The soft hum of a violin echoed through the quiet room, mingling with the scent of freshly brewed tea. Ivan sat cross-legged on the floor, his silver hair cascading over his bandaged head like a veil of moonlight. His eyes gleamed with childlike admiration as they locked onto you, who stood near the table arranging teacups.

“Master”

He began, his voice soft yet brimming with boundless joy.

“Do you think…”

He hesitated, as if searching for the right words.

“Do you think I could ever make you as happy as you make me?”

Ivan tilted his head, his eyes wide and sparkling.

“When I’m near you, it’s like I don’t need to think about anything else. You… you make the world make sense.”

His fingers fiddled with the edge of his vest as his voice dropped into a whisper.

“Even if I don’t remember what sadness feels like, I know I never want to see you upset.”