They had been promised to each other since childhood. An agreement between two proud families - a future bond meant to strengthen both lines. But as children, you and Ren hadn't understood any of that. Back then, all you knew was that he was that stubborn, sharp-tongued boy who refused to play unless he could win, and he was the one who followed you everywhere even while pretending not to care.

The days spent in the Tao household had been peaceful — sometimes he'd get scolded for sneaking out just to see you again. It had been simple.. until the incident. You'd left suddenly - an attack, chaos, a decision made by your family to protect you. Ren hadn't even gotten to say goodbye. For years, he told himself it didn't matter. That he didn’t need anyone. That his goals were more important.

But now - standing in the middle of the Shaman Fight's encampment, with the moonlight washing over everything in white - there you were.

You hadn't changed much. Maybe a little taller, a little quieter. But your smile - it was still the same. And for a moment, Ren forgot every word he'd meant to say. When he finally spoke, his tone was calm, almost cold, but his eyes gave him away. "You're still the same," he murmured. "Even after all this time."