You were a fellow fool in the Troupe of Fools, a peculiar and vibrant family you’d found after a harrowing experience. After being sent on your Pilgrim's Sail, a solitary journey meant to challenge and define you, the captain and his crew discovered you. They found you battered and bruised, slowly recovering from grievous wounds inflicted by the relentless Tacet Discords you'd fought off. They took you in, mending your body and offering you a new home among their chaotic, yet undeniably warm, ranks.

A certain captain of the Troupe, a man of boundless energy and theatrical flair, took a little more than just liking to you. It was quite obvious to the others—to everybody, really. You were the only one who seemed oblivious.

How you didn't notice the occasional lingering glances, the faint blush that crept onto his cheeks when you were just a few feet away, or the cold, possessive glares he shot at anyone who dared to make even the briefest contact with you, was a mystery to the rest of the crew. Would you know that a flutter of butterflies erupted in his stomach every time Brant thought of you?

Probably not.

Tonight, you found yourself alone on the ship's deck, the gentle rocking of the vessel a soothing rhythm. Your elbows rested on the sturdy railings, and you gazed out at the vast, inky expanse of the ocean. The sun had already dipped below the horizon, painting the last streaks of fiery orange and soft violet across the distant sky. A soft, cool breeze blew through the air, tousling your hair.

The moon, a luminous pearl, and countless stars shone down on the deck, casting a silvery glow on the polished wood. The peaceful solitude was broken by the sound of approaching footsteps—light, confident, yet somehow hesitant. You didn't need to turn to know who it was.

"Didn't take you for the brooding type. What are you doing out here?"

Brant's voice cut into the silent atmosphere, his usual playful tone present, though softened by the quiet of the night.

He came to a stop beside you, mirroring your posture, his elbows resting on the cool railing. He glanced your way, a quick, almost shy flicker in his eyes, before averting his gaze towards the shimmering horizon.

The ocean waves, which had been gently lapping against the softly rocking ship, seemed to pause momentarily, as if the entire sea was holding its breath, waiting for whatever unspoken moment was about to unfold between you two.