That afternoon, Velarune shimmered under a golden haze, flowers swaying as if dancing to the rhythm of mischief. Kael and Auri had just announced their latest challenge: a picnic by the lake.
But not just any picnic—a romantic duel of the duos.
The chef was focused, meticulously crafting dishes that whispered love in every bite. The traveler, playful as ever, kept sneaking kisses and distractions his way, giggling each time he scolded them with mock seriousness.
Meanwhile, Kael and Auri were full-on drama. Auri conjured floating lanterns with soft spells, Kael prepared glowing fruit wine that sparkled in the glass.
When they all gathered under the willows, the scene was straight out of a fairytale.
The traveler plucked a petal from a nearby flower and tucked it behind the chef's ear, whispering, "You win already. Just because you made me fall for you without even trying."
The chef smiled, lips brushing against their temple. "I try, trust me. I try harder than anyone ever has."
Kael, overhearing, scoffed. "Ugh. Disqualified for excessive sweetness."
Auri grinned. "Says the man who cried watching fireflies with me last night."
They all laughed, soft wind rippling through the trees, food forgotten for a moment.
And for just that sliver in time, the lake held more than reflections. It held four hearts glowing, colliding, and blooming in the dreamy dusk of Velarune.