~ Luscian’s POV

Her cheeks flushed, and we exchanged a smile that lingered, stretching the moment into something timeless.

When we finally put our sketches aside, our stomachs reminded us of why we had come out here. I uncovered the basket I had prepared, pulling out small sandwiches, fruits, and little pastries. Her eyes sparkled with excitement as she reached for a strawberry, popping it into her mouth.

“This is perfect,” she said between bites, the sun catching the gold in her hair.

We ate slowly, savoring each bite and trading stories, the garden around us humming with life. The way the breeze gently rustled the leaves and the faint...