"It's good that you're fine." Alice wiped away the last of her tears, her lips finally curling into a soft smile—one she hadn't worn in over a year. That one year had been too long, too painful, too uncertain. But now, as she looked at Max standing there before her, warm and real, the burden slowly slipped off her chest.
"Don't worry," Max said gently, still holding her in his arms. "I won't die that easily." His voice was calm, but the embrace said more than words ever could. It wasn't just comfort—it was a promise.
They remained like that, unmoving, in each other's arms, the world fading out as if the vast blue expanse of the tower held only the two of them. But the quiet was broken by a light, polite cough.
"Ahem." Lenavira cleared her throat softly, a reminder that they weren't alone.
"Ah—" Alice jumped slightly, cheeks turning bright red as she quickly stepped away from Max, her head bowed in embarrassment.
