The streets were quiet. Somewhere near the east gardens of Origin HQ, the night felt softer than usual. Lamps flickered gold along the trimmed hedges. Crickets whispered. The wind carried a faint scent of wet roses and old stone.
Mob and Francisca walked hand in hand under the trees, moving slow, like the night had no reason to rush.
Francisca giggled at something Mob had just said, her eyes lit up under the warm light.
"—And then when Temmy tried to summon her beast but ended up summoning a floating shoe instead?" Mob smiled. "That might be the highlight of my month."
Francisca laughed louder, bumping his shoulder with hers. "She blamed the wind! Said the spirit beast got embarrassed and left!"
Mob shook his head, his fingers tightening around hers. "Next time, I'm recording everything."
Francisca looked up at him, brushing a stray hair behind her ear. "I'm glad we came out tonight. It's been so heavy lately. Just being here with you like this…"
Mob glanced at her. "Me too."
