The sun dipped low, painting the sky in hues of gold and crimson. Kara quickened her steps, her shadow stretching long across the cobblestones.
As she neared her street, a familiar fragrance drifted on the breeze. Flowers. The shop near her house. She slowed, her heart tugged by the sweet scent of daisies and geraniums.
The flower shop wasn't just any place—it belonged to Weiss's mother. And Weiss was her best friend, her partner in every childhood adventure.
Bright daisies in the shop window made her pause, just for a moment, lost in their simple beauty.
The door swung open.
"Kara!" Weiss's voice rang out, cheerful and warm. He appeared with a grin, a pot of white geraniums in his hands. "What a nice surprise! I saw you from the counter!"
The fact that the flowers in his hands are the same color as the geraniums makes her realize there are actually many white flowers in this shop. The only colorful shop in this area.
Kara's lips curved into an instant smile. No matter how tired she felt, Weiss always had that effect on her.
Mocking her, Weiss lifted an eyebrow. "What's with the hurry? Don't tell me you lost track of time again—daydreaming about the fog?"
Kara laughed softly. "Maybe I was. But at least the fog doesn't nag me half as much as you do."
Weiss leaned closer, his voice dropping to a whisper that made her cheeks warm.
"Or maybe… were you thinking about the boy from the bridge ?"
Kara froze. Heat rushed to her cheeks as she bit her lip, unable to hide the blush that betrayed her. Weiss's grin faltered into a mock pout, his shoulders slumping dramatically.
"So that's it, huh ? My best friend's first crush… and he comes from her dreamworld. How tragic!"
Kara's eyes widened. "He does exist !" she snapped, the words spilling out faster than she intended. "I didn't dream him, Weiss. I know what I saw."
Weiss straightened, crossing his arms. His voice softened, though his tone remained skeptical.
"Kara, you know it's impossible. The bridge entrance is guarded day and night. No one just strolls in, crosses over, and disappears back into the fog. And it's been two winters now since the soldiers last went inside. Every solstice, they stay here, silent about what they've seen—or what they haven't."
Kara clenched her fists, her heart racing with stubborn certainty. "That doesn't prove anything. Just because they don't talk doesn't mean he isn't real. I swear I saw him !"
Her mind flashed back to that night—the one she remembered so vividly.
Through the shop's window, Weiss's mother waved at him, her smile warm but firm—her silent way of calling him back.
"Well, we don't need to fight about it," Weiss sighed, flashing her a crooked smile. "I was just joking, Kara. I need to go. We'll meet at the banquet after all."
At the mention of the banquet, an idea sparked in Kara's mind.
"The bridge is guarded day and night… unless there's food and music involved, right ?"
Before he could leave, she grabbed his shoulders, standing on tiptoe to meet his gaze.
Her eyes blazed with determination. "If I step onto that bridge tonight and reach the middle, then it means I didn't dream. If he's there… I'll have my proof. You'll see."
Weiss blinked, his expression shifting. "Reach the bridge ?"
"Yes !" Kara shot back. "I know you did it too when you were younger!"
Weiss's eyes widened. He quickly pressed a finger to his lips, hushing her as his mother glanced their way again. Kara mimicked the wave to cover their exchange, but his face had gone pale.
"Shush, Kara ! That's different. First of all, I never reached the bridge— I only touched the first column at the entrance. And you know it's forbidden to go further. "His voice dropped lower, almost trembling. "Second, it was years ago… a stupid dare during the banquet. We were just kids."
"I know," Kara said stubbornly. "I wasn't there because I was sick in bed. Flora told me everything."
Weiss grumbled under his breath, his cheeks coloring with embarrassment. "Well… she exaggerated. It wasn't as heroic as she makes it sound."
Kara's eyes narrowed. "Doesn't matter. You touched it. That means it's possible."
Weiss looked away, jaw tightening. Memories he had tried to bury came rushing back—how his friends had cheered when he reached out to touch the cold stone, how proud he'd felt for one reckless heartbeat… until the crushing weight of punishment came. His mother's tears, the scolding from the elders, in this dark room... The way they had treated him was not as a brave child but as someone who had desecrated a sacred boundary.
The bridge wasn't just stone and fog—it was a line no one was meant to cross.
He didn't want to remember.
But Kara's eyes burned with determination, and for a moment, he saw the same reckless fire in her that had driven him back then.
Weiss exhaled slowly, the corner of his mouth twitching into a resigned smile. "I don't think it is a good idea..."
For a heartbeat, silence stretched between them. Then his familiar grin returned—playful, yet touched with worry.
"Why not ? Although…" He shrugged lightly. "For me, it's still just a vivid dream. Maybe that's all he is."
"Perfect ! See you tomorrow !" She waved goodbye, her heart lighter, and turned toward home.
But as she reached the doorstep, her joy froze.
Her uncle stood there, arms crossed, foot tapping impatiently. His gaze was stern, his brows furrowed in displeasure.
"Kara !" His voice cut through the evening air, sharp and commanding. "Do you even realize what time it is ?"