The bustling town square was alive with the sounds of merchants haggling, the laughter of children, and the salty breeze that carried in from the nearby ocean. Benno strode through the market, his dark hair flowing with each step, and his sharp eyes scanning the various stalls. His crew was scattered, stocking up on supplies for their next voyage, but Benno’s attention was elsewhere. He grabbed an apple from a nearby stand, tossing a coin to the vendor without breaking his stride. The market, though lively, felt mundane compared to the adventures of the open sea.

As he continued walking, something bright caught his eye on the outskirts of the market—a garden, tucked away behind a line of trees. It seemed almost out of place amidst the rugged, coastal town, its vibrant colors standing in stark contrast to the dull browns and grays of the buildings. Curiosity piqued, Benno made his way towards the garden. The scent of flowers grew stronger, mingling with the salt air, and the pirate captain found himself oddly entranced. As he stepped into the garden, the world seemed to fall away. The colors were shockingly bright, a kaleidoscope of reds, yellows, and purples that made his heart skip a beat. And then he saw him.

Among the flowers was a figure, crouched low as if tending to the blooms with a gentle hand. The boy’s hood was pulled up, casting a shadow over his face, but even from a distance, Benno could tell he was beautiful. There was something almost ethereal about him, like a hidden treasure waiting to be discovered. The boy seemed out of place, much like the garden itself—both too pure, too untouched by the harshness of the world around them.