The afternoon sun painted the earth in golden strokes, their shadows stretching with each unhurried step like memories walking beside them.They wandered along the winding path, unhurried, the repaired bike gently rattling along as Billy pushed it beside him.
Artur reached over to pluck a blade of tall grass and twirled it between his fingers. "You've been quiet for a whole five minutes," he teased, casting a glance at Billy.
Billy smirked. "I'm just enjoying the peace. Can't a man admire nature without being accused of plotting something?"
Artur chuckled. "Coming from you? Feels suspicious."
Billy bumped his shoulder lightly into Artur's. "Hey, I'm full of depth, you know."
Artur looked at him, half-serious. "I know you are."
The words hung between them for a breath too long—warm, unexpected. Billy didn't reply, just smiled, gaze soft, and turned back to the road.
