Absolute Cheater

Asher followed her gaze, briefly noting Catherine across the room, surrounded by other students but standing out with her grace and poise. He had indeed noticed her attention earlier, though he hadn't thought much of it. But Freya's comment made him realize just how much influence his presence had in the room.

"You're the one who's been by my side, Freya," Asher said, his voice neutral but hinting at a certain understanding. "But I'm not exactly one for attention."

"That's obvious," Freya replied, her smile softening. "But you might want to be careful. There's more to those looks than just admiration."

Asher nodded thoughtfully, his eyes scanning the crowd again. "I'll keep that in mind."

The music continued to play, and the mingling grew more animated. Yet, even amid the party's excitement, Asher remained calm, already considering the road ahead. This final celebration marked the end of one chapter, but he knew the next would be far more demanding.

But for now, he pushed these problems out of his mind as he danced and sang with the others, fully enjoying his night.

"Give me another shot," Asher said after hours of dancing, as he approached the counter and asked for a drink.

The bartender, a fellow student assigned to handle the drinks for the night, chuckled as he slid a glass toward Asher. "Here you go. You're keeping up pretty well for someone who usually avoids this kind of thing."

Asher smirked, taking the glass. "Just letting loose for once. Might as well enjoy the last night here." He raised the drink in a small toast before taking a sip, the warm burn of the alcohol sliding down his throat.

Behind him, the music swelled, and the laughter of his peers echoed throughout the room. Freya and Catherine were still on the dance floor, each drawing their fair share of attention but always glancing back toward Asher, as if ensuring he stayed within their sight.

"You're surprisingly popular tonight," a voice teased from beside him. Turning, Asher saw one of his classmates, a mischievous grin on their face.

"I'd rather not be," Asher replied coolly, setting the empty glass on the counter.

"Sure, keep telling yourself that," the classmate replied with a laugh before returning to the crowd.

Asher shook his head, a faint smile on his lips. The night wore on, and for once, he allowed himself to relax. He joined in more conversations, danced a few more songs, and even found himself laughing at some of the ridiculous antics of his peers.

Eventually, Freya and Catherine approached him, their expressions lighthearted yet expectant. "Taking a break from your admirers?" Freya quipped, folding her arms.

Asher shrugged. "Needed a drink. Can't keep dancing forever."

Catherine smiled softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear. "You've done well to hold out this long. Most people would've been exhausted by now."

He glanced between them, their playful expressions softening the intensity of the moment. "You two seem to be having fun."

Freya grinned, grabbing his hand. "And you're coming back with us. The night isn't over yet."

Catherine chuckled, nodding in agreement. "Not until we say it is."

Asher allowed himself to be pulled back into the crowd, letting the music and energy of the night take over once more. For now, the weight of tomorrow could wait. Tonight was for celebration—and for making memories before the challenges ahead.

The night carried on in a whirlwind of music, laughter, and camaraderie. Asher found himself swept up in the energy of the party, surrounded by classmates who had all grown together over the years. The bonds they had forged, through trials and triumphs, felt stronger tonight than ever before.

Freya and Catherine stayed close, occasionally dragging him into the center of the action. Catherine surprised him with her elegance, effortlessly commanding attention as they danced, while Freya's fiery energy was impossible to ignore. Together, they were a force that made heads turn, a trio that drew admiration—and envy—from everyone in the room.

"Not bad for someone who claims not to enjoy parties," Freya teased during a break, her cheeks flushed with excitement as she fanned herself.

"I never said that," Asher replied, smirking. "I just don't usually have time for them."

Catherine leaned against a nearby table, her gaze thoughtful as she sipped her drink. "Then maybe you should make time more often. You're good at this, even if you pretend otherwise."

Asher chuckled softly but didn't respond. Instead, he let his gaze sweep across the room, taking in the carefree faces of his classmates. For one night, the looming responsibilities of their futures were forgotten. They were just young, hopeful, and alive.

As the hours wore on, the party began to wind down. Some students had already left, while others lingered in small groups, talking quietly or sharing laughs. The energy in the room shifted, growing softer and more intimate.

Freya and Catherine eventually joined Asher at a quieter corner of the hall. Freya rested her head on his shoulder, her usual sharp demeanor replaced by a rare moment of vulnerability. "It's weird to think this is it. After tonight, everything changes."

Catherine nodded, her expression pensive. "We'll all go our separate ways. The outposts, the war… Who knows when we'll see each other again?"

Asher's gaze hardened slightly, his calm demeanor masking the weight of their words. "We'll meet again," he said firmly. "No matter what happens, we'll find each other."

Freya looked up at him, a small smile playing on her lips. "You always make it sound so simple."

"It's not," Asher admitted. "But I've learned that the hardest things are usually the ones worth fighting for."

For a moment, the three of them sat in comfortable silence, the distant hum of the party fading into the background. The weight of the future hung over them, but for now, they found solace in each other's presence.

Asher glanced at his watch. The night was almost over. Tomorrow, everything would change, but he wouldn't let himself dwell on that just yet.

Standing, he extended a hand to both Freya and Catherine. "Come on. One last dance before the night ends."

Freya raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Now you're starting to sound like me."

Catherine laughed softly, taking his hand. "Let's make it a dance to remember."

The music slowed to a gentle, almost nostalgic tune, signaling the night's final dance. The remaining students gathered on the dance floor, their laughter softening to murmurs as they paired off or swayed with friends. The mood had shifted, the earlier excitement replaced by bittersweet acceptance that this was the end of their shared journey at the Academy.

Asher stood with Freya and Catherine on either side, each holding one of his hands. Freya, ever confident, stepped forward first, pulling him into a slow dance. Her fiery energy seemed tempered now, her emerald eyes searching his face for something unspoken.

"Thank you for being… you," she said, her voice quieter than usual. "I know I give you a hard time, but… you're someone I trust completely, Asher. No matter what happens out there, I hope you'll trust me, too."

Asher met her gaze, his own expression softening. "You've always had my trust, Freya. You know that."

Her lips quirked into a small, genuine smile, and she rested her head briefly against his chest before stepping back. Catherine stepped forward then, her movements graceful and deliberate, her sapphire-blue dress flowing like water around her.

She placed her hand on his shoulder, and they swayed to the rhythm of the music. "You've surprised me, you know," she said, her voice carrying a melodic lilt. "You act like you're detached from all of this, but I think you care more than you let on."

Asher tilted his head slightly, intrigued. "What makes you think that?"

She smiled softly, her gaze meeting his. "You stayed. You danced. You let yourself be part of this night. That says more than words ever could."

He didn't reply immediately, but the faintest trace of a smile crossed his lips. "Maybe you're right."

The song began to fade, and the students on the dance floor stilled, holding onto their final moments together. Freya and Catherine stood by Asher's side once more, their presence grounding him as he glanced around the room.

"This is it," Freya murmured, her voice tinged with reluctant acceptance. "No turning back now."

"No," Asher agreed, his voice firm yet calm. "But we're ready."

The lights dimmed, and the Headmaster stepped onto the stage at the front of the room. His commanding presence silenced the murmurs, and every eye turned to him. "Students," he began, his deep voice resonating across the hall. "Tonight marks the end of your time at the Academy, but it is also the beginning of something far greater. You are the future—our hope in a world that desperately needs it."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over them. "Remember this night. Remember the bonds you've forged and the strength you've gained. Out there, you will face trials that will test you in ways you cannot imagine. But I have no doubt that you will rise to meet them."

The Headmaster raised his glass in a toast. "To all of you—to the next generation of warriors, leaders, and heroes. May you forge your own legends."

The students raised their glasses in unison, cheers ringing out one last time. Asher stood between Freya and Catherine, his own glass lifted high. In this moment, he felt the weight of the Headmaster's words, a promise of the challenges and triumphs yet to come.