The family get-together and Laya's preparations led them to arrive at the hotel by 4:30 PM. The party was scheduled for later that night, so they decided to take a stroll towards the lawn. The Deskmore Hotel, a beloved landmark of Ravengrade State, is synonymous with elegance and charm.
The lawn stretches out like a green velvet carpet, perfectly manicured and framed by blooming seasonal flowers. Subtle pathway lights guide guests along winding stone walkways, while elegant gazebos and water fountains create a serene backdrop. The hotel was designed by the best in the country.
As they arrived, the manager hurried to welcome Leon, but Laya, with a playful gesture, led them away to her favorite spot in the hotel: the enchanting café.
Beyond the lawn, the café sat like a glass-walled sanctuary, its warm interior spilling onto the open terrace. The tables outside rested beneath fairy-lit pergolas, where shadows and light danced together in quiet rhythm.
Leon took a deep breath and settled into the seat reserved for them.
There was a kind of magic here—the hush of luxury, the charm of intimacy, as though time itself had slowed down just to let the moment linger a little longer.
"Leon... Finn..." Laya's voice broke through the chatter as she tapped the table with her fingers, her eyes shimmering with a mix of excitement and wonder. "You have to see this... look at your 9 o'clock direction... slowly!"
As they turned their heads, the world around Leon seemed to fade away, eclipsed by the enchanting sight before them. Sitting quietly in the side seat was a girl in a delicate white dress, and she seemed to carry with her an ethereal presence that felt almost otherworldly.
"What on earth is that... a fairy among us?" Laya gushed, her voice barely above a whisper. "She's absolutely enchanting!"
Her loose hair danced playfully in the gentle breeze, illuminated by golden evening rays that cast a heavenly glow across her serene face. Every feature was sculpted to perfection, as if she were a living masterpiece. Leon found himself captivated, unable to tear his gaze away, a sense of wonder flooding his heart. He felt an irresistible urge to approach her, to discover the magic behind those striking eyes.
"Leo... are you alright? You look like you've seen a ghost," Finn said, sensing Leon's trance.
"I... I..." Leon struggled to find his words, taking a sip of his cappuccino as a way to ground himself. The warmth of the drink did little to ease the blush creeping onto his cheeks.
"Ayyoo, look at you! Are you actually blushing?" Finn and Laya erupted in playful laughter, their joy infectious.
"But... doesn't she seem a little distant?" Laya pondered.
"Like a snow lotus blooming in a tranquil temple pond..." Leon replied with a dreamy smile, enchanted by her allure.