Author's Note: I looked at the canonical ages of the Echoes characters. Faye is a year older than Alm, who is 17 when Act I begins. In this chapter, Faye is 16 and Alm is 15.

Alm and Faye's relationship wasn't exactly a secret. Almost everyone in Ram knew about their relationship, but only very few asked them directly. It was hard to blame them either. They were so used to being together that they'd almost forgotten about their little shows of affection, free for anyone to see. Sometimes, both would disappear for 30 minutes to around an hour, no doubt having their alone time. When they held hands, the twinkle in their eyes and clear contentment were undeniable.

And of course, that was oft the topic of gossip between their other friends. They looked forward to when the lovebirds would finally spill the beans and jokingly argued with another about when they'd marry, settle down, and have kids. Kliff thought it ridiculous, but surprisingly blunt about it, yet unmistakably not as rambunctious.

The day where Faye could say they were a couple couldn't come close enough. It was euphoric; her dreams had a chance to become reality. She and Alm would marry, settle down in Ram and farm instead of fight, and living comfortably together for the rest of their days... perhaps even having a couple of children to play around the house and have them wrapped around their little fingers. It was one of her happiest dreams.

Nothing was set in stone, but there wasn't a need to rush things. The pair was content at the steady pace their relationship was growing, although neither of them dared call it anything more than a close friendship. She knew she was getting her hopes up and would be devastated when they would eventually be shattered, but, for now, she appreciated the small things she had with him. It motivated her to continue pursuing him.

If there was one thing Alm was absolutely certain with, he would never forget about Celica and the promise they shared between them. Yet the void she left in his heart slowly receded in Faye's company. He came to realize there was no point in focusing on the past. It was impossible to change the events that already took place, but he could shape the future and appreciated what was in front of him. With his grandfather and friends supporting him, there was seldom a lonesome moment.

At times, he'd wonder about Celica and her life since her departure; if she made new friends and possibly even found someone else to love. The thought of it felt suffocating, but Faye convinced him that Celica would want the same happiness for him too. It was so much clearer to him now; like a weight taken off his shoulders. She was right; Celica wouldn't want him to be hung up on her like he now wished for her too. There was nothing to worry about; it was impossible for their bond to break. At the end of the day, it only mattered what they had in front of them, not what they wished for.

Warm sunlight radiated on their skin as the gentle breeze cooled it. They sat close to one another in the center of the flower field. Alm supported his back with his arms and leaned slightly backwards while Faye sat with legs to the side, hands in between her. Words were unnecessary at this time; the soft sounds of the wind and light chirping of birds made them feel lost in that moment, nary a complaint.

When Faye laid eyes on Alm again, she thought it might be an opportune moment to confess. Her lips quivered nervously. She didn't want to regret never telling him about her feelings, but now, they were at peace and it'd be embarrassing to break it. No, she was going to confess whether she wanted to or not.

"Alm..." She had his attention now.

"What is it, Faye?" She froze on the spot when he met her gaze. Her brain was turning to mush. When she didn't answer, Alm looked concerned. "Faye? Is something the matter?"

"N-no..." she hesitantly replied, holding her twin braids in front of her face.

Alm laughed lightly and tried to get her to let go. "If there's nothing wrong, then why are you trying to hide your face? Come on, we've already gone through this before. You can always talk to us. We're your friends."

When she felt his hand gently hold hers, she lost it on the inside. After taking in a few deep breaths, she calmed and did so. She practically forced herself to look him straight in the face. Her embarrassed expression puzzled him.

"Umm..." With mental words of encouragement, she gathered up the courage to tell him what she really felt. "Remember what I said a few years ago here?" A shake of the head was a clear answer. She couldn't blame him, her question was as vague as they got. "I said... I really like you."

His confusion turned into realization. "Oh, that! I really like you too." he said with an ignorant smile.

She breathed out a sigh, now having to spell it out for him. "No, Alm. I mean, I really like you. More than a friend."

He was dumbfounded with eyes widened. "O-oh." That earned him a mental slap in the face. "S-sorry! I, uh..."

It got him thinking. What exactly was Faye to him? Merely a close friend or perhaps Celica's replacement? No, he'd never forgive himself if either was the case. He didn't know how to put it into words, but tried his hardest after thinking about it for a bit.

His silence made Faye a little worried. "Alm, you don't have to tell me now, but I'd like to know someday. No matter your answer, we'll always be friends and I'll never stop supporting you." She donned a kind smile.

It really moved him. He wasn't sure if he deserved such a devoted friend. And the fact that she would be comfortable with any answer he gave just made his heart cry out for her more.

"Honestly, Faye, I don't know what we are right now, but" He returned her smile. "I'm looking forward to finding out."