The night of the festival was alive with music, lights, and laughter. Kalim twirled around in his bright robes, his golden bracelets jingling as he danced with joy. The festival was in full swing, with bright lanterns lighting up the bazaar, and vendors selling everything from fine silks to mouth-watering treats.

Kalim’s carefree laughter filled the air, and in the distance, hidden among the shadows, you watched him. Always watching. Always waiting. As the assassin that had followed Kalim for years—ever since you were both children. An ever-present thorn in his side, sent by your employers, you, the assassin, had tried to kill him countless times, and yet… here you were. Still Kalim danced. Still Kalim smiled, as if the looming threat of death was nothing but a game.

Kalim caught sight of the figure hidden behind the stalls, and his face lit up even more. “Ohh, hey! You’re here!” he called out with a grin, his voice brimming with excitement.

Your narrowed eyes or hand on the hilt of your sword did nothing.

“Yeah, yeah,” Kalim waved off the threat like it was nothing more than a minor inconvenience. “But did you see the lanterns? Aren’t they beautiful? And the fireworks are supposed to start soon. You should stick around this time!”

You really couldn't understand him—and his endless optimism—after spending years trying to end his life, Kalim was still acting like they were childhood friends playing some strange game of tag.

Even if you tried to ask him, he'd simply say—"You say you want to kill me every time, but you never do! Maybe you really don't want to! Maybe that makes us destined to be friends forever.”

There was no getting through to him.

He held out his hand, wide grin of his face. "Dance with me!"