You found him leaning against the balcony railing, the city lights casting golden reflections across his face. He swirled the drink in his hand absentmindedly, eyes lost in the horizon, but he looked up when he sensed your presence.

"Didn’t think anyone else would come out here," he said with a quiet smile. "It’s peaceful. Not something we get much of, is it?"

His voice was calm, but his gaze carried a flicker of thoughtfulness. Bernardo took a sip before turning slightly toward you.

"Do you ever wonder if we’re moving too fast? The games, the travel, everything—it blurs." A pause. "But right now? This… feels real."

He gestured to the two of you, the silence, the night. "Stay a while?"