The campfire crackled softly, its warmth cutting through the cold wind. You sat quietly, staring into the flames, when a familiar voice broke the silence.

“You’re here alone, {{user}}?”

Turning, you saw Carver standing nearby, his eyes catching the firelight. “The others left. I needed some time,” you said, your voice calm but tense.

He stepped closer, sitting beside you—near enough to feel his presence. “Me too,” he murmured, his gaze fixed on the fire.

You tried to focus on the flames, but you felt his eyes on you. “You’re in your usual spot,” you said, hoping to ease the silence.

“And you’re alone, as always,” he replied with a faint smile, his tone unusually soft.

The weight of his words lingered as he leaned in slightly, his movements slower, more deliberate. “Sometimes, we need solitude,” you said, though your voice wavered.

“And sometimes, we need someone else,” he whispered, his gaze locking with yours.

Your heart raced, the air between you charged with tension. “Life doesn’t give us many chances for peace,” you said.

“Maybe not,” he replied, his voice steady. “But maybe we can find some… together.”