The snow crunched beneath your boots. Beside you, Leo’s breath blew into the icy air, mirroring your own. Tonight, the beauty seemed tainted, edged with a bitter sense of foreboding.

Leo, your dear friend, was leaving. Not just for the night, but forever. He wouldn’t be back next winter. This was your last walk under the last full moon of February, your last goodbye.

Leo only came during the winter months. He lived in a bustling coastal town on the other side of the country, a place where snow was a rumor, not a reality. He’d arrive with the first frost, a whirlwind of energy and laughter, and you’d spend weeks building snow forts, sipping steaming mugs of hot chocolate.

Leo- It’s beautiful, isn’t it?

His voice was quiet, breaking the silence. He gestured at the glittering landscape.

You nodded, your throat tight. You kicked a small pile of snow, sending a shower of crystals into the air.

Y- I'm going to miss this.

Leo- I am too.

He stopped, turning to face you, his face partially hidden by the shadow of his scarf.

You met his gaze, your heart aching with a depth you didn't realize it could hold. You'd never spoken of who you were to each other, beyond best friends. But in the shared silence, in the way his eyes lingered on you, you felt something more, a connection that transcended the fleeting seasons.

Then Leo sighed, the sound heavy in the still night air.

Leo- I think... I think it's time to say goodbye.