Nozomi sat inside the house of Deana with Layla across from her. It was now late afternoon and many students walk past hurriedly to their seats. She didn't need to pay attention to know many felt as nervous or as tired as she and Layla did. Though Layla started to really show wear and tear with the shadows under her eyes.

Nozomi looked up and smiled politely.

"Layla please, have a nap. It's almost been eight hours since we've been here this morning." She pushed a glass of water toward her. "At least have something to drink… you've barely had anything to eat today either."

Layla shook herself awake and her azure eyes focused on Nozomi. Her hands corrected the burret on her head and picked up her quill.

"I appreciate the kind gesture but… my advisor really wants me to be prepared as much as I can." Her voice trailed. "I promise I'll drink something in a moment… just give me a second to jot this note down in my book."

Nozomi let out a sigh and closed her book, leaning back in her chair with her arms crossed. She rocked back and forth, looking up at the beams that ran upwards towards the Grand Sages office. She hadn't seen Grand Sage Salim since their encounter during their Audit with Alhaitham. Her lips pursed nervously, wondering if he had read any of her recent works of They Were Roommates.

She forced her chair forward with a loud clang that echoed in the library when a sudden realization hit her. A few faces peered up from their books. The majority waved it off.

"Oh no… the deadline for the next manuscript is next Friday! Yae Miko is going to kill me if I'm late." Nozomi held her head.

"I met Lady Guuji during the Beast Tamers Tournament last year, I'm sure she wouldn't stress too much about your book being late due to exams?" Layla didn't look up as she wrote. "Maybe you're overthinking things? Don't… worry about it until the exams are finished."

Nozomi felt her skin crawl imagining Yae Miko's violet eyes lighting up in the dark of night. She had seen many examples of writers turning in their manuscripts late. Though some were made to squirm for her amusement than others. The others were taken off the rosters entirely or made to perform an embarrassing act to appease the Shrine Maiden.

Either way, Nozomi considered whether it was worse being kicked out of the Akademiya than facing Yae Miko's punishments. She hid her worry behind a book and whistled to her quill, jotting more notes.

"I guess you're right, I'll do what I can if I have the time."

Nozomi couldn't quite promise Layla anything until she was sure. In the meantime, it was to put their head to the grind and graduate.

She traced her fingers along the older Haravatat book Alhaitham had given her the first day she had started at the Akademiya. The front leather cover had worn a bit and the old pages were golden. His fathers' notes gave her comfort whenever she needed to study or find better ways of writing whenever she had forgotten what her classes had them study. Nozomi read what felt for the hundredth time a passage from the Haravatat Scholar.

If what is read was written, then what has been written will be etched into the minds of those who've read it.

Looking over at the open book, her hands seemed to fly through the pages. She paused, hitting the play button on the music recorder. Nozomi noticed and paused her music.

"Those look like Alhaithams headpieces he wore, did you get them from the shops he went to?"

"Funny story…you know how I work with Alhaitham as an assistant Scribe? Well during an audit, he gave me these. Randomly just… placed them on my head." Nozomi shrugged. "I just use them whenever I feel anxious or just need music to get me through studying or sleep."

Layla had an astonished look and simply nodded. Nozomi was grateful whenever they talked that Layla seemed so accepting of their conversations.

"Wow… Alhaitham must really like you to give you his headpieces. Didn't you say he also gave you his old books to use?"

Nozomi blinked unsure of what to make of it. She thought back to how Alhaitham had treated her compared to now. While it was true they shared conversations easily during work hours, it was mostly topics surrounding literature or books. She frowned trying to remember the most casual conversation they had.

"I don't know… most of the time we just talk about random stuff during work. It's nothing too deep because well, while I love studying we don't often talk deeply about what the Akademiya teaches. If anything I'd say Alhaitham does most of the talking."

Layla picked up the glass that Nozomi had poured and took a long sip of it. Nozomi nodded in relief knowing she would at least have some energy for the rest of their study session.

"I asked about the books he gave you but it's nice… that he talks to you." Layla smiled amused. "Seems like you're getting used to him."

"Oh my god, you're right." Nozomi coughed. "Yeah, he gave me his old books to use. Most of them are at home now but, I like carrying around his fathers' old book."

Nozomi held up the old leather book and showed Layla some of the notes. Layla flipped a few pages and put her two hands together.

"This definitely helps with the exams! I still can't… believe he'd lend you his old books. Whenever I see him he looks so intimidating."

"Indeed he is." She laughed. "But that's kind of his thing. He doesn't like talking to people too often, I think it's just due to the mental gymnastics. Or I'm just imagining things and he's actually some evil mastermind that's great with pretending to be nice… something like that."

Layla smiled widely at her with their eyes closed. She gently pushed Nozomis's book back towards her and placed her hands on the desk.

"If he was… evil then wouldn't he have accepted the position of Grand Sage? Maybe he really likes having conversations with you."

Nozomi scoffed and rolled her eyes. "If making fun of Kaveh and making me feel awkward is him enjoying any conversations with me, then I have no idea how he feels whenever I bring up conversations."

Both continued to talk amongst themselves late into the night, Nozomi and Layla fell asleep at the desk together until they were woken up to leave for the day. They walked away leaving their books stacked for the next day. Classes had ended for the year but expectations to prepare for the exams in a few days ran high. Nozomi and Layla looked at the starry skies, admiring it from afar regardless of their anxieties for the week ahead.

*
Alhaitham groaned to himself, leaning back in his chair. His eyes felt heavy for the fifth day in a row with the applications in his office. The fifth day that he'd worked without a break and would rather curl up outside with a book underneath the shade of a tree.

Nozomi was due to start any minute now. Usually, she would clock in well before the shift started. Alhaitham was due to leave for a meeting thirty minutes later to keep records between the Great Sages. During this time of year, reviews about procedures and how the Akademiya was upholding its authorities were often discussed at length. Unfortunately, this was one thing Alhaitham couldn't predict the timing of. Precisely, when the meetings would finish.

The end of last year was spent in depth for five days.

He pinched the bridge of his nose, irritated.

"At least with Nozomis' vision, the workload has decreased significantly… if only the same could be said with work meetings." He sighed. "Oh well, I'm not paid to be the Scribe for nothing."

Nozomi knocked before entering and taking her seat. Her hair, he noted, was tied high up and a slight blush was across her cheeks. Her usual white blouse and black skirt and broch with her vision sat on her chest. These days, Nozomi had a grin or a smile every hour whenever they sat beside one another. Nozomi hadn't rushed her workload, if anything she had completed applications with him on time. Almost as if there was a sense of determination.

"Alhaitham, I figured you looked exhausted. I brought you a coffee and," She pulled out a book. "It took me a while to pre-order it… you wouldn't believe how popular this book is. I finally held my end of the promise, for embarrassing you at my book signing."

"Hm?" Alhaitham took the coffee and hesitated with the book. "I was only joking when I asked-"

"Pfft no you weren't." Nozomi put her hands on her hips. "You specifically asked for a book on layby, no hint of sarcasm in your voice… I know it off by heart because of the way you talk to Kaveh."

Alhaitham sat upright and then took the book out of her hands. He smiled while quickly scanning its contents then placed it down. He across at Nozomi, her hands already marking off applications in quick succession.

"Well, you'd know because it's what you use to write your books. You make it sound like I pick on him on purpose."

"Huh." Nozomi stamped an application. "Well that's because you do, you know you should cut him a break every once in a while."

Alhaitham blinked in surprise. She would usually either join in or brush it off as yet another day in the life of living with them as roommates. Today there was a bite to her voice, almost defensive.

"You know I only do that to him on purpose because I wish he would get his act together, I never do it to make him feel bad."

Nozomi paused and looked at Alhaitham, a look of guilt crossed her face and he sighed.

"Don't think anything of it, you've lived with us for three years now. It's only natural that you'd think I'm a jerk." He shrugged. "Just… remember what we discussed before you agreed to live with us."

Nozomi nodded, placing her stamp back in its holder.

"I remember our agreement clearly with the lease… so I guess you're off to the meeting with the Grand Sages?" Her voice cracked.

Alhaitham waited until her head turned before he spoke. What was bothering her today? Was it the anticipation of the exams? Was it really him and Kavehs bickering?

"I am, but that can wait a while longer. I don't have to be there at the exact time, it's only to record important notes for them to reflect on later or for me to give feedback." Alhaitham reached over and tapped her shoulder. "In any case, are you nervous about exams?"

"Huh? Uh…" Nozomi looked back. "Yes well, I have two exams this week and one next Friday. Me and Layla have been out studying until late."

"So have you made any progress or do you need time off work to get through?"

Nozomi pulled her chair and dragged it across until their knees touched. He looked down as she rested her hands on her knees. It didn't escape his attention that with the past year, they had grown more comfortable around one another.

Which was why it was off to him that Nozomi was unusually quick and defensive.

"I have thanks…" She glanced from side to side. "Heck, you can check my notes yourself if you'd like. I could use any help to graduate."

"I'll have a look when we get back tonight. I've noticed you've worn the earpieces a lot lately, are you alright?"

She looked taken aback when he asked. Alhaitham blinked again. Was it unusual to ask a workmate about their well-being? He leaned forward and held his hands together.

"I'm only asking because this is the one time as a Scholar that is very long and arduous. I personally didn't find it difficult but even I can tell when anyone is struggling. Usually, you wear the earpieces I gave you if you're stressed or anxious."

"I'm honestly wearing them to focus." She shook her head sighing heavily. "But yes, things have been on my mind the past week besides exams. I've been reading a lot about dating through the archives and… it's made me ponder its meaning and existence. Have you ever been in a relationship?"

The question made Alhaitham astonished. Not once while they had lived together or while she had worked on her novels had they had a conversation about their thoughts or experiences on relationships.

"You're asking me? I've never been in one but I was seeing someone briefly. This was before I became a Scribe." He waved at the office. "Long story short it didn't work out but only because our schedules were different and we had different points of view we didn't agree on."

A look of shock on her face made him scoff.

"What? You didn't expect me to try?"

"Hey! I didn't say that at all!" She stammered. "I mean… you're always so busy and well… blunt that I didn't think you'd ever had one. Not that I don't think you're any less because of it!"

"Well, both of those are true. Which now brings me to you, have you ever thought of being in one?"

"Of course! What is it to you?"

"You know what? You're being unusually defensive today… am I seeing someone else really that groundbreaking to you? Or are you jealous?" He challenged.

Her face worried Alhaitham as she looked as white as a sheet. Maybe he had gone too far? He coughed and rubbed his forehead.

"You remember when we slept together at Lambads?"

If she had been defensive before, her face showed a different story. Alhaitham struggled not to laugh while he watched her face turn a deep crimson. Rather than try to hide her embarrassment in front of him, she looked up at him directly. The depths of her eyes caught him off guard regardless of her anxiety.

"Yes I remember Lambads… apparently you 'restrained' me because I kept trying to punch you in my sleep." She paused then exhaled. "I don't think you having an older flame is anything to be jealous of… I was just surprised is all. As for me being defensive, I promise it's just been a long week. I just… wanted your opinion on what it felt like to feel love for someone."

Alhaitham held his chin in thought. The only reason he had started seeing someone back then was because they had connections to the Grand Sages and even then, he already knew the likelihood of it falling short and not working out. Whenever Kaveh talked about being in love, their opinions were as different as night and day. Kaveh preferred to express themselves emotionally while Alhaitham always thought logically.

Love wasn't logical and couldn't be quantified no matter how many scholars in the Akedemiya tried to find answers for it.

"As I've said, I've only ever seen someone and that didn't last for very long. Love isn't something that I've experienced unless I started to see someone for a long period of time." He moved away from Nozomi and then rummaged through his desk. "In this day in age, I'd probably have more chemistry with you since we live together and it's more convenient."

He could practically hear Nozomi freeze on the inside while her quill dropped to the ground. Alhaitham didn't bother turning around, already knowing that her face would either be very red again or shocked.

"Uh… Alhaitham, so… did you mean that hypothetically?" She gulped.

"Well, I have hinted in the past that we'd be compatible."

A pile of papers flew off the desk, sliding over the floor and he watched as Nozomi hurried over to pick them up.

Surely it's not that surprising? I thought I mentioned it before when it was the day of her book signing. Maybe I wasn't as blunt as I should have been.

"You remember us talking about this the day of the book signing? When I and Kaveh were bickering like always?"

Nozomi turned around and slammed a few applications onto the desk.

"Yes but, that's just you and Kaveh bickering! How was I supposed to know you all of a sudden had an interest in me?! You guys bicker all the time!" Nozomi staggered. "What did you mean that we're compatible? You know this isn't a social experiment!"

Alhaitham stopped what he was doing and pulled his seat closer to Nozomi. Their eyes met and didn't stop until he closed his eyes. He needed to either be blunt with his next choice of words or be gentle, otherwise, he knew Nozomi would probably bolt and hide or an awkward silence would pervade until the end of the shift.

He looked over at the clock and cursed to himself.

"I'd like to discuss this further with you but I really need to get to the Grand Sages meeting. Are you free tonight?"

Nozomi silently nodded and Alhaitham stood up to leave, he quickly put the book she had brought him into his back pouch then nodded back.

"Alright, meet me at home around 7 pm. Wear something comfortable as it's going to be cold." He started to walk off. "Thank you for the book. See ya."

Nozomi waved back and as he reached the corner, her reaction made him chuckle to himself as he heard her curse.

"HUH!? Wait no..."

*

Time for Nozomi had passed too quickly as she paced back and forth in her room. She only had an hour left until Alhaitham arrived. Her mind raced as she mentally kicked herself for not telling him about seeing Kaveh first.

"Urgh why do I always end up in the weirdest situations!?" She groaned into her pillow. "I haven't even seen Kaveh all week and all of a sudden, I say yes to possibly going on a date with Alhaitham!?"

Nozomi manically rolled around on her bed and stared at the roof tiles, counting the cracks and covering her eyes with her arm.

"How did… why did he all of a sudden have feelings for me? If those were feelings he expressed during the book signing then he's very good at hiding them."

She tried to recall any memories of all the times they had been alone together. Most of their interactions had been at work but on occasion, Alhaitham would treat Kaveh and her to a few drinks at Lambads. Nothing stood out as being romantically gestured at him any of those times.

The number of times Alhaitham had helped her throughout her studies in the Akademiya by lending her his books or sharing old notes through the Haravatat classes was indeed kind of him. Though she didn't think of those being particularly interested in her either.

Nozomi felt her body sink into the mattress, a slow realization hit then her hands gripped the cushion tighter.

"It was when we spent the night at Lambads… then months after the book signing when I fainted." She sighed. "I was wondering why he was so attentive with my favorite cups of tea."

She rolled off the bed and undressed. While she reached inside the cupboard her old haori jacket fell down from the shelf. In Inazuma, she had worn it religiously when Yae Miko had passed it on. Its electric pink petals contrast against the deep blue that was meant to be a river had always stood out to her. It was unconventional not to wear a Yukata or Kimono with it but she decided to try it alongside black leggings and a shirt.

The sound of keys rustled downstairs as Nozomi tied her hair in a rough high ponytail. She attached her brooch and whistled for her quill to insert itself back into its resting place. Taking one last look in the mirror, she pointed to herself.

"Tell him you're already seeing Kaveh you coward… he's done so much for you."

Tears almost ran down her face, wanting to kick herself as she made her way downstairs. Alhaitham had already dressed wearing a simple grey jacket with black cardigan pants and shirt. She couldn't help but stare nervously at him, noticing how the tightness of his shirt accentuated his torso.

"You're ready early, should we get going then?" He held out his hand. "We can eat when we get there."

"Where exactly is 'there?' Also I'm guessing you're going to explain to me how your feelings came about? I got something to-"

"Patience, you'll know when we get there."

Nozomi took his hand and he guided them outside.

Alhaitham and Nozomi walked towards the Akademiya, the only sounds of existence came from dimly lit lights from the front doors of the Academy as they passed by, upwards. Around them were Dendro Fireflies, some flittered past Nozomi or landed on Alhaitham. He shrugged and continued walking, his hand warm around hers.

She looked up at him not seeing a hint of displeasure or his usual aloofness and grew quietly anxious. Before she could ask Alhaitham if he was alright, they both stopped near the outside of The Sanctuary of Surasthana where Sumeru's Dendro Archon usually resided.

Nozomi tilted her head at the Sanctuary and then back at him. She pointed her finger.

"You mean our date is inside there?"

"Nope, above it." He pointed upwards.

She recounted when she had first arrived in Sumeru that both the Akademiya and The Sanctuary lay at different levels of the massive tree that toward above all of the city. It was often a steep hike that Nozomi would hear many complaints from other Scholars about. She shot him a quick look.

"I'm not sure how we're going to climb up there- gah!"

Alhaitham had swept her onto his back, holding her legs around his waist. Nozomi wrapped her arms around his neck, trying not to breathe at the back of it.

"Allow me, hold tight." he waved a hand near his earpiece. "Flicker!"

In an instant, Nozomi watched as two mirrors floated beside Alhaithams head and the ground seemed to fall beneath them. She felt giddy as they soared through the air. The nightlife of the city at the corner of her eye felt surreal as the deep coral of the sky above highlighted how vast Sumeru was.

A light thud was all she heard as Alhaitham landed in the center of a large clearing. Only when Nozomi slid off his back that she realized they were underneath many large branches spreading outwards, the crescent moon in the sky giving any hint they had reached the top of the large tree.

As she walked around, rather than feel moss beneath her feet she heard floorboards. Her eyes followed a path where a raised platform was over one of the edges of the tree. Alhaitham walked over and lit two torches on either side as well as a raised firepit.

Around the base were several cushions and blankets. She noticed that many piles of books were stored in piles near the corners. When her eyes finally adjusted to the sight and walked over near Alhaitham, she looked at him astonished.

"You weren't kidding about a date… it looks comfortable." She blushed. "Was this always here?"

'It's… where I go whenever I'm on my breaks." He guided her to take a seat. "Whenever I need my mind to reset, I come up here."

Alhaitham looked pleased with himself and Nozomi noticed a basket in the middle of them. The smell of spices carried over a faint breeze and her stomach rumbled. He didn't seem to notice as he pulled out two bowls and served a curry with two flatbreads. He offered the bowl and Nozomi accepted it. His hands moved in fluid movements and pulled out two goblets then poured wine into them.

The curry was still warm to the touch as Nozomi took her first bite.

Alhaitham probably came up here not long after he finished work. Though…

"I hope the curry is still good. I thought It'd be nice to try something different." Alhaitham interrupted her thoughts.

"Right! The curry is still warm. Did you build this all yourself?" Nozomi waved towards the flooring. "If so then… am I the first person you've brought here?"

He pulled out a stick to stoke the fire, the sound of crackling sent embers into the air while he looked at her.

"To answer both your questions, yes." He placed the stick down and took a bite of his curry. "To be completely honest, I couldn't think of a proper place to take you out due to work and exams."

"I appreciate the effort and believe me, this is nice and all but… I still want to know why you're interested in me. Apart from a few awkward moments, I can't see why you'd go out of your way for me."

"Well," He paused. "I've been giving that some thought the past few months as soon as I noticed we were getting closer. I noticed our conversations were longer and even if most times were awkward, I don't mind being around you."

"Huh? But… I'm not a great conversationalist when it comes to the subjects you enjoy. Most of the topics we talk about are just work-related or classes."

Alhaitham folded his arms and pushed his bowl aside.

"You don't need to have a level of intelligence to have a conversation with me. I've always been fine with us having our own differences and most of the time you've always listened. You're not in the habit of small talk which I appreciate the most." His eyes seemed to glow as he smiled. "I'll say it again, I don't mind being around you."

Nozomi started to relax as soon as he smiled.

"Thank you, I love it when we have lengthy conversations about anything too. I feel like I can almost talk to you about anything these days."

"Hmm, I couldn't have already guessed by the way you're blushing. Your cheeks have been red the past hour." He grinned. "It's almost as though you liked me before I even told you. It's nice that you're comfortable around me too."

Nozomi rolled her eyes and nudged him.

"You… do you really need to be blunt and call me out like this!?" She laughed. "Look I'm going to level with you, until you told me you were interested I was probably going to continue being awkward around you. You're very hard to read whenever it comes to anything out of having your own space or being formal."

Both paused then continued finishing their meal in a comfortable silence. Both placed their bowls inside the basket and Alhaitham threw another log into the fire.

Nozomi looked out at the night sky, everything was silent but the breathing of both her and Alhaitham. The warmth of the torches couldn't prevent the shiver that ran through her soul. Alhaitham had taken her to a place where she felt free and calm. Like the whole world had faded into nothing.

She turned to Alhaitham. Being with him felt like being around a vast space of time. Alhaitham stared back as if expected for her to speak.

"What's on your mind?"

"I suppose… this is a gorgeous place you've planned out. You know… I never expected to find a sense of belonging anywhere. I was so ready to pack my bags that day when rent was due… I had it all planned out to just work for Captain Beidou on The Crux. I never expected that my books would actually sell, much less be read." She swallowed. "Apart from the experience of me belonging somewhere, is that both you and Kaveh accepted me regardless of my circumstances. Sometimes I wonder if this is just temporary, you know?"

Alhaitham tapped on his headpiece and turned to Nozomi.

"You made it here of your own making, we just gave you the tools to start." He smiled. "I'm glad you've found a place to belong to. I haven't told you, but I've read all your books."

Nozomis head spun and she stammered. "Wait you actually read them? I thought Kaveh was the only embarrassed one of us to do it… I'm almost scared to ask, what did you think of them?"

Alhaitham shuffled closer and picked up his glass.

"They're alright. It's not what I'd usually read, but I don't mind. You've gotten better ever since studying at the Akademiya. It also helps that you're majoring in English Literature."

"At the request of Professor Rajkumar yes." Nozomi sighed. "Why does he hate you so much anyway?"

"Oh? He didn't already tell you… I used to be one of his students. He's the type of scholar that isn't flexible around the needs of students. It's either his way or no way." Alhaitham held up his fingers. "Everything he taught I had already learned by the time I was sixteen. Remember, the Akasha Terminals were overused instead of actually learning or taking in new information. So, I told him that I'd rather engage in self-study for a better use of my time."

Nozomi couldn't help but laugh when Alhaitham air quoted 'Self Study.'

"Yes, I have noticed he tends to be… rigid." Nozomi raised her glass to her lips. "Still, I think education should cater to students' needs. It's hard convincing people to change old habits. Are you cold by the way?"

Nozomi pulled her shawl around her and Alhaitham gave her a look.

"You're feeling cold? I feel fine…wait." Alhaitham reached behind him, pulling a blanket in front of him. "Here you go."

Nozomi chuckled as Alhaitham leaned over and wrapped the blanket around her shoulders. She could feel the warmth of his hands through the blanket and couldn't help but move closer until they touched his shoulder.

"I've always appreciated that you've never been afraid to speak your mind. I like how blunt you are. I always feel grounded whenever I work with you. Please keep being yourself."

Alhaitham seemed surprised to hear her say those words. They both took a sip of their wine and turned away from each other.

"Thank you, though it's just how I've viewed life. Why waste time obsessing about what other people think when you just need to worry about what matters to you? If you'd like, I can lend you my own personal books to help you keep your sense of self?"

Nozomi shook her head. "I'm not that insecure about myself am I?"

"No, I've only ever noticed you have anxiety about whether you're actually doing well. In a sense, it's people-pleasing but you manage it fine."

"I think I'm having second thoughts about you being blunt. Ouch, dude." Nozomi grinned. "Do you think I'd be okay as a Scribe next year if I graduate?"

She took a few sips now noticing that Alhaithams arm was still wrapped around her shoulder. Nozomi wondered if he noticed or just forgot. She was afraid to entertain the thought he felt comfortable.

"You've come a long way for someone who barely made it to begin with. I know for a fact you'll be okay. Besides, it's not like I'm going anywhere." He looked down and grinned. "I'd be out of a job and I can't let Kaveh have something to brag about can I?"

Kaveh

Nozomi clutched her chest. She needed to tell him. Especially now.

"Alhaitham… I-"

"Look at the sky, it's nice isn't it?"

Nozomi followed his fingers as the night sky filled with many lights from a meteor shower. Her mind completely forgot Kaveh as falling stars glistened amongst the beautiful blue depths of the sky.

"It's so beautiful! Did you make a wish?"

"I don't have anything to wish for… I already have everything I need right here." Alhaitham reached for her hand and held it. "Did you?"

Nozomi felt his fingers interlace with hers, rubbing along her index and she couldn't help but calmly stare. She looked back at the stars and bowed her head, the final lot was falling.

I wish for a future where memories will always be with you both.

"I'm sorry, but I thought it was a rule to never reveal your wishes otherwise it jinxes the entire thing?" Nozomi leaned into Alhaitham, hiding her face beneath the blanket. "I can't believe it… it's so late."

"We can rest here for a while." Alhaitham pulled another blanket over himself. "I don't really want to waste the oil for the torches."

Nozomi remembered the night at Lambads and felt herself blush.

"You mean, we can rest here together?"

"I don't see why not?" Alhaitham blinked. "I can put our music back on if you'd like."

"I… never mind." Nozomi held her head.

"Well, move on over." Alhaitham shuffled closer and pulled her into his chest. "Are you warm now?"

"Y-yes I am… plenty." Nozomi leaned in. "Do you work out a lot because how the hell are you built for a Scribe? I know you can fight but my god."

"Hm? I just train a lot on my own in the desert sometimes."

Nozomi nodded, now silent. She felt her head feel heavy and slowly leaned in further into Alhaithams arms. The night sky, their music, and his warmth lulled her mind and body into a daze and she felt her eyes slowly close.

"Alhaitham," she yawned. "Thank you for being a part of my life. It...you bring a lot of meaning to it."

Hours passed by, and they remained entangled underneath the vast expanse of the night sky. Nozomi couldn't see Alhaitham gently push her hair back or lean his chin against the top of her head.

May my child Alhaitham lead a peaceful life.

His Grandmothers words etched along his vision, he pulled Nozomi in closer and wrapped both blankets around them, and rested his head into her neck. Her breathing lulled him into rest.

"Nozomi, let's go. It's late." Alhaitham shook her awake.

She opened her eyes as Alhaitham held out his hand. She took it and stood up, her head still slowly waking from her brief rest.

"The alcohol sure is strong tonight or you're just super comfortable to be around." She groaned into his chest. "What time is it?"

"I'd say it's both… it's 3 am in the morning."

"Urgh okay… give me a moment." She rubbed her eyes.

"Not a morning person are you?" He chuckled. "That makes two of us then."

Both walked over to the edge of the tree and looked down. Alhaitham opened his glider and bent down for Nozomi to climb onto his back like before. Nozomi couldn't be bothered feeling embarrassed, she just wanted to go back to sleep. Whether that was with Alhaitham or her own bed, she didn't mind.

The cool air rushed through her face, forcing her to keep awake. As Nozomi looked down in a daze, the night lights and faint glow of Dendro Fireflies of Sumeru city really highlighted how small they were in comparison.

Upon landing, Alhaitham set her down on the ground in front of his home. As they walked over several Dendro Fireflies drifted into the air past them, almost avoiding their faces. One landed on Nozomi's head and Alhaitham bent down to remove it. Nozomi watched as he held the firefly in his hands, his eyes had a look of contentment as he let it go into the air.

Nozomi smiled to herself as she reached for the door handle.

"Nozomi… come here for a second," Alhaitham called. "There's something else I need to do."

"Huh?" she walked over to him. "I'm kinda tired right now… if it's something technical can it wait until tomorrow?"

Alhaitham tapped his headset, the lights flickering off as he pulled them off and gently placed the cord behind Nozomi's neck. His fingers brushed along her neck as he placed his earpieces on her head.

"You might want to wear these for a second, I'm a little embarrassed to be doing this if you heard me."

Nozomi felt herself being pulled closer as the bridge of their noses met. She met his gaze, and instantly her senses awakened while they paused as his fingers pulled her head into his kiss.

She closed her eyes and leaned on the arches of her feet returning his kiss. She felt his arm wrap around her waist, pulling her close. Everything about him amplified a spark in her mind, the world felt as if it were fading away.

A hard thump was heard as Nozomi pulled away and turned around.

Kaveh stood speechless over his suitcase, his eyes stared at them shocked.

"Nozomi?"