The morning after their quiet balcony night began softly, sunlight spilling into the apartment like gentle fingers brushing their skin awake. Birds chirped, a soft melody for a world that now seemed impossibly gentle and full of promise. Liana stretched, feeling the warmth of Eren's arm still draped around her waist.
"Morning," she whispered, turning to press a kiss to his cheek.
"Mmm… morning," Eren murmured, voice thick with sleep. "Did you dream of the stars again?"
"Always," she said, smiling. "And of you."
He wrapped her in a loose hug, holding her close. "Then let's make today as magical as last night."
---
They ventured into the town center, which buzzed with preparations for a lantern festival scheduled for the weekend. Bright paper lanterns in every color imaginable hung from strings above the streets, swaying gently in the spring breeze. The air carried the scent of sweet pastries and roasted chestnuts, and townsfolk bustled about, decorating booths and arranging flowers.
Liana's eyes lit up. "It's beautiful," she whispered, tugging Eren's hand to get a better look. "I've never seen anything like it."
He smiled, brushing a stray strand of hair from her face. "Not as beautiful as you," he teased, making her blush.
They wandered the festival stalls, sampling treats, examining handmade trinkets, and laughing over silly challenges Eren insisted they try. Liana giggled as he tried to win her a small stuffed fox from a ring toss, missing every time with exaggerated gestures.
"You're hopeless," she said, rolling her eyes but smiling.
"And you love it," he replied, capturing her hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze.
---
The afternoon led them to the riverside, where lanterns were being prepared for the evening release. Liana's heart swelled at the sight—hundreds of lanterns, each carrying a wish, floating gently on the current.
"Do you want to write a wish?" she asked softly.
Eren nodded, and together they inscribed small messages on the delicate paper: dreams of endless adventures, laughter, and a life always shared. They lit the lanterns together, watching them drift into the sky, glowing like miniature stars.
"Look," Liana whispered, her eyes reflecting the lanterns above. "Every light… it's like hope itself."
Eren wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "And every hope… starts with us."
---
As evening fell, they returned to a quiet garden tucked behind the edge of town. The soft glow of lanterns lit the paths, casting shadows that danced across the petals of blooming roses and jasmine. Liana and Eren explored the garden, stealing quiet moments alone, laughing as they ran between hedges, and sharing whispered secrets in corners hidden from the world.
"I love that we have this," she said softly, pressing her head against his chest. "A world just for us."
"And it's ours forever," he replied, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of her head.
They found a bench under a flowering tree, the petals drifting down around them like snow. Liana rested her hand on his chest, feeling the steady heartbeat beneath her palm. "Do you ever think… about what the future will bring?"
Eren smiled, brushing her hair back. "Every day. And I know this—no matter what happens, we'll face it together. Laughter, tears, challenges… everything. Because we choose each other, always."
Her eyes shimmered, and she leaned into him. "Always," she echoed.
---
Later, they returned to their apartment, their hands intertwined, carrying small treasures from the festival: lanterns, flowers, and sweets they couldn't resist. Dinner was a quiet affair, simple but filled with shared smiles, playful jabs, and the kind of comfortable conversation only lovers can have.
Afterward, they stepped onto the balcony again, blankets around their shoulders, sipping tea and watching the moon rise over the town. The lanterns from the river earlier still floated gently, glowing like tiny stars, mirrored in their eyes.
"You know," Liana said softly, resting her head on Eren's chest, "I never imagined life could feel like this. So full. So… right."
Eren kissed the crown of her head, holding her close. "It is. And it's ours. Every single moment. Always."
Hours passed as they lingered beneath the night sky, talking, laughing, and making quiet promises. They planned small adventures, whispered dreams, and made memories in the soft glow of lantern light. Every moment strengthened the bond between them, weaving a tapestry of joy, intimacy, and unshakable trust.
By the time they finally drifted into sleep, wrapped in each other's arms, the world outside felt like a distant memory. Forbidden once, tested by shadows and fear, their love was now radiant, eternal, and completely theirs. Every heartbeat, every shared laugh, every gentle touch was proof that happiness could be found—and preserved—in the most ordinary of places, as long as it was shared with the right person.