hong Kong that's on its last legs and it was considered legendary... although they're still the toughest of all in this generation. Ren's jaw dropped like a fucking goldfish as his hand accidentally opened the small box that was on Seraph's hand, revealing a piece of traditional Chinese antique--a pair of red stud earrings with a golden triangle insignia. "Who the fuck pissed you off?!" he exclaimed.

"I don't know, but I just happen to steal this box because my client wanted to sell these and he have to make the payment--but then these guys wanted to stop me, that's it. Don't worry, the payment is done and he wanted to keep this to me as a gift for helping him," Seraph explained calmly while Ren stared in awe, wondering how did this guy worked as an assassin. "Dude, you're stealing this... for your client?" he asked in confusion. "Yes, assassins must fulfill their client's wishes, it's part of their job," Seraph answered as a matter-of-fact, staring right into Ren's eyes as the latter realized his mistake and how smart his friends were.

They literally just did shit to do a wish or a contract that they have to accomplish and there will be a payment or rewards that suited to their enemies, they're the best criminals that might compete among Heaven. 'See? This is why people are scared of him,' Ren thought, imagining the image of Seraph doing crimes and his amazing ability--so precise and flawless. "Did you do something to them?" he asked, Seraph nodded. "I burnt one of their safe house," he answered, casually as if it's just his morning exercises but Ren didn't know why he always forget that this guy had burning interests. "Tell me you got photos."

The photos was shown on his hand, making Ren gasped in amusement because these guys must really fear this guy! As Seraph give the photos to Ren so he can look at it more in amusement, Rihan came inside while bringing a warm food for his sick son Ren and surprised to see Seraph is here. "Seraph... next time, can you at least make an appointment? You're visiting my son without knocking," he sighed, pulling a chair and letting Seraph sit down--the food was also for him so they shared lunch together. "I was in a hurry, Mr. Tjahyana. Apologies."

Ren looked up at his father, who was brushing his short messy amber-brown hair with his hand. "So, what's the situation that you have to see Riyanda, Seraph?" he asked, leaning back to his chair as Seraph took a bite of his meal (made by Rihan), chewing slowly before swallowing the food. "Troublesome Triad, the Golden Dragon Triad in Hong Kong," he answered firmly, making the male's jaw dropped in shock. "What... the Triad in Hong Kong?!" he replied.

"Yes, that Triad. Yomi did defeated some of them, so she told me to leave before she can handle them on her own," Seraph said amusedly, much to Rihan's shock and fear of them. Ren swear to God that if the Triad found out about these antiques in Seraph's hands, they'll find out about him or one of his members--whether they're hiding him because he had defeated some gangs or mafia, or if he was hiding from his duty. "Goddamnit, your job as an assassin is never not easy--every single of it was madness!" Ren complained, groaning and made a silly grumpy faces at him because those face were hilarious and Rihan cackled. "Whatever..."

Ren coughed harshly as he realized he still feverish, he comically fell down on his bed and was laying still--coughing once in awhile while swearing harshly in Cantonese, he knew he fucked it. Seraph closed the boxes, before placing them on his table. "Anyway, I better get going because we can't have you stuck at home with a fever and--"

"Can you like... not placing that box near me? Don't make me a target by those Triad."

"... Sorry," Seraph apologized, taking the box out of his personal space and then the male's phone rang, saying to return to the underground base because there's news about something. "I gotta go, I hope you'll recover soon," he said, before coming out from the window and Ren snapped at him. "Can you please use the door?!" he yelled, grunting when Seraph already jumped out from his window and then left him. "Sorry," he said again.

Rihan watched the male leaves, before leaning close to his son. "So, how did he get involved with the Triad?" he whispered, making Ren explained everything to his father--he hated getting benched during fights and his sickness was eating him from the inside. "Dad... can I go out after I recovered? Please?" Ren asked, pouting like a sassy spoiled kid when his father brushed his messy hair gently with his fingers--humming calmly. "Alright, just call for me if you wanted me to change your wet cloth for your fever."

"Thanks, dad," Ren thanked him tiredly, before drifting into his peaceful rest. Rihan was curious, what kind of Triad that Seraph just got involved with and he's certain; it would make the streets of Hong Kong became more chaotic. But, he can't do this by himself--meddling with the mafia business is dangerous, as there will be many assassination attempts. 'From what I heard, it's a Golden Dragon Triad... he will pay the price if he's foolish enough to involve himself--being reckless will screw him in the end,' he thought, gently touching Ren's forehead--it was warm, just like his feelings and emotions he kept on his heart and eyes. 'Alright, time to ask if the reparation of the Floating Sanctuary is done--Johann and Pairin informed us that it got damaged after the battle with Kuran...'

If you come across this story on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

Meanwhile, Hakuren was eating a takoyaki that she made on her own in her house--seeing her male twin Hakusan was cooking for their dinner since their father Reoh can't cook. Their father just got back from work and closed the door behind him, yawning loudly in exhaustion as he wore a beige jeans with a black long sleeved shirt and some white laces on his running shoes--as well wore his glasses. "Father, you're back," Hakuren greeted with her calm expression and Reoh responded by a grin. "Yep, sooo-oooo-oooo tirrreeeeeddd... all day I had to juggle paperwork, meetings and all!"

Hakusan knew his father is annoying, he knew he's careless and shit but still he's their father--he checked his phone to see his girlfriend Eiko sent a message: 'Hakusan, what are you cooking for dinner?'

He smiled and wrote a reply to her, telling her he, his twin sister and his father are cooking for dinner. "Is that your girl?" Hakuren teased when she ate the takoyaki, he scowled at her. "Shut the fuck up, I don't want to hear that shit. You can't say shit because we have responsibilities, y'know!"

"I'm gonna punch you if you insult me," Hakuren replied, hearing their conversation, Reoh tried to prevent the mess of their big-ass argument before sighed in defeat. The way the twins had a good vibe as sibling, is that they will sometimes started to annoy each other but... he loves seeing his children bond like that, to have this kind of relationship are hard and only close people like siblings or relatives could feel it. "Ren and his friends got feverish... shit, what kind of fever is this?" he growled lightly, grabbing his phone to call Ren's father to talk about his situation.

Being a single father wasn't easy as he thought--how did parents survived longer during school days for their children, it baffled him. He knows a lot about the adults doing bad things, they either don't care or having no idea about the result of their decisions and they didn't want to realize that this leads people suffering, including their children. "Hakuren," Reoh called his daughter, watching her turning around to look at her father. "Your future is going to be an insane road, you just have to find your rhythm of this world in it... but never stopped unless you got someone to lift your spirits up and be their strength."

The older male carefully brushing her white hair, as she looks up at her father with her crystal blue eyes. "You know, since you're my one and only daughter. I don't want you to get hurt by things like drugs or prostitution, your kindness is very fragile as it can be exploited by sickening people," he added, Hakuren smiled at him and nodded. "I'll stay wise and strong, father--don't worry."

"Also, Hakusan... sorry if I'm a cringe as your father and I'm not serious like a proper parent should be, but you're a great son and--"

"You don't need to worry about that, just bring the money to us," Hakusan interrupted him with a smirk, making Reoh glared at him. "Hey, just because I'm wealthy doesn't mean I'm just sitting at my damn ass and shit! I still work hard and earn this, alright? Your mother did too before she passed away when you're babies..." he replied irritated, he'll pull the puppy eyes if his stubborn son and he didn't need to, because Hakusan doesn't want to see his dad sad by reminding the past--the death of his mother, he took a deep breath before replying. "Sorry, I'm just... need some entertainment. Now that I reconcile with Eiko, we're dating again," he said, Reoh raised his brows. "Oh, you guys went back together?"

Hakusan nodded, before he heard a door knock and he knew it was Eiko. "And here's my beautiful girlfriend that I missed for long time. Hey there, Eiko," he said with a smile, pulling her in. The girl was excited to see him again, grinning happily before noticing his father behind him and also Hakuren. "Good morning, Mr. Murasame, Hakuren! I came here because Hakusan told me to, also this food was made by Ren before he got sick!" Eiko introduced herself, greeting them happily.

"Good morning too, please, you may take a seat and enjoy some meals," Reoh responded with a smile, letting her come inside as they proceeded to start their evening dinner. "How did he got sick?" the tall male asked, concerned of her friend's condition. "Because of the sudden fever caught him off-guard--he, Izumo and Kaizo almost fainted after they wrap up the event and dismissed the volunteers who helped us," she explained. Hakuren was quite worried too, because they have been sleepless days before the event's closure and they must secure the procedures so they won't let any accident happened.

But, they deserve a lot of rest to recover since the beginning of year will start next week, although one of their Student Council members is in home recovering from his fever but he's alive, although being fevered sucks. The day after, Seraph came to ask Izumo about the old Triad organization in Hong Kong and it was quite hectic--making their jaws dropped. "What the--Golden Dragon Triad?!" Izumo yelped while holding a phone to voice call Kaizo, staring at the Vidyadhara who wrote on his black notebook. "Who pissed him off?" Kaizo muttered.

Who pissed him off? Chaotic ass assassin who literally burnt down a Triad's safe house in Hong Kong. All because of the Triad's boss getting caught eating his favorite strawberry cake before his eyes, the ONE that he bought recently and he got pissed off. "ARE YOU ON CRACK?!" Kaizo added while screeching in bewilderment, causing some attention and Seraph hummed calmly. "That was my favorite high-quality strawberry cake," Seraph answered casually, like talking about something normal like weather and he'll literally murder anyone if it were stolen. "Anyway, there will be Chinese New Year this month right? Yomi told me that she would like to join," Kaizo asked through the group call.

"Yeah," Ren replied, coughing a little on the group call as he was still in his home. "Fuck, my throat is dry as hell and I can't taste anything and all my favorite food tastes like ash--"

"DUDE, you just swallowed spicy noodles and your tongue was destroyed! That's the price you're paying for eating spicy stuff when you're weak," Izumo interjected, followed by light chuckle by Ren. "I'm born with love for spice like my dad, y'know... how about you guys? Can you eat spicy food?" he asked. There was a brief silence from Izumo and Kaizo, before they laughed a little as Seraph smiled. "Of course, but... you may want to try the food in Hong Kong--they have great home cook meals."

Izumo can't handle spices unlike Kaizo who's immune and doesn't give a shit if it's spicy, but he tried it--if he wanted to participate the festivals with them and even visiting Seraph's place. "Yeah... I'd love to," he grumbled with a smile, blushing to hear Kaizo coughed at the call. Then, Izumo added. "Kashitenshi... or Kashiten--whatever your real name is, just to let you know..." he addressed Seraph by his real name, before he sniffles his nasty snots. "If you don't know about that box that you stole, it's actually a jewelry that supposed to be auctioned by the Golden Dragon Triad--but they steal it first, before you did. It's a red stud earrings that came with a golden triangles, the dragon clasping made of pure gold," Izumo explained, scrolling to a page where a huge piece of antique was placed, as he gave the link to Seraph and he wrote the important details into his notebook--they trusted him and it turns out... he didn't mean no harm, all he was trying to do is killing his boredom.

"I killed a lot of triads when I was in Hong Kong."

Seraph admitted, causing his teammates almost spat their drinks out--holy moly is this guy for real?! Is he being chased by that Triad?! Ren groaned, slumping onto his bed tiredly. "You mean those gangsters with an obnoxious mohawk or ridiculous golden gauntlet wannabe or fucking emo twink makeup?" he asked, scoffing at the thought of a member. "Well, if you just get rid of their face paint or makeup... they're just a regular guys except the clothes and tattoos, yeah. I got hit multiple times and stabbed, though their numbers were decreasing because of that chaos," Seraph explained, as if he was reporting what he did to his school teacher.

What the fuck, is this guy a human, Vidyadhara or something else? No wonder Sadana recruited him, but turns out he also has a thing with strawberry cakes and without them... he became moody and having a terrible urge to kill people around him. Oh right, don't ever drop his favorite strawberry cake.

Yomi was no different, she was mostly numb and deadpan with pretty monotone expressions on her face... although Ren thought she was kind and didn't mind her attitude. Seraph continued speaking. "They had changed leaders several times, so I wasn't sure who I was dealing with..." he muttered quietly, like he was uncertain with himself. Seraph explained the current leader is under the 5th generation, according to the letters that the other one brought from the Triad's member that he beaten up--although they mentioned there would be an event and he should pick up the last one. "Do you have... any other entertainment other than your assassin jobs?" Izumo asked, looking at the white ceiling with his pair of turquoise-blue eyes.

Seraph hummed, then he answered. "It depends on how good I do this. Money was nice," he answered, sighing deeply and Izumo was amused by his explanation. "Do you want to join the Chinese New Year festival?" he asked him, while Seraph remained his flat expressionless face. "We could meet people of every kind; gangster or street cleaner or billionaires," he added, the assassin pondered for a moment--staring at the window before he glancing back at him. "Is there a stringed instruments that I can play?" he asked, Izumo already know what kind of instrument he liked secretly--so he replied with a smirk.

"Of course, do you know erhu?"

Seraph immediately nodded when he heard that familiar word, he saw Izumo get up from his bed with a sneezes and grabbed his erhu that he has been taking care carefully. He handed it to Seraph, he let him practice with the bow and the erhu with the straps around his waist to keep the hold of the instrument. Seraph tuned the erhu as he pressed the bridge, gliding his finger along the bow, but it still needs a bit adjusting... so the bow sound right. "Let me adjust the erhu so it'll sound good," he said. With that said, it wasn't a waste time when he and Izumo had fun with the instrument like it was a banquet feast full of delicious cuisines. "I got to adjust the tune, please wait..." he said quietly.

Finally, he can strum the strings on the erhu with a delicate touch like it was a glass harp. He took a deep breath, pulling the strings to make sure the tune would flow smoothly, having experience with it. Gently press down on the bow over the string, slowly sliding his fingers to produce its proper tones and humming the gentle and tragic melody. Izumo found this unusual, but... now he can see someone has charisma and intelligence, they share knowledge, also he has a talent--especially with classical music. 'It seems like he was interested in performing during Lunar New Year festival... interesting,' he thought, staring at the window before him as the sun was setting. "Seraph, do you want to perform in Lunar New Year?"

There was an answer.

Seraph accepted his proposal, being busy as a musician instead of a killing machines... of course he wanted some entertainment when he have time and there's a perfect chance. "It depends, if I finished my duties and received my payment. What will my payment look like?" he asked. Izumo smirked at his determined nature, Seraph is skilled in everything and literally everything, he would explain it as perfection--which he grinned. "How about golden imperial Ingots?" he asked.

"Nevermind, I don't need it. Don't take it as me saying I like gold... because I don't really," Seraph muttered lightly, before he smirked back with satisfaction. Oh, it didn't matter, as long as he has more important thing instead of wealth. For Seraph, the greatest of all wealth is information and no price to pay because it's simple as that, just listen. "Important question," he paused, looking at the blonde who nodded at him. "Will there be strawberry cakes?"

"YES! Your favorite high-quality strawberry cake!"

In order to lure Seraph, Ren has to prepare the most 'expensive' strawberry cakes for him. He has no problem with luring Yomi to come because he knew she needs some entertainment too, but Seraph? This guy needs some kick-ass strawberry cake or his mood would instantly blackout and murderous urges will be crawling around. 'As long as this guy isn't holding that blade... it's going to be a happy and romantic event for me~' Ren thought happily, seeing the preparation has finished. As he takes off his glasses and looked up, smiling at his friends when his eyes went wide in excitement.

The olive-blue eyed male didn't know this was coming, the music and laughter is filling the whole atmosphere--like it was like a banquet dance party being held somewhere in high-class academy, Ren doesn't see any guests or people are eating here. His eyes were glimmering beautifully when he's so dazzled, making him remembered back during the Cultural Festival they were actually spending their precious time, although everyone was almost busy to do everything.

--First Week--Before the Lunar New Year--

"It's going to be Lunar New Year this month, right? We also have to prepare more things before the date," Hakuren asked in the kitchen, cooking her part on the pan. "Yeah, that's why Ren told us to prepare this month already, so there won't be much hassle," Eiko explained, stuffing the cabbage leaves with minced meat while her boyfriend and Reoh helped her on making the Chinese dumplings. "He said he already prepared the Chinese robes for all of us, especially when it's red-themed. I wanted my red cheongsam-style ones but he says not yet, because I need to measure first," Hakuren spoke, wondering if Izumo might wear that one he always wear for festivals, like that one old military uniform, or he chose Ren's robe.

"Also, don't forget about the fireworks after the spring festival. It's awesome!" Eiko chirped happily, Hakusan noticed Reoh was almost forgot about something. "Wait, father... aren't you going to buy the spring festival fireworks?" he asked, just before their father answered: "Already bought it! Plus, the huge porks! There's so many of them when I searched one in Surabaya here!"

Good, because pork is a MUST for Chinese-Indonesian community--for example Ren and his father Rihan is Chinese-Indonesian like Dinda, Faylan, Sadana and Shenlan, Farlan is quarter but technically still part of the people. "Too bad... Ren is super feverish after finishing events and shit, Izumo also looks tired and I know Kaizo is," Hakusan joked, before he noticed he just swore in front of his dad. "Fuck--I mean, nope," he swore again and curse at himself internally, making his father chuckled. "It's okay, I swear too sometimes, but please try not to?" he informed, smiling at him.

Eiko was carrying some dishes to the table for the Spring Festival, looking over at Hakusan with her crystal clear blue eyes. "Let's call Ren, he should be at home. Also, don't forget about bringing the gifts, okay?" she asked, and Hakusan nodded. Later that evening, the group plus Chiko the German Shepherd puppy arrived at his house and Rihan opened the door and welcomed them. Ren saw the calendar in his bedroom, it still three weeks before the Chinese New Year and Hakuren still busy with the preparations so he own't be stressed. "Sadana should come too, he has been busy lately..." Ren mumbled, before changing his clothes to normal wear and greeted his father who just get back from grocery shopping. "Yo, Dad."

"Hey, son. You've eaten?" he asked, making Ren nodded and patted his stomach when he walked in front of the male. Rihan could see that he hates being sick, not gonna lie--it feels like he did when he got heat stroke once during the trip. He doesn't want his body to be useless or doing a fucking damage to himself, especially when his son love to work hard for his passion. "You know, you don't have to work on many events--you already made a portfolio on yourself," he reminded, and Ren sighs. "I know, but I don't want my skill to rust. So yeah, I have done a lot of things before the four of us finished our Student Council year..."

"Actually, maybe you can make a portfolios of other students for their projects as well. Why not, it'll make some money and extra portfolio you know," Rihan suggested, the Vidyadhara thought of it. "You're right, as long it doesn't spend too much dime--but still we have to spend a lot of money for preparations and people. But now? I'm preparing for graduation, but we also giving our parting gift for the school... not gonna lie. I missed being in Surabaya Cultural School, like... being a high school student there? It made me nostalgic. Don't get me wrong, I loved coming to our old school as usual... but it wasn't quite the same," he said.

Ren admitted, his father chuckled at him and patted his shoulder gently, before ruffling his amber-brown hair. "Everything will make you miss the past," he said, his son smiled at him. Yeah, Ren admits. 'There will be not a single generation that won't missed the past, whatever there's the best memory or the worst. Never deny them,' he thought in his mind, he truly felt alive when he was working.

In order to lure Seraph, Ren has to prepare the most 'expensive' strawberry cakes for him. He has no problem with luring Yomi to come because he knew she needs some entertainment too, but Seraph? This guy needs some kick-ass strawberry cake or his mood would instantly blackout and murderous urges will be crawling around. 'As long this guy isn't holding that blade and still in a best mood... it's going to be a happy and romantic event for me~' Ren thought happily, seeing the preparation has finished. As he takes off his glasses and looked up, smiling at his friends when his eyes went wide in excitement.

The olive-blue eyed male didn't know this was coming, the music and laughter is filling the whole atmosphere--like it was like a banquet dance party being held somewhere in high-class academy, Ren doesn't see any guests or people are eating here. His eyes were glimmering beautifully when he's so dazzled, making him remembered back during the Cultural Festival they were actually spending their precious time, although everyone was almost busy to do everything.

Plus, he also paid respect to the Oni girl who was able to bring peace to her clan and now she was up there.

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