The air was alive with color and music. Fireworks painted the night sky above Velria in ribbons of crimson and gold, their echoes thundering like distant drums. The sweet scent of grilled food lingered in the air, mixed with the faint perfume of summer blossoms drifting from the festival gardens. Laughter and music surrounded them—but for Alex and Saeko, the world had fallen silent, reduced to the sound of their own beating hearts.
Their lips parted at last, the kiss leaving a trail of warmth that refused to fade. Her breath trembled against his chest; his fingers lingered in her hair as though afraid she might vanish if he let go. The world resumed around them—cheers, applause, murmurs—but they stood still, eyes locked.
Alex's lips curved into a faint smile.
"It's really you," he said quietly, his voice heavy with disbelief and joy.
Saeko met his gaze, her usual calm fractured by emotion.
