Path of the Unmentioned: The Missing Piece

The afternoon sun stretched golden rays across the cobblestone path leading to Solvayne Academy's massive library.

The warm light gave everything a soft glow. But it didn't make Kyle walk any faster.

His hands were stuffed deep into his pockets. His boots scuffing lazily as he dragged his feet along the stones.

Beside him. Reo matched his slow pace perfectly.

If someone saw them from a distance. They would think the two were on their way to a punishment instead of a study session.

Neither looked happy to be there.

Ahead of them, Luna walked with purpose. Her short white hair bounced behind her with every firm step.

She was on a mission. And that mission was to drag her lazy friends into academic decency.

She suddenly turned around, planting herself right in front of them with her arms crossed. Her sharp eyes narrowed.

"I can hear you two moping from here," she said firmly. "We're studying today. No arguments."

Reo groaned and ran a hand through his already messy brown hair. "Luna. The exams are two whole days away. That's plenty of time."

Kyle nodded in agreement. Rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah. We were going to train today and study tomorrow. Same plan we always do."

Luna's eye twitched in frustration.

Without a word. She reached out and grabbed both of them by the collar like they were a pair of stray dogs.

She yanked them forward.

"No. You cram every time and then barely pass. Not this time. We are doing it properly. Starting now."

Kyle and Reo exchanged tired glances as Luna marched them toward the towering oak doors of the library.

The smell of old books, ink, and polished wood drifted out from inside.

A quiet buzz of students studying already filled the air.

Just as they reached the doors. Kyle came to a sudden stop.

"Wait," he said, glancing behind him. "I invited someone to study with us."

Reo blinked in surprise. "You? You invited someone?"

Luna raised an eyebrow, clearly suspicious. "You? Volunteering to add someone to the group? Are you sick?"

Before Kyle could explain. A voice called from behind them.

"Sorry I'm late!"

They all turned to see a girl jogging toward them.

Her bright red hair was tied back in a loose ponytail, and her hazel eyes were alert, though tired.

There were dark circles under them, clear signs of sleepless nights.

She clutched a stack of books to her chest. Her uniform was a little wrinkled and her shoes slightly worn. But she still moved with quiet energy.

Reo's jaw dropped. He looked at the girl. Then back at Kyle, and then back again.

"Wait… is this…?" He grabbed Kyle's shoulder and shook him. "Did you say yes to her love letter?!"

Luna gasped. She immediately smacked Reo's arm. "Don't shout that!"

Then she turned on Kyle, whispering harshly.

"Did you really say yes? What about all those other hundred girls who have crushes on you? The confessions you got last week?"

Kyle frowned. "What are you two talking about?"

The red-haired girl flushed pink as she joined them. Adjusting her grip on her books and avoiding eye contact.

"It wasn't a love letter," she mumbled.

Kyle let out a sigh and rubbed his temples.

"This is Mira Farrow. Her younger sister's really sick. I just helped connect her with Vice Principal Seris so she could get treatment."

Mira nodded, her voice soft. "I'll always be grateful for that."

Kyle waved it off. "It was the Vice Principal who made it happen. I just asked."

"But you asked when no one else did," Mira said, finally meeting his eyes.

An awkward silence settled over them for a second. Luna was the first to break it, Clapping her hands together.

"Okay! So, you have been working part-time to help your sister, right? That's why your grades slipped?"

Mira gave a small nod. Her shoulders tightening again like she was bracing for criticism.

Kyle stepped forward a bit.

"I figured she could study with us. Luna's the best at explaining things. But Mira was worried you guys might not want her around. Because…"

He didn't finish, but Reo caught on.

"Oh! Because we're nobles?" he said, then laughed.

He slung an arm over Kyle's shoulders. "If we cared about that. We wouldn't be hanging out with this commoner trash every day."

Luna rolled her eyes and smacked Reo again. "What he meant to say is. We don't care about that stuff. You are welcome to study with us."

Mira's posture eased. Her grip on her books loosening just a bit. A small, thankful smile appeared on her face.

"Thank you. I'll try not to slow you down."

Luna didn't let the mood drop for long.

She grabbed Mira with one hand and Kyle with the other, pulling them toward the library entrance.

"Great. Now let's get inside before these two come up with a new excuse to bail."

Reo trailed behind them with a grin. "Hey Kyle. Does this mean I get to be best man at the wedding?"

Kyle groaned as the heavy library doors swung shut behind them.

The librarian. An older woman with round glasses and a sharp gaze, immediately glared at them. She held a finger to her lips.

"Shhh."

Everyone fell silent at once.

Luna lowered her voice to a whisper.

"First floor study room. And Reo? If you mess around like last time. I swear I'll throw you out a window."

Reo held up both hands like he was surrendering. "I'm innocent!"

They made their way through rows of tall shelves. The scent of parchment and ink growing stronger.

The library was huge, with quiet corners tucked away and lamps glowing softly overhead.

The sound of turning pages and quiet whispers surrounded them.

Mira stayed close to Kyle. Her eyes wide as she took it all in. "I have never studied with a group before," she said quietly.

Kyle gave her a small smile. "Don't worry. Luna's scary, but she's a great teacher. And Reo's… well. You'll get used to him."

Up ahead. Reo turned and walked backward, facing them with a playful grin. "Hey new girl, what's your stance on cheating?"

Before she could answer. Luna grabbed his collar and yanked him forward.

"We. Don't. Cheat," she hissed. "We study. Like civilized people."

Kyle chuckled as they finally reached their usual study room.

It was a cozy space with a long wooden table in the center.

The window in the corner let in soft sunlight that spilled across the floor.

Everyone took their usual spots, and Mira carefully set her books down. Looking far more at ease than before.

As Luna began sorting notes and making a plan for their study session.

Kyle glanced around at his friends. Mira no longer looked like she was holding her breath.

Reo had stopped joking, at least for the moment. And Luna, as always. Looked like she was ready to conquer the world.

Kyle smiled to himself.

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