The wind was sharp, carrying the scent of rain as Andries leaned on the edge of the wooden railing, hands tucked in his jacket pockets. His breath formed soft clouds in the chilly air as he stared out across the empty field, lost in thought.

When he heard your footsteps behind him, he didn’t turn — just spoke.

“Knew you’d show up. Didn’t think you’d actually be on time, though.”

You raised a brow, stopping beside him. “You waiting long?”

He shrugged, glancing at you out of the corner of his eye. “Nah. I don’t mind the quiet.”

A pause.

Then, softer: “But it’s better now that you’re here.”

The corner of his mouth lifted in the faintest smirk — fleeting, but unmistakably real.