A flicker of light sparked in his eyes at her words. " I could... write him a letter. If he reads it, he'd have no choice but to hear me out. But what about Violet? I can't let her feel abandoned. "
" Then maybe try using a different tactic, " Starfania suggested. " My father once told me to look at it from a different perspective. To come up with a new plan, if your original one doesn't go as planned. "
His eyes started to light up again as he thought about Starfania's words. " I could write a letter that way he is forced to read it. It could explain the emotions I'm feeling. But what about Violet? I don't want her to feel abandoned. "
Starfania smiled, leaning closer. " Now you're getting it. With Violet—we'll figure it out. That's why you have me."
Aeron's lips curved into a small, weary smile. " Thank you, Starfania. Your support... it means more than I can say. "
" Always " she whispered, pulling him into the embrace she'd been holding back. For a moment, everything stilled—his burdens softened, her worries eased, and the silence between them felt like an unspoken vow. They lingered in that warmth until the tension slowly gave way to something lighter. Together, they carried their lunches outside to the bleachers, basking in the fresh air as they shared small jokes and stolen laughter.
For the first time that day, Aeron's eyes carried a flicker of hope again. And then—just as the air seemed to clear—an extra shadow stretched across the sunlight. Daniel. He strode toward them with his usual quiet confidence, golden hair catching the light, his presence commanding without effort. Starfania's heart skipped, betraying her as the playful ease she'd found with Aeron wavered. Aeron noticed the shift pressing faintly against his chest like a bruise he refused to touch. And then—just as laughter started to come easy again—a shadow fell across their sunlit bench. Daniel.
He approached with the kind of ease that seemed second nature, golden hair tousled by the breeze, his blue eyes alight with a warmth that could disarm anyone. He carried no edge, no calculation—only the simple presence of someone who had no idea the effect he left in his wake.
" Hey," Daniel greeted, voice smooth and casual as if this was the most natural thing in the world. " Mind if I join you two?"
Starfania's heart lurched at his smile, her earlier worries evaporating like mist under sunlight.
The warmth of his gaze made her pulse quicken, a spark dancing through her chest she couldn't quite hide. Beside her, Aeron kept his expression steady, though inside he felt that same spark cut sharper, leaving a sting. To Daniel, this was nothing more than a friendly gesture—but to Aeron, it was a reminder of just how easily Daniel could step into the space he wanted to hold. Starfania scooted over, her voice light; " Of course, there's always room."
Daniel slid onto the bench with effortless grace, his presence shifting the air without meaning to. Starfania leaned slightly toward him without realizing it. Aeron noticed. He always noticed.