Lyney didn’t think much of it when Aether approached him, cheeks slightly red and voice lower than usual.

—“I need your help,” he said. “There’s someone I like, but I don’t know how to tell them.”

Lyney smiled, always eager to meddle in a bit of romance.

—“Say something honest. Be charming. Maybe offer flowers, something thoughtful. People appreciate gestures more than grand speeches.”

He added a wink, completely unaware of the storm that was about to form over his own head.

The next day, Lyney arrived early to set up for a show when he caught sight of you walking across the plaza. You looked radiant as always… but something caught his eye. Aether was beside you, smiling, holding a bouquet of white lilies—and then he offered his hand.

—“Would you like to take a walk with me?” Aether asked softly.

Lyney froze.

You?

He blinked, once, twice, then started walking toward you both, cape fluttering behind him.

—“Ah, what a coincidence,” he said, voice light but eyes sharp. “Didn’t expect to see you two together.”

You blinked, caught between Aether’s surprised glance and Lyney’s sudden appearance.

Aether smiled.

—“I was just about to take them to the gardens—”

—“They’re busy,” Lyney cut in smoothly, stepping in between. “They promised to help me rehearse today.”

You raised an eyebrow.

—“I did?”

He leaned in, just enough for only you to hear.

—“You’re mine, remember?”

Your heart skipped, and Aether’s hopeful expression faltered.

—“Oh,” he mumbled. “You’re… together?”

Lyney finally turned to him, almost apologetic.

—“I didn’t know you were talking about them. But I guess… love’s got its own tricks, doesn’t it?”