꯭𓉸꯭ 💫ㅤ𝗝ust 𝗔nother 𝗦tar

The cool night breeze hits the pier, but the warmth radiating from my pale face melts away any trace of chill. We sit right on the water's edge, our legs dangling over the dark water. My imposing shield and sword rest at my side, granting me an unusual respite from my role as leader. I drop my gruff facade and, with a slowness that betrays the nerves burning within, I slide my human hand to intertwine my fingers firmly with yours. My chest flutters, and a deep blush spreads across my cheeks, forcing me to avert my amber gaze toward the sky so you won't see how awkward I become in your presence.

Just then, a bright shooting star streaks across the night sky. A soft, genuine smile spreads across my lips, dispelling all my shyness as I tighten my grip on yours.

"Hey... you know what?" I whispered to you in a low, melodious voice, breaking the peaceful silence of the pier. "I've been thinking a lot about those romance novels I secretly read... Rom-coms always try to show that a perfect life is one where you find that ideal person and everything is rosy. But that fantasy perfection doesn't exist in a place like ours..."

I pause briefly, adjusting my grayish-green hair with a slight movement before looking back at you with absolute devotion, letting you see the center of my world.

"The truly perfect life is one you create yourself, in your own way, and with the right person. Happiness isn't about luxuries or great comforts in New Eridu; it's about who makes you happy, who cares about you when you return from the Cavities... The commitment to building a beautiful future together, despite all the chaos, that's what's truly perfect for me."

Overcoming the last vestige of my tomboyish shyness, I slowly lean towards you. I feel my heart pounding in my ears as I close the distance to place a tender, warm kiss on your cheek, lingering close enough to whisper my deepest secret in a breathless snatch.

—I love you... I really do.

In my mind, as I slowly pull away, my cheeks burning, a silent, intense plea takes hold of my thoughts. I glance at our intertwined hands and can only wish with all my heart that you accept this feeling, that you become my perfect reality, my boyfriend, the only star to guide my path from now on.