The Spiritfolk village was holding its Lantern Bloom Festival, a seasonal celebration meant to honor the forest spirits and offer prayers for new life, love, and harmony. The paths were lined with glowing paper lanterns and delicate spirit lights that drifted like glowing petals through the air.
Jon had never seen anything like it.
Asha, now eight months pregnant, wore a flowing pale-green dress embroidered with golden vines. She walked arm in arm with Jon, her face lit with joy as they strolled through the glowing pathways.
Asha (smiling brightly):
"It's said that if two people make a wish together during the Bloom Festival, the spirits will bless their bond."
Jon gave her a side glance, noticing the soft blush on her cheeks. He chuckled lightly.
Jon:
"You want to make a wish?"
Asha (softly):
"I already have. I just hope the spirits were listening…"
There was a pause, but Jon could feel something changing in the air. Asha's feelings—once hidden behind her energetic playfulness—had grown warmer, more vulnerable. As the wind brushed her soft rabbit ears and her eyes gazed up at him with trust, Jon could feel the weight of her affection settling deep in his chest.
He said nothing, but gently squeezed her hand.
Nearby, standing in the shadows, Satsuki watched silently.
She had been invited to the festival by Elder Ursula, but had declined escorting anyone, preferring to keep her heart and duties separate. Yet, as she observed Asha and Jon together—how he listened to Asha's every word, how he shielded her from bustling crowds, how gently he treated her—something in her stirred.
Satsuki (thinking):
He's kind… even though he carries something dark inside. He never lets it twist him.
Later that night, as the village gathered around the ceremonial spring to float lanterns into the water, Satsuki approached Jon while Asha sat nearby, dozing from fatigue.
Satsuki (offering a lantern):
"You should make a wish."
Jon (taking it gently):
"And what would I wish for?"
Satsuki (softly):
"That's for your heart to know."
As he released the lantern onto the water, their fingers brushed. Satsuki flinched slightly, surprised by the warmth in her chest. She hadn't planned to feel this way. But now, the thought of Jon choosing someone else—of him leaving once the child was born—bothered her more than it should have.
Satsuki (thinking):
I won't say it. But… maybe I want to be by his side too.