Veil of the celestial bloom

after the heated confrontation, both Meng Yi and Xing Yue parted ways, their auras still crackling with lingering tension. Meng Yi's figure disappear into the shadows, her pride unyielding, while Xing Yue turned toward her residence, her heart is with unspoken thoughts.

as she reached her modest abode, the faint glow of evening lanterns cast delicate patterns across the wooden floor. the room was simple and neat, reflecting her reserved nature. despite her petite frame, Xing Yue carried herself with quiet strength.

her gaze drifted upwards to the night sky, where the moon hung serenely amidst the stars, its silver light bathing her face. her eyes held a deep shade of twilight that belied her young age. then, she was reserved, almost distant, preferring silence over idle chatter. but, beneath that guarded exterior lay a heart full of dreams and an unwavering determination.

she hugged her knees to her chest, resting her chin atop of them as she continued to gaze at the moon. it was her solace, her secret confidant, the one thing that made her feel connected to something beyond herself.

later, she sighed, her voice barely above a whisper, "will you ever see me...the way i see you?"

later, her fingers absentmindedly traced the mark on her forehead, a reminder of her otherness-a blemish she could never hide. yet, even with that burden, her eyes held a quiet yearning as looked at the moon.

then she whispering herself, "I don't know why this mark is on my forehead. but, I never think that it is an ugly thing on my face. but, she always mock me with that reason. I think, I'm finally brave to stand in front of her. but, I just hope she will change. even, if I'm not your consort, I'll not be sad. because, I'll always love you even from the end of the world. I just get into this competition that I'll get a chance to see you. but, I don't know how can I get into the starry academy without my master's help me. because, only from the starry academy disciples are allowed to participate in the competition."

she continued, "before Meng Yi and me are good friends but because of a little incident she changed." "that time, we are really good like close sisters. but, when we are studying our master punish her for getting low scores than me. I don't know that I'll get full marks and I just said her that I don't know how much I'll get.. from then on she separated from me and just got a grudge." "I know, now she is better than from the past. but, I'll just try my best within my capability.''

"then, what about you. I wonder... do you ever feel lonely up there? she murmured herself, her heart aching with an indescribable longing. "what if I were a brightest star, would you look my way?''

a playful voice broke through the silence. "talking to the moon again, are you?"

Xing Yue spun around, startled...

" Lan Mei, when did you come? then, did the master is also here?" Xing Yue asked in a shocking way and ran towards her.

Lan Mei leaning casually against the doorframe, while she crossed her arms, a teasing grin dancing on her lips. her messy hair framed her bright, mischievous eyes, sparkling with a vibrant energy that seemed to defy the tranquil night.

she is with a lightness that only she can possessed, Lan Mei strode in, her movements are swift and unrestrained. she was like a gust of wind-a free-spirited and untamed, always carrying laughter wherever she went. in other hand, she hold a sword. 

Xing Yue murmured, "Lan Mei is like my big sister and also my best friend. my master and Lan Mei is my only family. even we are not related but we are like a perfect family. they always call me Xing Xing. but, what I don't know is why my master is always want to descend to the mortal realm. yeah, actually we really don't have any rules like others. because, we are at the boarder of the starry palace and its like at the end of celestial realm. so, my master always descend to the mortal world and now Lan Mei as well. she always hang around with master. I don't know why they went to mortal realm but, I know that they are looking for something like a flower. but, they never told me what they are looking for. then, just leave it."

suddenly Lan Mei's voice echoed, "Xing Xing, Xing Xing..."

Xing Yue is out of shock and said, "what...?"

"honestly, if anyone heard you, they had think that you are madly in love," Lan Mei teased Xing Yue, while her tone dripping with mock seriousness.

Xing Yue's cheeks flushed, her eyes widening and she said, "I-I'm not... it's just...I like looking at it, that's all!"

Lan Mei's laughter filled the room, vibrant and genuine. her laughter had a way of easing the tension in any space, like sunlight breaking through storm clouds.

"oh really? just looking, huh?" Lan Mei nudged on Xing Yue playfully, her smile infectious. "you know, how much you gaze at it, maybe one day the moon might just fall for you."

Xing Yue's heart skipped a beat at the thought, but she quickly turned away, hiding her reddening face and said, "stop teasing me, sister."

Lan Mei's gaze softened, and she leaned beside her, her eyes also drifting to the moon. and silently whispered, "I can't help it. you're too easy to read." her voice held a warmth, a fondness that made Xing Yue's chest tighten.

she continued, maybe... just maybe...if staring at the moon makes you happy, then keep looking. no one will disturb you, okay!

Xing Yue whispered, "Lan Mei was always like this-vibrant and bold on the outside, but gentle and caring underneath. she had a knack for reading people's emotions, even when they tried to hide them. and though she never admitted it, her teasing was always her way of showing affection."

she continued, "despite her playful demeanor, Lan Mei was fiercely loyal, always standing by those she cared about. her heart was as vast as the sky, ready to embrace both joy and sorrow with unwavering courage."

for a moment, silence settled between them, filled only by the rustling leaves and the faint glow of moonlight.

then suddenly Xing Yue asked, " where is the master, why don't master come here?"

 "master said, he is busy with something. so, master send me here to look after you. well, how was the first day in the starry academy. is it good." Lan Mei whispered with a smile on her face.

Xing Yue reluctantly said, "oh..., its not that bad. well, I've a good news for you. like we know about the competition, it will be held in the next month. the training will be started from tomorrow." with a happy smile on her face.

Lan Mei whispered, "look at your face, it's glowing like brighter than the moon. so cute.." suddenly she changed her tone and asked, "well, what about the other one?

Xing Yue silently murmuring, "well,..."

Lan Mei shouted, "what are you saying, I can't hear you. say it loudly, what happened?"

Xing Yue whispered, "well, I met her.. she hasn't changed at all."

Lan Mei asked her in a furious way, ''who? Meng Yi..., is she there? did she mock you again?

Xing Yue said, "hmm, but it's not like before. finally I stand in front of her and made a bet with her." [in a proud voice]

Lan Mei whispered with laughter, "really? is it? did you made a bet with her? isn't she is your best friend.."

Xing Yue smiled and said, "don't tease me, I really did it.. and from now on she is my rival in love.'' "but, I don't know how can I win in this competition. because she really became stronger than before, I don't know how she is like this just in a year.."

Lan Mei said, "you don't have to worry, master will come before the competition. but, firstly I have to tell the master about that you made a bet with your best friend Meng Yi. I'm sure, he doesn't believe at all."

Xing Yue's face turned pale and said, "you wouldn't tell master, would you?"

Lan Mei's eyes sparkled mischievously and whispered, "why not? it'll be fun to see master's reaction. I can already imagine master's face when he finds out his quiet little disciple has challenged her best friend."

Xing Yue pouted, crossing her arms, you're enjoying this too much."

Lan Mei laughed and said while the sound is light and melodic. "ma6ybe a little. but honestly, I'm proud of you. you finally stood up to Meng Yi. it's about time."

Xing Yue's expression softened and whispered, "I... I just couldn't let her look down on me anymore. not after everything...'' then, her gaze drifted to the moon, it's silver light reflecting in her eyes. "I have to prove myself."

Lan Mei's serious expression faded into a playful grin. "good. now, enough of this gloomy talk. I expect to see you give your best in the competition." she paused, her eyes are narrowing. 

Xing Yue laughed, and her tension easing herself, "I'll do my best...''

Lan Mei beamed, her confidence is unwavering and she whispered, "that's more like it. now, let's get some rest."

Xing Yue nodded, her heart feeling lighter. as Lan Mei turned to leave, she glanced back at the moon, it's light embracing her with a gentle glow. she whispered softly, watch over her for me...please."

Xing Yue asked, "will you come to the training at the dawn with me tomorrow morning?"

Lan Mei answered, "okay! I'll come." while making a hand gesture..

Xing Yue closed the door and whispered to the moon, "good night.."