The final day of the festival drew to a close with the Emperor's booming voice echoing through the royal colosseum. Applause erupted from the crowd as the winner of the festival's top innovation was announced—a groundbreaking fusion of magic and science that allowed for instantaneous teleportation of small, non-living objects across vast distances, with added bonus of using the star energy. The event marked a new chapter in the empire's progress, a feat that promised to revolutionize trade, communication, and much more, everyone stood up to applaud the winners and Nova's Grand father was especially proud in this moment since the winner were from his duchy of Lumiere.
But for Nolan, the real highlight of the day had been something far more personal. The moments shared with Nova, the lingering gazes, the unspoken connection—they had consumed his thoughts throughout the entire spectacle. And now, as the Anderson family began to leave their seats, the moment they got home everyone would start preparing to return to their duchy, Nolan felt a strange mixture of excitement and sadness settle over him.
It wasn't just the end of the festival; it was the end of the proximity to Nova. Despite the crowded colosseum, the grandeur of the event, and the celebratory atmosphere, Nolan had never felt more tethered to someone before. He longed to figure out what Nova truly felt, but before he could make sense of anything, reality beckoned. Tomorrow, they were scheduled to leave the capital, and he had no idea when—or if—he'd get the chance to see Nova again, just the thought of never meeting again made him sad.
The way back to the Anderson residence was a blur. Juno, Eloise, and Elspeth were chattering excitedly about their favorite inventions, showing each other what they'd bought at the festival stalls, and discussing which innovations would likely shape the future or just small fun trinkets. Amidst the excited chatter, they couldn't help but notice Nolan's more subdued mood.
"Nolan, what's wrong? You're being really quiet," Eloise said, her sharp eyes narrowing as she caught her brother's gaze, usually shy and reserved, but Eloise was the sharpest when it came to emotional fluctuations of her family, now even though Nolan was smiling and laughing with them, but it all seemed a bit forced and his thoughts seemed to wonder, not exactly in the present, Eloise nudged her Twin Elspeth to speak as well.
"Yeah, you've been weird all day," Elspeth added, nudging him playfully. "Something worrying you little brother, if you want we are here to listen you know?"
Nolan shook his head, attempting a half-hearted smile. "I'm fine. Just tired, I guess."
The twins exchanged glances, clearly not convinced. They had grown up with Nolan and knew when something was bothering him and his face comeywith subtitles vividly displayed. His attempt at hiding his emotions was unconvincing, and they weren't going to let it go.
"Come on, Nolan. We know something's up," Eloise said, pulling him aside as they got off the car before they get in the house. "You've been acting strange ever since the festival started. Is it something to do with Nova?"
Nolan's eyes widened at the mention of Nova's name, but he quickly tried to mask his reaction. "What? No… It's nothing like that."
Elspeth smirked. "Oh, so it is about Nova." She crossed her arms and gave him a knowing look. "Spill. We're your sisters. We can tell when you're lying and when did learn the bad habit of hiding stuff from us, hmm."
Nolan hesitated, unsure of how much he wanted to reveal. He wasn't even sure what his own feelings were, let alone how Nova might feel. The uncertainty of it all made him reluctant to confide in anyone, even his siblings, his soul might be of that of a old arch mage, he was grand example of thousand year old guy with love experience, he was married once, but that to because of family situation. He just got along with his wife like friends, but there never was anything more than that between them. Well his wife told him she likes women on their wedding night so it's not like there could have been more than what they had.
Coming back to his senses, when his sister tapped him on the shoulder "It's just…" Nolan started, searching for the right words. "I'm not really sure what's going on. I feel something, but I don't know if it's just me or if he feels the same way."
Eloise softened, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You know, there's only one way to find out, right?" There was no prejudice or hate when it came to her little brother's feelings for someone of the same gender, both the twins, only ever wanted this younger brother of theirs to be happy, since they have seen him going from a bright and cheery child to a dull and lifeless doll, it was already a miracle that he's alive, no societal norm will stop them from making their brother happy.
Nolan nodded but didn't respond. The thought of confronting Nova about his feelings terrified him. What if it was all one-sided? What if Nova didn't feel the same way?
"Don't overthink it," Elspeth added gently. "Sometimes, you just have to go for it. Otherwise, you'll never know."
Nolan appreciated their support, but the knot in his stomach refused to loosen. He gave them a weak smile before heading inside, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling that had settled over him.
The next morning, the sun rose with a gentle warmth, signaling the beginning of their journey back to the Duchy of Andrew. The Anderson family bustled about, packing their belongings and preparing for the trip. There was a sense of excitement in the air as everyone hurriedly showed off their festival souvenirs and made plans for when they'd return to the capital next and their parents to shared the gifts that they baught them and four of them reciprocated with the gifts of their own for their parents.
But Nolan's heart wasn't in it. He still hadn't resolved the feelings that had been churning inside him since the day of the festival. His mind kept wandering back to Nova—the way their gazes had met across the colosseum, the unspoken connection that had lingered between them.
As the family made their way to the port where their flying car awaited, Nolan trailed behind, lost in thought. His head hung low as he walked, mentally replaying every interaction he'd had with Nova, trying to make sense of it all.
Suddenly, everyone in front of him came to a stop. Nolan, not paying attention, nearly bumped into Juno, who had halted mid-step. Confused, he looked up—and froze.
Standing in front of the flying car, bathed in the golden light of the rising sun in the early hours of the day, was Nova Bright.
Nolan's heart skipped a beat as he took in the sight of him. The way the sunlight danced across Nova's handsome face made him look almost ethereal. Nolan was momentarily dazed, unsure if he was imagining things.
Nova had come to see him off. But just the notion of it made him laugh at himself, as he looked at Nova going straight to his parents.
Nolan's parents were already deep in conversation with Nova, discussing the recent terrorist attack and the measures that were being taken to prevent any future incidents. Nova handed over a letter from his grandfather, the Grand Duke Bright, to the Anderson couple, who nodded gravely as they read its contents.
But while the rest of the family was preoccupied with the discussion, Nova subtly glanced at Nolan, his expression softening just for a moment. Without drawing attention, he slipped a small note into Nolan's hand as he passed by, his fingers brushing against Nolan's for the briefest of moments, send current down his spine.
Nolan's breath hitched, but he quickly pocketed the note, unsure of what to do. Should he read it now? Should he wait?
Before he could decide, Nova exchanged a few more words with Nolan's parents and then made his exit, leaving just as quietly as he had arrived.
The ride back to the Duchy was peaceful, but Nolan's mind was anything but 'Peaceful'. Everyone in the car was tired from the early start, and the vehicle was set to autopilot, leaving the family to rest and recover from the excitement of the festival, while butler/driver prepared some snacks in the kitchen in the back of the car for them to have when they wake up.
But Nolan couldn't rest. The note burned a hole in his pocket, and his curiosity gnawed at him.
When the car finally settled into a quiet rhythm, with everyone asleep except Juno, Nolan took a deep breath and carefully unfolded the note. His heart raced as his eyes scanned the small piece of parchment, the words written in Nova's neat, precise handwriting.
'Nolan, I don't know when we'll see each other again, but there are things I want to talk to you about—things I don't quite understand yet myself. If you feel the same, maybe we can figure it out together. Let me know when you return to the capital, as I might visit due to some official work to help grandpa.
Nova'
Nolan's heart soared, a mixture of relief and nervous excitement flooding his senses. He read the note over and over, hardly daring to believe it. He could only conclude one thing out of this note, Nova had feelings too—he wanted to talk, to figure out what this was between them.
A small smile crept onto Nolan's face as he folded the note and tucked it back into his pocket. His heart fluttered at the possibilities that lay ahead. Nova felt something too. There was hope, after all.
Juno, who had been quietly watching Nolan, finally spoke. "You good, little brother?"
Nolan, for the first time in days, nodded with genuine certainty. "Yes, big brother. I'm good, no actually more then good, hahaha." He just couldn't handle his happiness and chuckled, Juno looked at his brother in confusion, a few moments ago he was down trodden and now he's giggling like a maiden in love, Juno would know how right he was, but not any time soon.
As the flying car soared toward the Duchy of Andrew, Nolan gazed out the window at the passing clouds, his heart lighter than it had been in a long time. Whatever the future held, he knew one thing for sure—he wasn't alone in his feelings. Nova was with him, even if they were apart for now.
And that made all the difference, he could deal with distance, but not the unsettling feelings of unrequited love.