Part 2 - Once again, nightmares.

Chapter 6 - Another Exam

The soft and tranquil embrace of my bed was a nightly refuge, making every burden and stress melt away. But that comforting cocoon shattered by the sound of repeated knocks at my door.

I jumped out of bed, grunting as I made my way to the door. "Who is it—" I began, swinging the door wide open, only to stop mid-sentence.

It was Luna, standing there with her petite frame.

"You're late," she said, her brows furrowed, arms crossed. She looked up at me with a grumpy expression.

"What do you mean? There's still another hour until class starts—wait, there's only an hour left? Why did you wake me up!? You're lucky Konota is a deep sleeper," I replied in a loud yet hushed tone, trying not to disturb anyone else.

"Did you forget? I know you've gotten comfortable since it's been almost three months since the first day, but we have our exams soon!" She placed her hands on her hips, her voice filled with urgency.

I paused, taking in her words, feeling the weight of the approaching exams settle in.

"Oh... Oh no!! I hate exams! Wait—doesn't this Luminary Academy not care about grades? Right?" I asked, my eyes lighting up with hope.

"As long as you pass," Luna replied simply.

My shoulders slumped, and I tilted my head back in dismay. "Ughhh, what happens if I fail?" I snapped my head back to look at her.

"Well, I think you'd have to do school service to make up for it, and if you fail enough times, you'd get kicked out. Ugh, I failed once in my previous school and got an earful from my sister..." Luna said. "So don't you dare fail, or I'll give you an earf—"

"Wait! You have a sister?!" I interjected, taken aback by the revelation.

"H-Huh? Well, yeah. It's the class president, the black-haired, formal-looking one. She's Laura," she replied.

"What? Both of you look so different though!" I said, still confused but starstruck.

"Well... she's adopted. She uses air magic and was the one who taught me the basics. She can be a little timid at times too, but she gets comfortable quick, and she's my sister nonetheless. I still hate that people always compare me to her. They always say, 'Oh, your sister is so strong with her magic. What magic do you have?'" Luna mimicked in a mocking tone, letting out a heavy sigh.

I paused, taking in the new information. "Wow, Luna, that must be tough. But you have your own strengths. Like that soul magic of yours—it's pretty incredible!"

Luna's cheeks flushed slightly, and she looked away. "Well, I suppose. But it's just... frustrating sometimes."

I gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry, Luna. We'll get through these exams together. And who knows, maybe we'll show everyone just how amazing we can be."

"Well, what did you get on your math tests?" I asked, curious.

"I think I got around 95%. I could've done better, though," Luna said, sounding unimpressed with her own achievement.

"What?! Teach me!" I pleaded, grabbing Luna's small hands in mine.

"H-Huh!? What did you get then?" she asked, startled by my sudden gesture.

"Uh... haha..." I laughed nervously, "16%," I mumbled under my breath.

Her ears twitched. "I must've heard 60%, right?" she asked incredulously.

Just then, I felt the weight of another person on my back. I jumped, turning around swiftly, and found Konota slumping into my arms. She had just woken up and her hair still messy and her eyes droopy.