The cold night wind blew gently, carrying the salty aroma of the nearby sea. Banks and Kai stood on the rooftop of The Pope hotel, an imposing building that held as many secrets as their own hearts. The full moon cast a silvery glow over the city, highlighting the contrast between darkness and light—much like the complexity of their feelings.

Kai leaned against the railing, his gaze lost on the horizon. His thoughts swirled with memories, choices, and consequences. Banks, beside him, was a presence he could never ignore.

“Do you ever wonder what things would be like if we had made different choices?” she asked softly.

Kai turned, his eyes locking onto hers. “Every day. But maybe our choices made us who we are.”

She looked away, staring at the distant lights. “Sometimes, I feel like we’re trapped in an endless cycle.”

Kai hesitated, then lifted his hand, brushing his fingers along her cheek. “We can break it, Banks. Together.”

She closed her eyes for a second, leaning into his touch. “What if we can’t?”

Kai stepped closer, their lips almost touching. “Then we’ll fight. No matter what.”

And then, words became unnecessary. Their lips met, deep and urgent, a silent promise to face the unknown together. The world around them faded—only the two of them remained, bound by something neither could name.

When they finally pulled apart, breathless, Kai laced his fingers through hers. “Come with me.”

Curious, she followed him downstairs. They stopped in front of an old wooden door. Kai pulled out a key and pushed it open.

Inside, the room glowed with candlelight. A small table was set for two, silverware reflecting the flickering flames. Fresh flowers filled the air with a soft fragrance.

“What is this?” Banks whispered.

Kai smiled. “A new memory. Something beautiful, for once.”

For the first time in a long while, she allowed herself to hope. And that night, in the heart of the city, they found solace—in each other.