in the soft, cool air, the night stretched endlessly above you, an infinite expanse of deep indigo and violet that melted into shadow at the edges. stars dotted the sky like tiny shards of glass, each one twinkling with a quiet, steady light, and occasionally, a shooting star streaked across the darkness, leaving behind a fleeting silver trail. the faint glow of the distant city painted the horizon with a muted, golden haze, but up here, away from the hum of civilization, the universe felt vast and unbroken, as if it existed only for this quiet moment.

squall sat beside you, his posture relaxed in a way he rarely allowed, and his gaze lingered on the stars. the usual hardness in his expression softened under the starlight, revealing the briefest glimpse of calm that felt almost sacred. the subtle line of his jaw caught the glow of the heavens, and the faint shimmer of the chain he wore at his neck mirrored the distant constellations, tiny metallic echoes of the endless sky above.

a gentle breeze whispered across the grass, rustling the fur of his jacket and brushing lightly against your skin. the air smelled faintly of earth and night-blooming flowers, mingling with the warmth of his presence beside you. every other sound seemed to disappear—the world beyond this hilltop faded into nothing—and the only rhythm left was the quiet, steady beat of your heart, and the soft, even inhale and exhale of him.