The dim light from the hallway quietly illuminated the steps, where two silhouettes sat side by side. The music from the ballroom faded into the distance, leaving only soft, gentle notes—a languid waltz lingering between them.

The night had grown late, and the twinkling lights from the party seemed to have nestled into each strand of Aeri's hair, making her appear like an angel descended from the heavens.He silently watched her, his gaze fixed on her. Her eyes reflected the faint light, like the surface of a serene lake under the moonlight.

"Aeri."

He softly called her name, his voice barely a whisper, "Do you know... tonight, you outshine every star in the sky."

Aeri frowned slightly, her eyes lowering to the steps before turning toward him."What the heck, say that again? Pretty sure you didn't drink anything, so why're you talking nonsense now?" Despite the sharpness in her words, her clear voice still carried an unmistakable hint of bashful affection.

Their eyes met.

A brief silence settled between them, and he didn't answer immediately. Instead, he leaned in closer, his gaze deepening. Gently, he reached for her hand, his fingers intertwining with hers, brushing against her soft, cold skin.

"No, I mean it," he nodded, his eyes filled with sincerity. "Because... you're special, Aeri. You're the only one I want beside me, not just tonight, but for every day to come."

Aeri lifted her head to look at him, her heart skipping a beat. "Tell me you're joking, baka-gawa!" she asked, her voice trembling, a flicker of uncertainty shining in her eyes.

Yuuto gave a small smirk. "I never joke about things like this, Aeri."

His words felt like invisible threads connecting them, drawing them closer. Their gazes locked,Aeri squeezed her eyes shut, taking a deep breath before looking straight into his eyes. "Crap! I've been set up."

The girl felt her heart tighten, as if a thousand butterflies were fluttering wildly inside her. Her cheeks flushed crimson, the result of blood rushing feverishly from her heart.

In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Yuuto leaned down, gently placing a kiss on her forehead, a kiss carrying all the emotions he'd kept hidden for so long—tender, like morning dew. Aeri closed her eyes, her heart warm, like a candle glowing softly in the winter night.