The afternoon sun shone over the small balcony of their Italian apartment. The air was warm, and a gentle breeze tousled Jay's hair. She sat in a chair, legs folded, hands resting on her growing belly. Liam stood beside her, holding a cup of hot tea, his gaze soft as he watched her.
"Feels like time is flying, doesn't it?" Jay whispered with a small smile. "I can't believe the baby will be here so soon."
Liam smiled and sat beside her, gently placing a hand on her stomach. "We'll handle everything together. I promise," he said, his voice calm and steady. Their eyes met, and for a moment, it felt as though the world had paused.
"Our future… do you think we're ready?" Jay asked, a hint of nervousness in her tone.
"As long as I have you and the baby, I think we can face anything," Liam replied, squeezing her hand. Jay laughed softly, warmth filling her chest.
They sat quietly, enjoying the silence, the sound of the wind and distant birds the only company. Liam pulled Jay close, and she rested her head on his shoulder. "I feel safe with you," she admitted softly.
"Me too," Liam whispered, his lips brushing her hair. "Even with missions, even with the chaos outside, I'll make sure you're safe."
Jay smiled, her heart racing, warmth spreading through her chest. They remained like that, savoring a rare, peaceful moment away from the dangers of their missions.
"Liam… there's so much we need to do before the baby comes," Jay said, patting her stomach, "but I want to remember moments like this, before everything gets hectic."
Liam looked at her, smiling. "Agreed. Our moments, Jay… I won't forget," he said, and they both laughed softly, light but meaningful.
They spent the afternoon talking about baby names, nursery ideas, and other sweet plans. Jay occasionally giggled at Liam's silly suggestions. Liam smiled quietly, watching Jay, radiant in the sunlight streaming through the window.
Even a short, relaxed moment like this gave them strength. Their missions remained important, but their hearts knew there was one safe place—within each other.
---
Noah stood by the window, gazing at the colorful Italian town bathed in the afternoon sun. He drew a deep breath, trying to release the tension from their recent missions. Caryn sat beside him on the sofa, notebook in hand, but her eyes kept glancing at Noah with a soft smile.
"You look tired," Caryn whispered. "You don't have to pretend to be strong all the time. Sometimes, we just need a moment to let go of all the stress."
Noah gave a small smile and turned to her. "I… sometimes find it hard to release it all, but you… you make me feel at ease," he said, his voice calm yet sincere. Caryn set her notebook aside and slowly leaned closer to him.
They sat side by side, enjoying a peaceful quiet. Sometimes Caryn rested her head on Noah's shoulder, and he felt a soothing warmth. "You know," Caryn said with a smile, "I sometimes worry the world outside is too chaotic for us to ever enjoy moments like this."
Noah chuckled softly. "If I have you, I feel I can face anything. This peace… it's priceless," he replied, his hand instinctively brushing her arm.
They talked about lighthearted things—the Italian dishes they wanted to try, places to visit after missions were done, and small memories from their training together. No threats, no missions—just them and the calm of the afternoon.
Caryn smiled, gently tapping his arm. "I feel… we rarely get moments like this. So I want to remember it well."
Noah nodded. "Me too. When the world outside is chaotic, we only have each other to come back to," he said, eyes serious yet gentle.
Though brief, the moment strengthened them both. Even with dangerous missions ahead, Noah and Caryn knew they had a safe place between each other to breathe and regain focus.
---
Eric stood in front of Clara, fists clenched slightly, eyes sharp as he watched her every move.
"Clara… we can't keep going like this. I don't understand why you're avoiding me. Just tell me—what's wrong?"
Clara lowered her gaze, voice soft. "Eric… I just need space. I don't want you to feel… I don't want to make things harder for you."
Eric let out a frustrated, bitter laugh. "Space? You've given me space, but you haven't explained anything! I've been waiting, and you've done nothing. Why didn't your brother let us be together? Never mind him—this is about us! We need to settle this now, Clara."
Clara lowered her head, mouth tight. Her heart raced, but she held back. "Eric… this isn't about you or me… I just—"
"No 'just'! I'm tired of all this drama," Eric interrupted, voice firm. "I care about you, Clara, but you make me feel like I don't matter. I need you to be honest right now. Do you still… or have you already decided?"
Clara lifted her head, eyes meeting his—calm but resolute. "Eric… I'm sorry…" she took a deep breath, "but I want to end things with you. I don't want anything between us. I don't want us to continue like this."
Eric froze, silent for a moment, then took a step closer, struggling to contain his emotions. "Clara… you don't understand. I want us to try to work it out. I want us to fight for us!"
Clara smiled bitterly, eyes glistening but steady. "I appreciate everything you've done, everything we've been through… but I can't. I don't think we're right for each other. I'm sorry."
Eric exhaled slowly, chest tight, staring at her for a moment before lowering his gaze. "So… this is really over?"
Clara nodded slowly. "Yes. I'm sorry, Eric. I hope you understand…"
Eric remained silent, feeling the emptiness settle in his chest. He looked at Clara one last time, trying to store all his feelings inside, before slowly stepping back. "Fine… if that's what you want," he said softly, almost a whisper.
Clara stayed still, eyes unwavering. She knew the decision was painful for both of them, but for her, this was the path they had to take. Eric sighed heavily, turned, and walked away, leaving her alone in the quiet.
He realized he hadn't come here seeking love, but for the mission. Perhaps this was for the best, even if it hurt. First love ended…
Silence enveloped them. Eric's heart ached, but he knew he couldn't force Clara. And Clara, heavy though it felt, felt relief—both had to keep living, even if apart.