The road stretched lazily ahead of them, winding through fields brushed gold by the afternoon sun. The horses walked at an easy pace, their hooves tapping a gentle rhythm against the dirt path. The air smelled fresh—grass, earth, and the quiet promise of somewhere new.
Yuki rode a little ahead, humming softly, clearly in a good mood.
Sun noticed.
That was usually dangerous.
She glanced back over her shoulder, eyes sparkling with mischief.
"Sun."
He raised an eyebrow. "Whenever you say my name like that, I feel like I should prepare myself."
She slowed her horse until they were side by side. "Tell me something."
"…What?"
"Wouldn't it be more romantic," she said innocently, "if we traveled on a single horse instead of two?"
Sun blinked.
Once.
Twice.
"…Romantic?"
She nodded very seriously. "Very."
He looked at the horses. Then at her. Then back at the horses.
"We already look fine like this."
She leaned closer, lowering her voice dramatically. "Come on. Couples ride together. It's a rule."
"There is no such rule."
"There is now." She pointed at his horse. "Get down."
He stared at her. "Just like that?"
"Yes."
"What if we fall?"
"We won't."
"How are you so confident?"
She smiled sweetly. "Because I'll hold you."
That… did not make him feel safer.
Still, after a moment of hesitation, Sun sighed and dismounted. He walked over, grabbed the saddle, and climbed onto her horse behind her.
The horse shifted slightly.
Yuki stiffened for half a second—and then relaxed when she felt his arms carefully settle around her waist.
"…You're heavy," she muttered.
"I just got here."
"I'm joking!" She laughed quickly. "Mostly."
He leaned in slightly. "If we fall, I'm blaming you."
She clicked her tongue and nudged the horse forward.
"Relax. See? Romantic already."
The horse began moving, their bodies naturally swaying together with each step. Sun was quiet for a moment.
"…You're warm," he said.
She grinned. "That's because you're basically hugging me."
"I'm holding on so we don't die."
"Sure, sure."
The road dipped slightly, the scenery slowly changing. The fields gave way to paved stone paths, lined with lantern posts and flowering trees. In the distance, pale towers rose into the sky, elegant and glowing softly under the sun.
Yuki straightened, excitement bubbling in her voice.
"There."
Sun followed her gaze—and stopped breathing for a second.
The city was beautiful.
White stone buildings curved gracefully upward, their balconies draped with vines and flowers. Bridges arched over flowing canals that reflected the sky like glass. And at the heart of it all—
A tall, iron-like tower stood proudly, its structure delicate yet strong, rising above the city like a symbol of romance itself.
Yuki turned slightly toward him.
"Welcome to Lavis."
Sun stared. "It's…"
"Beautiful?" she supplied.
"…Familiar."
She smiled knowingly. "The Lavis Tower."
He narrowed his eyes. "That looks a lot like the Eiffel Tower."
She laughed softly. "Yes. It is"
He paused. "How do you know that?"
She tilted her head back just enough to look at him. "You forgot?"
He froze.
Then remembered.
"…The Mind Link."
She tapped her temple playfully. "Past life memories are cheating, I know."
He chuckled. "So this is the most romantic city in the world?"
"According to literally everyone," she said proudly. "And according to me."
The city welcomed them with warm lights and gentle music drifting through the streets. Couples walked hand in hand. Artists painted by the canals. Street performers played soft melodies that lingered in the air.
Sun booked a hotel near the canal—quiet, elegant, with a small balcony overlooking the water.
As evening approached, he turned to Yuki casually.
"Can you bring some food for the horse?"
She nodded. "Of course."
She grabbed a small bag and stepped out, humming again.
Sun watched her go.
Then moved fast.
—
When Yuki returned, her arms full of feed—
She stopped at the door.
The room was different.
The lights were dimmed, glowing warm and golden like candlelight. Soft illumination filled the space, reflecting off the walls. The balcony doors were open slightly, letting in the cool evening breeze and the distant sounds of Lavis at night.
At the center of the room—
A table.
Set neatly.
With flowers.
And food.
Sun stood beside it, hands behind his back, trying very hard to look calm.
Yuki slowly set the bag down.
"…What is this?"
He cleared his throat.
"Welcome… to our first date."
Her mouth opened slightly.
Then closed.
Then opened again.
"…You planned this?"
"Yes."
"When?"
"Since this morning."
She looked at the table—and then at the plates.
"…What is that?"
Sun smiled faintly. "Pasta."
She blinked. "That doesn't exist in this world."
"I know."
She looked at him like he had just performed forbidden magic.
"You cooked something from another world?"
He nodded. "It took… a lot of effort."
"And time."
"And panic."
She laughed softly.
"But," he continued, looking at her, "the expression on your face right now makes it worth it."
Her eyes shimmered.
She walked over slowly and sat down. He pulled out the chair for her.
"…You're unfair," she said again.
"I hear that a lot."
They ate.
She took one bite—
And froze.
"…Sun."
"Yes?"
"…This is amazing."
He relaxed visibly. "Thank goodness."
She smiled at him over the candlelight. "It tastes like care."
He blinked. "…That's not an ingredient."
"It is now."
They talked as they ate. About the city. About their journey. About nothing important and everything that mattered.
Outside, lanterns lit up the canal, their reflections dancing in the water. Music floated through the open balcony doors. Somewhere in the distance, laughter echoed.
After dinner, they stood on the balcony together.
The Lavis Tower glowed softly against the night sky.
Yuki leaned against him. "This is perfect."
He rested his chin lightly on her head. "I'm glad."
She tilted her face up toward him. "Next time…"
"Yes?"
"You're making pizza."
He laughed quietly. "I knew this would happen."
She grinned. "You brought pasta into this world. Now you're responsible."
He sighed dramatically. "I'll start preparing mentally."
She hugged him around the waist. "Best first date ever."
He wrapped his arms around her, holding her close as the city of Lavis shimmered beneath the stars.
One horse.
One city.
One evening they would never forget.
And somewhere deep inside both of them—
They knew.
This was only the beginning.