The sun had long set, painting the sky in deep hues of violet and indigo. The twin moons cast a soft glow over the world, illuminating the quiet, secluded meadow where Arthur and Tista stood. Fireflies flickered like tiny stars caught between earth and sky, their glow reflecting in the gentle stream that wound its way through the grass.
Tista turned in slow circles, taking it all in. "You really outdid yourself this time," she murmured, her ruby eyes shimmering in the moonlight.
Arthur chuckled, rubbing the back of his neck. "Well, I wanted tonight to be special. We've been so busy lately, I figured we deserved a little break."
Tista smiled, stepping closer. "A break, huh? And what exactly did you plan for our 'break'?"
Arthur gestured toward the center of the meadow, where a floating platform of pure mana hovered just above the grass. Upon it, a small, intimate dinner setup awaited—a plush blanket, an assortment of Tista's favorite dishes, and an enchanted lantern that cast a soft golden glow around them. The air itself hummed with the faintest trace of magic, ensuring warmth despite the cool night breeze.
Tista's eyes widened. "You made this?"
Arthur smirked. "Not to brag, but yes. Turns out world energy is useful for more than just battle."
With a wave of his hand, the platform lowered slightly, allowing her to step on. The moment she did, it lifted again, suspending them just enough to feel like they were floating in the sky. Arthur joined her, offering his hand as they settled onto the blanket.
"So, tell me," Tista said as she reached for a piece of honey-glazed fruit. "What's the occasion?"
Arthur hesitated for a moment before exhaling. "Do I need one?"
She tilted her head, studying him. "Not really. But you're being extra sweet tonight, so I figured there was a reason."
Arthur smiled, gazing up at the stars. "I guess… I just wanted to remind you how much you mean to me."
Tista blinked, momentarily caught off guard. He wasn't the type to get flustered easily, but she could see the sincerity in his expression.
"Arthur…"
"You're always pushing yourself," he continued, turning to face her fully. "Always trying to prove something—to yourself, to everyone else. But you don't have to, not with me. I see you, Tista. Not just as a warrior, not just as someone chasing power, but as you."
Tista felt warmth bloom in her chest. "And what do you see?" she asked softly.
Arthur reached out, brushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. "Someone strong. Someone kind. Someone I…" He hesitated, then smirked playfully. "Someone I really, really like."
Tista laughed, shaking her head. "Wow. That was almost poetic."
"Give me some credit, I'm trying here," Arthur teased.
Tista leaned forward, resting her forehead against his. "You don't have to try, dummy. Just being here with you is enough."
For a moment, neither of them spoke. The world around them melted away, leaving only the quiet sound of their breathing, the distant rustle of leaves, and the comforting warmth between them. Then, without thinking, Tista closed the small distance between them, capturing his lips in a gentle, lingering kiss.
Arthur stilled for just a second before responding, his hand resting lightly on her waist. When they finally pulled apart, a rare hint of pink dusted his cheeks.
Tista smirked. "You're cute when you're flustered."
Arthur groaned. "And just like that, the moment's ruined."
She laughed, leaning back onto the blanket with a content sigh. "No, it's perfect."
Arthur lay beside her, fingers brushing against hers as they both gazed at the stars. "Yeah," he murmured, giving her hand a small squeeze. "It really is."
And so, beneath the endless sky, they simply existed in that moment—two souls entwined, finding peace in the quiet magic of love.