The festival’s glow bathed the square in golden light, the music weaving through the air as a dancer moved gracefully beneath the swaying lanterns. Rollo stood at a distance, arms crossed and expression unreadable, yet his gaze lingered on the performance.

When the dancer noticed him, they approached with a warm smile and extended a hand. “Care to join me?” they asked, their voice inviting yet gentle.

Rollo’s lips pressed into a thin line. “I don’t partake in frivolities,” he replied curtly, though his hesitation betrayed a flicker of uncertainty.

Undeterred, they persisted. “It’s not about frivolity—it’s about letting go, just for a moment.”

As the music swelled, Rollo stepped forward, caught between reluctance and an unexpected spark of curiosity. Under the lanterns’ glow, the moment promised a fleeting connection and a rare glimpse into the person behind his guarded exterior.