The young man burst intoughter.


    At neen, he was right in the throes of youthful exuberance. He didn''t care about the bustling city crowds-he simply threw his head back andughed, letting that wild, reckless energy pour out of him for all to see.


    M caught his mood, her ownughter bubbling up, clear and unrestrained.


    A few passersby nced over, but most paid them no mind, strolling on as if nothing unusual had happened. This was a city of wanderers from every corner of the globe—a ce where the freest spirits in the world gathered, and where everyone was allowed to simply be.


    Here, in this city woven from freedom and untamed romance, there was space for every soul.


    When theirughter finally faded, both realized they were starving. Their stomachs rumbled in unison, making them grin at each other. They''d just started scanning the street for a cozy café when a bundled-up traveler stepped right into their path. He clutched a hefty camera, his face sunburned and weathered, but his eyes sparkled with energy.


    A photographer, clearly.


    "I just took a picture of you two," he said, a little breathless. "Would you mind if I included it in an exhibit? I''m happy to pay you for your permission."


    "A photo?" M looked surprised.


    Archie was already bouncing on his toes, eager to see.


    On the camera''s disy, the image captured a striking woman with long dark hair flying in the breeze, and a handsome, rakish young man at her side. They stood in the midst of a busy street, the golden-tipped peaks of a distant mountain glowing behind them. Yet all the light in the photo seemed to center on them-theirughter was so vivid, so alive, it almost leapt from the screen.


    M and Archie exchanged a nce, then burst out together, "Go ahead!"


    They didn''t wait for the stunned photographer to say anything more, nor did they ask to keep the picture. Instead, theyughed and strode off down the street, the wind tugging at their clothes and scattering their voices. If you listened closely, you''d hear the two of them bickering over what to eat next.


    The photographer watched their lively silhouettes disappear into the crowd. On reflex, he lifted his camera for another shot-then lowered it, realizing he could never truly capture spirits that free.


    It was enough simply to have witnessed them.


    He nced down at the image of theirughter, shaking his head with a grin. In this city, surprises waited around every corner.


    With a smile, he turned away, letting the distance grow between himself and the unforgettable pair.


    At a nearby café,


    Archie tore into a beef-filled pastry, slurping up a bowl of piping hot soup and noodles. His cheeks flushed red, sweat beaded on his brow, but he only paused when his hunger finally eased enough for him to speak.


    "So what happenedst night? Why''d you run off into the woods?"


    M bit into a potato pastry, savoring the peppery beef inside. She took a sip of her milky tea and just smiled, not answering. What happened in the forest was something she''d signed an agreement to keep secret.


    "Don''t rush. Here, have some tea," she said, pouring him a steaming cup and pressing it into his hands, cutting off any more questions. "It''s all over now, and that''s what matters."


    "Fair enough," Archie said, shrugging. He ducked his head and went back to devouring his breakfast. He was starving, after all.


    Once the meal was finished, they leaned back in their seats, letting the sunshine warm their faces. For a while, neither wanted to speak or move-azy, golden peace settling over them.


    But time never stands still. Every ending is just another beginning.


    M stood first, sunlight spilling over her as she nced toward the now-bustling street. From somewhere nearby, the sound of a busker''s guitar floated on the morning air.


    Archie stood too, sensing what came next. "It''s time, isn''t it?"


    "It is," M replied.


    They''de all the way to Sris City. Now it was time to walk to that chapel on the mountain''s edge-time to sever the past for good and set out on a new journey.


    Archie grinned, taking a bold step forward. He looked back at her, mischief in his eyes.


    "Well, let''s go then."