Ethan & Lyra

Ethan watched the dandelion seeds spiral away on the breeze, each one carrying a wish he couldn't name yet. 

"What's up?" Lyra asked, glancing over at him.

Church bells chimed in the distance—once, twice, three times. Six o'clock.

The sky blazed pink and orange above them, casting long shadows across the hill where they sat overlooking their village.

"Nothing. Just thinking."

"About what?"

"Well... I'm gonna miss it here." He pointed at the seeds disappearing into the evening air.

"Yeah. But you're coming back, right? Your mum's here and everything. It's not like this is goodbye forever."

"I know. It's just... everything will be different.

"Tell you what—I'll call you every day. That way you won't forget me."

"You know I could never forget you."

"I should hope not." Lyra grinned and stuck her tongue out at him. "Oh, did you hear Whitney and Kris are together now?"

"I know. Kris told me. She's moving to the city to be with her."

"Yeah. I'm happy for them and all, but..." She sighed. "Feels like everyone's moving on with their lives, and I'm just... here. Which is fine—I love it here. But I'm gonna miss you all."

"We'll miss you too. But you'll come visit, right?"

"Just you stop me! Will I need suncream?"

"Mate, it's Hawaii. You'll definitely need suncream."

"I'll buy it in bulk."

"Remember—nothing over 100ml." He grinned.

"Oh! Did you hear about Leon and Rihan from Blazing Dragons? They're finally together!"

"Oh my God! I totally called it. Did you see their latest music video?"

"Right? So obvious they were into each other."

"Such a cute couple."

"Speaking of music..." Lyra's eyes sparkled. "Guess who Kris and Whitney invited me to see in July?"  

"Sunnyshore Voltage?"

"Better."

"Okay, I give up." 

"Piers."

"No!"

"Yeah! The Dark Fairy himself." 

"Oh my God! I'm so jealous!"

"I know! I still can't believe it." 

"His concerts are legendary."

"I know!" 

"Well, I hope you all have a wonderful time."

"You want us to get you some merch?" 

"Yes, please." 

"Consider it done." 

"Thank you." 

"No worries." 

Lyra playfully knocked the visor of his cap into his eyes. Ethan laughed and adjusted it.

"Hey, Lyra?"

"Yeah?"

"Love you."

"Love you too." She bumped his shoulder. "Now come on—I'll race you home."