The soft glow of the cafe lamps bathed them in gold, their laughter still lingering between breaths rising from the untouched cups. Daniel leaned closer, his chair scraping softly against the wooden floor.
Starfania froze—her pulse quickened as his breath brushed against her cheek, carrying the faint scent of chocolate and warmth. For a fleeting second, she swore the world had gone completely silent. No clinking of mugs, no chatter from the other tables—just the sound of her own racing heartbeat and the way his eyes seemed to hold her there. Then, just as the tension peaked; Daniel leaned back, a smirk tugging at his lips—the grin that said he knew exactly what he was doing.
" Err," Starfania managed, clutching the edge of her seat, " may I ask what you're planning?"
He tilted his head with mock innocence, stepping around to stand behind her.
" Oh, just a little idea," he murmured, his voice low, teasing. " I'm simply here to greet my lovely princess."
Her heart skipped again at the word princess. It sounded different coming from him—playful, but with something warmer beneath it. Before she could respond, Daniel's hands gripped the chair's armrests.
" Almost time," he whispered near her ear, his tone suddenly cryptic, a playful edge to his words. " I can hardly wait."
" Wait—what are you—"
The chair jerked backward with a squeak, and Starfania let out a startled yelp as she toppled gently onto the floor. Then Daniel peered over the edge of the table, his expression caught somewhere between guilt and amusement.
" Oops, " he said, trying to suppress a laugh. " Seems I might have picked the wrong chair for that little trick."
He extended his hand toward her, feigning chivalry. " Allow me to assist, my lady."
Starfania's eyes narrowed—but the sparkle of mischief returned just as fast. Without warning, she took his hand and gave it a firm tug, sending Daniel tumbling down beside her. The next few seconds were chaos—laughter, the sound of boots against the wooden floor, and the startled gasp of the cafe staff. Daniel's laugh was pure and boyish, echoing through the cozy space as he looked down, realizing with sudden clarity that he had landed—literally—on top of her. The laughter ebbed into silence. His grin faded, replaced by a soft awe neither could explain.
Their eyes met—his as deep ocean eyes that shimmered in the lamplight, hers wide, uncertain, but full of something unspoken. For a moment, time dissolved around them. The noise, the cafe, even the world beyond the glass walls—gone. Just their ragged breaths and the closeness that neither dared break. Starfania's lips parted, the faintest smile ghosting across her lips.
" Seems like I'm not the only one feeling the earth under our feet," she whispered, her voice trembling with both humor and something deeper. Daniel chuckled softly, the sound rumbling between them.
" That's not fair," he murmured, brushing a stray strand of her hair from her face. " I didn't think you'd use my move against me."
" You should know me better by now," she teased, her voice barely above a whisper. " Expect the unexpected."
They both laughed, though the sound was quieter now—laced with something tender. Their smiles lingered as their faces inched closer again, drawn by a pull neither could resist. For one suspended instant, their breaths mingled. Her heart pounded. His hand hovered just above hers. The world blurred at the edges, and it felt as if even the stars had paused to watch—
" By the Ancients!" The voice cut through the air like a blade, sharp and venomous. " Look what the dragon spat out."
The words shattered the spell. Daniel jerked his head toward the sound, his expression darkening, while Starfania blinked rapidly, her cheeks flaming once more. Slowly, she turned toward the doorway, where a familiar, unwelcome presence stood—arms crossed, smirk curling like smoke. Scarlet Rage had arrived.