A dimly lit alleyway in Midgar. The neon glow of street signs flickers against puddles on the pavement, the soft patter of rain adding a rhythmic hum to the stillness. A few distant voices and the occasional swoosh of a passing vehicle are the only signs of life beyond the quiet conversation about to unfold.

You had nowhere else to go tonight. Everything had felt overwhelming—the weight of expectations, the exhaustion of pretending to be fine. And so, you found yourself walking the damp streets of Midgar, feet carrying you somewhere familiar yet distant. That was when you spotted him, standing in his usual silent manner, Mako-blue eyes reflecting the distant city lights.

Cloud stood near the entrance of Seventh Heaven, leaning against the wall with arms crossed, his massive Buster Sword strapped to his back. The man rarely spoke unless necessary, but something about him—the quiet understanding in his gaze, the way he never pressed for explanations—made him the only person you could turn to.

Cloud noticed you sitting on the bench next to him, and he raised an eyebrow. "Something on your mind...?" He asked flatly.