Chapter 67

Najma led me away from the market until we reached an area without anyone around so we would not be overheard. Then the girl turned to face me and gave me a smirk. "So, this is about a boy, isn't it?"

My eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know that?"

Najma shrugged. "What else would you feel uncomfortable talking to your guy friends about?"

"It's not that I'm uncomfortable talking about it with them. I have actually asked a couple of them for advice. I would just like a female opinion. But maybe Jamil's right. You're a little young and probably haven't started thinking about romance yet."

Najma laughed. "Don't worry about that. True, I haven't begun dating, but I have watched and read a lot of romance stories, so I think I can help."

"Well, if you're sure..."

"Oh, I am." Najma smirked again. "So, who's the guy? Is it my brother?"

I suddenly remembered Jade's claim that Jamil had a crush on me but quickly pushed it away. That's not what I needed to talk about. "No, it's not."

"Is it someone else who came with you here?"

"No."

Najma's smirk fell. "Oh. That's not interesting."

"It's someone back at school. Actually, two someones. Twins."

Najma's face brightened. "Twins? Now, that is interesting."

I sighed and shook my head. "Complicated is what it is."

"So, you like both of them or what?"

"Well..." I paused as I thought about how to best explain it. "I'm close friends with both of them. Something feels different about my relationship with each of them. I think that means I like one of them romantically, but I'm not sure which one."

Najma raised her eyebrows in disbelief. "You don't understand your own feelings?"

"Hey, it's not that easy! You'll understand when you're older. Or maybe not. Maybe I'm just terrible at understanding myself, which is funny because I understand others quite well."

"I suppose people are generally more skilled at one over the other. Usually it's just the other way around. Anyway, do you know how they feel about you?"

I smiled slightly, glad that she wasn't being judgmental. "No, I don't have a clue. If either of them does like me, I don't think they will bring it up first. Both of them would probably think it would break the dynamic of our three way friendship, especially if I turn them down. So, if I want something to happen, I'm going to have to initiate it myself. That's why I need help figuring out who I like."

Najma appeared thoughtful. "Hmm... I see. I assume you find both of them physically attractive?"

I immediately nodded. "Yes, that's not a problem. It would be weird if I wasn't since they're identical twins."

"Yeah, that's true. Then why don't you go for the one you are closer to? Friendship and attraction are two vital elements to a successful relationship, so you should be good if you have those."

"Yes, but I'm fairly close with both of them. I could make it work with either of them. And isn't there a third vital element, the romantic part? That's what I can't figure out."

"Ah, I see. Well then..." Najma tapped her chin as if thinking. Then she snapped her fingers. "I've got it! Why don't you kiss both of them and find out which makes you feel better? That always works in fiction!"

My mouth feel open in shock. The thought of kissing Floyd and Jade has my heart racing. "B-But kissing is supposed to feel good, and it's a skill. What if one of them is better at it than the other?"

"Has either of them had a girlfriend?"

"I'm not positive, but I don't think so."

"Then I doubt either of them have much experience kissing. Besides, there is an emotional element that can override any skill or lack-there-of. If you are both compatible and feel strongly for each other, then you'll be able to tell when you kiss."

I gave her a skeptical look. I thought she might be reading too many romance novels. However, it's not like I had a better idea, though I still had my reservations. "I can't just walk up to them and kiss them. It could mess up our friendship if it turns out I don't like them!"

Najma rolled her eyes. "I didn't say to randomly walk up and kiss them. Just tell them you're curious about kissing and want to experience it in a safe environment by trying it out with a friend."

"And you think they'll buy that?" Then again, Floyd would probably be all for it. Jade was the one who would need convincing.

Najma shrugged. "It's worth a shot."

"I can't tell the same story to both of them. They're brothers. They'll talk."

Najma smirked. "You could use that to your advantage. Say you want to kiss both of them so neither will feel left out. Then your friendship won't be awkward."

I sighed heavily and shook my head. "I don't know... It doesn't sound very logical."

"Well, if you want logical, then choose whoever you are most compatible with. Either that or my first suggestion."

I frowned as I thought about her advice. "And if I choose wrong?"

"I think it's more important that you make a decision than whichever method you choose. After your decision, if you feel disappointed, then that probably means you should choose the other guy."

"I guess that makes sense..."

Najma's face brightened. "Does that mean I've been helpful?"

I gave the girl a small smile. "Yes, you've been very helpful. You've given me a lot to think about. I'm sure I'll figure something out. Thank you for listening to me."

Najma beamed at me. "You're welcome! Good luck with everything. I hope it goes well for you. Now, let's get back to the others before my brother has a conniption."

I chuckled softly at the mental image. "Yeah, alright." With that, the two of us headed back to the market. Jamil seemed visibly relieved when he spotted us.

"It's about time," he said.

"Yeah," said Grim. "I can't buy any food without ya."

"Right," I said. "Let's get back to it."

So, we resumed our tour of the market. We checked out a lot of food, which was all very good. Eventually, Najma had to leave because she wanted to catch up with her friend. I was a little sad to see her go, but I was grateful for all her help.

"All right..." said Jamil. "Where to next?"

"Hm?" Trey said, looking around. "Hey, where's Malleus?"

Jamil's eyes widened in horror. "...HE'S GONE!"

"What?!" Cater exclaimed. "Did he just wander off and get lost?!"

"If anything happens to Malleus, it could set off an international incident between the Scalding Sands and Briar Valley!" said Cater.

"Hornton could be in trouble!" I said, feeling concerned for my friend.

"Don't worry, Ona," said Jamil. "I'll handle this."

I smiled slightly at him. "Good."

Jamil led us past the market to another crowded area. "This is a different market," said Trey. "You think that Malleus would have come here by himself?"

"Positive," said Jamil. "He should be right nearby."

"Where were you all?" said a familiar voice. "I was looking everywhere for you."

I brightened when I saw Malleus. "Hornton!"

"Malleus?!" said Cater. "Wow, Jamil was right on the money."

"Good grief," said Trey. "When you disappeared on us, I was worried we were going to have a major incident on our hands!"

"Didja really think that anything bad could happen to Malleus?" said Cater.

"No. But I'm relieved that Silk City is still in one piece."

"What do you mean by that?" said Malleus.

I rolled my eyes. "Ignore him. He's joking."

"Regardless," said Jamil, "it looks like there wasn't any trouble at all, which is always a good thing."

"It's so great we found them, Malleus!" said Kalim, popping up out of nowhere.

"Brother!" I exclaimed.

"Sister!" Kalim and I ran at each other and embraced.

"They're related?" Malleus said in confusion. "I thought Ona was from a different world."

"Don't ask," said Jamil. He gave Kalim a disapproving look once he let go of me. "Kalim? What are you doing here? I thought you had hosting duties!"

"That wrapped up faster than expected," said Kalim. "So, Dad told me to go spend time with my friends while we had the chance. I was coming to meet up with you, when I found Malleus walking all by himself! Boy, was that a surprise!"

"A lucky coincidence, then," said Trey.

"I'm glad everything worked out," I said happily. Now we could get back to exploring the market. Next up, we all looked around for souvenirs. I made sure to get something for Ace, Deuce, Floyd, Jade, and Azul. Then, finally, it was time for the fireworks.

"Looks like the sun's setting," said Jamil. "We should get to our seats; it won't be long until the fireworks."

"Oogh... Maybe there IS such a thing as eatin' too much," said Grim. "I'm beyond stuffed... I just wanna take a nap."

"Don't pass out on us now, Grim!" said Kalim. "The main event's about to start. You wouldn't wanna miss the fireworks!"

"Ah, if it isn't Mr. Kalim!" said a man as he approached us.

Kalim brightened when he saw him. "Oh, hey, good to see you! It's been ages!" He turned to the rest of us. "This nice man is the chief of the pyrotechnics crew that's handling the fireworks. He's the best at this stuff. There wouldn't be a show without him!"

"The extra-large fireworks he makes always generate a lot of buzz," said Jamil.

"You should've seen them last year! They set 'em off in time with the music! There were some neat ones shaped like lamps and scarabs, too. It was so cool!" Kalim turned back to the man. "So, what amazing stuff do you have in store for us this time?"

"I wouldn't want to spoil the surprise," said the pyrotechnician. "Let's just say I've got something really spectacular up my sleeve. After all, your family told me to go big."

Kalim grinned. "Aw yeah, now I'm excited!"

"You should be! ...Hm?" The man started patting his clothes.

"What's the matter? You're patting your clothes. Did you get something on them?"

"It's... It's gone! I can't set off the fireworks!"

"What?!" we all exclaimed.

"You can't set them off?" said Jamil. "What did you lose?!"

"A book containing your secret lighting methods?" said Malleus.

"An ancient piece of flint?" said Cater.

"Some sort of special charm that gets passed down from generation to generation of pyrotechnicians?" said Trey.

"No, no!" said the pyrotechnician. "It's my USB stick!"

We all stared at him. "...Your USB stick?"

"It's got the program I use for setting off the fireworks!"

"Wait, all the fireworks are computer-operated?!" said Jamil.

"Not exactly the artisanal touch I had in mind," said Cater.

"Oh, making the fireworks still requires a high degree of professional craftsmanship..." said the man. "But the Fireworks Fest gets bigger and more complicated every year, and there's zero margin for error. So, of course we use technology to do it. I can't run the show without that USB stick!"

"Seriously?!" said Kalim. "Oh no, this is awful!"

"Maybe we could look for it," I suggested.

So, we did. It did not take us long to find a monkey stealing from everyone in the market. I turned out the monkey was working for a street performer. Under Jamil's lead, we blocked off all exits and trapped the man. He even had the USB stick! Once the stick was returned, it was time to head to the fireworks venue.

We were relaxing with drinks when the pyrotechnician approached us again. "There you are!" he said. "Hey, Jamil!"

"Hey, it's our pyrotechnician friend again," said Kalim. "Is something going on?"

Jamil immediately tensed. "Oh no, don't tell me something else went wrong. Is the fireworks show off?!"

"Jamil!" said the man. "Thanks again for all your help."

Jamil relaxed. "Please, think nothing of it."

"I was trying to think of some way to repay you... So how would you like to give the launch cue for the finale?"

Jamil's eyes widened in surprise. "Wait, the finale? You mean the most critical part of the Fireworks Fest?"

The pyrotechnician beamed at him. "Yep! The 100-shot grand finale! We may have updated our firing methods... But the impact of Al'ab Nariya's beautiful fireworks remains the same. Getting to launch the fireworks is the highest honor someone can receive at the Yasamina River Fireworks Fest. Since you got my USB stick back, I'd like you to have that honor, Jamil."

Kalim brightened. "That's amazing! Nice going, Jamil!"

"Wait!" said Jamil. "I couldn't possibly accept such an important job! I just work for the Asims. If anything, the honor should go to Kalim, since he's the family heir and one of the hosts. I couldn't possibly deny him the opportunity..."

Kalim laughed. "Ahahaha, you're so silly, Jamil! It IS a big deal. That's why you're the best one for the job—because you worked the hardest today!"

"He's right, you know," said Trey. "And you wouldn't just be making Kalim and our technician friend happy. I bet Najma would be delighted to see her brother take center stage."

"You were on point the whole day," said Cater. "You're gonna nail this, guaranteed. And don't you worry! I'll make sure to get it all on video for you!"

"Sometimes we must accept what's offered to us with grace, Viper," said Malleus.

I placed a hand on Jamil's arm and gave him a compassionate smile. "You have no right to complain about your life when the person getting in your way the most is you. No one else will see your worth if you don't see it first. You can do this. I'm rooting for you!"

Jamil's looked at my hand on his arm and then into my eyes. I saw his expression soften. I removed my hand as he looked around at everyone. "Well, I can't back out after you said all that. All right... I'll handle the fireworks launch. And I'll make sure it's a show worth cheering for!"

"Great!" said Kalim. "That's one more thing to look forward to. I can't wait!"

"...Should we not toast the occasion?" said Malleus.

"Oh yeah, you're right! Good call."

"You catch on quick, Malleus," said Cater. "Professor Cay-Cay is proud of you! Okay, guys. To Jamil's big break!"

We all held up our glasses and said, "CHEERS!"

"The fireworks should start any minute now," Jamil said.

"Well, what's the verdict, guys?" said Kalim. "Is Silk City a fun place or what?"

"Oh, for sure!" said Cater. "We did so many cool things in just one day!"

"I never knew travel could be so wonderfully liberating," said Malleus. "I must thank Lilia for giving me the opportunity."

"I'm glad you were with us," I said.

"I got to stuff myself with good food!" said Grim. "If this is what vacations are like, I wanna go on one every day!"

I chuckled lightly. "Yeah, we can't afford that."

"It was also nice getting to wear some traditional clothes," said Trey.

"Look, the fireworks are starting!" said Kalim.

I looked up with excitement and saw the fireworks light up the sky. "Wow, beautiful."

"Oh man, this is incredible," said Cater.

"I've never seen such huge fireworks before!" said Trey.

"It feels as though I could reach out and touch one," said Malleus.

"You'll miss half the fun if you just stand there watching, you know," Jamil said with a smirk.

"Why's that?" said Trey.

"This festival's all about dancing under the fireworks!" said Kalim.

"The tradition stems from when people danced to celebrate the young man and princess's marriage," Jamil explained. He looked around at all of us. "So, how about it? Want to join in and celebrate them as well?"

"If it's one of your traditions, I would be honored to take part," said Malleus.

"C'mon, Ona, dance with us!" Grim said excitedly.

I grinned at him. "Yeah, sounds like fun!" So, I got up with the others, and we all began to dance. It was quite fun, and it left me feeling relaxed and happy. I felt a little closer to everyone as well. Soon, it was time for Jamil to initiate the finale. I watched as he timed the fireworks to the music, making everything look even more beautiful than before. Everyone around us seemed impressed as well.

"Looks like everyone's into it," said Jamil. "Guess that means I did my job right. Whew... What a relief."

"Flawless timing, Jamil," said Cater. "You know how to build that hype!"

"Indeed," said Malleus. "Fine work, Viper."

"You really pulled it off," said Trey.

"Yeah, great job!" I said.

"We've been going to this festival since we were kids," said Kalim. "Were you nervous to give the signal? Did it feel like a lot of pressure?"

"Hmph. Of course not," said Jamil. "I do a high-pressure job every day."

I looked at him with a smirk. "You sure do."

"Seeing the fireworks light up the night sky is just awe-inspiring," said Trey. "All of them different colors, no two exactly alike... Every moment beautiful in its own way."

"So, this is Silk City's fireworks display," said Malleus. "Truly a spectacle worthy of the legend it arose from. I was shocked to learn it's all controlled by machines rather than magic."

"I made sure to put my camera in night mode so I could get the whole show on video!" said Cater. "I'll send it to you all later. That way you'll always be able to remember tonight."

"I ain't never seen fireworks this big! They're so mind-blowin', my tail's all puffed out!" said Grim.

"You made it all possible, Jamil," Kalim said with a grin.

"I wouldn't say that," said Jamil. "Though admittedly, I can't wait to see the look on Najma's face when she finds out I was involved in the show. I don't think I've ever been in such a good mood at this festival. ...It's been fun."

"Aw, you finally learned how to relax," I said, earning an eye roll from him. "It has been fun, though."

"It sure has!" said Kalim. "I had a great time. "We should bring our friends to the festival every year!"

Jamil's eyes widened in horror. "What?!"

"Yeah!" Grim said excitedly. "You gotta invite me again, Jamil! I'm into this shindig!"

"You know, this HAS been a lot of fun," said Trey. "I'd love to come again."

"I'd like to learn much more about this land," said Malleus.

"I definitely don't wanna miss this again," said Cater. "I got so many good pics from this trip, I don't know which ones to post first."

"You hear that, Jamil?" said Kalim. "We gotta do this again!"

Jamil shook his head in dismay. "You've got to be kidding me. Do you have ANY idea how stressful this day was for me?!"

Kalim ignored him and looked up at the sky. "Ooh, here comes the grand finale! They're sending up a buncha big ones!"

I looked up and grinned. "This is amazing!"

"Now THAT is pretty!" said Grim.

"It certainly is," said Malleus.

"Pretty as pretty can be," said Cater.

"You got that right," said Trey.

Jamil's expression softened as he gazed at the sky. "The fireworks really are pretty. Somehow this year's seem especially nice..." After a few moments, he glanced at Kalim and spoke softly. "...Hey, Kalim?"

"Yeah?" said Kalim.

"...Maybe having everyone here isn't so bad after all."

I brightened at his words. "I'd say that's progress!"

Jamil gave me a small smile. "I suppose it is."

With that, the festival came to an end. We spent the night in Kalim's house. It was late, so we did not have time to explore. Then we got up early to head back to school. I was still tired by the time I returned to Octavinelle, where I was immediately greeted by Floyd.

"Little Shrimpy!" he exclaimed as he ran to me and engulfed me in a hug. "You're back!"

I chuckled softly as I hugged him back, my exhaustion forgotten. "It's good to see you, too."

"Hey, what about me?" said Grim.

Floyd let go of me and grinned at him. "You want me to squeeze you, too?"

Grim's eyes widened. "No thanks."

I noticed Jade and Azul approaching more slowly, so I walked up to them and gave them both a hug as well. "Welcome back," Jade said as he hugged me a second longer than normal. After letting go, Floyd walked over to join us. Seeing them together reminded me of the advice Najma gave me, and my heart started to race. "Is something the matter?"

"Yeah, you look kinda pale," said Floyd.

I swallowed hard. "I, uh..." There was no way I could bring up kissing them now. Not with Azul and Grim there. And I was not ready for it anyway. "I'm just tired."

"It sounds like you need a vacation from your vacation," said Azul.

I chuckled nervously. "I guess so." Something suddenly came to mind, and I welcomed the opportunity to change topics. "Hey, I got you guys gifts!"

Floyd immediately brightened. "Oh yeah? Let's so!"

"I'm curious as well," Jade said with a soft smile. I was grateful that neither of them were pushing me. Perhaps they bought my excuse. In any case, I had fun giving them their souvenirs. The trip had been fun, but it was nice to be home.