The music and laughter fill Clara's large hall, but I notice Zoé near the window, her eyes following the flickering lights of the hanging lanterns. She seems isolated from the bustle, almost absorbed by the reflection of the flames on the wooden floor. I approach her, and she notices me almost immediately, casting a glance that is both curious and attentive.
"Hi, Zoé. I didn't expect to find you alone here."
"Hi, Frost. I needed a little breather. Too many people right now. And you?"
"Same. I figured you'd be a better refuge than the rest of the room."
She gives a slight, almost imperceptible smile and turns her gaze to the lanterns.
"So, how do you find the party?"
"Nice… Clara really organized everything well, and her house is beautiful. And you?"
"It's okay… I enjoy the atmosphere, but some conversations are a bit too loud."
"I understand. Parties can be exhausting sometimes."
I notice Zack on the other side of the room, talking to a girl with platinum blonde hair. Zoé follows my gaze and slightly frowns.
"That girl… she was in my class last year."
"Oh? And she seems different now?"
"Very. And Zack… he's quite a charmer; he knows exactly how to talk to girls."
"I see…" she says with a faint, cold-but-amused smile.
I nod, letting a comfortable silence settle, our hands occasionally brushing the wooden window frame.
"Have you heard anything about the Mortuary Sect recently?"
"Yes… apparently they were spotted in Stomland. It's concerning."
"I heard the same thing. Strange that they're active now, after years of silence."
"Yes… they act in the shadows, but rumors spread quickly."
"We'll have to stay cautious."
"I agree. But it's fascinating all the same, don't you think?"
She nods, a slight shiver of curiosity passing through her eyes. It's a rare opening, subtle but perceptible.
"And your family, how are they?"
"They're well. My parents enjoy this kind of party, even if I think they're a little tired after the week's preparations. And you?"
"It's fine. Thanks."
We talk a little more about the present, observing the room and the guests. Zoé points out a detail of the decor, and I comment on the lanterns and the way the shadows play on the walls. We softly laugh at some guests' awkward moments, and I make a few remarks about the blonde and Zack, which brings a faint smirk to Zoé's face.
"Do you remember when you lost your scarf in the forest?"
"How could I forget… I was panicking."
"I ran through the bushes to find it, I still remember your screams."
"Yes… and you came like a hero, of course."
"Only for you. But I admit your furious expression was almost funnier than your relief."
"Are you mocking me?"
"Just a little… but I really wanted to return the scarf."
"You've always had that way of showing… bravery, even unconsciously."
"And you… still stubborn and precise. That hasn't changed."
Our laughter mingles with the murmurs in the room. Zoé slightly averts her eyes, but I can tell she's touched by these memories.
"And now, do you still believe in destiny sometimes?"
"Maybe… I don't know if I completely believe. But some encounters seem… fated."
"Like us, then?"
"Yes… maybe."
The dialogue flows toward the future. We discuss our plans:
"And in the future, Zoé? What are your goals?"
"I'd like to explore more of magic, discover other arts, travel… while staying cautious. And you?"
"I want to progress, understand what I really want. See if I can go beyond this village."
"You dream of somewhere else…"
"Yes. But I also want to keep what matters here. And you?"
"I want to master what I can, learn, but without losing what defines me."
We talk about ambitions, curiosity, and freedom. Every word is chosen carefully, and Zoé remains measured, cold at times, but with sparks of complicity and interest.
"If we were to leave together, where would we go?"
"Perhaps a place where magic is still mysterious, and where we can discover ourselves."
"Ambitious… as always."
The conversation blends lightness and seriousness. The music plays softly in the background, Zack laughs with his blonde, and guests move about. I notice that the evening is drawing to a close.
"Do you want to continue this conversation by the lake?"
"Not tonight… I need to return home. I'm tired."
"I understand."
I take a last look at her, capturing the image of her face in the soft lantern light.
"Well… time for me to go as well. Goodbye, Zoé."
"Goodbye, Frost."
Zack approaches, laughing at his own clumsiness.
"Come on, Frost, let's have a drink and dance!"
"Not tonight… I'd rather head home."
I leave Clara's house, the music and laughter behind me. The night is gentle, the lanterns reflecting on the cobblestones. My thoughts remain with Zoé, our memories, and the promise of an uncertain future that we may share one day.