The morning had passed quietly.
Leah hadn't expected anything.
Izana hadn't given her any hints.
Not one.
Now, it was evening.
He appeared at the car in the driveway, coat buttoned, hands in his pockets.
Leah came outside, curious, a little anxious.
"…Iz?" she asked softly.
"Yes?" he replied, calm and unreadable.
She tilted her head.
"Where are we going?"
His lips curved faintly.
"It's a secret," he said simply.
Her eyes narrowed slightly.
"…A secret?" she asked, teasing. "Iz, you've been planning this, haven't you?"
He only gave a faint shrug.
Her lips curved into a small laugh.
"Fine," she said, pretending to surrender. "I'll follow you."
Izana stepped forward and opened the passenger door.
She slid inside.
He closed it behind her.
The click of metal sounded final.
She glanced at him.
"…Still not telling me?"
"No," he said, voice calm. "…You'll see soon enough."
He climbed into the driver's seat.
Before starting the engine, his hand found hers.
Fingers intertwined.
Warm.
Steady.
One hand on the wheel.
The other holding hers.
No convoy tonight.
No Dante.
Just them.
The car moved through quiet streets.
The city lights reflected in the windows.
Leah rested her head lightly against the seat.
"…Iz," she whispered.
"Yes?"
"I like this," she said softly. "…Just us. Alone."
His thumb brushed over hers.
"…So do I," he murmured.
She smiled faintly.
A comfortable silence settled between them.
After a while, a familiar gravel road appeared.
Her chest tightened.
"…Iz?" she breathed.
He didn't answer immediately.
Only parked at the base of the hill.
The ancient tree rose at the top.
Its branches stretched wide.
Overlooking the city.
Their favorite place.
Always had been.
He got out first.
Then moved to her side.
Opening the door.
He extended his hand.
She took it, letting him guide her out.
The wind whispered around them.
Cool. Gentle.
They walked side by side, hand in hand.
Gravel crunched beneath their feet.
Small stones skittered past.
The city lights twinkled below.
Silent witnesses to their steps.
When they reached the ancient tree, Izana sat first.
Then helped Leah sit beside him.
She leaned into him slightly.
Her shoulder brushing his chest.
He didn't move.
Just wrapped an arm around her.
Loose. Comfortable.
Protective.
"…It's been a long time," Leah whispered.
"Yes," he replied quietly. "…Too long."
Her fingers traced the lines of his coat.
Careful. Hesitant. Loving.
The wind picked up suddenly.
Leah shivered.
Izana noticed immediately.
He unbuttoned his coat.
Guided her inside it.
Wrapped it around her shoulders.
His arm draped across her.
Warm. Safe.
"…Better?" he asked softly.
"…Much," she murmured.
He gave her hand a gentle squeeze.
He glanced at his watch.
Almost midnight.
"When the fireworks start," he said quietly, "…make a wish."
Leah's lips curved into a teasing smile.
"Only if you do," she said softly.
Izana tilted his head.
"…Agreed," he murmured easily.
Her eyes sparkled.
"…You really will?"
"Yes," he said, voice low. "…For both of us."
Minutes passed.
The first firework exploded in the city below.
Leah's eyes closed instinctively.
She whispered her wish.
Softly.
Tenderly.
Izana watched her.
The way her lashes rested against her cheeks.
The gentle rise of her shoulders.
The curve of her lips.
He closed his eyes then.
Made his own wish.
When they opened their eyes, the sky was alive.
Colors burst above the city.
Red. Gold. Green. Blue.
Leah leaned back slightly against him.
He didn't mind.
Not a single gesture of impatience.
His hand stayed over hers.
His arm around her shoulders.
"…Happy New Year, Iz," she whispered.
"…Happy New Year, Li," he said, voice soft.
She glanced up at him.
"…You really like calling me, Li don't you?" she asked, teasing.
He smirked faintly.
"…I always have and will continue to," he said.
Her chest warmed.
The fireworks continued.
Explosions echoed in the valley.
Light danced across their faces.
She watched him watch her.
He watched the colors, but she knew him well enough.
His gaze was more on her than the fireworks.
"…You're really serious about this?" she asked softly.
"About what?"
He smiled faintly.
"…About us?" he said. "…About the future?"
Her lips curved.
"…I think I'm starting to believe it too," she whispered.
Another bright firework exploded overhead.
Leah shivered.
He chuckled softly.
"Close your eyes again," he whispered.
She obeyed.
He pressed a soft kiss to her temple.
Gentle. Tender.
"…I love you," she whispered.
He leaned down slightly, brushing his lips along her cheek.
"…I love you too," he murmured, low and certain.
Her heart ached with warmth.
The city glowed below.
The wind no longer felt cold.
The fireworks reflected in their eyes.
They watched in silence.
Side by side.
Hand in hand.
Wrapped in a coat.
Wrapped in each other.
Leah shifted slightly.
"…Do you think next year will be better?" she asked softly.
He tightened his hold on her hand.
"…We'll make it better," he said. "…Together."
Her head rested against his chest.
"…Promise?"
He pressed a kiss to her hair.
"…Always," he murmured.
The final firework burst above.
She lifted her head slightly to look at him.
"…You really thought of everything," she whispered.
He tilted his head, faintly amused.
"…Not everything," he said. "…Just enough for you."
Her lips curved.
"…That's more than enough," she murmured.
The city lights twinkled below them.
The ancient tree stretched above.
Silent witness.
The wind had calmed.
The night was theirs.
They stayed there.
Leaning together.
Hands entwined.
Warmth shared.
Quiet laughter whispered between them.
Their own little world.
Leah rested her head on his shoulder.
He kissed her forehead softly.
"…Happy New Year, Li," he murmured again.
"…Happy New Year, Iz," she replied.
The fireworks were over.
The night was quiet.
The city below slept.
But they were awake.
Alive.
Together.
And for the first time in a long time…
Everything felt right.