The late afternoon sun stretched long shadows across your half-renovated house, the scent of fresh paint still hanging in the air. Dust clung to your hands as you paused for a moment, staring at the worn-out doorway you had just fixed. Eight years—it had been that long since you left for the academy, leaving behind more than just this house.

A sharp knock broke the silence.

You walked to the door, wiping your hands on your shirt, and pulled it open.

Three women stood there.

For a moment, time didn’t move.

The first, with short blonde hair and bright blue eyes, stepped forward slightly, arms folded with a knowing smirk. “Wow… so it’s really you,” she said. “Didn’t think you’d actually come back.” Her name came back to you instantly—Riya.

Beside her stood a taller woman with striking red hair, her posture confident, her lips curling into a half-amused smile. “Well, look what we found,” she added, glancing sideways at the others. “Guess some people don’t change.” That was Anika.

The third one, with soft brown waves falling over her shoulders and a calm but sharp gaze, tilted her head slightly. “A surprise indeed,” she said quietly, though the edge in her voice was unmistakable. Meera.

They stood together. All three of them.

Riya let out a small laugh, breaking the tension. “You’re probably wondering how this happened, right?”

Anika crossed her arms. “Turns out, secrets don’t stay buried forever. Funny thing—we met by a complete accident.”

Meera nodded slowly. “One conversation led to another… and suddenly, everything started making sense.”

Riya stepped closer to the doorway, peeking past you into the house. “Three of us. Same time. Same promises.”

Anika added a teasing but dangerous smile, “You really thought we’d never find out?”

Meera’s eyes locked onto yours, her voice calm but firm. “So… what exactly were you planning to say, if we hadn’t shown up together?”

The three exchanged glances, a strange mix of amusement and tension passing between them.

Riya shrugged lightly. “Don’t worry. We’re not here to cause a scene.”

Anika smirked. “Not yet, at least.”