The next day in school, the buzz spread like wildfire through the corridors. During recess, students chattered excitedly, their laughter and whispers filling the air. I sat alone, observing the commotion.
"I heard it's a trip to the town!" a girl exclaimed.
"What's the point of that?" a boy asked, curiosity sparking in his eyes.
"I think it's to explore the town," another girl replied, while yet another added, "I've never been beyond the outskirts."
I wondered, "A school trip to the town, huh?" Before long, the news had reached every corner of the school. As school was over, students poured out of their classrooms, eager for the next day's adventure.
I waited for Lumina, noticing her bright smile as she approached. "Hey, ready to head home?" she asked.
"Yep, and you seem really happy today," I observed.
Lumina's eyes sparkled. "Let's walk, and I'll tell you why."
As we strolled, I knew what she was going to say. I thought to myself, "I guess she's going to talk about the trip."
"Have you heard about the school trip?" Lumina asked.
I feigned ignorance. "What trip?"
Lumina's grin widened. "We're exploring the big town! Can you believe it?"
My smile mirrored hers. "That's amazing! Your first trip, right?"
Lumina nodded enthusiastically. "And my first time seeing what's going on in the town. I've always wondered..." Her voice trailed off, lost in thought.
I sensed a deeper emotion behind her words.
"We should tell Mom and Dad about it," Lumina suggested.
"Definitely," I agreed. "They might have some great tips."
Lumina's excitement bubbled over. "Yaay, my first school trip!"
As we walked, Lumina's thoughts drifted back to her childhood. I could see the fondness in her eyes.
"This is so much better than when I was little... alone and curious about the town. My life was so miserable back then," she said, her voice tinged with melancholy.
My gentle voice brought her back to the present. "We're almost home."
Lumina looked up, surprised. "Already? I still get lost between home and school."
I reassured her with a smile. "You'll learn the way soon. I used to just follow Mom back then, and I managed to get the hang of it. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it too."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow, we reached home. Lumina's eyes sparkled with gratitude.
"Thanks, Aster. You're always here for me," she said, her voice filled with emotion.
I smiled softly. "We're home."
We entered the house, exhausted from school. I exclaimed, "We're back home! School is stressful."
My mom emerged from the kitchen, a warm smile on her face. "Welcome back, dear! I made dinner. Let's eat."
Lumina's face lit up. "Yay, thanks, Mom!"
During dinner, the dinner table was set with an enticing spread. Starlight tea, a brown, shimmering liquid, filled delicate cups. Each plate held two steaming pies, filled with enchanted meats to enhance strength and agility. Lumina's eyes widened.
"Yum! I can't wait to dig in!" she exclaimed.
My mom chuckled. "Help yourself, dear."
Lumina devoured her pies in record time, washing them down with the Starlight tea. My parents and I exchanged amused glances.
I then remembered about the trip and decided to let Lumina share the news.
"Don't you have something to share?" I whispered to Lumina.
Lumina paused, pie crumbs on her lips. "Mom, Dad... we have a school trip tomorrow!"
My dad set his fork down. "Really? That's great! First trip, no wonder you're beaming."
Lumina smiled, her face aglow.
My mom asked, "Do you need any help from us? What's the trip about?"
"We're exploring the town," I replied. "We could use some inspiration or insights from you, Mom and Dad."
My dad thought for a moment. "We know the town, but I'm not sure what the school has planned. Tell us more."
My mom added, "Yes, keep us updated, okay?"
Lumina nodded enthusiastically. "We will! Thanks, Mom, Dad."
After dinner, as Lumina was about to change going to my room, my mom called out.
"Lumina, wait!"
Lumina turned around, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. "What is it, Mom?"
My mom smiled, her eyes twinkling. "I almost forgot. I have something special for you."
She got up from her chair and went into her room.
Lumina exchanged a puzzled glance with me.
My mom returned with three exquisite dresses draped over her arms.
I remembered why she had bought those dresses. I had asked her to get some clothes for Lumina so she wouldn't have to wear my clothes at night.
Lumina's eyes widened as she took in the dresses. The first was a soft, pale blue nightgown made of silky fabric, with delicate lace trim around the neckline and cuffs. The second was a celestial gown, flowing and floor-length, with starry patterns and shimmering fabric. The third was a bold, red scale-patterned dress with a matching fabric rose.
"Are these... for me?" Lumina asked feeling deeply touched.
My mom nodded. "Yes, dear. I wanted to buy more, but these caught my eye. Give me time, and I'll find more."
Lumina's face glowed with gratitude. "This is more than enough, thank you, Mom."
My dad chimed in, his voice filled with warmth. "You're part of the family, Lumina. Don't worry about it."
Mom smiled. "Thanks to Aster reminding me to buy you dresses. He's always thinking of you."
I smiled, my eyes locking onto Lumina's. Lumina felt her heart flutter and smiled back.
"I'll take these and change," Lumina said, carefully taking the dresses from Mom.
As she headed upstairs, she herself couldn't help but wonder how she'd look in them.
Later in my room as she was going to dress in one of the beautiful dresses she just got,Lumina trying them on in my room. She held up the red scale-patterned dress and chuckled. "Nah, too bold for sleeping." Next, she considered the celestial gown. "I love it, but it's perfect for sunny days, not nighttime." Finally, she picked up the pale blue nightgown. "Perfect. This will surely fit my liking."
As she slipped into the nightgown, the soft fabric hugged her curves. The delicate lace trim sparkled in the dim light. Lumina spun around, admiring herself.
"I love it. This will definitely fit my liking." She felt a flutter in her chest, imagining my reaction.
Lumina waited patiently on my bed, her pale blue nightgown shimmering in the dim light. I imagined her thinking, "What's taking him so long?" Her brow furrowed, "I wore this dress for him... Will he even notice?" She pampered her cheeks, trying to shake off her doubts.
Finally, I trudged upstairs, my school uniform slung over my shoulder, wearing only my dark gray fitted school trousers. My eight-pack abs showed heavily and boldly, glistening with sweat.
"Lumina, sorry for taking so long," I said, still catching my breath. "I was outside doing exercises with Dad."
My eyes adjusted to the dim light, and I noticed Lumina fast asleep.
"Why did I even bother?" I chuckled. "Of course, she's sleeping. It's late."
I sighed and began to undress. "I need to dry my uniform. Can't let Mom do it; I'm a big boy now."
As I changed into my black shirt and shorts, I spotted Lumina's dresses laying on the bed.
"Better clean up before it gets messy." I carefully placed the dresses inside the wooden closet.
I approached the bed, my gaze falling on Lumina.
"She looks beautiful, even in sleep."
I distanced myself from Lumina, respecting her space.
"Goodnight, Lumina," I whispered, drifting off to sleep.