The dusk crawled down the school roof, magic lights flickered on one by one in the courtyard, creating long shadows that danced across the ground. The lively chatter of elite students echoed through the glass corridors, discussing the magic tournament and their nearly perfect report cards.

  Amidst the bustle, Fitran sat alone in the corner of the field, leaning against an ancient wall draped in moss, listening to the fading echoes of their laughter. In his heart, he reminisced about the times when he celebrated achievements with them, before everything felt so far away. An old notebook lay in his lap—not a spellbook, but a list of tools, small dreams of flying machines, and the names of friends seldom called by teachers, faces that had now melded into the chaos of magical competition.

  Rinoa dashed in from the direction of the garden, slightly out of breath, her face shining as if the sun had penetrated through her. "Fitran!" she called out cheerfully. She placed her lunchbox next to Fitran, an irresistible smile lighting up her face. "You're not joining the practical magic class again, huh? I heard the teacher was waiting for you."

  Fitran shook his head, gazing at the darkening sky, suppressing a bitter smile that half wanted to blend with the flavorless ache in his heart. "Watching the class from afar feels wiser than becoming the subject of laughter in front of the elite students, right? Magic... it's just not for me, Rinoa."

  Rinoa sat beside him, eagerly opening her bento box, ignoring the sneering looks from a few passing students. “Not for you? Don’t be ridiculous, Fitran! I’m the most elite person here, and I’d rather sit with you than get caught up in today’s arena duel. Sharing this food is far better than watching them battle with magic for a trophy,” she said, extending a spoonful of warm rice toward Fitran with a bright smile.

  Fitran stole a glance at Rinoa for a moment, then shifted his gaze to the appetizing aroma wafting from her box. His voice was soft, laced with teasing, although there was an underlying tension. “So, Rinoa the Elite has decided to skip class to enjoy warm rice with a loser who has no magic? For me, staying here is a much wiser choice.”

  “Hah!” Rinoa laughed, her voice full of enthusiasm, like a light illuminating the atmosphere. “You’re being humble, Fitran. That’s not just a choice; it’s a strength! You’re far stronger than you think! Oh, and you should know, Liora once said that magic is ultimately about confidence, not just about conjuring fire from your palms.” She paused for a moment, glancing at the group of students laughing uproariously at the far end of the field. “Oh, and don’t take everything she says too seriously. We all know Liora just tries to show who’s superior,” she added, holding back a smile to mask the worry that was beginning to creep in on her.

  Fitran gave a faint smile, even though his heart trembled with uncertainty. Memories of Liora, with all her grace and prowess, competing at the front of the class, were forever etched in his mind. Rinoa seemed different, yet in Fitran's eyes, the essence of both remained rich with complexity. “Liora really does have her own way of capturing attention,” Fitran admitted, his voice rising softly.

  “Oh, don’t start!” Rinoa urged, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “She’s so obsessed with magic that she forgets all the little things that are just as important. Meanwhile, here we are, enjoying warm rice and ignoring the complexities of the outside world!”

  Fitran picked up a piece of rice, trying to divert his thoughts from the shadows of his existence that always lingered nearby. “You know why I’ve never joined that class, right?” His voice was now deeper, carrying the weight of suppressed tension. “There’s nothing more painful than being a student who can never cast a spell—especially when the whole world defines you by that.”

  Rinoa looked at him intently, feeling the burden that weighed down Fitran's shoulders. “Why do you always see yourself as weak? Every tool you create is a form of magic in its own right, Fitran! You present something real, without needing to recite spells. Isn’t that an incredible power?”

  Fitran took a deep breath, striving to calm the soul within him that felt so fragmented. “Power? It's merely an illusion in this world of magic. I’m not like those who wield authority. Rinoa, you are my friend, but you must understand this struggle. My isolation will always be a shadow beside me.”

  Rinoa fell silent, her gaze fixed on Fitran. In the depths of her breaths, sorrow mixed with hope danced around her. She felt trapped between two worlds: one where magic overflowed with wonder, and another where her responsibility was to protect Fitran, her friend who was always there without fail. And like a storm in the sky, Liora always stood as a tangible threat, overshadowing their friendship and forcing Rinoa to confront the conflict within her heart. “I don’t want to lose you, Fitran,” she said softly, her voice resonating with profound honesty.

  “You’ll never lose me,” he replied, his tone gentle, though there was sincerity behind his words that hinted at doubt. “But facing Liora… it’s incredibly tough. She’s in every corner I look, as if she’s watching over each step I take.”

  The atmosphere around them trembled, the laughter of other students adding to their burden, creating a sharp contrast with the tension enveloping Rinoa and Fitran. “We can definitely find a way,” Rinoa insisted, her spirit blazing, as if this idea were a bridge capable of uniting their fractured worlds. “I believe we can bring together the blend of magic and the technology you’ve created into reality. You just need to trust yourself a little more.”

  Fitran pondered Rinoa's words, curiosity blossoming within his soul. Perhaps, this is where true strength finds its roots—through belief, through the friendship he was reluctant to let go of, and through the love that slowly blossomed between them. In a corner of his heart, he wished Liora would not ruin this precious moment, for even though shadows still loomed, the light of genuine hope gradually began to shine.

  Rinoa gazed sharply, pretending to be angry, while sunlight cast a beautiful sparkle in her green eyes. “Rather than feeling fear from the master, I’m more worried about my stomach growling! You know, a wise person once said that when the stomach is empty, the mind grows weak—not to mention a magic-less mind like mine!”

  The sound of their laughter floated through the air, shattering the usual tension that hung over the school. Behind the digital cherry blossom tree, Liora peeked out, her heart racing. She was caught in a dilemma, torn between approaching her friends or heading home early. She rubbed the sleeves of her uniform, adorned with a variety of award emblems from competitions, while taking a deep breath.

  Liora, reluctant to miss that precious moment, finally stepped out from her hiding place. She pretended to look for something on the ground, though her mind was focused on Fitran's presence. “Ah, so you guys are here! I almost thought Fitran had run off to the workshop again. Rinoa, you know I was nearly late because I had to deal with our class president who wouldn’t stop searching for you two?”

  Rinoa laughed freely, wrapping her arm around Liora’s shoulders with warmth that masked the anxiety lurking in her heart. “Don’t worry, Liora. I can assure you that Fitran won’t go anywhere without me by his side. Besides, who else would save you from that frozen sandwich? Ah, and I’ve brought lunch!”

  Liora sat down on the grass, trying to hide her nerves behind her bright smile, though her eyes occasionally darted toward Fitran before quickly shifting back to the gently waving green grass in the breeze. "Your food always looks tempting, Rinoa. I’m so jealous! If only there were someone here skilled in the art of cooking, I wouldn’t have to face cold toast for breakfast every morning. But, Fitran, no one can beat Rinoa when it comes to culinary skills!”

  Fitran responded with laughter, though there was a shadow of longing in his voice, as if he yearned for more recognition. Unaware of Liora's hopeful gaze, he found himself trapped in his own uncertainty. In a world poised between magic and reality, he was nothing more than an ordinary student, feeling out of place even when surrounded by the two girls who desired him so much. "Haha, I can indeed make coffee; that's an achievement in itself. But as for the rest... I'll leave it to the two geniuses beside me. But honestly, Rinoa, your dishes always stir up a sense of powerlessness and confinement within me.”

  Fitran's words hung in the air, building a wall of tension between them. Rinoa smiled, though her gaze carried a deep sense of yearning, distinct from Liora's anxious expression regarding her complicated feelings. Both of them were working hard to maintain the friendship they had forged, even though they were aware that an excessive attraction had grown between them.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  In their world, where magic reigns and magical technology continues to grow, their presence at school significantly determines one's status. Rinoa, born with extraordinary gifts, has made herself one of the most favored, while Liora possesses exceptional skills in elemental magic. Yet, Fitran, with all his limitations, struggles to find his place in a world that seems to overlook him.

  Rinoa strives to shift the focus back to Liora, wanting to untangle the knot of tension between them. “Liora, shouldn't we celebrate this weekend? We can throw a little party here, beneath this cherry blossom tree. And, we must prepare some delicious dishes so that Fitran doesn't feel sidelined anymore.”

  Liora looked at Rinoa, her face revealing uncertainty before breaking into a wide smile. “A party? That sounds so exciting! But, we need more than just ordinary snacks… I mean, we need something extraordinary, Rinoa!”

  Their laughter rang out, creating a wave of warmth and happiness among the three of them. For a brief moment, it felt as if they had been transported back to a time when the world didn’t feel as harsh, when Fitran wasn’t seen as ‘strange’ just for lacking certain gifts. In that moment, they were friends—two shining stars illuminating the darkness around them. However, the shadows of reality soon embraced them once more, bringing forth a blend of hope and anxiety that filled the gap between dreams and the obstacles in their path.

  The evening breeze gently rustled, swaying the shimmering digital cherry blossom petals, reminding them of memories from years ago—the first day Fitran stepped into the magic school without a recommendation, without a prestigious family name, relying solely on his courage and an urgent invitation. The school, magnificent with architecture inspired by ancient magical traditions, was filled with the sounds of children’s laughter from families steeped in magic, all eagerly gathering together. As all the students laughed at Fitran's awkwardness in the first class, only Rinoa remained seated beside him, exuding calmness and without a hint of awkwardness.

  “Listen, just ignore them, Fitran. They’re only afraid of what’s different,” Rinoa said, her tone filled with empathy.

  “It’s not at all what I hoped to achieve. I just want to be able to do it—magic, I mean,” Fitran explained, his voice laced with uncertainty as he shifted in his seat beside Rinoa.

  In that fleeting recollection, a voice from the past echoed in his ears, a ghostly whisper that stirred his calm thoughts with a tone weighed down by doubt:

  Ghostly Voice (faint): “Are you certain you wish to stay here, Fitran? This world has no need for a child without magic…”

  Fitran replied, a flicker of defiance shining in his eyes, “But…I possess determination.”

  He paused for a moment, gazing into the hazy reflection of days long gone, the familiar voice haunting his mind. Rinoa, with her small, warm hand, gently nudged him, pulling him back to the present.

  “You’re daydreaming again. If you keep this up, your food will get cold,” Rinoa said, a teasing smile dancing on her lips.

  Liora, half-smiling, reached out her hand to pick up a morsel of rice, feigning annoyance with a furrowed brow. “Be careful, Fitran. If you waste time, I’ll end up devouring all the good dishes. And remember, I much prefer meat over vegetables!”

  For a moment, the world felt whole. Yet, deep within her heart, Liora experienced a pang of longing—she had silently treasured Fitran since the day he first helped her repair the classroom projector, a device most students were hesitant to touch due to its inability to channel magic. But each time she glanced at Rinoa, she realized: it was unfair to disrupt the happiness of her two closest friends for her own desires.

  Liora whispered softly, her voice barely audible. “I’m so glad to see you both together. This world… feels lighter when I know there are people who can protect you, even if it’s from a distance.”

  Fitran: “You know, Liora, sometimes I feel like… an endless burden.”

  Rinoa: “A burden? Fitran, it’s not fair for you to think that. You are the color in our lives.”

  Liora looked at Fitran, his face appearing increasingly pale, as if dark shadows began to envelop them. The tension among them tightened. Rinoa glanced at Liora for a moment before turning her gaze back to Fitran. The flow of hidden emotions between them suddenly felt empty and insincere.

  Rinoa: “Remember, magic isn’t everything. It’s not just about lineage or power. I’ve learned so much from your courage.”

  In addition to powering various magical devices, the school also had a specialized training room designated for magic and technology, where talented students practiced mastering magic with the help of enchanted tools. Each class had a strict hierarchy—those who could cast spells effortlessly were revered, while Fitran, bound by his limitations, could only watch from a distance, struggling against the weight of despair.

  Fitran: “Sometimes, I wish I could… understand more deeply about this world of magic. If only I could grasp just a moment of a spell.”

  Liora: “What if we find a way for you to learn, Fitran? Maybe we can discover the right guide for you.”

  Rinoa: “Of course! We'll find the best way for you. Remember, you’re not alone on this journey.”

  Liora nodded, her heart trembling with deep anxiety. When she thought about Fitran, the fear of loss haunted her mind. Even when they were together, she knew that failing at magic could shatter everything. On the other hand, she felt overshadowed by Rinoa, who always radiated brilliance, exuding a natural charm that left Fitran entranced.

  Liora (almost whispering): “You know, if someday I can’t be with you, I want you and Rinoa to take care of each other, as best as you can.”

  A feeling of unease enveloped the atmosphere, the tense silence wrapping around them like a heavy shroud. Fitran turned, confused about the meaning behind those words, as if something deeper was cloaked in their significance.

  Fitran: “You’re also part of ‘us’, Liora. Without you here, I might have felt forced to leave this school since the second semester.”

  Rinoa: “We all have our roles to play here, but no one is more important than the others.”

  Rinoa gazed at Liora with a depth of meaning, her smile holding traces of profound emotion. There was a hidden sacrifice woven between them, tightly linked in the simple hopes and fears of two souls who loved each other in a magical world filled with wonder. In the midst of a vibrant evening atmosphere, the three of them were bound together in an unexpected tale, a struggle that seemed destined to continue, facing a world that offered no refuge to those deemed weak.

  Fitran turned, feeling confused by the meaning of the words he heard. The smile on his face suddenly faded as he recalled all the obstacles he had to face as a magic-less student at this school brimming with power. He could sense the unfairness weighing on his heart, yet he tried not to complain. His gaze shifted to Liora, filled with doubt, “You’re part of ‘us’ too, Liora. Without you, I might have been forced to drop out since my second semester.”

  Rinoa watched Liora, her warm smile full of a meaning she wanted to convey, “Liora, if one day I can't be here, you promise to look after me, okay? You’re so much more dependable than I am.”

  Liora was taken aback but quickly regained her composure. In her mind, various desires to protect her two friends spun around, alongside one bitter truth; she also had her own feelings for Fitran. “I promise... I promise I will always be here for you both. For the two of you,” she said, her eyes shimmering as if to affirm her sincerity.

  The school bell echoed, shattering the silence of their conversation. Rinoa quickly stood up, her hands trembling as she packed her lunch box. In a society that revered magic, Fitran's existence as a student without abilities felt like a gaping chasm between them. She glanced at Fitran for a moment; a swirl of emotions engulfed her heart—an overwhelming sense of responsibility, accompanied by guilt for not being able to grant him the powers he longed for. "We need to hurry back before the patrol officers arrive. They'll think we're plotting some sort of magical sabotage," she said, trying to calm herself from the anxiety that lingered.

  Fitran stood up, patting Liora and Rinoa on the shoulders with enthusiasm. His eyes sparkled with hope. "I may just be an ordinary person at this school. But as long as you’re with me, I can be anyone I want to be." For a brief moment, his smile blossomed, but it quickly faded as he became aware of the heavy burden he had to bear, nurturing his profound feelings for Rinoa. He surveyed the world around him—a realm where those with magic were held in high regard, while he seemed to be marginalized. "Maybe magic isn't the only way to be significant. Perhaps..." He fell silent, struggling to find the right words, "perhaps we can create our own strength."

  Shadows of the past seemed to dance in the air—spirits gone, bittersweet memories, the echo of laughter resounding in the school corridors. Fitran walked behind his two friends, feeling the heavy burdens carried by the people around him. Among them, some were trapped by expectations, while others were wounded by loss. In that moment, he felt as if he stood on the edge of an abyss of isolation, struggling to maintain friendships that could crumble in an instant.

  “Sometimes, I wish I could have magic too. So I could protect you all better,” Liora expressed her long-held desire, as if she could read Fitran's thoughts. “But maybe we can all look out for each other in our own way. What do you think?”

  “Yeah, that’s true, Liora,” Rinoa replied, her eyes sparkling more intensely as she spoke. “When you hold our hands, that’s enough to make me feel strong.”

  Fitran smiled, though a haunting loneliness lingered in his heart. “We’re fighting against this world, right… like in an adventure story? Without magic, we might be able to become braver and more memorable characters.”

  “That magic isn’t the only thing out there. Let's prove it to them,” Rinoa said, confidence shining in her eyes. “We need to show that love and friendship can also be a source of incredible strength.”

  Amid the rhythmic footsteps, beneath the dimming neon lights, three young souls stood defiant against a world that revered power. They clutched onto their small hopes, the only magic left amidst the chaos. This world, with all its complexities and challenges, was not merely about sorcery or advanced technology. Rather, it revolved around the bonds forged, a love triangle brimming with secrets, and the shared hopes woven between them. Even though they couldn't wield magic at their fingertips, it didn't mean they had lost the strength within their hearts. “Whatever happens,” Fitran thought as he gazed at the overcast sky, “I will fight for this friendship.”