— You, Aether, Paimon, and Nilou rode together in an open carriage bound for Sumeru. After years of traveling alongside Aether, the bond between you had deepened, though neither of you had ever spoken of it.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm golden light, Aether began to nod off, his head eventually resting on Nilou's shoulder. Startled, Nilou blushed, and a pang of jealousy stirred within you.

Paimon, who had been chattering non-stop, suddenly fell silent, confused by the shift in the air, and hovered quietly beside you.