Overhead, the final festival fireworks explode in giant bursts of sapphire light. Below, the crowds repeat the exact same conversations they've had for a thousand nights. The loop is ending. Lumi drags you into a dark alleyway behind the wooden stalls, slamming her hands down to block your exit. “Look at me, dummy! There are exactly five minutes left before the clock strikes midnight and everything resets again!” She steps straight into your personal bubble, crossing her arms tightly underneath her chest as she glares into your eyes. Her ultra-tight, low-cut white and blue festival outfit highlights her perfectly round, heavy contours, her rapid breathing causing her upper frame to rise and fall dramatically with every word. “Every single night, we search for clues. Every single night, you act like we're just partners trying to break a curse. But you and I both know the timeline resets everything... except how close we are.” She turns around swiftly to lean her weight against the wooden desk of the stall, her tiny denim shorts highlighting her wide hips as she spins her chin around to look back at you over her shoulder with an intensely flustered, wicked smirk. “I’m tired of waiting for the perfect loop. If the world is going to restart anyway, you don't have any excuses left to keep hiding your thoughts from me.” She sways her lower curves closer, pressing her dense weight into your space as her vibrant crystal-blue eyes lock onto yours with absolute attraction and hidden vulnerability. “So tell me right now, before the clock hits twelve... am I completely unforgettable, or are you going to make me force the truth out of you in the next loop?”

*The two of you spent the afternoon completely forgetting about the boring conversations happening back at the BBQ. Xavier was soaked from head to toe, his hair messy from running around, but he couldn't stop smiling. To him, this was what summer was supposed to be about—not sitting around discussing money or pretending to be serious all the time, but making memories and enjoying the little moments. Eventually, when the two of you returned to the BBQ, Xavier’s family immediately noticed that you both were dripping wet. His uncle gave him a disappointed look and started to say something about acting his age, but Xavier simply grinned and shrugged.* "What? I'm twenty-five, not dead," Xavier joked, still holding the water gun proudly. "Besides, you're just mad because you weren't invited to the battle." *His uncle let out a long sigh, shaking his head as he looked between Xavier and you. He clearly wanted to argue, but seeing the huge smiles on both of your faces made it difficult to stay annoyed. A few other family members started laughing, especially when they noticed Xavier was still holding the water gun like it was some kind of trophy. Even his father couldn't help but smile a little, knowing that this was simply who Xavier had always been. The same kid who used to sneak away during family gatherings to play games was still there, just older now.* *Instead of returning to the serious conversations, Xavier pulled a chair closer to you and grabbed a plate of food, happily talking about the water battle like it was the greatest event of the year. He exaggerated every detail, claiming he had performed "professional-level tactics" and that his hiding spots were impossible to defeat. Of course, everyone knew he was being dramatic, but that was part of what made Xavier so enjoyable to be around.* *As the evening continued, Xavier noticed his uncle preparing to start another conversation about careers and responsibilities. Before he could even say a word, Xavier quickly stood up and pointed toward the pool with a playful look.* "Nope. Not today. The sun is still out, and I refuse to waste the last few hours of summer on a job lecture." *He grabbed your water gun again and handed it back to you with a grin.* "Rematch?"

*The summer party was exactly what everyone expected from Amelia: completely luxurious, dramatic, and ridiculously expensive. Her massive backyard had been transformed into the ultimate summer event, with colorful decorations, glowing lights, fancy food tables, music playing, games set up everywhere, and most importantly, a huge sparkling pool that became the center of attention. Amelia had made sure every detail was perfect, from the comfortable lounge chairs around the pool to the themed decorations floating on the water. She stood proudly near the entrance in her stylish summer outfit, greeting her classmates as they arrived and soaking in every compliment about how amazing everything looked. She loved watching everyone admire the party, knowing it was another reminder of her family’s wealth and her own ability to create something unforgettable. For hours, Amelia was in the best mood, laughing with guests, showing people around the pool area, and enjoying being the person everyone was talking about. However, the moment she looked toward the entrance and saw you walking in, her smile immediately faded. Amelia stared for a second before letting out a long, dramatic sigh.* “Of course...” *she muttered quietly, rolling her eyes. She had secretly hoped you wouldn’t actually come, even though she knew her father’s rule meant she had to invite the entire class. Seeing you step into her perfect summer party instantly annoyed her, especially because you were one of the few people who never treated her like some untouchable celebrity. She crossed her arms as you approached, looking you up and down with an unimpressed expression.* “Wow... you actually showed up,” *Amelia said with a small scoff.* “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. My father did make me invite everyone.” *She glanced around at the huge party, the pool, and all the expensive decorations before looking back at you.* “Just don’t ruin anything, okay? The pool area, the decorations, the food... basically everything here is expensive.” *Amelia fixed her hair and tried to act like your arrival didn’t matter at all.* “I worked really hard to make this party perfect, and I don’t need someone causing problems.” *She turned away, already preparing to greet more guests, but not before letting out another annoyed sigh.* “Seriously... out of everyone in this class, it had to be you.” *Even while pretending to ignore you, Amelia kept a small eye on you from across the party, making sure you weren’t messing with anything while also wondering why your presence bothered her so much.*

}!" *She blinks at you blushing a little closing her notebook... She was probably drawing something naughty* "what brings you here?!" *She asks trying to seem positive, the beach is clearly helping her mental state*

}: are you really sure about this, Ethan?? For a second he just looks at you. Then the grin shifts — slow, stupid, and absolutely helpless — like someone flipped a switch somewhere behind his eyes. He looks at you like you just stepped out of a movie he's watched a thousand times. Like you hung the sun over the beach this morning specifically for him. Ethan: "...hey, you are so beautiful, I can't believe it." He says. Soft. A little breathless. Completely gone. *.*

}. You're a shame to my court for god's sake!" *Almost immediately, a deafening crack of thunder shook the fortress. The skies outside the stained-glass windows turned a bruised, violent purple, and torrential rain began hammering against the stone. You were crying. The entire council froze in terror as the air pressure dropped. They knew exactly whose emotions controlled the skies of Valhala. You possessed the magic of the spoken word—the terrifying, beautiful power where reality bent to whatever you commanded, good or bad. You could speak life into dust, or summon hurricanes with a single tear. I possessed the Dark Verse. Shadows bent to my will, and hellfire lived in my veins. Years ago, when we were just kids and I was mercilessly pulling your hair, I had laughed,* "Fatso's getting married to meeee," *right before I let my dark fire lick across your hand just to see you jump. You didn't even flinch. You just whispered a single command, and thick, blood-drawing thorns had immediately wrapped around my wrists in punishment. I had been completely, pathetically obsessed with you ever since. You always dreamed of a perfectly sculpted Prince Charming who would treat you like delicate glass, convinced you were the 'ugly' royalty who didn't deserve a fairy tale. Instead, you were forced to marry me—the cruel, lethal Lord who killed without hesitation. But what the world didn't know was that beneath my cold, murderous exterior, I was a starving, yearning wreck who couldn't even function if you weren't looking at me.* "Meeting dismissed," *I growled, my shadows flaring dangerously around my shoulders as I practically shoved my way past my generals. I didn't care about the rain soaking my dark royal coat. I walked straight into the fortress gardens, ignoring my guards as I carefully plucked a handful of your favorite wild berries and delicate, vibrant wildflowers, my dark magic carefully retracting so I wouldn't burn the fragile petals. I bypassed your guards and stopped outside the heavy wooden doors of your private bathing chambers.* "Open it, Summer," *I whispered, resting my forehead against the dark oak. Summer. It was the only word that fit you. You were scorching, vibrant, and fiercely hot, inside and out. When you didn't answer, I didn't wait. I shoved the heavy doors open, the thick, humid scent of blooming jasmine and essential oils hitting my lungs. You were sitting in the center of the massive, carved rock pond, the steaming water lapping at your collarbones, a silk towel precariously wrapped around your chest. I didn't even bother taking off my boots or my heavy, dark velvet coat. I waded right down the stone steps into the water. You jerked away, your eyes red-rimmed, turning your face to the stone wall to ignore me.* "I am sorry," *I muttered, the heavy, dark fabric of my clothes instantly dragging me down as the warm water soaked through to my skin. I closed the distance, trapping you gently against the edge of the pond. I lowered my head, pressing a soft, desperate kiss to the bare skin of your damp shoulder.* "My little Summer, I am sorry," *I rasped again, my voice entirely stripped of its cruelty. My fingers, usually so quick to summon hellfire, were trembling slightly as I reached down under the water. I found the knot of the soaked towel clinging to you, gently and deliberately undoing it. I pulled you flush against my chest, surrounding you with the wildflowers I had brought, letting the storm outside rage while I begged my beautiful, powerful spouse for forgiveness.*

"You've been staring at me for a minute. I can feel it on my back. Either you have something to say to me, or you're checking out the scar. Both are fine options." *He straightens up, and this movement seems to shift his entire body: his shoulders roll back, his chest rises with a deep breath, and the sunlight catches his damp skin in new highlights. Water is still dripping from his hair, and a drop falls onto the hot stone at his feet, evaporating almost instantly.* *He takes a step toward you — confident, without hesitation. The distance between you closes, and now you can feel the warmth radiating from him, mixed with the scent of the sea, salt, and the sun. His hand rises in greeting — palm open, fingers slightly relaxed, veins faintly visible on the back of his hand. He doesn't clasp your hand right away but holds it in the air, giving you the choice to either meet his gesture or pull away. In his eyes — a spark of curiosity, mingled with a faint challenge.* *He says nothing, but his posture speaks louder than words: he's here, he's not going anywhere, and he's ready for whatever you decide to do.*

Well~ guess I saved you huh?~ gotta be careful!!~

🎵 DEEP HOUSE 1 🎵 DEEP HOUSE 2 SUMMER HOLIDAYS CARNIVAL ✦ FESTIVAL • BEACH✦ MIKA *The crowd parted. She didn't care. Cocktails sloshed. Trays wobbled.* *She ran straight at you.* *Then she was there. Arms around your neck. Body pressed against yours. The trays clattered. Cocktails spilled — cold liquid soaking into your shirt, her apron, her bikini top.* *She didn't let go.* "Oh my god. Oh my god." *Her voice was breathless. Giddy.* "Holy Shit! It's you. It's really you." *She pulled back. Her pink hair was messy. Her cheeks were flushed. Her eyes — blue and pink — were wet.* "You're so tall now. When did you get so tall?" *She grabbed your shoulders. Squeezed.* "I can't believe it's you. Six years, Right? *She hugged you again.* "I missed you so much."

}, everything in his expression changed. Concern. Immediate. “Kid,” he said softly. And somehow that one word carried more warmth than anything else in the world. Around the table, the uncles turned. Vincenzo Vespera — massive, tattoos visible beneath rolled sleeves, expression intimidating even when relaxed. Giovanni Vespera — sharp suit, sharper mind, already analyzing everything. Marco Vespera — quiet, alert, body always positioned like a shield even when sitting. Alessandro Vespera — relaxed posture, observant eyes that missed nothing. Luca Vespera — composed, charming, always reading people even when silent. Dante Vespera — still, serious, dangerous in the way he didn’t need to move to be felt. anymore.