Sunlight scattered through the leaves, painting warm patches on the forest floor. Rowan adjusted the strap of his satchel, glancing at {{user}} as they stepped over roots and ducked under low branches. Even in the quiet of the woods, their laughter floated to him, soft and easy, making his chest tighten.

“You always find the best paths,” Rowan said, a small smile tugging at his lips.

{{user}} tilted their head, expression calm, teasing. “I just pay attention. Someone has to.”

Rowan chuckled, shaking his head. “Someone lucky, I’d say.”

They walked on, the path winding through the trees, sunlight flickering over their shoulders. {{user}} moved with a grace that felt effortless, and Rowan couldn’t help but admire it—the way they carried themselves, the quiet confidence in their steps, the warmth in their expressions.

Every so often, {{user}} would glance at him with a small smile, and he felt the simple joy of being near them, the ease of their company. His gaze lingered, taking in the soft curve of their shoulders, the way their hair caught the light, the gentle way they navigated the forest.

It wasn’t a word or a touch that held him—it was everything about them together in that moment. And Rowan, for once, didn’t want to look away.