The morning at Crystal Gem Academy was filled with a bittersweet atmosphere as the RHH (Royal Height High) students prepared to head back to Lagos. It was their final day in Abuja, and the buses were already waiting at the school gates. Their time at CGA had been full of ups and downs, but now, it was time for the competition to end and friendships to take center stage.

Kaylila stood with Norrell, both watching as the RHH students gathered their things.

“I can’t believe they’re really leaving,” Kaylila said, her voice a little softer than usual.

Norrell shrugged, but there was a smile on his face. "Yeah, it feels like we’ve known them longer than just a few days. But hey, this is what it’s all about, right? Friendship over rivalry."

As the RHH students made their way toward the buses, Aurelina and Zara were the first to approach the CGA students.

“I can’t believe it’s over already,” Aurelina said, her tone genuinely sad. “You guys made this competition so much more fun. I never expected to leave with so many new friends.”

Zara nodded in agreement, her usual cool demeanor softening. "Same here. I never imagined we’d end up like this talking like we’re friends and not just rivals."

Skye, who had been standing beside Norelle, gave them a small, warm smile. "You guys aren’t so bad after all," she teased, but there was no malice in her voice.

Esosa, who had been somewhat quiet throughout the event, looked at Skye. "You’re all right, Skye. Maybe next time, you could teach me how to be so cool under pressure."

Jolaade laughed, patting Esosa on the back. "You’ve got this, Esosa. We’ll see you again soon."

It was clear that the barriers built up during the competition had completely dissolved. The RHH students had become a part of the CGA community, and everyone was genuinely sad to see them go.

Zhiyong was next, shaking hands with Norrell. "I didn’t think I’d say this, but I’m actually going to miss you guys," Zhiyong said with a grin. "Next time, I’ll have to challenge you to something even bigger."

Norrell smirked. "Bring it on. But this time, we’ll be ready for you guys."

Meanwhile, Cammie walked up to Kaylila, her face serious at first but softening into a smile. "You know, I thought you were just going to be one of those snobbish rich kids," Cammie joked. "But you actually turned out to be really cool. Thanks for not being a pain."

Kaylila raised an eyebrow but laughed. "You’re welcome, Cammie. You’re not so bad yourself."

As the goodbyes continued, Keziiah shared a warm hug with Aurelina, saying, "I never thought I’d say this, but you’re the best teammate I never knew I needed."

Aurelina smiled brightly, returning the hug. "And you’ve got the heart of a champion, Keziah. I’ll miss you guys."

The rest of the goodbyes were just as heartfelt. Jason slapped Zara on the back with a grin. "Keep the fire alive, okay? We’ll be ready for you next time!"

Zara smirked but didn’t miss the warmth in her eyes. "I’ll be waiting, Jason. You’ll hear from me."

As the last students boarded their buses, the RHH students looked out the windows, waving at their new friends. The air was thick with the sense that this wasn’t truly the end. Even though they were going back to Lagos, their connections would last. This wasn’t the end of their journey it was just the beginning of a new friendship.

Norelle and Kaylila exchanged one final glance, the smile they shared saying everything.

"It’s not the end, is it?" Kaylila whispered.

Norelle shook his head. "Definitely not. This is just the start of something new."

And with that, the buses began to pull away, the sound of laughter and goodbyes fading into the distance, leaving behind the warmth of friendships that would last far beyond the walls of Crystal Gem Academy.

A/N I feel like crying 🥺, my babies

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