A train rattled endlessly along its tracks, gliding through vast fields blanketed in fluff snow that sparkled beneath the pale gold of early winter sunlight. Wisps of cloud sailed through the bluish sky, trailing fleeting shadows over the white landscape and leafless trees.
The cold air was masked by the gentle warmth of the sun, building the kind of day that felt too perfect to be real.
Inside one of the larger compartments of the train, two young men sat across from each other, enjoying tea in a space designed for comfort and privacy. Upholstered seats cradled them on either side of a polished wooden table, where a small arrangement of delicate confections and finger foods had been laid out neatly.
Beyond the closed door of their compartment, the muffled clatter of a food cart could be heard rolling its way through the corridor. The sound was occasionally interrupted by the low whine of doors opening, immediately followed by the polite murmur of conversation. But here, in this isolated space, it felt as though time had slowed just for the two of them.
"Ugh…" Jonathan sighed a heavy breath, one filled with relief. "I can't believe we're finally going back after so many months."
"Absolutely. It feels like it's been forever," Sol replied with a gentle smile, giving his tea a few swirls. He watched the surface ripple before taking an appreciative sip and enjoying the rich floral flavour.
"I'm delighted that it will be a long vacation." Jonathan went on, adjusting his glasses with firm resolve. "I can finally start drafting my business proposals… lay out some groundwork while I'm home."
"But don't just hole up indoors the whole time," Sol said, casting a glance into the reflective surface of his tea before lifting his eyes. "You should come visit me sometime."
There was a noticeable pause.
"Hmm… al-right." Jonathan mumbled, his face twisting into something unexplainable.
Sol noticed the abrupt change, but chose not to comment.
It seemed like none of his friends were eager on the idea of setting foot inside the Melvire Manor. They never said so outright, but their discomfort could be easily felt.
The reason remained a mystery to Sol, one that never failed to leave him vaguely perplexed. And though he had long come to expect the same evasive responses, he still extended the invitation each time. It was the polite thing to do—and perhaps, deep down, he still hoped for a different answer.
"How about we just meet outside? There are a lot of nice cafés popping up lately." Jonathan suggested, trying to dispel any awkward air.
"Of course, I'm fine with that." Sol smiled warmly as he sipped his tea.
"Oh, by the way," Jonathan said suddenly, his brows drawing together as if struck by an unwelcome memory. "Ashley left so much work undone before taking off and it all fell on me in the end. I had to pull two all-nighters just to clear the backlog." He set his cup down with a clink, reaching for a rose-pink macaron with hasty fingers.
"Yes, that unfortunately happened. Must have been tough on you with the added responsibilities," Sol sympathized, having been in a similar situation many times. "But what exactly happened to her? I haven't seen her since that day."
"I heard from one of her roommates that she left early," Jonathan replied, the bitter note in his voice clear as day. "But couldn't she at least have informed one of the council members before bailing? So irresponsible. Tsk."
Sol didn't interrupt. He simply watched as his friend's irritation simmered into full frustration, the rant bubbling close to erupting. He knew Jonathan well enough by now—any attempt to reason or redirect him mid-rant would only fan the flames.
So he stayed quiet, letting the other boy speak freely.
Eventually, Jonathan took a deep breath, calming his nerves.
He looked over at Sol, who was leisurely nibbling on a butter cookie.
"Hey, can I ask you something?" Jonathan cleared his throat, acting somewhat timid all of a sudden as if weighing the question on his tongue.
Sol glanced up and nodded, still munching on the sweet treat, which seemed to melt in his mouth.
"Why are you traveling alone?" Jonathan asked, adjusting his glasses even though they remained firmly perched on his nose. It was more a nervous tic than anything else, something to do with his hands while waiting for the answer.
"I don't know. I've always traveled like this," Sol replied casually, his cheek puffed slightly on one side as he chewed.
"No. I mean…why aren't you going back with your brothers? Those four are always together. Without you." He finally blurted out his thoughts. It was something he had been curious about for a while, concealed beneath layers of polite restraint.
It was one thing for the Melvires to hold a sort of reverent mystique among the students, but Sol's absence from that polished image had always puzzled him.
Just then, the train entered through a dark tunnel, and the light around them began to dwindle, the windows turning into mirrors. The features of the man across from him blurred into silhouette, hidden in the fading light.
"Well, I can always see them at home."
Jonathan heard Sol's calm voice break through the dark, causing him to furrow his brow.
"It's not that. I'm asking why those guys always exclude you—ugh! Forget it." He groaned, realizing he wouldn't get a straight answer.
Sol only offered a small laugh in response, flowing more from habit than humor.
The Melvires weren't a typical family, after all. Furthermore, the tainted blood flowing in his veins was a stubborn blemish on their family's legacy, but he still tried to hide behind the grandeur of their name.
That was a secret he could never allow other people to find out, as it would only dishonor the name of Melvire—the identity that had given him everything. And above all, he wouldn't dare treat them as equals—not in the past, the present, or the coming future.
-
Bright lights eventually flooded in through the windows once more, gilding the interior wall in a hazy gold. The train began to slow down, wheels hissing beneath the floorboards as the station loomed into view.
Stepping out into the cold, where the platform stretched wide beneath the morning light, the two gentlemen exchanged quick farewells and promises to catch up over winter break—after which they went their separate ways.
Sol walked toward the far end of the platform, which lacked the bustle of the crowd farther down the line. Still, travelers passed with urgency, their boots striking the polished stone floor with purposeful steps.
Behind him, a porter followed closely, pushing a barrow stacked with his luggage. The scent of coal smoke and metal hung thick in the air, familiar and strangely comforting.
A trembling giddiness surged in Sol's chest.
After so many long months, he was finally returning to the place called home.