We turned back toward the cabin, but I kept slowing without realizing it.
My feet followed the path back to the cabin, but my gaze lagged behind, caught on the fading ribbons of light overhead. The aurora was gentler now, its colors thinning, as if even it was reluctant to say goodbye.
I glanced back once more.
Then again.
A quiet chuckle came from beside me. "Careful," Su Ye said lightly. "Anyone watching might think you're leaving a lover behind."
I stopped and turned toward him. "Don't be absurd."
He turned to face me, eyes bright with quiet humor. "Then why do you look so reluctant?"
I huffed. "Because you dragged me all the way out here. I'm allowed to appreciate it."
"Appreciation," he echoed, amused. "How about you appreciate even more beautiful things?"
"Like what?"
"Me," he said, quite proudly.
"....."
