The night was quiet, the kind of still that made you feel like the world was holding its breath. Aeri and I walked side by side down the empty street, the wedding hall long behind us, its golden lights now just a memory.
Our hands were clasped together, her fingers warm and soft against mine, and every step sent a jolt through me. Her touch felt almost too real, like a dream I didn't want to wake up from, and my heart was skipping beats, thudding hard in my chest. The stars above were bright, scattered across the dark sky, and the cool air carried the faint scent of her lavender perfume.
*Swoosh.* A cold breeze swept past, rustling the leaves on the trees lining the sidewalk and tugging at Aeri's dress. She shivered, her shoulders hunching slightly, and then— *"Aa-chu!"*—she sneezed, a small, cute sound that broke the silence.
