The space between them grew small enough that Starfania could feel the warmth of Daniel's breath ghost across her skin. The world seemed to hush—the chatter of the marketplace fading into a muted hum—leaving only the steady, racing rhythm of her heartbeat. He took a slow, deliberate step closer, eyes never leaving hers. Every inch of distance erased felt like a spark leaping in the air, burning with equal parts curiosity and danger. Starfania's breath hitched when his hand brushed her shoulder—firm, but gentle enough to make her pulse stutter. Then, with the faintest touch, he tilted her chin upward. Their eyes met.
The moment stretched endlessly—his irises, a warm golden hue catching the sunlight, her eyes wide and uncertain, reflecting the confusion she felt blooming inside her chest. Butterflies fluttered widely in her stomach, and for a heartbeat, she swore the word tilted. Then Daniel's lips curved into that confident, teasing smirk of his.
" You know," he murmured, voice low and soft, " you're cute when you're like this."
Heat exploded across her face.
" W-what? No, I am not! " She blurted immediately, pulling back, her hands shooting up as if to shield herself from the embarrassment.
Her words only made him grin wider.
" Oh, come on," he teased, stepping back just enough to let her breathe, his laughter bubbling out easily. " Looks like someone's feeling a bit embarrassed. "
Starfania crossed her arms, trying to look annoyed even as the corners of her lips twitched upward. " Daniel, you silly jerk!"
He laughed harder—the laugh that drew attention from passersby—genuine and full of life. She tried to stay angry, but that laugh…it was impossible not to smile at it.
" I'm sorry, I couldn't resist," he managed between chuckles, his tone softening when he noticed the faint pout forming on her lips.
" Uh-huh, " she muttered, looking away but clearly fighting a smile. " That was far from cool."
" Come on," he said, inching closer again, voice turning playful. " You have to admit it was a little funny."
Her eyes flicked to his, sharp with defiance—but the warmth in his expression, the gentle apology hidden in his smirk, disarmed her completely. Finally, she sighed, letting the corners of her lips lift into a reluctant grin. " Fine. Maybe it was a little funny. But that doesn't mean it wasn't embarrassing. "
Daniel raised his hands in mock surrender.
" Fair enough." Then, after a brief pause, he tilted his head toward the cobblestone street. " How about I make it up to you? There's a little shop near the plaza that makes the best chocolate in all of VulcanFire. "
She blinked, her heartbeat still unsteady, but her curiosity piqued. " Hot chocolate, huh? That sounds suspiciously like a bribe."
" Not a bribe," he said with a signature grin. " More like an apology…and maybe an excuse to spend the day with you."
Her laughter came easily this time, light and unguarded. " Alright, but you're paying."
He placed a hand dramatically over his heart. " Wouldn't dream of doing it otherwise, my lady."
As they started walking side by side through the lively streets, Starfania felt the tension in her chest slowly unwind. The scent of baked goods drifted from the nearby stalls, children's laughter filled the air, and Daniel's presence beside her felt…steadying. He was talking animatedly about a story from class—how Professor Shadow's quill had exploded during grading—and she found herself laughing so hard she had to hold on to a lamppost for balance.
Daniel watched her with quiet satisfaction, his smile softening from teasing into something gentler, more thoughtful. The warmth between them grew, subtle and natural, like sunlight breaking through the morning fog. And though Starfania still sensed the distant pull toward Bone Cave—that faint unease whispering beneath her joy—for now, she allowed herself to forget it. For now, she lets herself simply exist beside Daniel, her laughter mingling with his, unaware that far above them, dark clouds gather over VulcanFire's horizon once more.