The scent of fresh pastries drifted down the cobbled street, drawing them closer to a small, rustic bakery with large windows displaying shelves full of sweets. Golden croissants glistened under soft light, and delicate cakes topped with fresh berries seemed to call out to passing customers.
Nia's eyes practically sparkled as she peered through the window. "Oh my god, look at those!"
Kian chuckled. "You act like you've never seen a bakery before."
"Not one like this," she shot back, already pulling him through the door. A tiny bell jingled above them, and the warmth of the ovens wrapped around them like a soft blanket.
Behind the counter, an elderly woman with a smile that could melt stone greeted them. "Welcome, dears. First time here?"
Nia nodded enthusiastically. "It smells amazing!"
The woman laughed, a kind, tinkling sound. "Then you're in for a treat." She motioned to the display. "Pick whatever catches your eye. First one's on the house for newcomers."
Nia's mouth dropped open. "Really?"
"Really," the woman said, winking.
Kian smirked. "You better hurry before she changes her mind."
Nia wasted no time, pressing her face against the glass as she inspected each pastry with the focus of a scholar choosing a sacred text. Kian watched her, a faint smile playing at his lips. It was refreshing seeing someone so genuinely happy over something so simple.
She finally made her choice a cream-filled tart dusted with powdered sugar. Kian picked a honey-glazed bun, and the woman wrapped them both neatly in parchment. "Here you go, dears. Enjoy."
They walked outside, finding a small bench just down the street. Nia plopped down, already unwrapping her tart. She took a big bite, eyes going wide. "This... is amazing!"
Kian raised an eyebrow. "That good?"
She held it up to him. "Try it."
He leaned forward, taking a bite. The cream was rich and sweet, blending perfectly with the crisp shell. "Not bad," he admitted, taking another bite of his own bun.
They sat there in silence for a while, the sun warm on their faces, the city bustling around them. It was... peaceful. For the first time in what felt like forever, Kian felt normal. Not hunted, not hiding just alive.
Nia finished her tart and leaned back, sighing contentedly. "I could stay here forever," she said, her voice almost a whisper.
Kian glanced at her. "Yeah... me too."
Her eyes met his, a flash of vulnerability passing through them. "Do you ever... you know\... wish things were different?"
He paused, the question hanging between them. His gaze turned toward the bustling street, the families laughing, the merchants shouting out deals. He thought of his parents, of what he'd lost, and the journey he was now on. "Sometimes," he said softly. "But wishing doesn't change anything. All we can do is keep moving forward."
Nia looked at him, her eyes softening. "You're stronger than you think, Kian."
Kian chuckled, a genuine laugh this time. "I've got good company."
Nia blushed, turning away. "D-Don't get all sentimental now. We still gotta go shopping."
He stood, stretching his arms. "Right. Groceries." He mock-sighed. "A real adventure."
Nia rolled her eyes, grabbing his arm and pulling him back into the busy street. "Come on, grumpy. I'll even let you pick the vegetables."
Kian groaned. "Oh, joy."
They vanished into the crowd, the weight of the past briefly forgotten.