The blue light from the magic lamp danced on the spiral branches, casting mesmerizing shadows around the four teenagers. In the serene silence of the night, the only sounds were the chirping crickets and the soft rustle of the wind, carrying the scent of new magic that lingered after the storm had passed.

  Fitran sat hunched over, hugging his knees, his red eyes filled with sorrow and dark circles under his cheeks. He gazed at the dark sky, allowing the soft glow to touch his face before whispering, “I need to share something with you all tonight. If I keep it inside any longer, it’s just going to rot away.”

  Arthuria crossed her arms tightly against her chest, her expression tense and her voice hoarse, “Finally! I’m tired of all these riddles. Who do you like, Fitran? Is it me? Rinoa? Or Irithya? Stop dodging the question.”

  Irithya shot a fiery glare at Arthuria before turning her attention back to Fitran. “Do you have any idea how much I hold back every day just because you can't decide on one of us? I’m not a ghost, Fitran. I’m done waiting.”

  Rinoa stood awkwardly, her hands clenching tightly without realizing it. She felt a thin current of magic swirling around her—a small blue butterfly formed from aether, only to dissolve before it could land in her loose hair.

  In a soft tone, Rinoa lowered her voice, “I understand I might not be as impressive as them. Arthuria, a true hero, and Irithya, absolutely remarkable... And me? Just me. But honestly, I want to know: have you ever seen me as someone you could love?”

  Fitran bit his lip, his voice growing hoarse, “I used to think I could handle everything alone, without involving anyone else. But day by day, it feels harder to manage.”

  Arthuria stepped closer, her high voice trembling with emotion, “Don’t pretend you don’t understand, Fitran. If you choose me, just say it. If not, I’ll put my hopes to rest right here.” She bit her lip, her eyes glimmering in the moonlight, looking more vulnerable than ever.

  Rinoa looked down, her voice barely a whisper, “I don’t want to be anyone's escape. If you’re truly happy with Arthuria or Irithya… I’ll step back quietly. But please don't keep me here just to be a burden.” Her gentle kick disturbed the leaves around her, as if they sensed her uncertainty.

  Irithya paused, taking a breath before snapping her fingers with certainty. The twisted roots of the tree behind her sprang slightly, responding to the wave of magic in the air. "I’m not the kind of person who will wait forever. I want to be loved, Fitran. If that's not possible, then let me find my own path without regrets." Her sharp gaze radiated determination, as if she was ready to confront anything, even in the enchanting darkness of the night.

  Fitran rubbed his face, the weariness evident in the lines etched on his skin. He looked at Arthuria earnestly, his voice flowing softly yet profoundly. "Arthuria... I’m captivated by your courage, by the way you stand tall even when everything around you falls apart. But you never let me glimpse your vulnerable side. I want to get closer to you, but it feels like you always push me away.” His hand moved cautiously, as if trying to bridge the gap to the sincerity buried deep within his heart.

  Arthuria blinked, her breath quickening. "I can't open my heart if I'm not sure of myself. I'm scared, Fitran. If I fall in love, I'm worried I won't be able to get back up again." Her expression trembled, casting a soft shadow on her cheeks as the evening dew clung to her skin.

  Fitran turned to Irithya, his voice gentle as he said, "Irithya… you’re the most stubborn person I've ever met. But that’s what draws me to you. I worry about hurting your feelings because I know you're much more fragile than you let on." His tone carried warmth, as if embracing the cool night air around them.

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  Irithya clenched her jaw, a soft blush spreading across her cheeks like the faint glow of the moon, “So, who do you really care for?”

  Fitran frowned, his gaze dropping in confusion, “I don't know. Maybe I am being foolish. But… I want all of you to stay with me. I can’t choose one, and I don’t want to lose any of you.” He stretched out his arms, almost as if trying to find their hands in the thick darkness that surrounded them.

  The atmosphere shifted sharply, becoming heavy. Around them, the trees swayed, their delicate blue tones fading to a muted red, echoing the inner turmoil that churned between them.

  Rinoa fought back tears, her eyes glistening as she looked at Fitran, her gaze filled with hope. “Then tell me, why haven’t you been honest from the start? I’m not looking for sweet words. Just tell me: is there a place for me in your heart, or not?”

  Arthuria stepped closer, her stance strong and confident as she stood beside Fitran, tilting her chin with determination. “Tell me, if I kissed you tonight, would you accept me? Or would you push me away?” She winked playfully, her voice teasing like the night breeze.

  Irithya held her breath, frustration swirling within her anxious heart. “If I leave now, will you hold on, Fitran? Or is letting me go too heavy a burden for you?”

  Fitran closed his eyes, his voice trembling like the gentle whisper of the evening air. “I can’t bear to lose anyone. I guess that makes me selfish.”

  Suddenly, Rinoa knelt in front of Fitran, gripping his hand with warmth. “Maybe you are selfish. But what scares me more is if you leave without saying goodbye.”

  Arthuria leaned in, playfully tugging at Fitran’s collar, her voice low and curious, “I can’t wait to hear your answer, Fitran. Just one. Don't hide behind sweet words.”

  Fitran paused for a moment, gazing at the starry night sky, and then spoke softly, “I… want you three to stay with me. As for what love looks like, I can’t quite say. But if you choose to stay, I want to stand by you too. Even though my soul is scarred and chaotic.”

  The spiral tree before them shimmered in shades of golden green, the magic in the air pulsing gently, signaling a decision that had been made—at least for tonight.

  Irithya nestled back down, leaning back with a weary sigh, her eyes softly glittering in the dim light, “At least you’re honest. But for tomorrow, I can’t promise I’ll be here. Yet for tonight, I’m still here.”

  Arthuria released her grip, her face showing a mix of relief and sorrow, “Yes, tomorrow holds no guarantees. But tonight, I stand here with you.”

  Rinoa wiped away the tears flowing down her cheeks, offering a faint smile, “I’ll also stay.”

  For a moment, silence wrapped around them, before Arthuria broke the tension with a small laugh, “It’s funny, isn’t it? The three of us fighting over a guy who can’t even say what he feels.”

  Irithya smiled bitterly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, “I don’t regret being honest.”

  Fitran exhaled in relief, the cool night dew softly enveloping them, “Thank you. If everything changes tomorrow, I won’t regret the honesty I shared tonight.”

  Rinoa gazed at the spiral tree with a mix of fascination and uncertainty, raising an eyebrow, "It's strange, this tree seems to sense our feelings. It’s like it can reveal what we keep hidden."

  Arthuria, with a sharp glance and a smirk, interjected, "That's what makes this place special. Here, all masks will slip, and the truth will come to light."

  Irithya turned her gaze, searching for reassurance, "Maybe that's why we always return to this tree when everything gets chaotic. It will never deceive us."

  Fitran looked at each of his friends in turn, his eyes trembling with emotion, "Starting tomorrow, we might need to go our separate ways. But for tonight, I want us to stay together."

  A soft breeze carried distant whispers—echoes of magic floating from the city. Irithya murmured, her expression heavy, "The battle is over out there, but the fight here has just begun."

  Arthuria nodded firmly, “Tomorrow, I might pick up my sword again. But tonight, I'm just a girl longing for peace.”

  Rinoa sighed, her eyes filled with gratitude, “I… I don’t know what else to say, other than thank you for being honest tonight. It means a lot to me.”

  Fitran wrapped up the evening gently, his smile bittersweet amidst the sadness, “Whatever happens, I’ll carry you all with me. Before this world falls apart, tonight… is just for the four of us.”

  Under the spiraling tree that seemed to change shape with every moment, the four of them sank into a quiet understanding, each carrying unspoken wounds. There were no promises, no ultimatums. Just honesty wrapped around them like a warm blanket and a willingness to accept one another, at least for this night.