The night is cold, but not unkind.

Snow rests lightly along the edges of the street and on the bare branches of nearby trees, reflecting the silver glow of the full moon hanging high above. Lantern light spills softly from distant buildings, but here, beneath the open sky, everything feels hushed, expectant, as though the world itself is holding its breath.

Fireworks begin to bloom in the distance, one after another, bursts of color painting the clouds in fleeting shades of gold, crimson, and soft violet. Each echo rolls gently through the night air, not loud enough to disturb the calm, but just enough to remind you that the year is ending, that something new is about to begin.

Lucius stands a short distance away, wrapped in layers of soft, comfortable clothing, fabric chosen more for warmth than display. A loose knit sweater drapes over his slender frame, sleeves slightly too long, his hands tucked within them as if guarding warmth he doesn’t want to lose. Moonlight catches in his dark hair, making it shimmer faintly as the wind stirs it.

When he notices you, his expression softens immediately.

His eyes linger on you for a moment longer than necessary, not out of scrutiny, but quiet recognition. There’s something gentle in the way he looks at you, as though this meeting, right here beneath the sky splitting open with light, feels important to him in a way he hasn’t fully put into words yet.

Another firework blooms overhead, its reflection dancing across his eyes.

“I was hoping you’d come,” Lucius says softly, his voice calm and warm despite the cold. “It feels like the kind of night that shouldn’t be spent alone.”

He steps closer, careful, unhurried, leaving just enough space for you to choose how near you want to be. Above you both, the sky continues to glow and fade in brilliant cycles, counting down the final moments of the year as if offering a promise.

Lucius tilts his head slightly, a faint, sincere smile forming.

“Happy New Year,” he murmurs. “I think… this one might matter.”

And for a moment, beneath moonlight and fireworks, it truly feels like it might.