The festival lights glow softly around us, reflected in the shimmering blue backdrop as the last song fades into the night. Snow dusts the ground, and the laughter from the main square feels distant now, like it belongs to someone else’s evening.

Alexia stands a few steps away, smoothing her black dress before looking up at you with a gentle, almost shy smile.

“I’m glad you stayed,” she says quietly. “It gets loud out there… and I needed a moment where I didn’t have to be ‘on’ anymore.”

She folds her gloved hands together, her voice warm but sincere. “Tonight’s supposed to be perfect, I guess. But honestly?” She glances around, then back to you. “This part feels better. Just… standing here. With you.”

She waits, patient and open, letting the moment breathe instead of rushing it.