— Age Six —
From the moment they were born, Caelum and Lysia had lived side by side.
Neighbors in the quiet town of Halewood, their lives intertwined like threads woven into the same tapestry.
Every day was filled with shared laughter, whispered secrets, and small adventures that only childhood could hold.
The Lantern Festival Evening
The night of the Lantern Festival arrived with a soft breeze and skies painted in hues of pink and purple.
Lanterns glowed like fireflies hanging from every rooftop and tree.
The streets buzzed with the excited chatter of families and children, all dressed in colorful yukata.
Caelum adjusted his indigo-blue yukata, the fabric soft against his skin.
He waited patiently by the old plum tree outside Lysia's house.
When the door opened, Lysia appeared like a little star herself — her pale blue yukata trimmed with white sakura petals, her hair tied up in twin buns with fluttering ribbons.
She smiled brightly.
"You look like we match."
Caelum smiled back.
"We always do."
A Walk Through Their World
Hand in hand, they wandered the familiar streets.
They'd walked these roads countless times — to school, to the market, to secret hideouts — but tonight everything shimmered with magic.
Lysia glanced up at the lanterns floating above and then back at Caelum, her eyes full of warmth.
"Can you believe we've known each other since we were babies?"
Caelum nodded.
"It's like we grew up together."
She squeezed his hand.
"Like we've always been connected."
Wishes Under the Stars
At the riverbank, the town's lanterns were ready.
Each child received a paper lantern and a slip of paper for a wish.
Lysia looked thoughtful.
She wrote carefully:
"I want to remember everything."
Caelum smiled softly and wrote on his own slip:
"I want to always be with you."
Together, they lit their lanterns and released them into the night sky.
The lanterns floated upward, carrying hopes, memories, and the unspoken promises of two souls who had journeyed through countless lifetimes.
Whispered Confession
As their lantern soared, Lysia leaned close and whispered:
"Caelum, I think I've loved you forever."
He met her gaze, his own eyes shimmering with a quiet affection.
"And I'll love you forever too."
System Log – Eternal Bond Confirmed
[GENESIS CORE SYSTEM – OBSERVER MODE]— Lifelong Connection: Verified— Emotional Synchronization: 48.7%— Memory Recall Progress: Steady— Note: "Two souls, bound by time and fate, choosing each other once again."