Starfania walked ahead with a light skip in her step, her laughter rising above the murmur of the crowd. Daniel followed at a slower pace, hands tucked in his pockets, a small, wistful smile tugging at his lips as he watched her twirl once before stopping to look back at him. They passed through the park—the same one scorched years ago by a runaway spark from the volcano's heart. The once lush grass was now patchy, blackened at the edges, but tiny green shoots had begun to emerge.
Daniel's eyes softened as he gestured toward a stone bench, half-cracked but standing firm.
" I used to come here with my mother," he mumbled. " We'd sit right there and feed the birds. She told me the world always grows back, even after the fire. "
Starfania looked at him, her chest tightening at the quiet melancholy in his tone.
" She sounds wise, "she murmured. He smiled faintly. " She was. And…a bit of a troublemaker too. Guess I got that from her."
They shared a laugh, and just like that, the heaviness melted away. The day unfolded into gentle ease—teasing, stories, and comfortable silences that needed no words.
Eventually, they found themselves in a small trinket shop near the plaza. Starfania's eyes sparkled with mischief when she spotted a pair of oversized glasses that could have fit a giant. Without hesitation, she plopped them on her face, deepened her voice, strutted toward Daniel. " Pardon me, sir," she said in mock sophistication, " would you be interested in purchasing the largest glasses ever made?"
Daniel blinked, barely holding his laughter.
" Absolutely! I think they would look marvelous on me," he replied, striking an exaggerated pose. That did it. Both burst out laughing—loud, unrestrained laughter that turned heads across the shop.
Daniel laughed so hard he nearly lost his balance, leaning against a display case for support. Starfania couldn't breathe, tears pooling in her eyes as she doubled over beside him. When they finally composed themselves, she noticed several onlookers watching them with amused confusion. Her face turned bright pink.
" Oh my stars," she muttered, " we're a walking disaster."
Daniel grinned, rubbing the back of his neck.
" A funny disaster," he countered. " Come on. Let's get that hot chocolate before we scare anyone else."
Without thinking, Starfania grabbed his hand and tugged him towards the door.
" That sounds amazing! Let's go now!" She said with a gleeful laugh.
Outside, the cool air met their flushed faces. It felt like the world had slowed just for them. The faint sound of music from a nearby street performer followed them as they walked hand in hand down the cobblestone road. When she finally realized what she was doing, Starfania gasped softly and released him.
" I—I didn't realize I was holding your hand," she stammered. Daniel smiled gently, brushing it off. " No harm done. I was quite enjoying it."
Her heart did a nervous flip as he stepped ahead to open the door for her.
" Ladies first," he said with a teasing bow.
The bell chimed softly as they entered Los Rosa's Cafe. The cozy glow of lanterns and the scent of cinnamon and roasted cocoa wrapped around them like a warm embrace. The waitress, Samantha, greeted them with a cheerful grin, recommending the cafe's signature Diablo Choco Milk—but they both opted for the Dragon Fire blend instead. As they waited, Daniel leaned back in his chair, watching Starfania curiously.
" So," he said, voice casual but laced with genuine interest, " tell me about yourself."
Caught off guard, she blinked, trying to think. " Uh…I like flying. And… painting sometimes. Oh, and sword practice."
Daniel's eyebrow lifted, impressed. " Sword practice? So you can slay dragons and make art? That's unfair."
She giggled. " Please. You probably spend more time charming people than training."
That earned her a chuckle—and a faint blush.
" Touche. But for the record," he said, leaning in closer, " I'm more of a romantic than a charmer."
Her heart skipped. " Is that so?"
" Guess you'll have to find out."
Before she could respond, their mugs arrived, the steam curling between them. For a moment, neither spoke. The world outside seemed distant—just the quiet murmur of the cafe and the gentle clink of porcelain. When their eyes met again, something unspoken lingered there. Far from the cozy glow of Los Rosa's, Aeron stood outside his house, the wind sweeping through his air. Drogo shifted restlessly beside him, wings twitching as if disturbed by a faint hum in the air. Aeron looked toward the horizon—where the clouds over the capital had begun to darken, a strange flicker of red cutting through the gray.
He frowned, unable to explain the sudden chill that crawled down his spine. Starfania's laughter echoed faintly in his memory, and for reasons he couldn't name, he felt uneasy—as though something precious was drifting just out of his reach. He turned toward the distance, whispering to himself, " Starry…be careful."