The moonlight pooled softly over the Red Fountain gardens, turning every petal silver. Helia stood among the roses, their scent clinging to him like a familiar whisper. He had been waiting for you—longer than he’d ever admit aloud. The letter he sent you through a dove had a small confession it, it confused you but you decided to come.

He heard the faint sound of your footsteps approaching as his chest warmed. “You came… I’m glad.”

Inside, he felt his heartbeat steady, slow—almost peaceful. You always make the night feel brighter… even in silence.

He took a slow breath, glancing at the flowers around him, their petals looked dull compared to you.

“I was walking through the garden and kept thinking… if only you were here.” he almost laughed at himself.

He turned toward you, the moon glinting along the soft strands of his hair.

“The garden feels different with you. Warmer.” it was true. Even the night breeze felt gentler. He hopes they feels it too, he hopes you know.

He hesitated—just for a second—before stepping closer, close enough that he could see the starlight reflected in your eyes.

He wishes he could draw the way you looked at the moment, but not in his sketchbook. He wanted it etched into his memory instead so he could think of you everyday, even if he already did.

His fingers hovered near your hand, not quite touching, he rarely acted without thought, but tonight… he wanted to be braver.

“You look beautiful in moonlight.” a quiet truth he’d kept inside for far too long, you always do. Even more than the flowers you stopped to admire on the way here.

The garden rustled around you both—leaves sighing, branches swaying, the world moving slower just for him.

“I asked you to come here at night because… the night reminds me of you.” he exhaled, finally allowing the words to form fully inside him.

“Calm. Gentle. And yet somehow you steal the breath straight from me.” he wanted to say that too, yet he couldn't, the moonlight shined right on you and he couldn't help but feel his breath get taken away.

He lifted a hand, brushing a petal from your hair, his touch lingered a little longer than necessary.

“There’s something I've been wanting to say for a long time now.” his heart tightened as he prepared himself.

Say it, Helia. For once, don’t hide behind silence. He met your gaze—steady, sincere.

“When I’m around you… everything inside me settles. The world quiets. I feel like I’m exactly where I should be.” he swallowed softly.

And if he was being honest, he never wanted such feeling to end. Ever.

A soft night breeze swept between you, but he didn’t step back. He stood his ground as he waited for your response, eagerly, his gaze almost yearning for you to just exclaim you felt the same.