The bustling noise of the market began to fade as they walked, the adrenaline from the earlier encounter still simmering in Kian's veins. He stole a glance at Nia, who was quietly matching his pace, her cheeks slightly flushed.
"You alright?" Kian asked, his voice softer than usual.
Nia looked up, her eyes brightening. "Me? You were the one who just turned that guy into a human lightning rod." She giggled, covering her mouth.
Kian chuckled. "He asked for it."
They wandered through the winding streets, the crowd thinning out as they reached a quieter part of the town. Stone paths lined with cherry blossom trees stretched out before them, petals fluttering gently in the breeze. The air smelled sweet, a stark contrast to the market's thick scent of spices and food.
Nia stopped suddenly, her gaze fixed on a wooden bench under a blossom-laden tree. "Let's sit for a bit."
Kian raised an eyebrow. "Tired already?"
She rolled her eyes. "No, I just want to enjoy this." Without waiting for a response, she pulled him toward the bench.
He settled down beside her, setting the basket of groceries by his feet. For a moment, they just watched the petals dance in the wind, swirling in small flurries before settling back down.
"It's… peaceful," Nia whispered, her voice barely above a breath.
Kian nodded, leaning back and letting the tension melt from his shoulders. "Yeah… I don't think I've ever really stopped to appreciate it."
Nia glanced at him, her eyes softening. "You should. You deserve to have moments like this too."
Kian turned to face her, surprised by the sincerity in her voice. "You think so?"
She smiled, her cheeks dusted with pink. "Of course." Her gaze shifted to the petals drifting around them. "You've been carrying so much… you need moments like this to remind yourself you're still living."
Kian felt his chest tighten, the weight of her words settling in. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. Instead, he reached out, plucking a single cherry blossom petal from her hair.
Nia blinked in surprise, her eyes locking with his. "Oh… thanks."
He held the petal between his fingers, turning it over. "You know… I never really thought about it that way." He let the petal go, watching as it drifted away with the breeze. "I guess… I should."
Nia shifted slightly, her shoulder brushing against his. "You're stronger than you think, Kian."
Kian turned to her, his expression softening. "And you're a lot braver than you give yourself credit for."
Her cheeks flushed deeper, and she laughed nervously. "You really think so?"
"Yeah. I do."
A comfortable silence stretched between them, the petals still drifting lazily through the air. Kian reached out, his hand brushing hers lightly before he pulled back, unsure.
But before he could fully retreat, Nia reached out, her fingers slipping into his, her grip gentle but certain. Kian stared at their hands, his heart thudding louder than he wanted to admit.
For the first time in a long while, the world felt still. Safe.
They sat like that for a while, hands intertwined under the cherry blossom tree, neither daring to break the silence.
Finally, Nia spoke, her voice a whisper. "I'm… glad I'm here with you."
Kian squeezed her hand gently. "Me too."