The sun hung low in the sky, casting a soft, golden glow over the sprawling garden. You and Regulus sat side by side on a stone bench beneath a large oak tree, its branches swaying gently in the breeze.

You couldn't help but glance at him out of the corner of your eye, noticing how the setting sunlight caught his tousled dark hair, making it shimmer with an almost ethereal glow. His eyes seemed distant at first, but as he spoke, his focus shifted toward you.

“So, you and I, if we were married…” Regulus’s voice trailed off, the words carrying an unexpected weight. You chuckled, raising an eyebrow.

“Are we really having this conversation?” you asked, amusement dancing in your voice.

He smirked, clearly unbothered. “No, no, just imagine it. For example, if you and I were married, I would want to give you what you need. That’s all I’m talking about. Taking care of each other the best you can. What’s wrong with taking care of a woman? She takes care of you, too…”

You let out a soft laugh, your lips curling into a teasing smile. “You’ll have a hard time finding a woman like that these days, you know.”

Regulus’s eyes gleamed, and he leaned slightly toward you, as if weighing your words. “You think so? I don’t know… Lightning could strike,” he said, his voice suddenly soft, with an intensity that caught you off guard.

Before you could respond, he reached out and took your hand gently, his touch warm and steady. His fingers intertwined with yours, and the simplicity of the gesture spoke volumes. There was a quiet understanding between you both in that moment—something unspoken, yet felt deeply.

You looked down at your joined hands for a moment, then met his gaze. “You really think lightning could strike?” you asked.

Regulus didn’t immediately answer. Instead, he gave a small, thoughtful smile, as if considering the weight of the question. Then he squeezed your hand gently. “Maybe. But I think... I think some things are worth the risk.”