A day of festive

Chroma was quick to reply, "While I may have originated the design, it was ultimately Crystal who made the final decision on the selection of hues." She looked satisfied with her creation.

"I did?" Crystal asked, unsure of what Chroma meant by that.

"Without a doubt, my intention was to evoke the deepest hues that are inherent within your being, and it brings me great pleasure to witness their embodiment. While it's worth noting that any other color would certainly enhance your natural beauty, this particular shade perfectly harmonizes with your essence. Its interplay with you is a testament to this truth," Chroma explained, but she saw that Crystal was still confused about how it was her color. She was just a normal faerie who might be possessing powers of the water element, how could maroon be her color?

"Look at me," Chroma said as she flicked her fingers again. Crystal saw how both Marina and Chroma's styles got exchanged, from their gowns and hair to their eyes, and Crystal understood what Chroma meant. The hazel-brown gown on Marina and the turquoise-green one on Chroma looked bizarre, and now Crystal understood what Chroma actually meant.

"I guess I get it now," Crystal nervously chuckled. The questions regarding the maroon colors in her life just kept increasing while none were yet answered.

"However, this does not prevent the possibility of altering our appearances," Chroma mischievously suggested as she flicked her fingers once again, and now both Marina and she had a change of clothes. Marina was dressed in a regal purple puffed gown while Chroma had a mustard-yellow fishtail long dress, complimenting her slim figure.

Chroma giggled, looking at Crystal's impressed expression.

Indeed, the colors did not match their personalities and looked foreign on them, but it did not look bizarre just like a moment ago. "I hold my position as the most skilled fae of hues within this entire academy for a valid reason," Chroma flexed, as both Crystal and Marina gave her thumbs up of appreciation.

...

"Crystal, come quick! Behold, a bounty of nectar tarts awaits us!" Marina's voice rose in excitement as she dragged Crystal towards the food counter, where the treats beckoned the students with their alluring aroma.

When Crystal first arrived at the academy, she was reluctant to try the food, but she had been pleasantly surprised. There were many dishes similar to those on Earth. The dishes may have been prepared with exotic ingredients and methods, but they weren't as otherworldly alien as she had feared them to be.

On the table before them, a vibrant display of treats awaited. There were fizzy drinks made from flower petals, plump muffins baked with pixie dust, rich fudge crafted by faeries, coral toast, mushroom medley, skewers of succulent shrimp, hellfire sandwiches, and many other dishes placed beautifully on the large table. Students swarmed around the food like bees to honey, filling their plates and savoring every treat.

Observing Marina's plate, which was piled high with nectar tarts, Crystal couldn't help but chuckle. "Are you sure you'll be able to finish all of that?" she teased.

Marina paused, surveying her overflowing plate. Crystal thought she might have realized she'd gone overboard in her eagerness, but instead, Marina replied with a smile of unshakable confidence, "Absolutely! And I shall even have room for more!" With a mischievous glint in her eye, she snagged two additional tarts and added them to her already towering stack, and Crystal could not hold her laughter anymore.

The students' attire was as stunning as the food, with an array of flowing gowns, elegant dresses, and sleek tailcoats on display. No one could tell each other apart because of their masquerade masks, which veiled half of their faces.

Not only that, the demon students had taken care of their horns and burning skin, vampire students had made sure their teeth were short, and so did the werewolf students with their claws. Even the mermaid students had changed their tails for legs for the day so they could enjoy themselves with others on the ground, and the only obvious ones were the goblin students as their short stature gave them away.

The west garden was also lavishly decorated just like the rest of the academy, and a huge dome-shaped gazebo was created with magic just for Love's Day, which gave the west garden a look similar to that of the ballroom.

Crystal's voice rang out amidst the festive fuss, her hand waving to get Chroma's attention from afar who was dressed in a radiant mustard-yellow gown that helped Crystal to recognize her. Crystal swept Marina along with her towards Chroma, who was still devouring the sweet nectar tarts.

"Hey, you! Chroma!" Crystal exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. Chroma looked up, a hint of petulance in her expression.

"Will you be disclosing my identity as Chroma to everyone?" Chroma sulked, and Crystal looked at her with an apologetic smile. "I hope I am not easily recognizable. I have invested considerable effort into my appearance."

"Don't worry, even I almost considered you were someone else," Crystal said, reassuring Chroma, who smiled with glee. Crystal had lied because she could recognize each and every student she had known currently standing in the west garden. She could even tell the faeries, demons, vampires, mermaids, and werewolves apart, despite all of them being disguised in a similar manner. Crystal had felt a surge of power throughout her since she was able to summon her water element, and she could tell others' auras from feet away.

"Thank goodness, and I am eagerly anticipating the possibility of discovering my soulmate or twin flame today. The occasion of all four year fae students being assembled in one location is a rare opportunity," Chroma said merrily, as Crystal laughed, while Marina rolled her eyes in amusement.

"This evening is a host of delights - succulent food, Love Gram rain, lively activities, and an electrifying music performance. Yet, despite all of this, the only thing on your mind is finding a man," Marina quipped sarcastically, her mouth still filled with the heavenly nectar tarts. Chroma shot her a "so-done-with-you" look that could cut through steel.

"Merely due to the absence of your mate, it does not justify your attempt to spoil my enjoyment. Your current behavior can be characterized as pessimistic," Chroma griped. Marina rolled her eyes and stuck out her tongue, savoring the last bits of the scrumptious tart.

"Crystal, remind me to shove a shrimp skewer down Marina's throat," Chroma playfully ropes Crystal in their banter. Crystal couldn't help but laugh, shaking her head in amusement. She had observed these playful spats between Marina and Chroma before and had concluded that they were more like siblings than mere friends.